A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cincinnati vs. Nantucket for Couples, Attractions, Families, and Nightlife

Should you visit Cincinnati or Nantucket?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Cincinnati or Nantucket? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Cincinnati

Cincinnati is a hard-working, blue collar, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Nantucket

Nantucket is a peaceful, upscale, and charming island. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cincinnati and Nantucket: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Cincinnati or Nantucket?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nantucket. Although Cincinnati and Nantucket are popular destinations, Nantucket has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nantucket is very popular for its food, resorts, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Cincinnati attracts visitors for its museums. Nantucket is more touristy than Cincinnati and is popular for its pristine beaches, upscale atmosphere, and history of whaling. It is also well known for Great Point Lighthouse. Cincinnati is famous for its breweries and down-to-earth personality.

How is Cincinnati different from Nantucket?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Nantucket and Cincinnati. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cincinnati or Nantucket?

Cincinnati
Nantucket

Cincinnati is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Nantucket is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Cincinnati specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. You'll find both traditional and quirky museums around town. For outside-the-box, check out the American Sign Museum or the Behringer-Crawford Museum. Art museums include the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Contemporary Arts Center, and the Taft Museum of Art. Other popular museums include the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, and the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal.

Nantucket offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several museums around town that educate visitors on the island's whaling history and maritime past.


Is the Food Better in Cincinnati or Nantucket? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cincinnati
Nantucket

Nantucket is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. However, Cincinnati is not a culinary destination.

For foodies, Nantucket is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Upscale eateries where you can look out on the water make dining on this island a true experience. There are raw bars, seafood restaurants, and local cafes with elaborate salads and duck carnitas. Dishes usually use the highest quality fresh ingredients and chefs bring their "A game" with every customer.

Cincinnati is not a culinary destination.

Is Cincinnati or Nantucket Better for Nightlife?

Cincinnati
Nantucket

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Cincinnati and Nantucket.

Cincinnati has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is diverse and includes music venues, breweries, and nightclubs. In addition to the city's downtown, you'll find trendy places to hang out in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. Breweries are popular in the city, in part because of its German roots.

If you're looking for night time activities Nantucket has a few options to choose from. You'll find a number of bars and a lively singles scene in town. There's also live music and a laid back but active atmosphere in the evening.

Is Cincinnati or Nantucket Better for Resorts?

Cincinnati
Nantucket

Nantucket is well known for its resorts. However, Cincinnati is not a resort destination.

Nantucket is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Luxury resorts and upscale inns offer guests a relaxed setting with oceanfront views and family-friendly activities.

Cincinnati is not a resort destination.


Is Cincinnati or Nantucket Better for Beaches?

Cincinnati
Nantucket

Nantucket is well known for the beache. However, Cincinnati is not a beach destination.

Nantucket is considered a top beach destination. You'll find the calmest water at the northern beaches, and cooler water with rougher surf to the south. Many of the beaches are accessible from town, but parking can be limited. There are both public and private beaches, each with beautiful settings and relaxing vibes.

Cincinnati is not a beach destination.

Is Cincinnati or Nantucket Better for its Old Town?

Cincinnati
Nantucket

Nantucket is well known for its old town. However, Cincinnati does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Nantucket. The Historic District is filled with New England charm, cobblestone streets, and upscale boutiques. There are many great restaurants and a lot of historic character.

Cincinnati does not have a historic old town.

Is Cincinnati or Nantucket Better for Hiking?

Cincinnati
Nantucket

Nantucket is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Cincinnati is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Nantucket. The island is easy to explore on foot, and its covered with hiking trails that follow the serene coastline or take you through forests, bogs, and marshland.

Cincinnati is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Cincinnati or Nantucket?

Cincinnati
Nantucket

Nantucket is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Nantucket is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The Historic District is filled with boutiques, art galleries, and upscale shops. It's the perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering around and shopping.

Cincinnati has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are large shopping malls and retail outlets. You'll also find local boutiques in the Montgomery or Mariemont areas.

Is Cincinnati or Nantucket Better for Families?

Cincinnati
Nantucket

Nantucket is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Nantucket is a very kid-friendly island. There's a calm beach that's perfect for kids as well as quaint ice cream shops and plenty of New England charm. The town is also filled with hiking and biking trails.

Cincinnati offers lots of family activities. There's a surprising number of kid-friendly activities around town like the Cincinnati Zoo, the Cincinnati Museum Center, Newport Aquarium, and Smale Riverfront Park.

Is Cincinnati or Nantucket Better for Couples?

Cincinnati
Nantucket

Nantucket is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. However, Cincinnati is not particularly known for couples.

Nantucket makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The New England charm, natural beauty, and relaxing coastal atmosphere make this a perfect romantic destination. There are also many romantic places to stay and great local restaurants.

Cincinnati is not always the best place to visit for a couple. If you do find yourself in town for a few days, there are several good restaurants and a number of music venues that can keep the visit fun and entertaining.


Is Cincinnati or Nantucket Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cincinnati
Nantucket

Cincinnati is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Nantucket is not known for backpackers.

Cincinnati is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are actually a couple of hostels in town for backpackers or students.

Nantucket is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's known for its upscale atmosphere that isn't particularly accommodating for backpackers.

Is Cincinnati or Nantucket Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cincinnati
Nantucket

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Cincinnati and Nantucket.

You'll find some public transit in Cincinnati, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are two bus systems around town - the METRO and TANK bus systems. There's also a streetcar that travels through the downtown.

While Nantucket offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are shuttle buses around the island that operate with greater frequency during the summer months.

Is Cincinnati or Nantucket a more walkable city?

Cincinnati
Nantucket

Cincinnati and Nantucket both are great when exploring on foot.

Cincinnati is a very walkable city. There are several surprisingly walkable areas, particularly downtown and the nearby neighborhoods.

Nantucket is a very walkable destination. The town is very walkable and parking can be challenging, so it's best to leave your car in the ferry parking lot.


For even more information, also check out Is Cincinnati Worth Visiting? and Is Nantucket Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nantucket or Cincinnati?

How long in Cincinnati or Nantucket?

It's fun to spend time in either Cincinnati or Nantucket. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Nantucket due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cincinnati, and 2-4 days is enough time in Nantucket.

Families should spend more time in Nantucket than Cincinnati. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Nantucket, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Nantucket than Cincinnati. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Nantucket that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.


  • How many days in Cincinnati or Nantucket? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cincinnati 1-2 
    Nantucket 2-4

One day in Cincinnati or Nantucket?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Cincinnati. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cincinnati has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Nantucket might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cincinnati or Nantucket?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the blue collar destination of Cincinnati. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Even though Nantucket is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this island.

Five days in Cincinnati or Nantucket?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the blue collar city of Cincinnati. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Nantucket, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


A week in Cincinnati or Nantucket?

Cincinnati is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Nantucket is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Nantucket or Cincinnati?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cincinnati is $183, while the average daily cost in Nantucket is $350. 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Cincinnati and Nantucket in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cincinnati $102
    Nantucket $237
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cincinnati $204
    Nantucket $474
Compare Hotels in Cincinnati and Nantucket

Looking for a hotel in Cincinnati 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.

Hotels in Cincinnati


Hotels in Nantucket


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: Cincinnati Hotel Prices and Nantucket Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cincinnati $25
    Nantucket $47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cincinnati

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cincinnati:

  • Cincinnati to Cincinnati Airport (CVG) - Departure Private Transfer: $35

Is it cheaper to fly into Cincinnati or Nantucket?

Prices for flights to both Nantucket and Cincinnati 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Cincinnati $55
    Nantucket $81

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cincinnati

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cincinnati.

  • Ohio River Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $61
  • Mainstrasse Village Food Tour in Covington KY: $79
  • Cincinnati Court Street Food Tour with Vegan Options: $85
  • Cincinnati Streetcar Food Tour With Findlay Market : $85
  • Cincinnati Walking Sightseeing Tour with Pizza and Ice-cream: $120

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cincinnati $26
    Nantucket $34

Tours and Activities in Cincinnati

Here are a few actual costs in Cincinnati for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Cincinnati Ghosts By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Haunted Cincinnati Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour: $36
  • Tour of Historic Wesleyan Cemetery: $20
  • 1919: The year that changed baseball tour: $31
  • Brewers & Barons Trail Tour: $45
  • Built on Beer Tour: $45
  • Cellars and Saloons Sunday Brunch Tour in Cincinnati: $75
  • Cincinnati Ballparks & Breweries Bus Tour: $69
  • Cincinnati Brewing & Distilling Tasting Tour: $59
  • Cincinnati Ethnic Food and Culture Tour in Over the Rhine: $85
  • Cincinnati Findlay Market Food Walking Tour: $89
  • Cincinnati Reds Baseball Game Ticket at Great American Ballpark: $17

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cincinnati $11
    Nantucket $35

Sample the Local Flavors in Cincinnati

Also in Cincinnati, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Cincinnati Bar Hunt: Cin-sational Cincinnati Bar Crawl: $12
  • Hidden Brewery Caverns Tour in Cincinnati with Beer Tasting: $49
  • Craft Brewery 3 Stop Hop: $64
  • Cincinnati Original Craft Brewery Small-Group Tour: $68


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cincinnati and Nantucket, we can see that Nantucket is more expensive. And not only is Cincinnati much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cincinnati would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cincinnati Expensive? and Is Nantucket Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cincinnati or Nantucket?

Cincinnati has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Nantucket. When comparing the sizes of Cincinnati and Nantucket, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Cincinnati or Nantucket?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Cincinnati or Nantucket in the Summer?

Both Nantucket and Cincinnati during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cincinnati this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Nantucket for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Cincinnati is generally a little warmer than Nantucket. Daily temperatures in Cincinnati average around 79°F (26°C), and Nantucket fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

Cincinnati usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Nantucket. Cincinnati gets 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cincinnati 79°F (26°C) 
    Nantucket 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Cincinnati or Nantucket in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cincinnati and Nantucket. Many travelers come to Cincinnati for the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Nantucket in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Cincinnati is a little warmer than Nantucket in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cincinnati averages around 58°F (15°C) in October, and Nantucket fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

Nantucket receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Cincinnati usually receives less rain than Nantucket. Cincinnati gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cincinnati 58°F (15°C) 
    Nantucket 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Cincinnati or Nantucket in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cincinnati as well as Nantucket. Many visitors come to Cincinnati in the winter for the museums and the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Nantucket for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Nantucket can be very cold during winter. Cincinnati can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Cincinnati is around the same temperature as Nantucket. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cincinnati in January average around 31°F (-0°C), and Nantucket averages at about 31°F (-0°C).

It's quite rainy in Nantucket. Cincinnati usually gets less rain in January than Nantucket. Cincinnati gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cincinnati 31°F (-0°C) 
    Nantucket 31°F (-0°C)

Should I visit Cincinnati or Nantucket in the Spring?

Both Nantucket and Cincinnati are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Nantucket because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Cincinnati is generally much warmer than Nantucket. Daily temperatures in Cincinnati average around 56°F (14°C), and Nantucket fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nantucket. In April, Cincinnati usually receives less rain than Nantucket. Cincinnati gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cincinnati 56°F (14°C) 
    Nantucket 45°F (7°C)

Typical Weather for Nantucket and Cincinnati

Cincinnati Nantucket
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-0°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 31°F (-0°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm) 32°F (-0°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)
Mar 46°F (8°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (102 mm)
Apr 56°F (14°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 45°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Jun 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Aug 77°F (25°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Sep 71°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 62°F (17°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Oct 58°F (15°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 53°F (12°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm)
Nov 48°F (9°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Dec 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 36°F (2°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)