Should you visit Jacksonville or Duck?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare 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. So, let's dig into it.
Jacksonville
As the sky above you darkens, the city around you glows with a vividness of a thousand colors as you hear the soft swell of waves upon the shore. Such an urban paradise is none other than Jacksonville, Florida. Located on the northeastern side of the sunshine state, Jacksonville stands where the St. John's River meets the Atlantic Ocean. Estimated to be the 12th most populous city in the United States, Jacksonville works as the cultural, commercial and financial hive of north Florida. The large city is known for its exquisite beaches, interactive museums, and golf course areas. Surf, shop, and socialize in one of Florida's most popular metropolitan areas.
Duck
Duck is a resort town in Dare County, North Carolina. The town is quite small, with a year around population of just 369, but during the peak summer months the tourist crowds can climb to over 20,000. Duck is also the northernmost incorporated town in the county, and also the newest town in the Outer Banks, having been incorporated on May 1st, 2002.
Which city 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 $176, while the average daily cost in Duck is $151. 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. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Jacksonville and Duck in more detail.
Accommodation
For a normal double-occupancy room in Jacksonville, $148 is the average cost for a hotel room. Also in Jacksonville, the typical price for a place to stay for one person is $74, such as in a hostel.
If you're traveling alone, you may be able to find a budget hotel or hostel for around $85. But for two people in a standard two-person hotel room in Duck the cost is $170 on average.
Local Transportation
Jacksonville's transportation costs can vary by the type of transport chosen by visitors. Naturally, taxis and private drivers cost much more than public transportation options. On average, visitors spend $43 per person, per day on transportation in Jacksonville.
The cost of a taxi ride in Duck is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $53 per person, per day, on local transportation in Duck.
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jacksonville
Also for Jacksonville, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
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JAX Airport Transfer to Downtown Jacksonville:
$97
-
Airport to Hotel Jacksonville Private Transfer:
$125
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Jacksonville Private Transfer - Hotel to Airport:
$125
-
JAX Airport Transfer to Jacksonville Beach:
$129
-
JAX Airport Transfer to Amelia Island:
$129
-
JAX Airport Transfer to Ponte Vedra Beach:
$149
-
Jacksonville City to Jacksonville Airport (JAX) - Departure Private Transfer:
$164
-
Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville City - Arrival Private Transfer:
$164
-
JAX Airport Transfer to St Augustine:
$215
-
Private Jacksonville to Orlando Transfer up to 11-One Price-Mercedes Sprinter:
$300
-
Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville City - Round-Trip Private Transfer:
$328
-
Private Transfer from Jacksonville to Orlando (MCO) Airport:
$453
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
The price of a meal in Jacksonville can vary widely. However, the average price for food per day is $77 per person, and a typical meal will cost around $31 based on the spending of previous visitors. Less expensive dining options can be found by eating street food or at fast food restaurants.
The price of a meal in Duck can vary widely. However, the average price for food per day is $36 per person, and a typical meal will cost around $14 based on the spending of previous visitors. Less expensive dining options can be found by eating street food or at fast food restaurants.
-
Food
Meals for one day
Jacksonville $77
Duck $36
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jacksonville
For Jacksonville, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
-
Private Progressive Dinner in Jacksonville for 2 to 6 People:
$300
Entertainment
Sightseeing, admission tickets, things to do, and other entertainment expenses in Jacksonville can vary widely by price. On average, visitors spend around $16 per person, per day on entertainment and sightseeing here.
Entertainment and activities in Duck typically cost an average of $11 per person, per day. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
Tours and Activities in Jacksonville
For Jacksonville, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
-
The Escape Game Epic 60-Minute Adventures:
$37
-
Half-Day City Tour in Downtown Jacksonville:
$55
-
Jacksonville Residential Architecture & History Tour:
$55
-
Public Art Tour in Jacksonville:
$60
-
Ride To Jax Port Cruise Terminal:
$60
-
Ride From Jax Port Cruise Terminal:
$60
Alcohol
Typically, people visiting Jacksonville spend on average $16 on alcoholic beverages per person, per day.
The average person spends about $36 on alcoholic beverages in Duck per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
Sample the Local Flavors in Jacksonville
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Jacksonville:
-
Jax Urban Core Brewery Tour in Jacksonville:
$48
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.
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