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

Should you visit Nags Head or Boston?

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

Should I visit Nags Head or Boston? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Nags Head

It's also known for food.

Boston

Boston is a classic, proud, and loyal city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater.

Nags Head and Boston: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Known for Christmas markets
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
  • Home to the Freedom Trail


Is there more to do in Nags Head or Boston?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Boston. Although Nags Head and Boston are both popular with visitors, Boston has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Boston is more touristy than Nags Head and is popular for its enthusiastic sports fans, influential history, beautiful parks, and world-class universities. It is also home to The Freedom Trail. Nags Head is popular for

How is Nags Head different from Boston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nags Head or Boston?

Nags Head
Boston

Boston is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. However, Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Boston from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city itself feels like a living museum. It is famous for Faneuil Hall, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabelle Stewart Gardner Museum, the USS Constitution, as well as the many sites along the Freedom Trail. There are also many museums on the campuses of the world renowned universities in the city.

Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.


Is Nags Head or Boston Better for Theater?

Nags Head
Boston

Boston is great for theatre. However, Nags Head is not a theatre destination.

While in town, many visitors enjoy seeing a show in Boston. The city has many historic, beautifully restored theaters where you can enjoy a show. Head to the theater district for some of the most famous venues.

Nags Head is not a theatre destination.

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

Nags Head
Boston

Boston is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Nags Head is not as popular, but is still a nice for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Boston. There are many local dishes that utilize fresh caught seafood and comfort food flavors. The cuisine also takes advantage of the city's Italian and Irish populations. Famous local foods include New England Clam Chowder, lobster rolls, and baked beans. You'll find hearty sandwiches and filling meals that warm your soul.

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 Nags Head or Boston Better for Nightlife?

Nags Head
Boston

Boston is great for nightlife. However, Nags Head is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Many people head to Boston for the nightlife scene. The city is known for its breweries, craft beer, and vibrant university neighborhoods. It also hosts regular outdoor movies and world class sporting events. The nightlife scene is varied, with some areas catering to the student population and other areas focused on the professional or sport-loving crowds.

Nags Head is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.


Is Nags Head or Boston Better for Music?

Nags Head
Boston

Boston is a popular place for live music. However, Nags Head is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Boston is active and vibrant. Popular music venues include Lizard Lounge, Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, and The Middle East.

Nags Head is not a live music destination.

Is Nags Head or Boston Better for Beaches?

Nags Head
Boston

Boston is adequate for its beaches. However, Nags Head is not a beach destination.

Boston is a good spot to see the beach. There are a few urban beaches in the greater Boston area that you can explore on a nice day.

Nags Head is not a beach destination.

Is Nags Head or Boston Better for its Old Town?

Nags Head
Boston

Boston is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town. However, Nags Head does not have a historic old town.

Boston offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Boston is famous for its Freedom Trail, which takes visitors around the city's rich history. The oldest parts of the city are known as Boston Proper and include the neighborhoods of Beacon Hill, Historic Downtown, the North End, and the West End.

Nags Head does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Nags Head or Boston?

Nags Head
Boston

Boston is a popular place for shopping. However, Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Boston. Head to Back Bay for some of the best high end shops. There are luxury brands and boutique venues that sell local art or crafts.

Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Nags Head or Boston Better for Christmas?

Nags Head
Boston

Boston is great for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Nags Head does not offer Christmas activities.

Boston is a very popular destination during Christmas. Christmas comes to life in the city with its Christmas Trees, holiday shows, and festivals.

Nags Head does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Nags Head or Boston Better for Christmas Markets?

Nags Head
Boston

Boston is great for visiting Christmas markets. However, Nags Head does not offer Christmas markets.

The Christmas markets in Boston offer plenty to see during the holidays. There are a number of European style Christmas markets that pop up during the holiday season around town.

Nags Head does not offer Christmas markets.


Is Nags Head or Boston Better for Families?

Nags Head
Boston

Boston is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nags Head is not as popular, but is still a nice for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Boston is a very family-friendly destination. It's filled with history, but there are also many activities for kids who need a break from all of the historical stuff. Popular activities for all ages include the Museum of Science, the New England Aquarium, and exploring the waterfront, gardens, and parks around town.

Nags Head is a very kid-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 Nags Head or Boston Better for Couples?

Nags Head
Boston

With fun activities for couples, both Nags Head and Boston make for a good place to visit.

Nags Head is a nice destination for couples. There are great seafood restaurants and a number of activities in the area that are fun for couples.

Boston makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy history will enjoy exploring the city. Take a swan boat ride in the Public Garden and wander the unique route along the Freedom Trail. There are also many sporting and entertainment options around town.

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

Nags Head
Boston

For backpackers, both Nags Head and Boston are good places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

Boston is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Like most larger American cities, the city has a handful of hostels to choose from.


Is Nags Head or Boston Better for Students?

Nags Head
Boston

Boston is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Nags Head is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Boston. It is a city of students, with a number of world renowned universities located here including Harvard University, Boston College, and MIT. Many neighborhoods are filled with students and there are many student-centered activities around town including festivals and an active nightlife scene.

Nags Head is not popular with students.

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

Nags Head
Boston

Boston is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Nags Head does not have public transit.

Public transit in Boston is top-notch. There's the T, which is the subway, as well as a trolley, bus, and water transportation system.

Nags Head does not have public transit.

Is Nags Head or Boston a more walkable city?

Nags Head
Boston

Boston is an amazing city to visit for its walkability. However, Nags Head is not a walkable destination.

Boston is a very easy city to get around on foot. The many parks and compact neighborhoods are best explored on foot.

Nags Head is not a walkable destination.


Should I spend more time in Boston or Nags Head?

How long in Nags Head or Boston?

In either Nags Head or Boston, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Nags Head than Boston because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Nags Head, and 3-5 days is enough time in Boston.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Nags Head or Boston? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nags Head 4-7 
    Boston 3-5

One day in Nags Head or Boston?

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Nags Head. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

People visit Boston because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

A weekend in Nags Head or Boston?

Nags Head is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

People visit Boston because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Nags Head or Boston?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nags Head. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

People visit Boston because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the museums. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.


A week in Nags Head or Boston?

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Nags Head. This offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Boston is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.


Which place is cheaper, Boston or Nags Head?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Nags Head is $149, while the average daily cost in Boston is $255. 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 Nags Head and Boston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nags Head $80
    Boston $166
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nags Head $160
    Boston $332
Compare Hotels in Nags Head and Boston

Looking for a hotel in Nags Head or Boston? 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 Nags Head


Hotels in Boston


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: Nags Head Hotel Prices and Boston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nags Head $40
    Boston $37

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Boston

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


  • Taxi
    $35
  • Subway Daily Pass
    $9.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Boston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Boston:

  • Luxor Limo Private Transfer and City Tour: $1,195
  • Private Transfer: between Manhattan and Boston: $960
  • Flynn Cruiseport Private Transfer to Boston: $681
  • Round trip Airport Transfer: Logan - Boston: $300
  • Boston Logan Airport to Killington/Okemo Private Transfer: $283
  • Boston Logan Airport (BOS): Private Transfer to Boston city: $242
  • Boston’s Logan International Airport to Providence – Arrival Private Transfer : $170
  • Boston Airport (BOS): Transfer to Flynn Cruise Port Boston: $167
  • Limo Private Transfer Boston to Logan International Airport : $160
  • Limo Private Transfer Logan International Airport to Boston: $160
  • Private Transfer in Boston (BOS) Airport/Home/Hotel/Work : $160
  • Boston Logan Airport (BOS) to Boston - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $157

Is it cheaper to fly into Nags Head or Boston?

Prices for flights to both Boston and Nags Head 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
    Nags Head $41
    Boston $49

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Boston

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

  • AM Coffee Walks with Salem Food Tours: $34
  • Boston's North End Pizza & History Walking Food Tour: $49
  • North End Pizza Tour with 3 Slices and Cannoli: $55
  • Pizza Beer and Paul Revere Tour: $60
  • North End Food Experience with Pizza, Meats & Cheese: $68
  • Boston Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $70
  • Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise on Boston Harbor: $77
  • Ultimate Food Tour of North End & Public Market: $80
  • Boston's North End Small Group Food Tour : $81
  • Union Square, Somerville Neighborhood Food Tour: $90
  • Ultimate Boston Food Tour: North End & Boston Public Market: $99
  • Boston Harbor: Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $108

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nags Head $14
    Boston $33

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Boston

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Boston are as follows:


  • Two Tickets to Celtics Game
    $101
  • Duck Tour
    $32

Tours and Activities in Boston

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

  • "Ghosts of Boston" Walking Ghost Tour: $25
  • "Witch Trials" Walking Tour in Salem: $25
  • 1 If By Land Walking Tours: History Walking Tour of Boston: $45
  • 1 or 2 Day Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour with Harbor Cruise Option: $46
  • 1-Day Tour to Portland-Maine from Boston: $175
  • 1692 Salem Day Tour: $32
  • 1692 Salem Night Walking Tour: $32
  • 2 Hour North End 'Little Italy' Walking Tour : $35
  • 2-Hour Beacon Hill True Crime Expert Guided Tour: $35
  • 90-Minute Boston Harbor Sunset Sightseeing Cruise: $48
  • A Bostonian Christmas Tour: $421
  • A Bostonian Christmas Tour: $216

For more ideas for your next trip, check out Free Things to Do in Boston, Must-See Monuments and Memorials In Boston, and The Best Things To Do in Boston with Kids.


Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nags Head $12
    Boston $27

Sample the Local Flavors in Boston

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Boston:

  • Boston Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Haunted Pub Crawl of Historic Pubs and Taverns: $30
  • Boston Ghosts Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl : $34
  • Salem Booze and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl by US Ghost Adventures: $35
  • Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • History Pub Crawl Tour Along the Freedom Trail: $59
  • Boston Small-Group Freedom Trail History Tour Pub Crawl: $60
  • Boston Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $105
  • Guided Craft Brewery Tour with a Snack: $105


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nags Head and Boston, we can see that Boston 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 Boston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boston 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 Nags Head Expensive? and Is Boston Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nags Head or Boston?

Boston has a larger population, and is about 180 times larger than the population of Nags Head. When comparing the sizes of Nags Head and Boston, 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 Nags Head or Boston?

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 Nags Head or Boston in the Summer?

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

Nags Head is a little warmer than Boston in the summer. The daily temperature in Nags Head averages around 78°F (26°C) in July, and Boston fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In Boston, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nags Head. In the summer, Nags Head often gets less sunshine than Boston. Nags Head gets 274 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 304 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nags Head. Nags Head usually gets more rain in July than Boston. Nags Head gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nags Head 78°F (26°C) 
    Boston 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Nags Head or Boston in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nags Head and Boston. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Boston this time of year.

In the autumn, Nags Head is a little warmer than Boston. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nags Head in October average around 62°F (16°C), and Boston averages at about 54°F (12°C).

In Nags Head, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nags Head usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Boston during autumn. Nags Head gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Nags Head usually receives around the same amount of rain as Boston. Nags Head gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nags Head 62°F (16°C) 
    Boston 54°F (12°C)

Should I visit Nags Head or Boston in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Boston. It's quite cold in Nags Head in the winter. In January, Nags Head is generally much warmer than Boston. Daily temperatures in Nags Head average around 41°F (5°C), and Boston fluctuates around 29°F (-2°C).

In the winter, Nags Head often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Boston. Nags Head gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 153 hours of full sun.

Nags Head receives a lot of rain in the winter. Nags Head usually gets more rain in January than Boston. Nags Head gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nags Head 41°F (5°C) 
    Boston 29°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Nags Head or Boston in the Spring?

Both Boston and Nags Head are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Boston in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Nags Head is much warmer than Boston in the spring. The daily temperature in Nags Head averages around 59°F (15°C) in April, and Boston fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

It's quite sunny in Boston. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nags Head. Nags Head usually receives more sunshine than Boston during spring. Nags Head gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nags Head usually receives less rain than Boston. Nags Head gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nags Head 59°F (15°C) 
    Boston 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Boston and Nags Head

Nags Head Boston
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 41°F (5°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 29°F (-2°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Feb 42°F (6°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Mar 50°F (10°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 38°F (4°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm)
Apr 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
May 67°F (19°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Jun 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Jul 78°F (26°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Aug 78°F (25°C) 5 inches (127 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Oct 62°F (16°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 45°F (7°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
Dec 45°F (7°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 33°F (1°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)