A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Miami vs. Nags Head for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Miami or Nags Head?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Miami and Nags Head can help you decide which place is right for you.

Miami

Miami is a glamorous, exciting, and diverse beach city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping.

Nags Head

It's also known for food.

Miami and Nags Head: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food


Is there more to do in Miami or Nags Head?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Miami. Although Miami and Nags Head are both popular with visitors, Miami has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Miami is more touristy than Nags Head and is popular for its long sandy beaches, glitzy nightlife scene, diverse cultures, and award-winning restaurants. It is also home to South Beach. Nags Head is popular for

How is Miami different from Nags Head?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Nags Head and Miami. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is the Food Better in Miami or Nags Head? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Miami
Nags Head

Miami is an amazing beach city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Nags Head is not as popular, but is still a nice for its local cuisine and restaurants.

For foodies, Miami is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city's food scene is as diverse as its population. It is a blend of Caribbean, Latin American, and South American flavors and it is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. There is everything from award-winning restaurants to local dives that offer excellent dishes and experiences. The city is known for its stone crabs, fish sandwiches, Cuban sandwiches, and key lime pie.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Nags Head. There are a wide variety of seafood restaurants that serve locally caught fish, shrimp, and crabs. Cajon flavors are popular and you'll also find cheese grits at many places.


Is Miami or Nags Head Better for Nightlife?

Miami
Nags Head

Miami is an amazing beach city to visit for nightlife. However, Nags Head is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Miami has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. From the posh nightlife clubs in South Beach, to the local salsa dancing venues in Little Havana, Miami is a city that thrives with energy. There are many world-renowned clubs that keep the music and drinks flowing through the entire night. There's also a glitzy and glamourous scene where the wealthy like to see and be seen.

Nags Head is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Miami or Nags Head Better for Music?

Miami
Nags Head

Miami is an amazing beach city to visit for live music. However, Nags Head is not a live music destination.

Miami is known as a music capital around the world. Popular live music venues include Ball and Chain, Cafe La Trova, Flamingo Theater Bar.

Nags Head is not a live music destination.

Is Miami or Nags Head Better for Resorts?

Miami
Nags Head

Miami is an amazing beach city to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Nags Head is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Miami is a great choice. Known for it's luxury, you'll find many resorts in the area. Popular options include The Ritz-Carlton South Beach, Fontainebleau, and Carillon Miami.

Nags Head is not a resort destination.


Is Miami or Nags Head Better for Beaches?

Miami
Nags Head

Miami is an amazing beach city to visit for its beaches. However, Nags Head is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Miami. If you're looking for long sandy beaches, luxury yacht clubs, and fine dining restaurants, the area's beaches have them all. Some of the best beaches in the area include the world-famous South Beach, the North Beach Oceanside Park, Sunny Isles Beach, and Surfside. Many beaches are lined with high rise hotels that offer an urban beach experience.

Nags Head is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Miami or Nags Head?

Miami
Nags Head

Miami is an amazing beach city to visit for shopping. However, Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Miami. The city has every high end brand you could want, along with diverse neighborhoods with local finds and unique purchases. You'll find many diverse shopping opportunities that are influenced by the city's cultural scene. You'll also find many souvenir stands and t-shirt shops.

Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Miami or Nags Head Better for Families?

Miami
Nags Head

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Miami or Nags Head.

Miami is a very family-friendly place to visit. Because it's so big, you'll find a number of kid-friendly activities in the area. There's the Miami Zoo, various waterparks, the Everglades Alligator Park, Miccosukee Indian Village, and plenty of indoor playgrounds in case the weather doesn't cooperate.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Nags Head is very family-friendly. It makes a wonderful base for the many family-friendly activities in the area. Jockey's Ridge is a fun place to visit with kids. There are also wonderful beaches and many kids enjoying flying kites.


Is Miami or Nags Head Better for Couples?

Miami
Nags Head

Miami is great for romance. Also, Nags Head is not as popular, but is still a nice for its romantic activities.

Miami is a great beach city if you're traveling as a couple. For couples who love nightlife, wining and dining, and high end beach clubs, this is the place to be. There are many award-winning restaurants and plenty of glitz and glam that make for a great romantic getaway.

Nags Head makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are great seafood restaurants and a number of activities in the area that are fun for couples.

Is Miami or Nags Head Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Miami
Nags Head

Miami and Nags Head are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Miami is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. This city is large enough to have something for everyone, so you'll find several hostels in the area that bring in the backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Nags Head. This is one of the more affordable places to stay in the Outer Banks, so it appeals to more budget-oriented travelers.

Is Miami or Nags Head Better for Students?

Miami
Nags Head

Miami is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Nags Head is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Miami. Spring break in Miami is the stuff of legends.

Nags Head is not popular with students.


Is Miami or Nags Head Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Miami
Nags Head

Miami is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Nags Head does not have public transit.

While Miami offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's an elevated metrorail as well as buses around the city.

Nags Head does not have public transit.

Is Miami or Nags Head a more walkable city?

Miami
Nags Head

Miami is great for its walkability. However, Nags Head is not a walkable destination.

Miami is very walkable. Many parts of city are surprisingly walkable and pedestrian friendly, allowing you to eat out, go shopping, or explore without the need for a car.

Nags Head is not a walkable destination.

Should I spend more time in Nags Head or Miami?

How long in Miami or Nags Head?

Both Miami and Nags Head have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Nags Head than in Miami. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Miami, and 4-7 days is enough time in Nags Head.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Miami than Nags Head 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 Miami.


  • How many days in Miami or Nags Head? Ideal Length of Stay
    Miami 7 
    Nags Head 4-7

One day in Miami or Nags Head?

People visit Miami because there is so much to do. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Nags Head, many people enjoy the food that this destination offers. This offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.


A weekend in Miami or Nags Head?

People visit Miami because there is so much to do. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This beach city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nags Head. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Miami or Nags Head?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the bustling beach city of Miami. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Nags Head is a fun place to experience. In Nags Head, many people enjoy the food that this destination offers. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Miami or Nags Head?

Miami is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Nags Head, many people enjoy the food that this destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Nags Head or Miami?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Miami is $206, while the average daily cost in Nags Head is $149. 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 Miami and Nags Head in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Miami $132
    Nags Head $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Miami $264
    Nags Head $160
Compare Hotels in Miami and Nags Head

Looking for a hotel in Miami or Nags Head? 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 Miami


Hotels in Nags Head


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: Miami Hotel Prices and Nags Head Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Miami $38
    Nags Head $40
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Miami

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Miami are as follows:


  • Car Rental for a Day
    $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Miami

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Miami:

  • Transfer to West Palm Beach: $420
  • From Miami Beach: Roundtrip Bimini Ferry and Hotel Transfers: $289
  • From Miami Airport - Private Transfer to Hotels and Homes: $265
  • From Miami - Private Transfer from Miami Hotels to Airport: $265
  • Private Airport Transfer From Miami Airport to Hotels and Home: $255
  • Private Transfer from Miami Airport to Hotel and Vice Versa: $255
  • Transfer from Miami Hotel or Miami Port to Fort Lauderdale Airport or Hotel: $199
  • Private transfer from Port Miami to Miami Airport or Miami Hotel: $190
  • Private Miami Airport Transfer to/from Miami Port and South Beach: $189
  • Guided Tour with Transfer from Cruise Port to Airport: $184
  • Private transfer from Miami hotel to Port of Miami: $160
  • Transfer from Miami Airport to Miami Hotel or Miami Port: $160

Is it cheaper to fly into Miami or Nags Head?

Prices for flights to both Nags Head and Miami 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
    Miami $41
    Nags Head $41
Typical Food Prices in Miami

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Miami:


  • Lunch with Drinks (for 2)
    $45
  • David's Cafe Lunch (for 1)
    $16

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Miami

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Miami.

  • The Ultimate Little Havana Food Tour: $64
  • South Beach Donut & Gelato Walking Food Tour: $65
  • Wynwood Street Art, Culture, Donuts & Walking Food Tour: $65
  • Little Havana Street Food Tour with Enthusiastic Guide: $69
  • Cuban Food Tour Of Little Havana: $70
  • South Beach Food Tour: $70
  • Food Tour of Miami's South Beach: $79
  • Mango's Dinner and Show Ticket: $98
  • Mango's Tropical Cafe Dinner & Show: $98
  • Miami Dinner Party w/ Night Club Experience: $100
  • Guided Small Group Little Havana Food Tour: $124
  • 3 Hour Regional Indian Cooking Class and Dining Experience in Miami: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Miami $31
    Nags Head $14

Tours and Activities in Miami

Here are a few actual costs in Miami for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 30 Minute- Ocean Drive Segway Tour: $42
  • Miami Beach Art Deco Tour with Cocktails: $75
  • Miami's Most Authentic Walking Tour of Little Havana: $39
  • South Beach Top Highlights Tour with Lincoln Rd and Espanola Way: $39
  • South Beach Walking Tour- A Journey through Food and History: $67
  • "Cigar Factory Tour": $35
  • 1 Day Key West Tour from Miami Florida: $175
  • 1 Hour Jet Ski Experience in Miami Beach Florida: $95
  • 1 Hour Star Island Segway Tour: $74
  • 1HR Boat Tour Around Miami Celebrities Mansion: $65
  • 2 hrs Miami Private Boat Tour with Cooler, Ice, Bluetooth Stereo: $75
  • 2-Day Key West and Miami South Beach Tour: $100

Tours and Activities in Nags Head

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

  • Cape Hatteras National Seashore: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $12
  • Wright Brothers Carolina Dunes: Self-Guided Driving Tour: $13
  • Outer Banks Audio Driving Tour: $13
  • Cape Hatteras National Seashore Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15
  • Wright Brothers Carolina Dunes Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Outer Banks Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $25
  • OBX Ghost Tours: $25
  • Manteo Historic Walking Tour: $28
  • Kitty Hawk Maritime Forest Kayak Tour: $49
  • 2-hour Outer Banks Wild Horse Tour by 4WD Truck: $57
  • Cape Hatteras Kayak Adventure in Rodanthe: $59
  • Alligator River Kayak Adventure: $59

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Miami $22
    Nags Head $12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Miami

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Miami are as follows:


  • Evening at a Bar
    $32

Sample the Local Flavors in Miami

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Miami:

  • Miami Bar Crawl: $25
  • Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Wynwood Graffiti Brewery Golf Cart Tour: $63
  • Wynwood Party Bike Bar Crawl: $64
  • Wynwood Party Bike Bar Crawl: $64
  • Wynwood Bar Crawl: $100


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Miami Expensive? and Is Nags Head Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Miami or Nags Head?

Miami has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Nags Head. When comparing the sizes of Miami and Nags Head, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Miami or Nags Head?

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 Miami or Nags Head in the Summer?

Both Nags Head and Miami during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Miami for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Nags Head because of the family-friendly experiences.

Miami is around the same temperature as Nags Head in the summer. The daily temperature in Miami averages around 83°F (28°C) in July, and Nags Head fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

In Nags Head, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Miami. In the summer, Miami often gets more sunshine than Nags Head. Miami gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nags Head receives 274 hours of full sun.

Nags Head gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Miami. Miami usually gets more rain in July than Nags Head. Miami gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Nags Head receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Miami 83°F (28°C) 
    Nags Head 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Miami or Nags Head in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Miami and Nags Head. The autumn months attract visitors to Miami because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Miami is much warmer than Nags Head. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Miami in October average around 78°F (26°C), and Nags Head averages at about 62°F (16°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nags Head this time of the year. In Miami, it's very sunny this time of the year. Miami usually receives more sunshine than Nags Head during autumn. Miami gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Nags Head receives 205 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Miami gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Miami usually receives more rain than Nags Head. Miami gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Nags Head receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Miami 78°F (26°C) 
    Nags Head 62°F (16°C)

Should I visit Miami or Nags Head in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Miami as well as Nags Head. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Miami this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nags Head for the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Nags Head. In January, Miami is generally much warmer than Nags Head. Daily temperatures in Miami average around 67°F (20°C), and Nags Head fluctuates around 41°F (5°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Miami this time of the year. In the winter, Miami often gets more sunshine than Nags Head. Miami gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nags Head receives 147 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nags Head. Miami usually gets less rain in January than Nags Head. Miami gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Nags Head receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Miami 67°F (20°C) 
    Nags Head 41°F (5°C)

Should I visit Miami or Nags Head in the Spring?

Both Nags Head and Miami are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Miami for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Miami is much warmer than Nags Head in the spring. The daily temperature in Miami averages around 75°F (24°C) in April, and Nags Head fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in Nags Head. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Miami. Miami usually receives more sunshine than Nags Head during spring. Miami gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Nags Head receives 262 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Miami usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nags Head. Miami gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Nags Head receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Miami 75°F (24°C) 
    Nags Head 59°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Nags Head and Miami

Miami Nags Head
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 67°F (20°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 41°F (5°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Feb 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Mar 72°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Apr 75°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
May 79°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm) 67°F (19°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm) 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Jul 83°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 78°F (26°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm) 78°F (25°C) 5 inches (127 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm)
Oct 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 62°F (16°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Nov 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Dec 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)