A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Martha's Vineyard vs. The Hamptons for Resorts, Couples, Food, and Beaches

Should you visit Martha's Vineyard or The Hamptons?

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 The Hamptons. 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 peaceful, affluent, and coastal island. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and food.

The Hamptons

The Hamptons is a lavish, wealthy, and opulent beach destination. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and hiking.

Martha's Vineyard and The Hamptons: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance


Is there more to do in Martha's Vineyard or The Hamptons?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Martha's Vineyard than The Hamptons, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Martha's Vineyard is better known for its museums, food, resorts, beaches, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while The Hamptons is more popular for its nightlife and shopping. Martha's Vineyard is more touristy than The Hamptons and is popular for its natural beauty, charming New England towns, and upscale local shopping. Also, Martha's Vineyard is famous for the Aquinnah Cliffs. The Hamptons is well known for its long sandy beaches, charming seaside communities, opulent villas, and vacationing celebrities.

How is Martha's Vineyard different from The Hamptons?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Martha's Vineyard or The Hamptons?

Martha's Vineyard
The Hamptons

Martha's Vineyard is a island with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, The Hamptons does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

The Hamptons does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Martha's Vineyard
The Hamptons

Martha's Vineyard is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Martha's Vineyard makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

The Hamptons has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a number of fine dining restaurants in the area and seafood is a favorite. Some restaurants are known to be frequented by vacationing celebrities, so if you're hoping to spot someone famous, do some research and you may have some luck.

Is Martha's Vineyard or The Hamptons Better for Nightlife?

Martha's Vineyard
The Hamptons

The Hamptons is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities The Hamptons has a few options to choose from. There are plenty of nightclubs and bars throughout the area. Head to East Hampton for some of the best options.

Most people don't head to Martha's Vineyard specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There's more of a laid back vibe, but the best towns in the evening are Edgartown and Oak Bluffs.

Is Martha's Vineyard or The Hamptons Better for Resorts?

Martha's Vineyard
The Hamptons

Martha's Vineyard is a world-class destination for its resorts. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

There are plenty of resorts in The Hamptons to choose from. Known as a hangout for the rich and famous, there is no shortage of luxury hotels and resorts in the area.


Is Martha's Vineyard or The Hamptons Better for Beaches?

Martha's Vineyard
The Hamptons

Martha's Vineyard is a great destination for its beaches. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beache.

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.

The Hamptons offers a nice beach destination. The beaches in the area feature long stretches of soft sand and plenty of space to spread out. Many beaches do come with a hefty price tag though as they require you to pay for parking or a permit.

Is Martha's Vineyard or The Hamptons Better for Hiking?

Martha's Vineyard
The Hamptons

Hiking trails can be found around both Martha's Vineyard and The Hamptons, and they are notable.

Martha's Vineyard offers some nice hiking trails. 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.

The Hamptons is a good destination for hiking. There are a number of picturesque walks through the dunes and wetlands around the area. There is plenty of peaceful nature to explore if you're looking for a break from city life.

Is the Shopping Better in Martha's Vineyard or The Hamptons?

Martha's Vineyard
The Hamptons

The Hamptons is an amazing beach destination to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Martha's Vineyard is not as popular, but is still a nice island for shopping.

Many people travel to The Hamptons specifically to go shopping. Known as a playground for the rich and famous, you can be assured there are plenty of shopping opportunities where you can flash your cash around town.

Martha's Vineyard is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.


Is Martha's Vineyard or The Hamptons Better for Families?

Martha's Vineyard
The Hamptons

Both Martha's Vineyard and The Hamptons are notable family-friendly destinations.

Martha's Vineyard offers lots of family activities. 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.

The Hamptons is a family-friendly place to visit. The area has a family-friendly setting with many outdoor activities and a children's museum. There are music events, children's parks, small zoos, and, of course, the beach. Also make sure you pick up some ice cream and enjoy that quintessential beach experience.

Is Martha's Vineyard or The Hamptons Better for Couples?

Martha's Vineyard
The Hamptons

Martha's Vineyard is a world-class destination for romance. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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.

The Hamptons is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy beaches, dining out, and escaping the chaos of city life will enjoy a retreat here. The area has many beautiful parks and outdoor spaces, but there are also amazing restaurants that make for a great date night.

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

Martha's Vineyard
The Hamptons

Martha's Vineyard is a island with a few options for its public transit. However, The Hamptons is a beach destination with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally 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 quite limited in The Hamptons. While there are trains between towns, there aren't many options when it comes to public transit.


Is Martha's Vineyard or The Hamptons a more walkable city?

Martha's Vineyard
The Hamptons

Martha's Vineyard and The Hamptons are notable when it comes to walkability.

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

The Hamptons is somewhat walkable. While some of the towns offer a nice place for a stroll, most of the Hamptons is not very walkable and it's best to have a car.

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

Should I spend more time in The Hamptons or Martha's Vineyard?

How long in Martha's Vineyard or The Hamptons?

Both Martha's Vineyard and The Hamptons have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in The Hamptons 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 The Hamptons.

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

Couples should spend more time in Martha's Vineyard than The Hamptons. 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 Martha's Vineyard than The Hamptons 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 Martha's Vineyard.


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

One day in Martha's Vineyard or The Hamptons?

Martha's Vineyard 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. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this island.

With nightlife and food around the destination of The Hamptons, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 The Hamptons?

Martha's Vineyard is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

With food and shopping around the lavish beach destination of The Hamptons, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.


Five days in Martha's Vineyard or The Hamptons?

Martha's Vineyard is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

With shopping and nightlife around the opulent destination of The Hamptons, there's plenty to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. If you have five days, this beach destination 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 The Hamptons?

Martha's Vineyard is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The Hamptons is a popular choice for travelers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. This beach destination 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, The Hamptons 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 The Hamptons is $223. 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 The Hamptons in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Martha's Vineyard $132
    The Hamptons $126
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Martha's Vineyard $264
    The Hamptons $252
Compare Hotels in Martha's Vineyard and The Hamptons

Looking for a hotel in Martha's Vineyard or The Hamptons? 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 The Hamptons


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
    The Hamptons $63

Is it cheaper to fly into Martha's Vineyard or The Hamptons?

Prices for flights to both The Hamptons 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
    The Hamptons $60

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Martha's Vineyard $30
    The Hamptons $22

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: $15
  • 3-Hour Martha's Vineyard Island Tour from Oak Bluffs: $60
  • All Island Bus Tour: $65

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Martha's Vineyard $22
    The Hamptons $31


When comparing the travel costs between Martha's Vineyard and The Hamptons, we can see that Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard Expensive? and Is The Hamptons Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Martha's Vineyard or The Hamptons?

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 The Hamptons in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Martha's Vineyard as well as The Hamptons. Most visitors come to Martha's Vineyard for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to The Hamptons because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Martha's Vineyard is around the same temperature as The Hamptons. Typically, the summer temperatures in Martha's Vineyard in July average around 73°F (23°C), and The Hamptons averages at about 76°F (25°C).

It's quite rainy in The Hamptons. Martha's Vineyard usually gets less rain in July than The Hamptons. Martha's Vineyard gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Martha's Vineyard 73°F (23°C) 
    The Hamptons 76°F (25°C)

Should I visit Martha's Vineyard or The Hamptons in the Autumn?

Both The Hamptons and Martha's Vineyard are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to The Hamptons this time of year.

In October, Martha's Vineyard is generally cooler than The Hamptons. Daily temperatures in Martha's Vineyard average around 53°F (12°C), and The Hamptons fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

In October, Martha's Vineyard usually receives around the same amount of rain as The Hamptons. Martha's Vineyard gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Martha's Vineyard 53°F (12°C) 
    The Hamptons 58°F (14°C)

Should I visit Martha's Vineyard or The Hamptons in the Winter?

Both The Hamptons and Martha's Vineyard during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Martha's Vineyard this time of year. Also, many travelers come to The Hamptons for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in The Hamptons. It's quite cold in Martha's Vineyard in the winter. Martha's Vineyard is much colder than The Hamptons in the winter. The daily temperature in Martha's Vineyard averages around 28°F (-2°C) in January, and The Hamptons fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

Martha's Vineyard usually gets more rain in January than The Hamptons. Martha's Vineyard gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Martha's Vineyard 28°F (-2°C) 
    The Hamptons 31°F (-0°C)

Should I visit Martha's Vineyard or The Hamptons in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Martha's Vineyard and The Hamptons. Many travelers come to Martha's Vineyard for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to The Hamptons in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Martha's Vineyard is cooler than The Hamptons. Typically, the spring temperatures in Martha's Vineyard in April average around 48°F (9°C), and The Hamptons averages at about 51°F (11°C).

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


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

Typical Weather for The Hamptons and Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard The Hamptons
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 31°F (-0°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Feb 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 33°F (1°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Mar 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.6 inches (91 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) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 76°F (25°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm)
Sep 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 58°F (14°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Nov 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 47°F (9°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Dec 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 37°F (3°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)


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