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

Should you visit Nags Head or Dallas?

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

Should I visit Nags Head or Dallas? 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

And you can't forget about the food.

Dallas

Dallas is a active, upscale, and chic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Nags Head and Dallas: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Nags Head or Dallas?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dallas. Although Nags Head and Dallas are popular destinations, Dallas has more sights and attractions for tourists. Dallas is more touristy than Nags Head and is popular for its Tex Mex cuisine, upscale shopping venues, and cowboy culture. It is also well known for the Sixth Floor Museum. Nags Head is famous for

How is Nags Head different from Dallas?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nags Head
Dallas

Dallas is great for its historical sights. However, Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.

Dallas offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Museums range from historical to art and science with some of the favorites being the Dallas Contemporary Museum, the African American Museum, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Frontiers of Flight Museum. The city is also home to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and the Nasher Sculpture Center. A must-see is the Sixth Floor Museum, which is in historic Dealey Plaza and is where Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots that killed JFK. Today there's a museum that goes over the events of that day.

Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Nags Head
Dallas

Dallas 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 Dallas. There's a perfect combination of Texas cuisine and international flavors. You'll find Texas barbecue, Tex Mex, and steakhouses intermixed with Thai, Japanese, and Caribbean cuisine. There's also a great food truck scene and many local eateries.

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 Dallas Better for Nightlife?

Nags Head
Dallas

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

Many people head to Dallas for the nightlife scene. Head to East Dallas for the most active clubs with large dance floors and great music. The city also has rooftop lounges and plenty of live music as well as comedy clubs.

Nags Head is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is the Shopping Better in Nags Head or Dallas?

Nags Head
Dallas

Dallas is great for shopping. However, Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Dallas. You'll find a very diverse shopping scene around town, with everything from quirky local vendors to upscale fashion boutiques. There are cowboy outfitters where you can get a feel for the Texas style, but there are also posh shopping centers and local flea markets.

Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Nags Head or Dallas Better for Families?

Nags Head
Dallas

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Nags Head or Dallas.

Nags Head is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Dallas is a very kid-friendly . The city is filled with families, and you'll find many kid-friendly activities around town. For some outdoor time you can visit the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden or the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The Dallas Zoo is a favorite for many kids and there are also a number of kid-friendly museums around town such as the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Dallas World Aquarium.

Is Nags Head or Dallas Better for Couples?

Nags Head
Dallas

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

Dallas is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Head to the observation deck at Reunion Tower for spectacular views of the night skyline. The city also has many great comedy clubs and performing arts venues as well as fine dining restaurants that make for a great date night.

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 Nags Head or Dallas Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nags Head
Dallas

Nags Head is very good for backpackers. However, Dallas is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Nags Head is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. This is one of the more affordable places to stay in the Outer Banks, so it appeals to more budget-oriented travelers.

Dallas is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there are a couple of hostels around town, this isn't a popular destination for the backpacker crowd.


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

Nags Head
Dallas

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

While Dallas offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. While it's still very much a car-centered city, the public transportation system, DART, is one of the fastest growing in the country. It includes both light rail and bus service.

Nags Head does not have public transit.

Is Nags Head or Dallas a more walkable city?

Nags Head
Dallas

Dallas is adequate for its walkability. However, Nags Head is not a walkable destination.

Dallas is generally not a very walkable city. The city is not particularly walkable, but there are several more walkable areas such as Ellum and Uptown.

Nags Head is not a walkable destination.

Should I spend more time in Dallas or Nags Head?

How long in Nags Head or Dallas?

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

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

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

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


  • How many days in Nags Head or Dallas? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nags Head 4-7 
    Dallas 2-4

One day in Nags Head or Dallas?

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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Dallas. 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 Dallas?

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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the chic destination of Dallas. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Nags Head or Dallas?

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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the chic city of Dallas. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Nags Head or Dallas?

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.

Dallas is a popular choice for travelers. 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, Dallas 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 Dallas is $141. 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 Dallas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nags Head $80
    Dallas $84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nags Head $160
    Dallas $168
Compare Hotels in Nags Head and Dallas

Looking for a hotel in Nags Head or Dallas? 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 Dallas


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 Dallas Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nags Head $40
    Dallas $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dallas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dallas:

  • Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW): Transfer to Dallas: $203
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private Minivan Dallas Airport (DFW) - Dallas City Center: $138
  • Arrival Private Transfer Dallas Airport DAL to Fort Worth by Luxury Vehicle: $135
  • Private Transfer from Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas in Luxury Van: $126
  • Private Transfer from Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas in Luxury SUV: $126
  • Departure Private Transfer: Dallas to Dallas Airport DFW in Luxury SUV: $126
  • RoundtripTransfer Executive Private Car Dallas Airport (DFW) -Dallas City Center: $120
  • Private Transfer Fort Worth Airport DFW to Downtown Fort Worth by Luxury Vehicle: $109
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas in Business Car: $105
  • Private Transfer from Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas in Business Car: $104
  • Private Transfer from Dallas to Dallas Airport DFW in Business Car: $101
  • Private Transfer Downtown Dallas to Fort Worth Airport DFW Luxury Vehicle: $92

Is it cheaper to fly into Nags Head or Dallas?

Prices for flights to both Dallas 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
    Dallas $35

Typical Food Prices in Dallas

Some typical examples of dining costs in Dallas are as follows:


  • Cowboys Stadium Tour (for 2)
    $55
  • Whataburger Lunch (family of 4)
    $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dallas

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

  • West Village Happy Hour Food Tour: $39
  • Dallas Secret Food Tour: $97
  • Secret Food Tour of Dallas with Private Tour Option: $99

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nags Head $14
    Dallas $13

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

Tours and Activities in Dallas

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

  • 2 Hour Dallas Night Sightseeing E-Scooter Tour: $90
  • Private Walking Tour of Dealey Plaza Assassination of JFK: $135
  • 1-Hour JFK Assassination Walking Tour: $28
  • 1-Hour JFK Assassination Walking Tour : $28
  • 2-Hour Historic Dallas Segway Tour: $79
  • 3-Hour Ropes Course & Zip Line Adventure : $60
  • 3hr Dallas Cowboys Stadium Small Group Tour with Transportation: $108
  • Combination Southfork Ranch and Dallas/JFK Highlights Tour: $145
  • Dallas Highlights Tour: $205
  • Dallas Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate: $114
  • Dallas Terrors Ghost Tour By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Dallas and Cowboys Stadium Combo Tour: $153

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nags Head $12
    Dallas $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Dallas

Also in Dallas, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Party Bike Pub Crawl in Deep Ellum and Downtown Dallas: $55
  • Dallas Party Bike Pub Crawl in Deep Ellum: $55


When comparing the travel costs between Nags Head and Dallas, we can see that Nags Head 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 Nags Head Expensive? and Is Dallas Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nags Head or Dallas?

Dallas has a larger population, and is about 380 times larger than the population of Nags Head. When comparing the sizes of Nags Head and Dallas, 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 Dallas?

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 Dallas in the Summer?

Both Dallas and Nags Head during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nags Head this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Dallas for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Nags Head is cooler than Dallas. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nags Head in July average around 78°F (26°C), and Dallas averages at about 88°F (31°C).

In Dallas, 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 Dallas. Nags Head gets 274 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dallas receives 337 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 Dallas. Nags Head gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nags Head 78°F (26°C) 
    Dallas 88°F (31°C)

Should I visit Nags Head or Dallas in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nags Head and Dallas. Furthermore, many visitors come to Dallas in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Nags Head is generally cooler than Dallas. Daily temperatures in Nags Head average around 62°F (16°C), and Dallas fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dallas this time of the year. In Nags Head, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nags Head usually receives less sunshine than Dallas during autumn. Nags Head gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Dallas receives 222 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Nags Head usually receives less rain than Dallas. Nags Head gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nags Head 62°F (16°C) 
    Dallas 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit Nags Head or Dallas in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nags Head as well as Dallas. Many visitors come to Nags Head in the winter for the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Dallas for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Nags Head can get quite cold in the winter. Nags Head is much colder than Dallas in the winter. The daily temperature in Nags Head averages around 41°F (5°C) in January, and Dallas fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).

In the winter, Nags Head often gets less sunshine than Dallas. Nags Head gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dallas receives 183 hours of full sun.

Nags Head receives a lot of rain in the winter. Nags Head usually gets more rain in January than Dallas. Nags Head gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nags Head 41°F (5°C) 
    Dallas 46°F (8°C)

Should I visit Nags Head or Dallas in the Spring?

Both Dallas and Nags Head are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Dallas because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Nags Head is cooler than Dallas. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nags Head in April average around 59°F (15°C), and Dallas averages at about 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Dallas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nags Head. Nags Head usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dallas during spring. Nags Head gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Dallas receives 251 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nags Head usually receives less rain than Dallas. Nags Head gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nags Head 59°F (15°C) 
    Dallas 68°F (20°C)

Typical Weather for Dallas and Nags Head

Nags Head Dallas
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 41°F (5°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 46°F (8°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Feb 42°F (6°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm)
Mar 50°F (10°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 60°F (15°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Apr 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
May 67°F (19°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 76°F (24°C) 5 inches (128 mm)
Jun 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 83°F (29°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jul 78°F (26°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 88°F (31°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
Aug 78°F (25°C) 5 inches (127 mm) 87°F (31°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) 80°F (27°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Oct 62°F (16°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 59°F (15°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
Dec 45°F (7°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 50°F (10°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)