Which city is cheaper, Nantucket or Cape Cod?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for Massachusetts Cape Cod vs. Nantucket for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
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Should you visit Cape Cod or Nantucket?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Cape Cod and Nantucket. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Cape Cod or Nantucket?
Cape Cod
Cape Cod, in eastern Massachusetts, is a popular travel destination for its natural beauty, rich history, and world renowned restaurants. Many visitors enjoy the bed and breakfasts that are so common in the area, but travelers on a budget may find their money goes a bit farther if that find a short term rental property a bit removed from the water.
Nantucket
Nantucket is both an island and a town in Massachusetts that is famous for its beautiful homes, scenic harbours, and historic lighthouses. It's a famous New England destination and is a popular vacation spot for the area's rich and famous. Although it's beloved by CEOs and executives, there are still plenty of options for the more casual visitors as well.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCape Cod $146Nantucket $280
The average daily cost (per person) in Cape Cod is $146, while the average daily cost in Nantucket is $280. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Cape Cod and Nantucket in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCape Cod $73Nantucket $189
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCape Cod $146Nantucket $378
Compare Hotels in Cape Cod and Nantucket
Looking for a hotel in Cape Cod or Nantucket? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Cape Cod Hotel Prices and Nantucket Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cape Cod $40Nantucket $38
Is it cheaper to fly into Cape Cod or Nantucket?
Prices for flights to both Nantucket and Cape Cod change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayCape Cod $48Nantucket $65
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cape Cod $22Nantucket $27
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCape Cod $15Nantucket $28
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cape Cod and Nantucket, we can see that Nantucket is more expensive. And not only is Cape Cod much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cape Cod would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cape Cod and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Nantucket would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nantucket than you might in Cape Cod.
When is the best time to visit Cape Cod or Nantucket?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Cape Cod or Nantucket in the Summer?
Both Nantucket and Cape Cod are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cape Cod for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Cape Cod is around the same temperature as Nantucket. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cape Cod in July are around 68°F (20°C), and Nantucket is about 68°F (20°C).
In July, Cape Cod usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nantucket. Cape Cod gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCape Cod 68°F (20°C)Nantucket 68°F (20°C)
Should I visit Cape Cod or Nantucket in the Autumn?
Both Nantucket and Cape Cod during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cape Cod in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Cape Cod is generally around the same temperature as Nantucket. Temperatures in Cape Cod average around 53°F (12°C), and Nantucket stays around 53°F (12°C).
Nantucket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Cape Cod. Cape Cod usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Nantucket. Cape Cod gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCape Cod 53°F (12°C)Nantucket 53°F (12°C)
Should I visit Cape Cod or Nantucket in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Cod and Nantucket. Most visitors come to Cape Cod for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.
The weather in Nantucket can be very cold. Cape Cod can be very cold during winter. Cape Cod is around the same temperature as Nantucket in the winter. The temperature in Cape Cod is usually 31°F (-0°C) in January, and Nantucket stays around 31°F (-0°C).
Nantucket receives a lot of rain in the winter. Cape Cod gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Cape Cod usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nantucket. Cape Cod gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCape Cod 31°F (-0°C)Nantucket 31°F (-0°C)
Should I visit Cape Cod or Nantucket in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Cape Cod as well as Nantucket. The spring months attract visitors to Cape Cod because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Cape Cod is around the same temperature as Nantucket. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cape Cod in April are around 45°F (7°C), and Nantucket is about 45°F (7°C).
It's quite rainy in Nantucket. Cape Cod receives a lot of rain in the spring. Cape Cod usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Nantucket. Cape Cod gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCape Cod 45°F (7°C)Nantucket 45°F (7°C)
Typical Weather for Nantucket and Cape Cod
| Cape Cod | Nantucket | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 31°F (-0°C) | 4.2 inches (106 mm) | 31°F (-0°C) | 4.2 inches (106 mm) |
| Feb | 32°F (-0°C) | 4.6 inches (117 mm) | 32°F (-0°C) | 4.6 inches (117 mm) |
| Mar | 38°F (3°C) | 4 inches (102 mm) | 38°F (3°C) | 4 inches (102 mm) |
| Apr | 45°F (7°C) | 4.1 inches (103 mm) | 45°F (7°C) | 4.1 inches (103 mm) |
| May | 53°F (12°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) | 53°F (12°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) |
| Jun | 62°F (17°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) |
| Jul | 68°F (20°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) | 68°F (20°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) |
| Aug | 68°F (20°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) | 68°F (20°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) |
| Sep | 62°F (17°C) | 4.2 inches (106 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 4.2 inches (106 mm) |
| Oct | 53°F (12°C) | 4.4 inches (111 mm) | 53°F (12°C) | 4.4 inches (111 mm) |
| Nov | 46°F (8°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) | 46°F (8°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) |
| Dec | 36°F (2°C) | 4.5 inches (115 mm) | 36°F (2°C) | 4.5 inches (115 mm) |
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