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

Should you visit Jekyll Island or Pittsburgh?

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 Pittsburgh 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 secluded, natural, and relaxing island. It's also popular because of the museums, beaches, and hiking.

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is a under-rated, industrial, and authentic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Jekyll Island and Pittsburgh: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Jekyll Island or Pittsburgh?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Pittsburgh. Although Jekyll Island and Pittsburgh are popular destinations, Pittsburgh has more sights and attractions for tourists. Pittsburgh is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Jekyll Island attracts visitors for its resorts, beaches, and hiking. Jekyll Island is more touristy than Pittsburgh and is known for its quiet beaches and its Historic District. Pittsburgh is famous for its many bridges, its steel industry, and being the home of "Mr. Roger's Neighborhood". It is also well known for Mount Washington.

How is Jekyll Island different from Pittsburgh?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh?

Jekyll Island
Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Jekyll Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Pittsburgh. The museums range from science and nature focused, like the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden, to quirky and artsy, like the Mattress Factory. The Warhol Museum is dedicated to the works of Andy Warhol and it's not to be missed. Also worth a visit is the Heinz History Center, Randyland, and the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History.

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 the Food Better in Jekyll Island or Pittsburgh? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Jekyll Island
Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is a city with good options for its restaurants. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Pittsburgh is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The city is known for its working class roots, and the food is hearty and filling, which is great for those on a budget. Popular local dishes include pierogis, deli sandwiches, Pittsburgh salads (complete with French fries), and hotcakes.

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 Pittsburgh Better for Nightlife?

Jekyll Island
Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Pittsburgh has a large number of nightlife venues. There's an active music and dance scene in town. For the best bars and clubs, head to the Strip and South Side and for live entertainment and casinos check out the North Shore.

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

Is Jekyll Island or Pittsburgh Better for Resorts?

Jekyll Island
Pittsburgh

Jekyll Island is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Pittsburgh is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Jekyll Island as a resort destination, but it has a few places. You'll mostly find mid-range hotels on the island.

Pittsburgh is not a resort destination.


Is Jekyll Island or Pittsburgh Better for Beaches?

Jekyll Island
Pittsburgh

Jekyll Island is great for the beach. However, Pittsburgh is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Jekyll Island. 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.

Pittsburgh is not a beach destination.

Is Jekyll Island or Pittsburgh Better for Hiking?

Jekyll Island
Pittsburgh

Jekyll Island is great for hiking. However, Pittsburgh is not a hiking destination.

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

Pittsburgh is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Jekyll Island or Pittsburgh?

Jekyll Island
Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is a city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for shopping.

Pittsburgh has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find local fashion boutiques and shopping centers in the city's downtown. Other great shopping neighborhoods include Shadyside, Station Square, and Fifth Avenue Place.

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 Pittsburgh Better for Families?

Jekyll Island
Pittsburgh

Jekyll Island is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Pittsburgh is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Pittsburgh is a family-friendly place to visit. There's a surprising number of kid-friendly activities packed into this city. Check out the National Aviary or visit the popular Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium. There are also kid-focused museums and science centers as well as parks and playgrounds. Also make sure you take the cable car up Duquesne Incline or enjoy a boat ride on one of the rivers as well.

Is Jekyll Island or Pittsburgh Better for Couples?

Jekyll Island
Pittsburgh

Jekyll Island is a nice place to visit for couples. However, Pittsburgh is not a good destination for romance.

Jekyll Island is a good island for couples to visit. 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.

Pittsburgh is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are a few good date night activities like taking river cruises, enjoying dinner and show, or going to a Pirate's game.

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

Jekyll Island
Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Pittsburgh has some public transit options. There are bus and lightrail options through the city's downtown. There's also the unique incline, which is an experience worth doing.

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 Pittsburgh a more walkable city?

Jekyll Island
Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is a city with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Pittsburgh is a somewhat walkable city. Some of the attractions are spread out, but if you're willing to do a bit of walking, it's possible to get around on foot.

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 Pittsburgh Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pittsburgh or Jekyll Island?

How long in Jekyll Island or Pittsburgh?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Jekyll Island and Pittsburgh. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Jekyll Island than in Pittsburgh. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Jekyll Island, and 2-3 days is enough time in Pittsburgh.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Jekyll Island or Pittsburgh? Ideal Length of Stay
    Jekyll Island 2-4 
    Pittsburgh 2-3

One day in Jekyll Island or Pittsburgh?

With museums around the relaxing island of Jekyll Island, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Pittsburgh. 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 Pittsburgh?

With museums around the destination of Jekyll Island, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this island.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pittsburgh. 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.


Five days in Jekyll Island or Pittsburgh?

Jekyll Island, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the authentic destination of Pittsburgh. This city 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.

A week in Jekyll Island or Pittsburgh?

Jekyll Island is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Pittsburgh. 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.


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.


Which place is cheaper, Pittsburgh or Jekyll Island?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Jekyll Island is $156, while the average daily cost in Pittsburgh is $181. 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 Jekyll Island and Pittsburgh in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jekyll Island $88
    Pittsburgh $106
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jekyll Island $176
    Pittsburgh $212
Compare Hotels in Jekyll Island and Pittsburgh

Looking for a hotel in Jekyll Island or Pittsburgh? 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 Jekyll Island


Hotels in Pittsburgh


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: Jekyll Island Hotel Prices and Pittsburgh Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jekyll Island $41
    Pittsburgh $22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pittsburgh

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

  • Pittsburgh City to Pittsburgh Airport (PIT) - Departure Private Transfer: $48
  • Pittsburgh Airport (PIT) to Pittsburgh hotel/address - Arrival Private Transfer: $48
  • Pittsburgh Airport (PIT) to Pittsburgh City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $96

Is it cheaper to fly into Jekyll Island or Pittsburgh?

Prices for flights to both Pittsburgh and Jekyll Island 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
    Jekyll Island $45
    Pittsburgh $54

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pittsburgh

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

  • Pittsburgh's Strip District Food Tour: $70
  • Pittsburgh's Strip District Food Tour: $70

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jekyll Island $10
    Pittsburgh $38

Tours and Activities in Pittsburgh

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

  • Best of the Burgh Walking Tour: $33
  • Bike the Burgh Tour: $50
  • Black & Ghost Tour: $33
  • Discover Oakland Tour: $33
  • Eastbound Pennsylvania Turnpike: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $6.22
  • Entrance Ticket to AT BLAQK House Collections: $7.00
  • Essential Pittsburgh Experience - The One Tour to Take: $75
  • HOP ON-HOP OFF TOUR PASS- All Day Sightseeing Tour Pass: $40
  • New! Art & Artists Tour: $33
  • New! Bikes & Brews Tour: $75
  • Pittsburg 101 Tour: $30
  • Pittsburgh Pirates Baseball Game Ticket at PNC Park: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jekyll Island $6.43
    Pittsburgh $33

Sample the Local Flavors in Pittsburgh

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Pittsburgh:

  • Pittsburgh Bar Hunt: Party Through Pittsburgh Bar Crawl: $13
  • Wigle Whiskey Rebellion Distillery Tour: $22
  • New! Bites & Brews: Pittsburgh Brewery Walk: $50
  • Bike and Brewery Tour: $69
  • Pittsburgh Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $105


When comparing the travel costs between Jekyll Island and Pittsburgh, we can see that Pittsburgh 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 Jekyll Island Expensive? and Is Pittsburgh Expensive?.