A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Duck vs. Cape Cod for Beaches, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Duck or Cape Cod?

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

Should I visit Duck or Cape Cod? 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.

Duck

Duck is a traditional, compact, and charming beach town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and beaches.

Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a maritime, beautiful, and peaceful beach destination. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

Duck and Cape Cod: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Duck or Cape Cod?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Duck than Cape Cod, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Duck is better known for its museums, nightlife, and beaches, while Cape Cod is more popular for its food and quaint atmosphere. Duck is well known for its quaint atmosphere and small town charm. Also, Duck is famous for the wide sandy beach. Cape Cod is well known for its long scenic coastline, charming compact towns, and magnificent migrating whales.

How is Duck different from Cape Cod?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Duck or Cape Cod?

Duck
Cape Cod

Duck is mediocre for its historical sights. However, Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Duck. Hanging out at the beach and enjoy water sports or outdoor activities are the main draw of this town. You won't find much in the form of museums or indoor activities.

Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Duck or Cape Cod? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Duck
Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Duck is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Cape Cod makes for a great culinary experience. The region is famous for its fresh seafood and popular dishes include the fried clams and broiled lobster. There are also many diners and brunch cafes where you can enjoy pancakes or eggs benedict.

Duck has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. For such a small town, there's a decent selection of restaurants that range from local seafood eateries to pizza delivery. Homemade ice cream is a favorite in the area, but you also can't skip out on the flagship Duck Donuts store.

Is Duck or Cape Cod Better for Nightlife?

Duck
Cape Cod

Duck is adequate for its evening party scene. However, Cape Cod is not a good destination for nightlife.

Duck doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's known as a family-friendly destination that isn't often associated with a strong nightlife, but there is often live music and other festivals during the summer months.

People don't go to Cape Cod for the nightlife. This area isn't really known for its nightlife, but the downtown of Hyannis has some activity at night.

Is Duck or Cape Cod Better for Resorts?

Duck
Cape Cod

Duck and Cape Cod offer a relatively similar set of notable luxury resort options.

Duck has a handful of resorts to choose from. Most of the accommodation around town is in the form of vacation beach rental houses that are perfect for family gatherings or larger groups.

With a selection of resorts, Cape Cod makes a nice vacation spot. Wequassett Resort and Golf Club, White Elephant Resorts, and Chatham Bars Inn are favorite resorts in the Cape Cod area.


Is Duck or Cape Cod Better for Beaches?

Duck
Cape Cod

Duck is an unbeatable place for the beach. Also, Cape Cod is not as popular, but is still a nice beach destination for its beaches.

Duck offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Long sandy beaches with great surf and a wonderful boardwalk make this a great beach destination. Kids play in the tidal pools and families relax under their beach umbrellas in a classic beach setting.

Cape Cod is considered a top beach destination. Beaches in the area include long stretches of soft sand as well as tidal pools where kids can play. Several of the best beaches around Cape Cod include Mayflower Beach, Marconi Beach, and Race Point Beach.

Is Duck or Cape Cod Better for Hiking?

Duck
Cape Cod

If you're looking to go hiking, Duck and Cape Cod both have notable trails.

Duck is a good destination for hiking. The Duck Trail runs for six miles and passes through town. It's popular with walkers, cyclists, and inline skaters.

Many people include a hike when visiting Cape Cod. Hikes range from casual strolls to longer trails. Popular options include Bass Hole Boardwalk in Yarmouth and the 22 mile Cape Cod Rail Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Duck or Cape Cod?

Duck
Cape Cod

Both Duck and Cape Cod are superb shopping destinations.

Duck is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Head to the Waterfront Shops for some of the town's best shopping. You can wander along the boardwalk and check out the independent vendors and local restaurants.

Cape Cod is well-known for its shopping. Many of the area's towns have charming Main Streets where you can enjoy shopping and dining.


Is Duck or Cape Cod Better for Families?

Duck
Cape Cod

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Duck or Cape Cod.

Duck is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kid-friendly beaches, local ice cream joints, and the famed Duck Donuts all make this an ideal kid's beach destination. There's a waterpark nearby and plenty of water sports that the whole family can enjoy. The boardwalk is also a very family-friendly environment.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Cape Cod is very family-friendly. The coastal towns have a number of kid-friendly activities. In the Upper Cape, Falmouth is one of the best towns for families. On Mid Cape, Dennis and Yarmouth are both kid-friendly. Dennis has a resorty vibe and Yarmouth has kid-friendly museums. On the Lower Cape, both Harwich and Orleans are family-friendly options.

Is Duck or Cape Cod Better for Couples?

Duck
Cape Cod

With fun activities for couples, both Duck and Cape Cod make for a superb place to visit.

Duck is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a charming beach town with great local restaurants and a beautiful and peaceful setting. For couples who want to enjoy a relaxing beach town without the energy of a larger destination, then this is the perfect place. Much of the accommodation is in the form of rental houses, which can be a bit much for a couple, but the setting is perfect for a weekend escape.

Cape Cod makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With its charming character and relaxing beach setting, honeymooners and couples will appreciate all that the area has to offer. There are peaceful settings and charming villages to explore. There are also award-winning restaurants and beautiful views.

Is Duck or Cape Cod Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Duck
Cape Cod

Both Duck and Cape Cod offer respectable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Duck. It's best to have a car if you want to exploring the Outer Banks and its many activities.

Public transit is mostly limited in Cape Cod. While there are buses and shuttles to help you get around, a car really is necessary to explore the area.


Is Duck or Cape Cod a more walkable city?

Duck
Cape Cod

Duck is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Cape Cod is not as popular, but is still a nice beach destination for its walkability.

Duck is a very easy beach town to get around on foot. It's a wonderfully walkable and pedestrian-friendly town with a great boardwalk and many walking and cycling paths.

Cape Cod is somewhat walkable. Many of the small towns in the area have compact and walkable areas, but the region is spread out so it's helpful to have a car to get from place to place.

For even more information, also check out Is Duck Worth Visiting? and Is Cape Cod Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cape Cod or Duck?

How long in Duck or Cape Cod?

Both Duck and Cape Cod have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Duck has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Duck than Cape Cod. However, 5-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Duck than Cape Cod if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Duck.


  • How many days in Duck or Cape Cod? Ideal Length of Stay
    Duck 5-7 
    Cape Cod 5-7

One day in Duck or Cape Cod?

Duck is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and food when visiting the small town destination of Cape Cod. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Duck or Cape Cod?

Duck is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Cape Cod is a fun place to experience. It's also a great beach destination, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


Five days in Duck or Cape Cod?

Duck is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Duck, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and food when visiting the maritime small town of Cape Cod. This beach destination offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Duck or Cape Cod?

Duck is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Duck has to offer. This beach town offers something for everyone.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the wealthy beach destination of Cape Cod. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.


Which place is cheaper, Cape Cod or Duck?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Duck is $188, while the average daily cost in Cape Cod is $183. 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 Duck and Cape Cod in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Duck $107
    Cape Cod $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Duck $214
    Cape Cod $184
Compare Hotels in Duck and Cape Cod

Looking for a hotel in Duck or Cape Cod? 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 Duck


Hotels in Cape Cod


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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Duck $66
    Cape Cod $50

Is it cheaper to fly into Duck or Cape Cod?

Prices for flights to both Cape Cod and Duck 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
    Duck $45
    Cape Cod $60

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Duck $13
    Cape Cod $27

Tours and Activities in Cape Cod

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Cape Cod.

  • Cape Cod Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • The Anne Hutchinson Tour of Provincetown: $30
  • Plymouth Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Mayflower Trolley Tour!: $36
  • 3-Hour Private Sightseeing Outdoor Escape Game in Eastham: $39
  • National Seashore Tour with Guided Hike: $65
  • Truro Cape Cod Lighthouse and Highland House Museum Tour: $65
  • Kayak The Creek Nature Tour: $80
  • Cape Cod Explorer Tour: $80
  • Cape Cod Sunset Kayak Tour: $80
  • Private Open-Air Pedicab Tour in Provincetown: $117
  • Private Province Town Pedicab Tour: $149

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Duck $45
    Cape Cod $19


When comparing the travel costs between Duck and Cape Cod, we can see that Duck is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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



When is the best time to visit Duck or Cape Cod?

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 Duck or Cape Cod in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Duck as well as Cape Cod. Most visitors come to Duck for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Cape Cod because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Duck is generally a little warmer than Cape Cod. Daily temperatures in Duck average around 78°F (26°C), and Cape Cod fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cape Cod. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Duck this time of the year. In the summer, Duck often gets less sunshine than Cape Cod. Duck gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Cod receives 304 hours of full sun.

Duck receives a lot of rain in the summer. Duck usually gets more rain in July than Cape Cod. Duck gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Duck 78°F (26°C) 
    Cape Cod 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Duck or Cape Cod in the Autumn?

Both Cape Cod and Duck are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Duck because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cape Cod this time of year.

Duck is a little warmer than Cape Cod in the autumn. The daily temperature in Duck averages around 62°F (16°C) in October, and Cape Cod fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Duck. Duck usually receives more sunshine than Cape Cod during autumn. Duck gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Cod receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cape Cod. In October, Duck usually receives less rain than Cape Cod. Duck gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Duck 62°F (16°C) 
    Cape Cod 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Duck or Cape Cod in the Winter?

Both Cape Cod and Duck during the winter are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Duck this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cape Cod for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Cape Cod. It's quite cold in Duck in the winter. In the winter, Duck is much warmer than Cape Cod. Typically, the winter temperatures in Duck in January average around 41°F (5°C), and Cape Cod averages at about 31°F (-0°C).

In the winter, Duck often gets more sunshine than Cape Cod. Duck gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Cod receives 153 hours of full sun.

Cape Cod gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Duck. Duck usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Cape Cod. Duck gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Duck 41°F (5°C) 
    Cape Cod 31°F (-0°C)

Should I visit Duck or Cape Cod in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Duck and Cape Cod. Many travelers come to Duck for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cape Cod in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Duck is generally much warmer than Cape Cod. Daily temperatures in Duck average around 59°F (15°C), and Cape Cod fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cape Cod this time of the year. In Duck, it's very sunny this time of the year. Duck usually receives more sunshine than Cape Cod during spring. Duck gets 253 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Cod receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

Cape Cod receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Duck usually receives less rain than Cape Cod. Duck gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Duck 59°F (15°C) 
    Cape Cod 45°F (7°C)

Typical Weather for Cape Cod and Duck

Duck Cape Cod
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 41°F (5°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 31°F (-0°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Feb 42°F (6°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 32°F (-0°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)
Mar 50°F (10°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (102 mm)
Apr 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 45°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)
May 67°F (19°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Jun 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 78°F (26°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Aug 78°F (25°C) 5 inches (127 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) 62°F (17°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Oct 62°F (16°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 53°F (12°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Dec 45°F (7°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 36°F (2°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)