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

Should you visit Myrtle Beach or Newport?

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 Newport can help you decide which place is right for you.

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is a party-filled, busy, and jam-packed beach city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the nightlife and beaches.

Newport

Newport is a historical, charming, and coastal town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Myrtle Beach and Newport: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • 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
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Myrtle Beach or Newport?

Both Newport and Myrtle Beach have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Myrtle Beach is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, and big city activities, while Newport attracts visitors for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Myrtle Beach is more touristy than Newport and is popular for its party-hard atmosphere, spring break crowds, and beachfront nightlife scene. Newport is famous for its sailing regattas, its mansions along Bellevue Avenue, and its maritime history.

How is Myrtle Beach different from Newport?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Myrtle Beach
Newport

Newport is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Newport specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The historic mansions and local museums educate visitors on the town's maritime past and colonial roots. Some of the more popular places to visit include The Breakers, The Elms Mansion, The Marble House, and Chateau-sur-mer Mansion.

Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Myrtle Beach
Newport

Newport is a great destination for its restaurant scene. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Newport is an experience not to be missed. Find a waterfront restaurant and enjoy fresh seafood and a charming atmosphere. Many restaurants are influenced by the town's Portuguese and Irish roots. You'll find classic pubs as well as brunch cafes and traditional taverns.

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 Newport Better for Nightlife?

Myrtle Beach
Newport

Myrtle Beach is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Newport is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Myrtle Beach is a must-see party destination. 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.

Newport has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a lively atmosphere in the evening with many pubs, taverns, and bars that keep the energy high.

Is Myrtle Beach or Newport Better for Resorts?

Myrtle Beach
Newport

Myrtle Beach is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Newport is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Myrtle Beach as a resort destination, but it has a few places. While there are a handful of resorts in the area, like the popular Marriott Vacation Club, most hotels are crowded and lacking in space.

Newport is not a resort destination.


Is Myrtle Beach or Newport Better for Beaches?

Myrtle Beach
Newport

Myrtle Beach and Newport 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 Newport. Tucked in along the rocky coastline are many beautiful sandy beaches. You'll find popular and active beaches where you can lounge in a chair and people watch, as well as more secluded spots where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. The largest beach is Easton's Beach (also known as First Beach). Surfers and boaters enjoy Sachuest Beach (or Second Beach), and a less popular, but very rewarding beach is also King Park Beach.

Is Myrtle Beach or Newport Better for its Old Town?

Myrtle Beach
Newport

Newport 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 Newport. The Historic District is filled with colonial buildings and impressive mansions. There are cobblestone streets and a charming loop through the town's Old Quarter.

Myrtle Beach does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Myrtle Beach or Newport?

Myrtle Beach
Newport

Newport 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 Newport. Walk along the charming cobblestone streets and pop in the many local boutiques and shops.

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 Newport Better for Families?

Myrtle Beach
Newport

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

Newport is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. For an educational and interactive experience, head to Save The Bay Exploration Center & Aquarium. The Norman Bird Sanctuary also has a lot of land and places to explore. Kids will enjoy a visit to the beach or running around Breton Point State Park as well. On a rainy day, Ryans Family Amusements is the perfect way to pass some time.

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 Newport Better for Couples?

Myrtle Beach
Newport

Newport 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, Newport has plenty to offer. It's a coastal town with a lot of charm that makes for a perfect romantic escape. Enjoy dining and shopping along Thames Street or take a walk along the coast. There are many local restaurants and evening activities for couples as well.

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 Newport Better for Students?

Myrtle Beach
Newport

Myrtle Beach is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Newport 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.

Newport is not popular with students.


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

Myrtle Beach
Newport

Newport 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 Newport, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses operated by RIPTA. You can visit most of the attractions in the downtown area by catching a ride on one of the classic green and gold hybrid trolley buses.

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 Newport a more walkable city?

Myrtle Beach
Newport

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

Newport is a very walkable destination. The town's downtown are compact and fun to explore on foot. There is a nice concentration of shops, restaurants, hotels and sights.

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 Newport Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Newport or Myrtle Beach?

How long in Myrtle Beach or Newport?

In either Myrtle Beach or Newport, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Myrtle Beach than Newport because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Myrtle Beach, and 2-5 days is enough time in Newport.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Myrtle Beach or Newport? Ideal Length of Stay
    Myrtle Beach 2-7 
    Newport 2-5

One day in Myrtle Beach or Newport?

In Myrtle Beach, you'll find nightlife. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This beach city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Newport, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this seaside town offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Newport?

In Myrtle Beach, you'll find nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Myrtle Beach has to offer.

Newport is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

Five days in Myrtle Beach or Newport?

Myrtle Beach is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Myrtle Beach has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

In Newport, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this coastal destination offers. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Myrtle Beach or Newport?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Myrtle Beach. In Myrtle Beach, you'll find nightlife. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Newport is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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, Newport 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 Newport is $159. 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 Newport in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Myrtle Beach $88
    Newport $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Myrtle Beach $176
    Newport $184
Compare Hotels in Myrtle Beach and Newport

Looking for a hotel in Myrtle Beach or Newport? 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 Newport


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 Newport Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Myrtle Beach $24
    Newport $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Myrtle Beach

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Myrtle Beach:

  • Private Departure Transfer to Myrtle Beach Airport (MYR): $36
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Myrtle Beach Airport MYR: $36
  • Myrtle Beach to Myrtle Beach Intl. Airport (MYR) - Departure Private Transfer: $52
  • Myrtle Beach Intl. Airport (MYR) to Myrtle Beach - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $105

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Newport

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

  • Private Transfer from Newport Cruise Port to Boston city hotels: $87
  • Private Transfer from Newport Port to Boston Logan Airport (BOS) : $87
  • Private Transfer from Newport Port to Providence Airport (PVD): $49
  • Private Transfer from Newport Port to Providence city Hotels: $61

Is it cheaper to fly into Myrtle Beach or Newport?

Prices for flights to both Newport 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
    Newport $45
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Newport

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

  • Newport Neighborhood Food Tour: $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Myrtle Beach $46
    Newport $17
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

Tours and Activities in Newport

For Newport, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Downtown Historic Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $6.50
  • Newport Downtown Historic Audio APP Self Guided Smart Phone Tour: $6.75
  • Newport's Cliff Walk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Newport, Rhode Island: Cliff Walk Gilded Age Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Newport Cliff Walk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Cliff Walk Self-Guided Walking Tour: $8.49
  • Newport Cliff Walk - Legends of the Gilded Age GPS Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Ocean Drive Historic District: A Newport Self-Guided Driving Tour: $9.99
  • Newport Cliff Walk Self-Guided Walking Tour: $9.99
  • Ocean Drive Historic District Self-Guided Tour: $9.99
  • Discover Newport's Grandeur: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Newport, Rhode Island: Scenic Self-Driving Audio Tour: $13

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Myrtle Beach $16
    Newport $14


When comparing the travel costs between Myrtle Beach and Newport, we can see that Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach Expensive? and Is Newport Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Myrtle Beach or Newport?

Newport has a larger population, and is about 2% larger than the population of Myrtle Beach. When comparing the sizes of Myrtle Beach and Newport, 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 Newport?

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 Newport in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Myrtle Beach as well as Newport. The summer months attract visitors to Myrtle Beach because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Newport this time of year.

Myrtle Beach is a little warmer than Newport in the summer. The daily temperature in Myrtle Beach averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Newport fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Newport. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Myrtle Beach this time of the year. In the summer, Myrtle Beach often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Newport. Myrtle Beach gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newport receives 293 hours of full sun.

Myrtle Beach receives a lot of rain in the summer. Myrtle Beach usually gets more rain in July than Newport. Myrtle Beach gets 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Myrtle Beach 81°F (27°C) 
    Newport 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Newport in the Autumn?

Both Newport and Myrtle Beach are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Newport for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Myrtle Beach is much warmer than Newport. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Myrtle Beach in October average around 65°F (18°C), and Newport averages at about 53°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Newport. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Myrtle Beach. Myrtle Beach usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Newport during autumn. Myrtle Beach gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Newport receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Myrtle Beach usually receives less rain than Newport. Myrtle Beach gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Newport in the Winter?

Both Newport and Myrtle Beach during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Myrtle Beach for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Newport in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Newport can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Myrtle Beach is generally much warmer than Newport. Daily temperatures in Myrtle Beach average around 45°F (7°C), and Newport fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

In the winter, Myrtle Beach often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Newport. Myrtle Beach gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newport receives 170 hours of full sun.

Myrtle Beach usually gets more rain in January than Newport. Myrtle Beach gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Myrtle Beach 45°F (7°C) 
    Newport 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Newport in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Myrtle Beach and Newport. Many visitors come to Myrtle Beach in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to Newport for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

Myrtle Beach is much warmer than Newport in the spring. The daily temperature in Myrtle Beach averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Newport fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Newport this time of the year. In Myrtle Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. Myrtle Beach usually receives more sunshine than Newport during spring. Myrtle Beach gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Newport receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Myrtle Beach usually receives less rain than Newport. Myrtle Beach gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Myrtle Beach 62°F (17°C) 
    Newport 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Newport and Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach Newport
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 45°F (7°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 55°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 62°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 70°F (21°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 6 inches (152 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 8.1 inches (207 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 80°F (26°C) 6.9 inches (176 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 75°F (24°C) 5 inches (128 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 65°F (18°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 57°F (14°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 49°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)