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

Should you visit Nags Head or Nantucket?

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

Should I visit Nags Head or Nantucket? 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 reasons to visit include food.

Nantucket

Nantucket is a upscale, charming, and serene island. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Nags Head and Nantucket: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Nags Head or Nantucket?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nantucket. Although Nags Head and Nantucket are both popular with visitors, Nantucket has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nantucket is more touristy than Nags Head and is known for its pristine beaches, upscale atmosphere, and history of whaling. It is also home to Great Point Lighthouse. Nags Head is popular for

How is Nags Head different from Nantucket?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nags Head
Nantucket

Nantucket is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.

Nantucket is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several museums around town that educate visitors on the island's whaling history and maritime past.

Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Nags Head
Nantucket

Nantucket is an amazing island to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Nags Head is not as popular, but is still a nice for its local cuisine and restaurants.

For foodies, Nantucket is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Upscale eateries where you can look out on the water make dining on this island a true experience. There are raw bars, seafood restaurants, and local cafes with elaborate salads and duck carnitas. Dishes usually use the highest quality fresh ingredients and chefs bring their "A game" with every customer.

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 Nantucket Better for Nightlife?

Nags Head
Nantucket

Nantucket is a popular place for nightlife. However, Nags Head is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Nantucket has a few options to choose from. You'll find a number of bars and a lively singles scene in town. There's also live music and a laid back but active atmosphere in the evening.

Nags Head is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Nags Head or Nantucket Better for Resorts?

Nags Head
Nantucket

Nantucket is great for its luxury resorts. However, Nags Head is not a resort destination.

Nantucket is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Luxury resorts and upscale inns offer guests a relaxed setting with oceanfront views and family-friendly activities.

Nags Head is not a resort destination.


Is Nags Head or Nantucket Better for Beaches?

Nags Head
Nantucket

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

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

Nags Head is not a beach destination.

Is Nags Head or Nantucket Better for its Old Town?

Nags Head
Nantucket

Nantucket is great for its historic old town. However, Nags Head does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Nantucket. The Historic District is filled with New England charm, cobblestone streets, and upscale boutiques. There are many great restaurants and a lot of historic character.

Nags Head does not have a historic old town.

Is Nags Head or Nantucket Better for Hiking?

Nags Head
Nantucket

Nantucket is great for hiking. However, Nags Head is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Nantucket for the hiking trails. The island is easy to explore on foot, and its covered with hiking trails that follow the serene coastline or take you through forests, bogs, and marshland.

Nags Head is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Nags Head or Nantucket?

Nags Head
Nantucket

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

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

Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Nags Head or Nantucket Better for Families?

Nags Head
Nantucket

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

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.

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

Is Nags Head or Nantucket Better for Couples?

Nags Head
Nantucket

Nantucket is an amazing island to visit for romance. Also, Nags Head is not as popular, but is still a nice for its romantic activities.

Nantucket makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The New England charm, natural beauty, and relaxing coastal atmosphere make this a perfect romantic destination. There are also many romantic places to stay and great local restaurants.

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 Nantucket Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nags Head
Nantucket

Nags Head is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Nantucket is not known for backpackers.

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.

Nantucket is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's known for its upscale atmosphere that isn't particularly accommodating for backpackers.

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

Nags Head
Nantucket

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

While Nantucket offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are shuttle buses around the island that operate with greater frequency during the summer months.

Nags Head does not have public transit.

Is Nags Head or Nantucket a more walkable city?

Nags Head
Nantucket

Nantucket is great for its walkability. However, Nags Head is not a walkable destination.

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

Nags Head is not a walkable destination.


Should I spend more time in Nantucket or Nags Head?

How long in Nags Head or Nantucket?

It's fun to spend time in either Nags Head or Nantucket. 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 Nantucket.

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

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

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


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

One day in Nags Head or Nantucket?

You'll find food around the of Nags Head. 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.

Even though Nantucket is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Nantucket?

You'll find food around the destination of Nags Head. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Nantucket is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Nags Head or Nantucket?

You'll find food around the of Nags Head. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this has to offer.

Nantucket is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Nags Head or Nantucket?

Nags Head is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nags Head, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Nantucket is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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, Nantucket 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 Nantucket is $350. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Nags Head and Nantucket in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nags Head $80
    Nantucket $237
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nags Head $160
    Nantucket $474
Compare Hotels in Nags Head and Nantucket

Looking for a hotel in Nags Head or Nantucket? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Nags Head


Hotels in Nantucket


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Nags Head Hotel Prices and Nantucket Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nags Head $40
    Nantucket $47

Is it cheaper to fly into Nags Head or Nantucket?

Prices for flights to both Nantucket 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
    Nantucket $81

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nags Head $14
    Nantucket $34

Tours and Activities in Nags Head

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

  • 2-hour Outer Banks Wild Horse Tour by 4WD Truck: $57
  • Alligator River Kayak Adventure: $59
  • Cape Hatteras Kayak Adventure in Rodanthe: $59
  • Cape Hatteras National Seashore Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15
  • Cape Hatteras National Seashore: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $12
  • Corolla Kayak Adventure: $59
  • Kitty Hawk Maritime Forest Kayak Tour: $49
  • Manteo Historic Walking Tour: $28
  • OBX Ghost Tours: $25
  • Outer Banks Audio Driving Tour: $13
  • Outer Banks Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $25
  • Wright Brothers Carolina Dunes Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nags Head $12
    Nantucket $35


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


Which is Bigger, Nags Head or Nantucket?

Nantucket has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Nags Head. When comparing the sizes of Nags Head and Nantucket, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Nags Head or Nantucket?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Nags Head or Nantucket in the Summer?

Both Nantucket and Nags Head are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nags Head this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nantucket for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Nags Head is a little warmer than Nantucket in the summer. The daily temperature in Nags Head averages around 78°F (26°C) in July, and Nantucket fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It's quite rainy in Nags Head. In July, Nags Head usually receives more rain than Nantucket. Nags Head gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nags Head 78°F (26°C) 
    Nantucket 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Nags Head or Nantucket in the Autumn?

Both Nantucket and Nags Head during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Nantucket in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Nags Head is a little warmer than Nantucket. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nags Head in October average around 62°F (16°C), and Nantucket averages at about 53°F (12°C).

Nantucket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Nags Head usually gets less rain in October than Nantucket. Nags Head gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nags Head 62°F (16°C) 
    Nantucket 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Nags Head or Nantucket in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nags Head and Nantucket. Many visitors come to Nags Head in the winter for the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Nantucket for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Nantucket can be very cold during winter. Nags Head can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Nags Head is generally much warmer than Nantucket. Daily temperatures in Nags Head average around 41°F (5°C), and Nantucket fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

Nantucket receives a lot of rain in the winter. Nags Head gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Nags Head usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nantucket. Nags Head gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nags Head 41°F (5°C) 
    Nantucket 31°F (-0°C)

Should I visit Nags Head or Nantucket in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nags Head as well as Nantucket. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Nantucket because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Nags Head is much warmer than Nantucket in the spring. The daily temperature in Nags Head averages around 59°F (15°C) in April, and Nantucket fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

It's quite rainy in Nantucket. Nags Head usually gets less rain in April than Nantucket. Nags Head gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nags Head 59°F (15°C) 
    Nantucket 45°F (7°C)

Typical Weather for Nantucket and Nags Head

Nags Head Nantucket
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 41°F (5°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 31°F (-0°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Feb 42°F (6°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 32°F (-0°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)
Mar 50°F (10°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (102 mm)
Apr 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 45°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)
May 67°F (19°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Jun 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 78°F (26°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Aug 78°F (25°C) 5 inches (127 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) 62°F (17°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Oct 62°F (16°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 53°F (12°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Dec 45°F (7°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 36°F (2°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)