A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Myrtle Beach vs. Nantucket for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Resorts

Should you visit Myrtle Beach or Nantucket?

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 Myrtle Beach and Nantucket can help you decide which place is right for you.

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is a jam-packed, high energy, and party-filled beach city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife and beaches.

Nantucket

Nantucket is a peaceful, upscale, and charming island. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Myrtle Beach and Nantucket: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Not as many resort options
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Myrtle Beach or Nantucket?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nantucket than Myrtle Beach, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nantucket is better known for its museums, food, resorts, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Myrtle Beach is more popular for its nightlife and big city activities. Myrtle Beach is more touristy than Nantucket and is popular for its party-hard atmosphere, spring break crowds, and beachfront nightlife scene. Nantucket is well known for its pristine beaches, upscale atmosphere, and history of whaling. Also, Nantucket is famous for Great Point Lighthouse.

How is Myrtle Beach different from Nantucket?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Myrtle Beach or Nantucket?

Myrtle Beach
Nantucket

Nantucket is very good for its museums and landmarks. However, Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Nantucket. There are several museums around town that educate visitors on the island's whaling history and maritime past.

Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Myrtle Beach or Nantucket? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Myrtle Beach
Nantucket

Nantucket is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Nantucket has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Upscale eateries where you can look out on the water make dining on this island a true experience. There are raw bars, seafood restaurants, and local cafes with elaborate salads and duck carnitas. Dishes usually use the highest quality fresh ingredients and chefs bring their "A game" with every customer.

Myrtle Beach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Slices of pizza and seafood buffets are the most common options in the area. There are also themed restaurants and dinner shows that make for a fun night, even if the food isn't the highest quality.

Is Myrtle Beach or Nantucket Better for Nightlife?

Myrtle Beach
Nantucket

Myrtle Beach is renowned for nightlife. Also, Nantucket is not as popular, but is still a nice island for nightlife and partying.

Myrtle Beach is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. This beach is famous for its nightlife. From all-night bars and clubs, to music concerts and outdoor venues, there's no shortage of things to do. Bachelor and Bachelorette parties and spring break crowds make this the place to be for a party.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Nantucket. You'll find a number of bars and a lively singles scene in town. There's also live music and a laid back but active atmosphere in the evening.

Is Myrtle Beach or Nantucket Better for Resorts?

Myrtle Beach
Nantucket

Nantucket is a great destination for its resorts. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its luxury resorts.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Nantucket. Luxury resorts and upscale inns offer guests a relaxed setting with oceanfront views and family-friendly activities.

Myrtle Beach has a few resort options worth checking out. While there are a handful of resorts in the area, like the popular Marriott Vacation Club, most hotels are crowded and lacking in space.


Is Myrtle Beach or Nantucket Better for Beaches?

Myrtle Beach
Nantucket

Myrtle Beach and Nantucket are very good choices for a beach vacation.

Myrtle Beach is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Most people head to the center of town and boardwalk for the nightlife and vibrant activities more than the actual beach. The stretches north and south have nice beaches lined with hotels and resorts, and a much more family-friendly atmosphere. If you want a more relaxed beach setting without the huge crowds, check out Myrtle Beach State Park.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Nantucket. You'll find the calmest water at the northern beaches, and cooler water with rougher surf to the south. Many of the beaches are accessible from town, but parking can be limited. There are both public and private beaches, each with beautiful settings and relaxing vibes.

Is Myrtle Beach or Nantucket Better for its Old Town?

Myrtle Beach
Nantucket

Nantucket is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Myrtle Beach does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Nantucket. The Historic District is filled with New England charm, cobblestone streets, and upscale boutiques. There are many great restaurants and a lot of historic character.

Myrtle Beach does not have a historic old town.

Is Myrtle Beach or Nantucket Better for Hiking?

Myrtle Beach
Nantucket

Nantucket is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Myrtle Beach is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Nantucket. The island is easy to explore on foot, and its covered with hiking trails that follow the serene coastline or take you through forests, bogs, and marshland.

Myrtle Beach is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Myrtle Beach or Nantucket?

Myrtle Beach
Nantucket

Nantucket is a great destination for its shopping areas. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Nantucket. The Historic District is filled with boutiques, art galleries, and upscale shops. It's the perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering around and shopping.

Myrtle Beach is a good destination for shopping. The town is filled with souvenir shops, t-shirt shops, and candy vendors that make shopping entertaining.

Is Myrtle Beach or Nantucket Better for Families?

Myrtle Beach
Nantucket

Nantucket is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

Nantucket is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There's a calm beach that's perfect for kids as well as quaint ice cream shops and plenty of New England charm. The town is also filled with hiking and biking trails.

For families, Myrtle Beach is not always the best place to visit. While this area isn't generally considered a family destination, there are some newer vacation clubs and resorts that cater specifically to families and have become popular. The Marriott Vacation Club is one of the most popular with families in Myrtle Beach.

Is Myrtle Beach or Nantucket Better for Couples?

Myrtle Beach
Nantucket

Nantucket is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Myrtle Beach is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Nantucket has plenty to offer. The New England charm, natural beauty, and relaxing coastal atmosphere make this a perfect romantic destination. There are also many romantic places to stay and great local restaurants.

Myrtle Beach is a nice destination for couples. The beach area isn't exactly a romantic destination but for couples who enjoy going out and having fun together, there is no shortage of night time activities.


Is Myrtle Beach or Nantucket Better for Students?

Myrtle Beach
Nantucket

Myrtle Beach is a great beach city for its student-friendly activities. However, Nantucket is not popular with students.

Myrtle Beach is very popular with students. University students flock to the area for spring break and end of year celebrations. If you're a student during those times, this is the place to be, otherwise, the area is best avoided.

Nantucket is not popular with students.

Is Myrtle Beach or Nantucket Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Myrtle Beach
Nantucket

Nantucket is very good for its public transit. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Nantucket, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are shuttle buses around the island that operate with greater frequency during the summer months.

Public transit is quite limited in Myrtle Beach. There are no real public transit options so you'll need a car to get around.

Is Myrtle Beach or Nantucket a more walkable city?

Myrtle Beach
Nantucket

Nantucket is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its walkability.

Nantucket is a very walkable destination. The town is very walkable and parking can be challenging, so it's best to leave your car in the ferry parking lot.

Myrtle Beach is generally not a very walkable beach city. By the Boardwalk, it's easy to walk around, but traffic can still be congested and once you're out of the main strip, a car is essential.


For even more information, also check out Is Myrtle Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Nantucket Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nantucket or Myrtle Beach?

How long in Myrtle Beach or Nantucket?

It's fun to spend time in either Myrtle Beach or Nantucket. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Myrtle Beach due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Myrtle Beach, and 2-4 days is enough time in Nantucket.

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

Couples should spend more time in Nantucket than Myrtle Beach. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Nantucket that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nantucket than Myrtle Beach 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 Nantucket.


  • How many days in Myrtle Beach or Nantucket? Ideal Length of Stay
    Myrtle Beach 2-7 
    Nantucket 2-4

One day in Myrtle Beach or Nantucket?

You'll find nightlife around the beach city of Myrtle Beach. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

Nantucket is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Myrtle Beach or Nantucket?

You'll find nightlife around the high energy destination of Myrtle Beach. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this beach city has to offer. This beach city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Nantucket 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. Lots of people come for the food. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Myrtle Beach or Nantucket?

You'll find nightlife around the party-filled beach city of Myrtle Beach. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this beach city makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this beach city has to offer.

Nantucket is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.


A week in Myrtle Beach or Nantucket?

Myrtle Beach is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Myrtle Beach, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Nantucket is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Nantucket or Myrtle Beach?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Myrtle Beach is $173, while the average daily cost in Nantucket is $350. 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 Myrtle Beach and Nantucket in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Myrtle Beach $88
    Nantucket $237
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Myrtle Beach $176
    Nantucket $474
Compare Hotels in Myrtle Beach and Nantucket

Looking for a hotel in Myrtle Beach or Nantucket? 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 Myrtle Beach


Hotels in Nantucket


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: Myrtle Beach Hotel Prices and Nantucket Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Myrtle Beach $24
    Nantucket $47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Myrtle Beach

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Myrtle Beach:

  • Myrtle Beach Intl. Airport (MYR) to Myrtle Beach - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $105
  • Myrtle Beach to Myrtle Beach Intl. Airport (MYR) - Departure Private Transfer: $53
  • Private Departure Transfer to Myrtle Beach Airport (MYR): $36
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Myrtle Beach Airport MYR: $36

Is it cheaper to fly into Myrtle Beach or Nantucket?

Prices for flights to both Nantucket and Myrtle Beach 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
    Myrtle Beach $56
    Nantucket $81
Typical Food Prices in Myrtle Beach

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


  • Dinner for Two
    $49
  • Diner Breakfast for Two
    $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Myrtle Beach

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

  • Murder Mystery Dinner Show in Myrtle Beach: $50
  • Polynesian Fire Luau and Dinner Show Ticket in Myrtle Beach: $67
  • North Dinner Cruise on a Paddle Wheel Boat: $70
  • Luau with Polynesian Dinner and Live Show: $71

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Myrtle Beach $46
    Nantucket $34
Typical Entertainment Prices in Myrtle Beach

Here are a few typical costs in Myrtle Beach for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Mini Golf for Two
    $18
  • Beach Chairs
    $15

Tours and Activities in Myrtle Beach

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

  • 2-Hour Guided Segway Tour of Huntington Beach State Park in Myrtle Beach: $69
  • Day Trip to Charleston Tour #5: Bus Tour, Boone Plantation, Lunch and More: $120
  • Day Trips to Charleston#7 See Ft Sumter,CarriageTour,Lunch & more: $215
  • Early Myrtle Beach History and The WWII Years Trolley Tour: $40
  • Friday Night Flights Local Beer Tour in Myrtle Beach: $90
  • From Charleston Tour with Boone Hall & Cruise: $173
  • Kayak Salt Marsh Maze Tour: $45
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience Myrtle Beach, SC: $15
  • Murrells Inlet: Saltwater Marsh Shelling & Eco Tour: $32
  • Murrells Inlet: Scenic Sunset Cruise: $29
  • Myrtle Beach Area Ghosts, Pirates and Historic Families Trolley Tour: $40
  • Myrtle Beach Dolphin Cruise Murrells Inlet: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Myrtle Beach $16
    Nantucket $35


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

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


Which is Bigger, Myrtle Beach or Nantucket?

Myrtle Beach has a larger population, and is about 71% larger than the population of Nantucket. When comparing the sizes of Myrtle Beach and Nantucket, 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 Myrtle Beach or Nantucket?

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 Myrtle Beach or Nantucket in the Summer?

Both Nantucket and Myrtle Beach during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Myrtle Beach because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nantucket this time of year.

In the summer, Myrtle Beach is a little warmer than Nantucket. Typically, the summer temperatures in Myrtle Beach in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Nantucket averages at about 68°F (20°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Myrtle Beach. Myrtle Beach usually gets more rain in July than Nantucket. Myrtle Beach gets 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Myrtle Beach 81°F (27°C) 
    Nantucket 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Nantucket in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Myrtle Beach and Nantucket. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Myrtle Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nantucket for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Myrtle Beach is generally much warmer than Nantucket. Daily temperatures in Myrtle Beach average around 65°F (18°C), and Nantucket fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

Nantucket receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Myrtle Beach usually receives less rain than Nantucket. Myrtle Beach gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Myrtle Beach 65°F (18°C) 
    Nantucket 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Nantucket in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Myrtle Beach as well as Nantucket. Many travelers come to Myrtle Beach for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Nantucket in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Nantucket can get quite cold in the winter. Myrtle Beach is much warmer than Nantucket in the winter. The daily temperature in Myrtle Beach averages around 45°F (7°C) in January, and Nantucket fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

It's quite rainy in Nantucket. Myrtle Beach usually gets less rain in January than Nantucket. Myrtle Beach gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Myrtle Beach 45°F (7°C) 
    Nantucket 31°F (-0°C)

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Nantucket in the Spring?

Both Nantucket and Myrtle Beach are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Myrtle Beach in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Nantucket for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Myrtle Beach is much warmer than Nantucket. Typically, the spring temperatures in Myrtle Beach in April average around 62°F (17°C), and Nantucket averages at about 45°F (7°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nantucket. In April, Myrtle Beach usually receives less rain than Nantucket. Myrtle Beach gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Myrtle Beach 62°F (17°C) 
    Nantucket 45°F (7°C)

Typical Weather for Nantucket and Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach Nantucket
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 45°F (7°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 31°F (-0°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Feb 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 32°F (-0°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)
Mar 55°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (102 mm)
Apr 62°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 45°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)
May 70°F (21°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 6 inches (152 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 8.1 inches (207 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Aug 80°F (26°C) 6.9 inches (176 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Sep 75°F (24°C) 5 inches (128 mm) 62°F (17°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Oct 65°F (18°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 53°F (12°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm)
Nov 57°F (14°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Dec 49°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 36°F (2°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)