A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Jekyll Island vs. New York City for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Jekyll Island or New York City?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Jekyll Island and New York City can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island is a natural, relaxing, and secluded island. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and museums.

New York City

New York City is a one-of-a-kind, vibrant, and energetic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Jekyll Island and New York City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jekyll Island or New York City?

Visitors will usually find more to do in New York City than Jekyll Island, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. New York City is better known for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, christmas markets, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Jekyll Island is more popular for its resorts, beaches, and hiking. New York City is more touristy than Jekyll Island and is known for its high-reaching skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, world-class theater scene, and endless energy. Also, New York City is famous for The Statue of Liberty. Jekyll Island is well known for its quiet beaches and its Historic District.

How is Jekyll Island different from New York City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between New York City and Jekyll Island. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Jekyll Island or New York City?

New York City is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. Also, Jekyll Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, New York City has many famous sights for visitors. The sights and museums around the city are too numerous to list, but some of the most famous include the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. This is a city that is filled with iconic landmarks and you could spend weeks here and still not see it all.

Jekyll Island is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Mosaic is the history museum on the island. The museum also offers historic tours of the area's sites. The Historic District is a popular place to visit with its well-maintained historic cottages and other structures.

Is Jekyll Island or New York City Better for Theater?

New York City is a must-visit destination for its shows and theatre. However, Jekyll Island is not a theatre destination.

Visitors will find world class theater shows, plays, and musicals in New York City that are not to be missed. Visiting Broadway is a quintessential NYC experience. Whether you enjoy the theater or simply want to experience something new, seeing a Broadway show is a true bucket list activity.

Jekyll Island is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Jekyll Island or New York City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New York City is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in New York City have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city has a diverse variety of restaurants, with everything from local dives to Michelin star options. There are many neighborhoods that are notable for their ethnic cuisine, particularly Little Italy and Chinatown. Quintessential NYC dishes include NYC pizza, NYC hot dogs, bagels, and Chinese dim sum.

Jekyll Island offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Many restaurants are casual with low country dishes or fried seafood. You'll find some brunch places as well as cafes and quick dining eateries around town.

Is Jekyll Island or New York City Better for Nightlife?

New York City is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for nightlife.

New York City is a world class party destination. Known as the city that never sleeps, you can be assured that NYC has some of the best nightlife in the world. There are world class bars and clubs, but also local venues that have a more relaxed atmosphere. Several famous clubs include Paul's Cocktail Lounge, Le Bain, and Avant Gardner.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Jekyll Island. There are sunset cruises, but otherwise the nightlife scene is quiet.

Is Jekyll Island or New York City Better for Music?

New York City is a must-visit destination for its music scene. However, Jekyll Island is not a live music destination.

New York City has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Popular music venues include Music Hall of Williamsburg, Radio City Music Hall, Beacon Theatre, and Forest Hills Stadium.

Jekyll Island is not a live music destination.

Is Jekyll Island or New York City Better for Resorts?

Jekyll Island is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, New York City is not a resort destination.

Jekyll Island has a few resort options worth checking out. You'll mostly find mid-range hotels on the island.

New York City is not a resort destination.

Is Jekyll Island or New York City Better for Beaches?

Jekyll Island is an excellent place to visit for its beaches. However, New York City is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Jekyll Island for it's beautiful beaches. Unspoiled beaches are the biggest draw. Some areas are rocky, but the beaches are peaceful and perfect for walks if you want to get away from the crowds. Much of the island is a state park, so it's undeveloped and pristine.

New York City is not a beach destination.

Is Jekyll Island or New York City Better for Hiking?

Jekyll Island is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, New York City is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Jekyll Island. The state park has some trails that are nice. There are also beach walks, bike trails, and routes that take you through historic sites.

New York City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Jekyll Island or New York City?

New York City is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for shopping.

Many people travel to New York City specifically to go shopping. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Head for Fifth Avenue for high end shopping or check out any of the many street markets for local items. New York is known for its many flea markets where you can find vintage items at a good price. And if you're looking to pick up a souvenir shirt or knick knack, there are plenty of souvenir shops around town as well.

Jekyll Island is a good destination for shopping. You'll find a few gift shops and boutiques, but in general, shopping options are limited.

Is Jekyll Island or New York City Better for Christmas?

New York City is a must-visit destination for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Jekyll Island does not offer Christmas activities.

New York City offers plenty of sights and activities around Christmas. Christmas in the city is a quintessential experience. From the Christmas tree and ice skating at Rockefeller Center to seeing a live performance of the Nutcracker, everyone enjoys the holidays in New York.

Jekyll Island does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Jekyll Island or New York City Better for Christmas Markets?

New York City is a very popular place for visiting Christmas markets. However, Jekyll Island does not offer Christmas markets.

Many people head to New York City to see its Christmas markets. There are a number of Christmas markets that pop up around town during the holiday season. Nothing will get you more in the holiday spirit than wandering these unique venues.

Jekyll Island does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Jekyll Island or New York City Better for Families?

Both Jekyll Island and New York City are very good to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Jekyll Island. Kids will love climbing and playing at Driftwood Beach, which is like a natural playground. Animal lovers will enjoy dolphin cruises or a visit to a turtle hospital. There's also the standard beach activities like minigolf, bike rental, and tram tours.

New York City is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has many activities for kids of all ages including world class museums, beautifully designed playgrounds, and theater shows designed just for young ones. There are many kid-friendly restaurants as well and older kids will enjoy visiting the iconic landmarks in this world-class city.

Is Jekyll Island or New York City Better for Couples?

New York City is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Jekyll Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

New York City is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. From a beautiful carriage ride through Central Park, to a romantic river cruise at night, there is an endless list of unique activities that couples can enjoy in the city. Whether you're interested in theater, the arts, music, or nightlife, this city has it all.

Jekyll Island is a nice destination for couples. There are several basic hotels as well as a few campgrounds. Couples will enjoy the beaches, but the island is small with limited activities and restaurant options. If you love natural scenery then this is a great destination, but there are fewer amenities than there are in many beach areas.

Is Jekyll Island or New York City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

New York City is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit New York City. It isn't a particularly budget-friendly destination, but it does get its share of backpackers, so you'll find a nice list of hostels and affordable hangouts that are perfect for the backpacker crowd. This is probably one of the most popular cities for backpackers in the entire United States.

Jekyll Island is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a few campgrounds in the area as well as some nice beaches.

Is Jekyll Island or New York City Better for Students?

New York City is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Jekyll Island is not popular with students.

New York City is a very popular city for students. The city has a diverse population, and international students will feel right at home here exploring the city. There are also plenty of major universities including NYU, Columbia University, and Cornell University.

Jekyll Island is not popular with students.

Is Jekyll Island or New York City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

New York City is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its public transit.

New York City has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The city has one of the largest subway systems in the world. There's also an elaborate bus system, ferry system, and yellow taxis all around town.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Jekyll Island. There are bus and trolley tours, but public transportation is mostly non-existent.

Is Jekyll Island or New York City a more walkable city?

New York City is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in New York City. The majority of the neighborhoods in Manhattan are very walkable and easy to explore on foot. Most people prefer not to drive here as it can be overwhelming and chaotic.

Jekyll Island is not a walkable island. Resources are spread out, so you really need a car to get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Jekyll Island Worth Visiting? and Is New York City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in New York City or Jekyll Island?

How long in Jekyll Island or New York City?

Both Jekyll Island and New York City have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in New York City than in Jekyll Island. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Jekyll Island, and 3-7 days is enough time in New York City.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in New York City than Jekyll Island 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 New York City.

One day in Jekyll Island or New York City?

Many travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the secluded destination of Jekyll Island. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

New York City is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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.

A weekend in Jekyll Island or New York City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Jekyll Island. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in New York City. 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.

Five days in Jekyll Island or New York City?

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the secluded destination of Jekyll Island. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

New York City is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city 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.

A week in Jekyll Island or New York City?

You'll find museums around the island of Jekyll Island. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

New York City is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Jekyll Island Expensive? and Is New York City Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Jekyll Island or New York City?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Jekyll Island or New York City in the Summer?

Both New York City and Jekyll Island are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Jekyll Island this time of year. Also, many travelers come to New York City for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Jekyll Island is a little warmer than New York City. Typically, the summer temperatures in Jekyll Island in July average around 82°F (28°C), and New York City averages at about 77°F (25°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in New York City. It's quite rainy in Jekyll Island. In July, Jekyll Island usually receives more rain than New York City. Jekyll Island gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Jekyll Island or New York City in the Autumn?

Both New York City and Jekyll Island during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Jekyll Island for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to New York City in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Jekyll Island is generally much warmer than New York City. Daily temperatures in Jekyll Island average around 70°F (21°C), and New York City fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

Jekyll Island usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as New York City. Jekyll Island gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Jekyll Island or New York City in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Jekyll Island and New York City. Many visitors come to Jekyll Island in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to New York City for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

New York City can be very cold during winter. Jekyll Island is much warmer than New York City in the winter. The daily temperature in Jekyll Island averages around 53°F (12°C) in January, and New York City fluctuates around 31°F (-1°C).

In January, Jekyll Island usually receives around the same amount of rain as New York City. Jekyll Island gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Jekyll Island or New York City in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Jekyll Island as well as New York City. Most visitors come to Jekyll Island for the beaches during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to New York City because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Jekyll Island is much warmer than New York City. Typically, the spring temperatures in Jekyll Island in April average around 68°F (20°C), and New York City averages at about 52°F (11°C).

Jekyll Island usually gets less rain in April than New York City. Jekyll Island gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 3.8 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for New York City and Jekyll Island