A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Duck vs. Cody, Wyoming for Families, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Duck or Cody, Wyoming?

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

Should I visit Duck or Cody, Wyoming? 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 charming, laid-back, and traditional beach town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming is a historic, fascinating, and activity-filled town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums.

Duck and Cody, Wyoming: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Duck or Cody, Wyoming?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cody, Wyoming. Although Duck and Cody, Wyoming are both popular with visitors, Cody, Wyoming has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cody, Wyoming is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and historical sights, while Duck is known for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Duck is popular for its quaint atmosphere and small town charm. Cody, Wyoming is popular for it's Wild West atmosphere and its founder, Buffalo Bill. It is also home to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West.

How is Duck different from Cody, Wyoming?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cody, Wyoming 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 Cody, Wyoming?

Duck
Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Duck is not a good beach town for its museums and history.

Cody, Wyoming offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are some interesting local museums around town. One of the most popular is the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. There are also several gun museums like the Cody Dug Up Gun Museum and the Cody Firearms Museum. For history, check out the Museum of the Plains Indian or the Cody Heritage Museum.

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.


Is the Food Better in Duck or Cody, Wyoming? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Duck
Cody, Wyoming

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at good restaurants in both Duck and Cody, Wyoming.

Duck offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

Cody, Wyoming has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Most of the restaurants offer a nod to the Wild West theme. There's a soda saloon, barbecue joints, and old fashioned saloons where you can grab a thick steak or fried green tomatoes. Many have fun decor and a family-friendly vibe that sets the atmosphere.

Is Duck or Cody, Wyoming Better for Nightlife?

Duck
Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming is a popular place for nightlife. However, Duck is not a good beach town for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Cody, Wyoming. The nightlife scene, like everything else in town, stays true to the Wild West theme. You'll find cowboys and cowgirls on the dance floor and enjoy live music and cold drinks at the local bar.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Duck. 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.

Is Duck or Cody, Wyoming Better for Resorts?

Duck
Cody, Wyoming

Duck is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Cody, Wyoming is not a resort destination.

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.

Cody, Wyoming is not a resort destination.


Is Duck or Cody, Wyoming Better for Beaches?

Duck
Cody, Wyoming

Duck is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Cody, Wyoming is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Duck is a very popular vacation destination. 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.

Cody, Wyoming is not a beach destination.

Is Duck or Cody, Wyoming Better for its Old Town?

Duck
Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming is a popular place for its historic old town. However, Duck does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Cody, Wyoming to see the historical old town. The historic downtown is small, just a few blocks along Sheridan Avenue, but it's filled with personality. The buildings have local character and highlight the town's past.

Duck does not have a historic old town.

Is Duck or Cody, Wyoming Better for Hiking?

Duck
Cody, Wyoming

If you're looking to go hiking, Duck and Cody, Wyoming both have good 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 Cody, Wyoming. It's not hard to get out of town and enjoy some hiking. Trails take you through the local landscapes and sometimes offer you the opportunity to see local wildlife.


Is the Shopping Better in Duck or Cody, Wyoming?

Duck
Cody, Wyoming

Both Duck and Cody, Wyoming are great 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.

Cody, Wyoming is well-known for its shopping. You'll find quirky shops, local vendors, and sporting equipment stores around town. Whether you want to pick up a souvenir or browse the Wild West paraphernalia, shopping is a fun activity in town.

Is Duck or Cody, Wyoming Better for Families?

Duck
Cody, Wyoming

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Duck or Cody, Wyoming.

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, Cody, Wyoming is very family-friendly. It's a fun stop off for families who are visiting the national parks in the area. There are diverse activities that will give the kids a break from hiking and nature programs. Make sure you check out the Cody Nite Rodeo, the Old Trail Town, and the horseback riding. For a glimpse at what life was like back in the Wild West, check out a Wild Bunch Gunfighters Show.

Is Duck or Cody, Wyoming Better for Couples?

Duck
Cody, Wyoming

Duck is a very popular place for romance. Also, Cody, Wyoming is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Duck makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Cody, Wyoming makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. If you don't take yourself too seriously, this is a fun town to shop, dine, and play. There's horseback riding, historical reenactments, and quirky shops. There's also the opportunity to see wildlife and chat with other travelers.


Is Duck or Cody, Wyoming Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Duck
Cody, Wyoming

Duck is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Cody, Wyoming is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly 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 limited or non-existant in Cody, Wyoming. There's no real public transit through town.

Is Duck or Cody, Wyoming a more walkable city?

Duck
Cody, Wyoming

Duck is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Cody, Wyoming is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

Cody, Wyoming is a somewhat walkable place. The historic downtown can be explored on foot, but anything outside of town will require a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Duck Worth Visiting? and Is Cody, Wyoming Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cody, Wyoming or Duck?

How long in Duck or Cody, Wyoming?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Duck and Cody, Wyoming. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Duck than in Cody, Wyoming. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Duck, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cody, Wyoming.

Families should spend more time in Duck than Cody, Wyoming. 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 Cody, Wyoming. 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 Cody, Wyoming than Duck 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 Cody, Wyoming.


  • How many days in Duck or Cody, Wyoming? Ideal Length of Stay
    Duck 5-7 
    Cody, Wyoming 1-3

One day in Duck or Cody, Wyoming?

Even though Duck is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the small town destination of Cody, Wyoming. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.


A weekend in Duck or Cody, Wyoming?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Duck. Most people come for the beaches. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Cody, Wyoming is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Duck or Cody, Wyoming?

Duck is a small town with plenty to do. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This beach town offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the activity-filled small town of Cody, Wyoming. This town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Duck or Cody, Wyoming?

Duck might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

The historic town of Cody, Wyoming offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.


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, Cody, Wyoming 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 Cody, Wyoming is $157. 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 Cody, Wyoming in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Duck $107
    Cody, Wyoming $78
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Duck $214
    Cody, Wyoming $156
Compare Hotels in Duck and Cody, Wyoming

Looking for a hotel in Duck or Cody, Wyoming? 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 Cody, Wyoming


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: Cody, Wyoming Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Duck $66
    Cody, Wyoming $46

Is it cheaper to fly into Duck or Cody, Wyoming?

Prices for flights to both Cody, Wyoming 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
    Cody, Wyoming $47

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Duck $13
    Cody, Wyoming $33

Tours and Activities in Cody, Wyoming

For Cody, Wyoming, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Cody Trolley Tours - Best of the West Trolley Tour: $34
  • Surfin In The Rockies Duckie Tours!: $40
  • Red Canyon River Trip’s all inclusive Half Day Tour! : $85
  • Red Canyon Wild Mustang Tour 5:00: $89
  • Red Canyon Mustang Tour 8am: $89
  • All-Inclusive YNP Lower Loop Tour for 55+Seniors P/U in Cody Wy : $189
  • All-Inclusive Yellowstone”The Volcano” *FAMILY FRIENDLY* Tour: $259
  • From Cody: Full-Day Yellowstone National Park Tour: $260
  • Guided Upper Loop of Yellowstone Tour from Cody, WY: $269
  • Guided Lower Loop of Yellowstone Tour from Cody, WY: $269
  • Yellowstone Nat'l Park Full Day Tour From Cody, WY : $275
  • Wild Mustang Half Day Tour - Cody Wyoming - Private: $298

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Duck $45
    Cody, Wyoming $18


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Duck and Cody, Wyoming, we can see that Duck is more expensive. And not only is Cody, Wyoming much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cody, Wyoming would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cody, Wyoming 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 Duck would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Duck than you might in Cody, Wyoming.

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


Which is Bigger, Duck or Cody, Wyoming?

Cody, Wyoming has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Duck. When comparing the sizes of Duck and Cody, Wyoming, 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.