A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Jacksonville vs. Duck for Beaches, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Jacksonville or Duck?

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 Jacksonville and Duck. 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.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a fun, vibrant, and under-rated city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and museums.

Duck

Duck is a charming, laid-back, and traditional beach town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Jacksonville and Duck: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable
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
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Jacksonville or Duck?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Jacksonville than Duck, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Jacksonville is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Duck is more popular for its resorts, beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Duck is more touristy than Jacksonville and is popular for its quaint atmosphere and small town charm. Jacksonville is well known for its beautiful beaches and lively downtown area. Also, Jacksonville is famous for Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens.

How is Jacksonville different from Duck?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Jacksonville or Duck?

Jacksonville
Duck

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

Jacksonville offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city has a number of museums that range from art museums to science or kid-friendly museums. Some favorites are the Museum of Science and History, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Mandarin Museum and Historical Society, and Kingsley Plantation.

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 Jacksonville or Duck? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Jacksonville
Duck

Jacksonville 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, Jacksonville makes for a great culinary experience. Local cuisine has its own identity. Unique dishes around town include garlic crabs, seafood boil, gumbo, and shrimp and grits. The local cuisine is similar to Lowcountry dishes with a lot of Cajun influence. If you want something different from seafood, you should try the barbecue.

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 Jacksonville or Duck Better for Nightlife?

Jacksonville
Duck

Jacksonville is a well-known place for nightlife. However, Duck is not a good beach town for nightlife and partying.

Jacksonville offers plenty to do in the evening. The young population brings out the nightlife scene. There's a great concentration of bars and clubs in the area known as The Elbow, which is at the intersection of N. Ocean and E. Bay Street. You'll find plenty of cocktail bars, lounges, and clubs around town that make for a fun night out.

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 Jacksonville or Duck Better for Resorts?

Jacksonville
Duck

Duck is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Jacksonville is not a resort destination.

Duck has a few great resort options. Most of the accommodation around town is in the form of vacation beach rental houses that are perfect for family gatherings or larger groups.

Jacksonville is not a resort destination.


Is Jacksonville or Duck Better for Beaches?

Jacksonville
Duck

Duck is renowned for the beach. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Jacksonville is considered a top beach destination. There are a number of beaches that are just a short distance from the city. Some have a historic vibe while others are more lively. Atlantic Beach is about a half hour drive from the city. For a laid back vibe head to Neptune Beach and the most popular beach in the area is Jacksonville Beach.

Is Jacksonville or Duck Better for Hiking?

Jacksonville
Duck

Duck is a good destination for its hiking trails. However, Jacksonville is not a hiking destination.

Duck offers some nice hiking trails. The Duck Trail runs for six miles and passes through town. It's popular with walkers, cyclists, and inline skaters.

Jacksonville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Jacksonville or Duck?

Jacksonville
Duck

Shoppers can find a variety of superb stores in both Jacksonville and Duck.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Jacksonville. There are countless malls and shopping districts around town. Some of the best shopping is found at St. John's Center, Five Points, and Avondale.

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.


Is Jacksonville or Duck Better for Families?

Jacksonville
Duck

Duck is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Duck. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Jacksonville. It's filled with adventure parks, zoos, animal farms, nature centers, and gardens. Adults will have as much fun as kids exploring the city and all of its family-friendly attractions.

Is Jacksonville or Duck Better for Couples?

Jacksonville
Duck

Duck is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Jacksonville is a nice destination for couples. It's a young city that's near nature and has plenty of adventurous activities. There's sailing, botanical gardens, restaurants, and plenty of bars around town.

Is Jacksonville or Duck Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jacksonville
Duck

Jacksonville is a popular place for backpackers. However, Duck is not a good beach town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Jacksonville. There are a few hostels in town as well as affordable motels. The city has a young population with plenty to do. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there's a surprising and underrated appeal to the backpacker crowd.

Duck is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's an upscale town with many beach houses available for rent, and very little in the form of budget accommodation.


Is Jacksonville or Duck Better for Students?

Jacksonville
Duck

Jacksonville is a popular place for students. However, Duck is not popular with students.

Jacksonville is a good city to visit for students. There are a few colleges and universities in town. The city's population is also very young, making it a great place to study.

Duck is not popular with students.

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

Jacksonville
Duck

Jacksonville is a popular place for its public transit. However, Duck is not a good beach town for times when you don't have a car.

Jacksonville has a few public transit options. The public transportation system includes trolleys, the Skyway, buses, water taxis, and the ferry.

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.

Is Jacksonville or Duck a more walkable city?

Jacksonville
Duck

Duck is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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.

Jacksonville is somewhat walkable. Downtown Jacksonville is the most walkable part of the city.


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

Should I spend more time in Duck or Jacksonville?

How long in Jacksonville or Duck?

Both Jacksonville and Duck have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Duck than in Jacksonville. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Jacksonville, and 5-7 days is enough time in Duck.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville.


  • How many days in Jacksonville or Duck? Ideal Length of Stay
    Jacksonville 2-3 
    Duck 5-7

One day in Jacksonville or Duck?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Jacksonville. 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.

Duck is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Jacksonville or Duck?

Jacksonville is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

Duck is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Jacksonville or Duck?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the lively destination of Jacksonville. This city offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Duck might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Lots of people come for the beaches. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.


A week in Jacksonville or Duck?

The lively city of Jacksonville offers nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

Duck is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.


Which place is cheaper, Duck or Jacksonville?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Jacksonville is $220, while the average daily cost in Duck is $188. 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 Jacksonville and Duck in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Jacksonville or Duck? 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 Jacksonville


Hotels in Duck


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: Jacksonville Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jacksonville $53
    Duck $66

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jacksonville

Also for Jacksonville, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville Cruise Port -Arrival Private Transfer: $55
  • Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville City - Arrival Private Transfer: $62
  • Carnival Cruise Port Jacksonville to Jacksonville, FL - Arrival Private Transfer: $64
  • Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $123
  • Carnival Cruise Port Jacksonville to Jacksonville - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $128
  • JAX Airport Transfer to Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront: $147
  • JAX Airport Transfer to Amelia Island: $195
  • Carnival Cruise Port Transfer to Jacksonville: $341

Is it cheaper to fly into Jacksonville or Duck?

Prices for flights to both Duck and Jacksonville 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
    Jacksonville $96
    Duck $45

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jacksonville

For Jacksonville, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • 1 Hour of Chocolate Pizza Making Class in Jacksonville: $18

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jacksonville $20
    Duck $13

Tours and Activities in Jacksonville

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

  • 20 Minutes Chocolate & Candy Factory Tour in Jacksonville: $6.00
  • Murray Hill Walking Mural Tour: $25
  • Downtown Fernandina Historical Walking Tour: $30
  • Jacksonville Ghosts and Ghouls Tour By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Amelia Island Area Kayak Rental on Lofton Creek with Adventures Up The Creek: $36
  • The Escape Game Epic 60-Minute Adventures: $41
  • 1-Hour Escape Room Adventure: $41
  • Self-Guided Kayaking: Real Florida Adventure: $45
  • Eight Flags Road Tour: $50
  • Guided Kayak Eco Tour: Real Florida Adventure: $55
  • Amelia Island Guided Kayak Tour of Lofton Creek : $60
  • Electric Bike Art and Architecture Guided Tour in Jacksonville : $60

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jacksonville $20
    Duck $45


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

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


Which is Bigger, Jacksonville or Duck?

Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 1420 times larger than the population of Duck. When comparing the sizes of Jacksonville and Duck, 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 Jacksonville or Duck?

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 Jacksonville or Duck in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Jacksonville as well as Duck. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Jacksonville this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Duck for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Jacksonville is around the same temperature as Duck. Typically, the summer temperatures in Jacksonville in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Duck averages at about 78°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Duck. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jacksonville this time of the year. In the summer, Jacksonville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Duck. Jacksonville gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Duck receives 279 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Duck. Jacksonville receives a lot of rain in the summer. Jacksonville usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Duck. Jacksonville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Duck receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Jacksonville 82°F (28°C) 
    Duck 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Jacksonville or Duck in the Autumn?

Both Duck and Jacksonville are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Jacksonville for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Duck in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Jacksonville is generally a little warmer than Duck. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 70°F (21°C), and Duck fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

It's quite sunny in Duck. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jacksonville. Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Duck during autumn. Jacksonville gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Duck receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Jacksonville usually receives less rain than Duck. Jacksonville gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Duck receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Jacksonville.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Jacksonville 70°F (21°C) 
    Duck 62°F (16°C)

Should I visit Jacksonville or Duck in the Winter?

Both Duck and Jacksonville during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Jacksonville in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Duck for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Duck can be very cold during winter. Jacksonville is much warmer than Duck in the winter. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 53°F (12°C) in January, and Duck fluctuates around 41°F (5°C).

In the winter, Jacksonville often gets more sunshine than Duck. Jacksonville gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Duck receives 168 hours of full sun.

Duck gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Jacksonville usually gets less rain in January than Duck. Jacksonville gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Duck receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Jacksonville 53°F (12°C) 
    Duck 41°F (5°C)

Should I visit Jacksonville or Duck in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Jacksonville and Duck. Most visitors come to Jacksonville for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Duck because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Jacksonville is a little warmer than Duck. Typically, the spring temperatures in Jacksonville in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Duck averages at about 59°F (15°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Duck this time of the year. In Jacksonville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jacksonville usually receives more sunshine than Duck during spring. Jacksonville gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Duck receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of rain as Duck. Jacksonville gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Duck receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Jacksonville is the hurricane season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Jacksonville 68°F (20°C) 
    Duck 59°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Duck and Jacksonville

Jacksonville Duck
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 41°F (5°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 67°F (19°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 78°F (26°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 78°F (25°C) 5 inches (127 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 62°F (16°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)