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

Should you visit Nags Head or Myrtle Beach?

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

Should I visit Nags Head or Myrtle Beach? 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

Other popular activities here include food.

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.

Nags Head and Myrtle Beach: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Nags Head or Myrtle Beach?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Myrtle Beach than Nags Head, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Myrtle Beach is better known for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Nags Head is more popular for its food. Myrtle Beach is more touristy than Nags Head and is popular for its party-hard atmosphere, spring break crowds, and beachfront nightlife scene. Also, Myrtle Beach is famous for the Myrtle Beach boardwalk. Nags Head is well known for

the Myrtle Beach boardwalk
The Myrtle Beach boardwalk

How is Nags Head different from Myrtle Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Nags Head
Myrtle Beach

Nags Head is very good for its restaurant scene. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Nags Head area. 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.

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 Nags Head or Myrtle Beach Better for Nightlife?

Nags Head
Myrtle Beach

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

Myrtle Beach has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Nags Head is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Nags Head or Myrtle Beach Better for Resorts?

Nags Head
Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Nags Head is not a resort destination.

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.

Nags Head is not a resort destination.

Is Nags Head or Myrtle Beach Better for Beaches?

Nags Head
Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is great for its beaches. However, Nags Head is not a beach destination.

Myrtle Beach is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Nags Head is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Nags Head or Myrtle Beach?

Nags Head
Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is adequate for shopping. However, Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Nags Head or Myrtle Beach Better for Families?

Nags Head
Myrtle Beach

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

Nags Head is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

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 Nags Head or Myrtle Beach Better for Couples?

Nags Head
Myrtle Beach

With fun activities for couples, both Nags Head and Myrtle Beach make for a notable 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.

Myrtle Beach makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Nags Head or Myrtle Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nags Head
Myrtle Beach

Nags Head is very good for backpackers. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options 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.

Myrtle Beach is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The nightlife scene brings the young crowd, but this isn't exactly a backpacker destination.

Is Nags Head or Myrtle Beach Better for Students?

Nags Head
Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Nags Head is not popular with students.

Myrtle Beach is a very popular beach city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Nags Head is not popular with students.

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

Nags Head
Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is mediocre for times when you don't have a car. However, Nags Head does not have public transit.

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

Nags Head does not have public transit.


Is Nags Head or Myrtle Beach a more walkable city?

Nags Head
Myrtle Beach

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

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.

Nags Head is not a walkable destination.

Should I spend more time in Myrtle Beach or Nags Head?

How long in Nags Head or Myrtle Beach?

Both Nags Head and Myrtle Beach have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Myrtle Beach has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Myrtle Beach than Nags Head. In general, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Nags Head, and 2-7 days is enough time in Myrtle Beach.

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

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

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


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

One day in Nags Head or Myrtle Beach?

In Nags Head, many people enjoy the food that this offers. 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.

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.

A weekend in Nags Head or Myrtle Beach?

Nags Head is a fun place to experience. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

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.


Five days in Nags Head or Myrtle Beach?

In Nags Head, many people enjoy the food that this destination offers. 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.

You'll find nightlife around the busy 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.

A week in Nags Head or Myrtle Beach?

Nags Head is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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.


Which place is cheaper, Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach is $173. 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 Myrtle Beach in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nags Head $80
    Myrtle Beach $88
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nags Head $160
    Myrtle Beach $176
Compare Hotels in Nags Head and Myrtle Beach

Looking for a hotel in Nags Head or Myrtle Beach? 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 Myrtle Beach


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 Myrtle Beach Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nags Head $40
    Myrtle Beach $24

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: $86
  • Private Departure Transfer to Myrtle Beach Airport (MYR): $36
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Myrtle Beach Airport MYR: $36

Is it cheaper to fly into Nags Head or Myrtle Beach?

Prices for flights to both Myrtle Beach 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
    Myrtle Beach $56

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.
    Nags Head $14
    Myrtle Beach $46

Tours and Activities in Nags Head

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

  • Outer Banks Audio Driving Tour: $13
  • Wright Brothers Carolina Dunes Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $13
  • Cape Hatteras National Seashore Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $13
  • Wright Brothers Carolina Dunes: Self-Guided Driving Tour: $15
  • Cape Hatteras National Seashore: A Self-Guided Driving 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 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
  • 60-Minute Escape Game Adventures in Myrtle Beach: $41
  • 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
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience Myrtle Beach, SC: $15
  • Murrells Inlet: Bird Watching 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
    Nags Head $12
    Myrtle Beach $16


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


Which is Bigger, Nags Head or Myrtle Beach?

Myrtle Beach has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Nags Head. When comparing the sizes of Nags Head and Myrtle Beach, 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 Myrtle Beach?

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 Myrtle Beach in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nags Head as well as Myrtle Beach. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nags Head this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Myrtle Beach for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Nags Head is generally around the same temperature as Myrtle Beach. Daily temperatures in Nags Head average around 78°F (26°C), and Myrtle Beach fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Myrtle Beach. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nags Head this time of the year. In the summer, Nags Head often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Myrtle Beach. Nags Head gets 274 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Myrtle Beach receives 283 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Myrtle Beach. Nags Head receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nags Head usually gets less rain in July than Myrtle Beach. Nags Head gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Myrtle Beach receives 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nags Head 78°F (26°C) 
    Myrtle Beach 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Nags Head or Myrtle Beach in the Autumn?

Both Myrtle Beach and Nags Head are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Myrtle Beach in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Nags Head is cooler than Myrtle Beach in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nags Head averages around 62°F (16°C) in October, and Myrtle Beach fluctuates around 65°F (18°C).

It's quite sunny in Myrtle Beach. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nags Head. Nags Head usually receives less sunshine than Myrtle Beach during autumn. Nags Head gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Myrtle Beach receives 227 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Nags Head usually receives more rain than Myrtle Beach. Nags Head gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Myrtle Beach receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nags Head 62°F (16°C) 
    Myrtle Beach 65°F (18°C)

Should I visit Nags Head or Myrtle Beach in the Winter?

Both Myrtle Beach and Nags Head during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Nags Head in the winter for the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Myrtle Beach for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Nags Head can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Nags Head is cooler than Myrtle Beach. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nags Head in January average around 41°F (5°C), and Myrtle Beach averages at about 45°F (7°C).

In the winter, Nags Head often gets less sunshine than Myrtle Beach. Nags Head gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Myrtle Beach receives 180 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nags Head. Nags Head usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Myrtle Beach. Nags Head gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Myrtle Beach receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nags Head 41°F (5°C) 
    Myrtle Beach 45°F (7°C)

Should I visit Nags Head or Myrtle Beach in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nags Head and Myrtle Beach. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Myrtle Beach because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Nags Head is generally cooler than Myrtle Beach. Daily temperatures in Nags Head average around 59°F (15°C), and Myrtle Beach fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Myrtle Beach this time of the year. In Nags Head, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nags Head usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Myrtle Beach during spring. Nags Head gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Myrtle Beach receives 278 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nags Head usually receives around the same amount of rain as Myrtle Beach. Nags Head gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Myrtle Beach receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nags Head 59°F (15°C) 
    Myrtle Beach 62°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for Myrtle Beach and Nags Head

Nags Head Myrtle Beach
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 41°F (5°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Feb 42°F (6°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Mar 50°F (10°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Apr 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 62°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
May 67°F (19°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 70°F (21°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm)
Jun 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 77°F (25°C) 6 inches (152 mm)
Jul 78°F (26°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 81°F (27°C) 8.1 inches (207 mm)
Aug 78°F (25°C) 5 inches (127 mm) 80°F (26°C) 6.9 inches (176 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) 75°F (24°C) 5 inches (128 mm)
Oct 62°F (16°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 65°F (18°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 57°F (14°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Dec 45°F (7°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 49°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)