A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Martha's Vineyard vs. Pocono Mountains for Resorts, Couples, Food, and Hiking

Should you visit Martha's Vineyard or Pocono Mountains?

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 Martha's Vineyard and Pocono Mountains. 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.

Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a affluent, coastal, and peaceful island. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and hiking.

Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is a relaxing, scenic, and beautiful region. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping.

Martha's Vineyard and Pocono Mountains: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Not as many resort options


Is there more to do in Martha's Vineyard or Pocono Mountains?

Both Pocono Mountains and Martha's Vineyard have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Martha's Vineyard is more popular for its food, resorts, beaches, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Pocono Mountains is known for its skiing, museums, and hiking. Martha's Vineyard is popular for its natural beauty, charming New England towns, and upscale local shopping. Pocono Mountains is popular for its hiking trails, boating and fishing, and small towns.

How is Martha's Vineyard different from Pocono Mountains?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Martha's Vineyard or Pocono Mountains Better for Skiing?

Martha's Vineyard
Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is a great region for skiing. However, Martha's Vineyard is not a skiing destination.

Pocono Mountains draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. There are a number of ski resorts in the area that offer family-friendly skiing or more advanced options. Some of the most popular ski areas are Big Boulder, Blue Mountain, Camelback Mountain, and Jack Frost Mountain.

Martha's Vineyard is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Martha's Vineyard or Pocono Mountains?

Martha's Vineyard
Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for its sights and museums.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Pocono Mountains. Visiting a local museum is a great way to learn about the area's history and Native American population. For a glimpse back in time, you can visit the Asa Packer Mansion, Grey Towers National Historic Landmark, or Columns Museum. The Old Jail Museum is a fascinating place to visit and even offers ghost tours. The Pocono Indian Museum and Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm are both worth a visit as well.

Martha's Vineyard offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of local museums in the area as well as the Martha's Vineyard Museum.

Is the Food Better in Martha's Vineyard or Pocono Mountains? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Martha's Vineyard
Pocono Mountains

Martha's Vineyard is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Pocono Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Martha's Vineyard. The region prioritizes sustainable agriculture and there are many local eateries that range from upscale to more casual. You'll find the greatest number of options during the peak summer months, but regardless of when you visit, you're sure to eat well.

Pocono Mountains is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Family-friendly restaurants are common. Many serve up casual American cuisine like burgers or pasta. There are also more upscale restaurants, some with impressive views, that will elevate your culinary experience. For a local experience, find a restaurant with a seasonal menu that makes the most of the local ingredients.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Pocono Mountains Better for Nightlife?

Martha's Vineyard
Pocono Mountains

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find decent options in both Martha's Vineyard and Pocono Mountains.

Martha's Vineyard doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There's more of a laid back vibe, but the best towns in the evening are Edgartown and Oak Bluffs.

Most people don't head to Pocono Mountains specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There are some resorts with casinos and bars as well as local breweries and bars. You'll also find a theater or two in the area.


Is Martha's Vineyard or Pocono Mountains Better for Resorts?

Martha's Vineyard
Pocono Mountains

Martha's Vineyard is a must-visit destination for its resorts. Also, Pocono Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its luxury resorts.

Martha's Vineyard is a world class resort vacation destination. There are beautiful and luxurious resorts that attract celebrities and socialites. Many have pools and serene outdoor spaces that you can enjoy.

Pocono Mountains has a few great resort options. Resorts range from family-friendly to romantic. Many have indoor pools or even water parks. Some also have spas, restaurants, and plenty of amenities.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Pocono Mountains Better for Beaches?

Martha's Vineyard
Pocono Mountains

Martha's Vineyard is notable for the beache. However, Pocono Mountains is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Martha's Vineyard attract visitors from all over. The beaches are scenic and peaceful. Head to northern side of the island for shallow water, or south for more surf. While there are some public beaches that are open to everyone, there are also beaches that require a parking or town beach permit to visit.

Pocono Mountains is not a beach destination.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Pocono Mountains Better for Hiking?

Martha's Vineyard
Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is a great region for hiking. Also, Martha's Vineyard is not as popular, but is still a nice island for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Pocono Mountains for the hiking trails. There are miles of hiking trails that take you through forests or to spectacular waterfalls. Trails range from easy to challenging and each offers a great way to escape into nature. Some of the more popular trails are found in Tobyhanna State Park and Promised Land State Park. The Appalachian Trail also passes through the area.

Martha's Vineyard is a good destination for hiking. There are miles of trails around the island that pass through fields or along the coastline. The island is mostly flat, so the hikes are relatively easy for all skill levels.


Is the Shopping Better in Martha's Vineyard or Pocono Mountains?

Martha's Vineyard
Pocono Mountains

Martha's Vineyard is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Pocono Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its shopping areas.

Martha's Vineyard is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are no malls, so you'll enjoy shopping at local stores that sell a mix of locally made items and name brand. There are many art galleries as well as craft festivals during the summer months.

Pocono Mountains has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head to the towns for some the best local shopping. The downtown areas in each of the major towns - Jim Thorpe, Stroudsburg, Milford, and Honesdale - have local vendors, antique shops, and the occasional flea market or farmer's market.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Pocono Mountains Better for Families?

Martha's Vineyard
Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is a great region for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Martha's Vineyard is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Pocono Mountains. There's horseback riding in the warmer seasons and kid-friendly skiing in the winter. The kids will also enjoy the hiking, ziplining, and indoor waterparks in the area. Animal farms and petting zoos are also popular, particularly with the younger kids.

Martha's Vineyard is a family-friendly place to visit. You can visit local farms or go to a local baseball game. There's also cafes, ice cream shops, and donut shops that kids will enjoy.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Pocono Mountains Better for Couples?

Martha's Vineyard
Pocono Mountains

Martha's Vineyard is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Pocono Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for couples.

Martha's Vineyard is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's filled with charming bed and breakfasts and plenty of New England charm. Couples will enjoy the quaint restaurants and mix of history, small town charm, and outdoor adventure.

Pocono Mountains makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Romantic resorts, cozy cabins, and luxurious spas all make this a wonderful couples destination. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the hiking and adventure sports in the area, while those looking for a more relaxed experience will appreciate the dining and cultural activities.


Is Martha's Vineyard or Pocono Mountains Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Martha's Vineyard
Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is a great region for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Pocono Mountains. There's no shortage of campgrounds, cabins, and hiking opportunities that will let backpackers enjoy a bit of nature.

Martha's Vineyard is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. Budget options are limited, making this an inconvenient destination for backpackers.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Pocono Mountains Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Martha's Vineyard
Pocono Mountains

Martha's Vineyard and Pocono Mountains both offer decent public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Martha's Vineyard. Access to the island is limited to boat and air. There's a bus service that connects the towns.

Public transit is generally limited in Pocono Mountains. There are some bus services that run between a few towns, but they're not an efficient way to get around.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Pocono Mountains a more walkable city?

Martha's Vineyard
Pocono Mountains

Martha's Vineyard is a island with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Pocono Mountains is a mediocre region for its ease of walking around.

Martha's Vineyard is a somewhat walkable place. Many of the towns have walkable downtown areas, but traveling between towns and into the countryside requires a vehicle.

Pocono Mountains is generally not a very walkable island. While there are plenty of hiking trails and some walkable towns, you really need a car to explore the area.


For even more information, also check out Is Martha's Vineyard Worth Visiting? and Is Pocono Mountains Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pocono Mountains or Martha's Vineyard?

How long in Martha's Vineyard or Pocono Mountains?

Both Martha's Vineyard and Pocono Mountains have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Pocono Mountains than in Martha's Vineyard. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Martha's Vineyard, and 3-7 days is enough time in Pocono Mountains.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pocono Mountains than Martha's Vineyard 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 Pocono Mountains.


  • How many days in Martha's Vineyard or Pocono Mountains? Ideal Length of Stay
    Martha's Vineyard 1-3 
    Pocono Mountains 3-7

One day in Martha's Vineyard or Pocono Mountains?

Martha's Vineyard is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With shopping and museums around the destination of Pocono Mountains, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

A weekend in Martha's Vineyard or Pocono Mountains?

Martha's Vineyard is a small town with plenty to do. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

With museums and skiing around the beautiful region of Pocono Mountains, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Five days in Martha's Vineyard or Pocono Mountains?

Martha's Vineyard is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

With skiing and food around the magnificent destination of Pocono Mountains, there's plenty to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. If you have five days, this region makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.


A week in Martha's Vineyard or Pocono Mountains?

Martha's Vineyard is a great place to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Pocono Mountains is a popular choice for travelers. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This region offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week here is typical. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Pocono Mountains or Martha's Vineyard?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Martha's Vineyard is $241, while the average daily cost in Pocono Mountains is $174. 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 Martha's Vineyard and Pocono Mountains in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Martha's Vineyard $132
    Pocono Mountains $89
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Martha's Vineyard $264
    Pocono Mountains $178
Compare Hotels in Martha's Vineyard and Pocono Mountains

Looking for a hotel in Martha's Vineyard or Pocono Mountains? 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 Marthas Vineyard


Hotels in Pocono Mountains


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: Martha's Vineyard Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Martha's Vineyard $83
    Pocono Mountains $49

Is it cheaper to fly into Martha's Vineyard or Pocono Mountains?

Prices for flights to both Pocono Mountains and Martha's Vineyard 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
    Martha's Vineyard $60
    Pocono Mountains $53

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Martha's Vineyard $30
    Pocono Mountains $30

Tours and Activities in Martha's Vineyard

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Martha's Vineyard.

  • Martha’s Vineyard Self-Guided (APP/GPS) Audio Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard Audio Tour: $13
  • Martha's Vinyard Driving & Walking GPS-Guided Audio Tour: $13
  • 3-Hour Martha's Vineyard Island Tour from Oak Bluffs: $60
  • All Island Bus Tour: $65
  • Sunset Sail Shared Tour: $140

Tours and Activities in Pocono Mountains

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Pocono Mountains are as follows:

  • Delaware Water Gap Air Tour: $141
  • Private Mount Pocono Observation Air Tour: $64

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Martha's Vineyard $22
    Pocono Mountains $13


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Martha's Vineyard Expensive? and Is Pocono Mountains Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Martha's Vineyard or Pocono Mountains?

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 Martha's Vineyard or Pocono Mountains in the Summer?

Both Pocono Mountains and Martha's Vineyard during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Martha's Vineyard for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Pocono Mountains because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Martha's Vineyard is generally around the same temperature as Pocono Mountains. Daily temperatures in Martha's Vineyard average around 73°F (23°C), and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

In Pocono Mountains, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Martha's Vineyard. In the summer, Martha's Vineyard often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Pocono Mountains. Martha's Vineyard gets 293 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pocono Mountains receives 288 hours of full sun.

Pocono Mountains gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Martha's Vineyard usually gets less rain in July than Pocono Mountains. Martha's Vineyard gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Martha's Vineyard 73°F (23°C) 
    Pocono Mountains 75°F (24°C)

Should I visit Martha's Vineyard or Pocono Mountains in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Martha's Vineyard and Pocono Mountains. The autumn months attract visitors to Martha's Vineyard because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Pocono Mountains this time of year.

Martha's Vineyard is around the same temperature as Pocono Mountains in the autumn. The daily temperature in Martha's Vineyard averages around 53°F (12°C) in October, and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

In Martha's Vineyard, it's very sunny this time of the year. Martha's Vineyard usually receives more sunshine than Pocono Mountains during autumn. Martha's Vineyard gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Pocono Mountains receives 168 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Martha's Vineyard usually receives more rain than Pocono Mountains. Martha's Vineyard gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Martha's Vineyard 53°F (12°C) 
    Pocono Mountains 55°F (13°C)

Should I visit Martha's Vineyard or Pocono Mountains in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Martha's Vineyard as well as Pocono Mountains. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Martha's Vineyard this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Pocono Mountains for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Pocono Mountains. It's quite cold in Martha's Vineyard in the winter. In the winter, Martha's Vineyard is around the same temperature as Pocono Mountains. Typically, the winter temperatures in Martha's Vineyard in January average around 28°F (-2°C), and Pocono Mountains averages at about 28°F (-2°C).

In the winter, Martha's Vineyard often gets more sunshine than Pocono Mountains. Martha's Vineyard gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pocono Mountains receives 127 hours of full sun.

Martha's Vineyard usually gets more rain in January than Pocono Mountains. Martha's Vineyard gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Martha's Vineyard 28°F (-2°C) 
    Pocono Mountains 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Martha's Vineyard or Pocono Mountains in the Spring?

Both Pocono Mountains and Martha's Vineyard are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Martha's Vineyard for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Pocono Mountains in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Martha's Vineyard is generally cooler than Pocono Mountains. Daily temperatures in Martha's Vineyard average around 48°F (9°C), and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

It's quite sunny in Pocono Mountains. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Martha's Vineyard. Martha's Vineyard usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pocono Mountains during spring. Martha's Vineyard gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Pocono Mountains receives 213 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Martha's Vineyard usually receives around the same amount of rain as Pocono Mountains. Martha's Vineyard gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Martha's Vineyard 48°F (9°C) 
    Pocono Mountains 51°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Pocono Mountains and Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard Pocono Mountains
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Feb 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Mar 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Apr 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 51°F (11°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
May 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Jun 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Jul 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 75°F (24°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 73°F (23°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Sep 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 66°F (19°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 55°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Nov 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Dec 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 33°F (1°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)