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

Should you visit Nags Head or Salt Lake City?

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

Should I visit Nags Head or Salt Lake City? 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 popular because of the food.

Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is a religious, architectural, and notable city. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Nags Head and Salt Lake City: 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
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Home to Temple Square
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Nags Head or Salt Lake City?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Salt Lake City than Nags Head, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Salt Lake City is more touristy than Nags Head and is known for its religious landmarks and its large Mormon population. Also, Salt Lake City is famous for Temple Square. Nags Head is well known for

How is Nags Head different from Salt Lake City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City?

Nags Head
Salt Lake City

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

Salt Lake City offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Many of the fascinating sights around town are influenced by the city's Mormon culture. Temple Square is a highlight for most visitors. It spans 35 acres and is beautifully landscaped with several fountains. There are also four main churches - The Temple, the Tabernacle, the Temple Annex, and Assembly Hall. The city also has several museums such as the Natural History Museum and the historic Liberty Park.

Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Nags Head or Salt Lake City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nags Head
Salt Lake City

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Nags Head and Salt Lake City can be difficult as they are each notable in their own way.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Salt Lake City. In recent years the food scene has really improved and you'll find a variety of restaurants that serve everything from upscale dishes to more casual fare.

Is Nags Head or Salt Lake City Better for Nightlife?

Nags Head
Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is adequate for nightlife. However, Nags Head is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Salt Lake City doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Known for its large Mormon population, nightlife isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Salt Lake City. While it will likely never be a party city, there are a growing number of entertainment options around town.

Nags Head is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Nags Head or Salt Lake City Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nags Head
Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Nags Head is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Salt Lake City has a few good snorkeling spots. There are a number of good ski resorts nearby, making this a good base or starting point for a ski vacation.

Nags Head is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Nags Head or Salt Lake City Better for Hiking?

Nags Head
Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is a popular place for hiking. However, Nags Head is not a hiking destination.

Salt Lake City is a good destination for hiking. The city offers easy access to many diverse trails, so if you're a nature enthusiasts, you'll appreciate this destination.

Nags Head is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nags Head or Salt Lake City?

Nags Head
Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is a popular place for shopping. However, Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Salt Lake City. The city has sprawling outlet malls as well as local stores and craft shops. City Creek Center is a favorite shopping destination, but there are also several large shopping malls that are worth visiting.

Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Nags Head or Salt Lake City Better for Families?

Nags Head
Salt Lake City

Nags Head is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Salt Lake City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Nags Head. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Salt Lake City. There are museums that kids will enjoy like the Natural History Museum of Utah and the Leonardo Museum. There are also fun-filled activities like a visit to Lagoon Amusement Park. You can learn about history at This Is the Place Heritage Park or learn about the undersea world at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium.


Is Nags Head or Salt Lake City Better for Couples?

Nags Head
Salt Lake City

With fun activities for couples, both Nags Head and Salt Lake City 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.

Salt Lake City makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is filled with beautiful gardens like Red Butte Garden. There are also nice restaurants and romantic hotels that will make this a nice place for a couple's getaway.

Is Nags Head or Salt Lake City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nags Head
Salt Lake City

Nags Head is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Salt Lake City is lacking in good options 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.

Salt Lake City is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels in town, but most backpackers overlook this destination or breeze through town quickly.

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

Nags Head
Salt Lake City

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

While Salt Lake City offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a surprisingly good public transit system that includes light rail, buses, and commuter trains, but if you want to get out of town you'll need to have a car.

Nags Head does not have public transit.


Is Nags Head or Salt Lake City a more walkable city?

Nags Head
Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is adequate for its walkability. However, Nags Head is not a walkable destination.

Salt Lake City is generally not a very walkable city. While some neighborhoods are walkable, like Temple Square, most visitors prefer to have a car.

Nags Head is not a walkable destination.

Should I spend more time in Salt Lake City or Nags Head?

How long in Nags Head or Salt Lake City?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nags Head and Salt Lake City. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Nags Head than in Salt Lake City. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Nags Head, and 2-3 days is enough time in Salt Lake City.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City.


  • How many days in Nags Head or Salt Lake City? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nags Head 4-7 
    Salt Lake City 2-3

One day in Nags Head or Salt Lake City?

In Nags Head, you'll find food. 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 Salt Lake City. 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 Salt Lake City?

Nags Head is a great place to explore. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find museums and food around the architectural destination of Salt Lake City. 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 Salt Lake City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nags Head. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

Travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the religious city of Salt Lake City. 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 Salt Lake City?

In Nags Head, you'll find food. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Salt Lake City 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, Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City is $246. 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 Salt Lake City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nags Head $80
    Salt Lake City $119
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nags Head $160
    Salt Lake City $238
Compare Hotels in Nags Head and Salt Lake City

Looking for a hotel in Nags Head or Salt Lake City? 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 Salt Lake City


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 Salt Lake City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nags Head $40
    Salt Lake City $45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Salt Lake City

Also for Salt Lake City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) to Park City hotel or address: $261
  • Private Transfer from SLC to Park City UT : $261
  • Salt Lake Airport (SLC) to Canyons Village - Round-Trip Transfer: $229
  • Salt Lake City Airport (SLC): Transfer to Salt Lake City: $201
  • Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) to Park City UT - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $181
  • Private Transfer from Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) to Salt Lake City : $120
  • Private Transfer from SLC to Salt Lake City : $120
  • Salt Lake Airport (SLC) to Canyons Village - Arrival Transfer: $115
  • Private Transfer: Salt Lake City to Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) : $107
  • Private Transfer: Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) to Salt Lake City : $107
  • Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) to Park City - Arrival Private Transfer : $91
  • Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) to Salt Lake City - Arrival Private Transfer: $46

Is it cheaper to fly into Nags Head or Salt Lake City?

Prices for flights to both Salt Lake City 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
    Salt Lake City $50

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nags Head $14
    Salt Lake City $28

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

Tours and Activities in Salt Lake City

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

  • 2 Hour Salt Lake Boat Tour with Swimming on the Lake: $79
  • 4-Day Winter Yellowstone Tour: $2,499
  • 45 Minute Great Salt Lake Boat Tour: $37
  • 5-day Tour Yellowstone Park Los Angeles-Salt Lake City: $1,558
  • From 3-Day Yellowstone Wildlife Adventure: $999
  • From Private Bryce Canyon National Park Tour: $1,475
  • From Private Canyonlands National Park Tour: $1,475
  • From Private Capitol Reef National Park Tour: $1,475
  • From Private Goblin Valley State Park Tour: $1,475
  • From Private Tour of Arches National Park: $1,475
  • Great Salt Lake Flying Tour: $249
  • Great Salt Lake Guided Bus Tour from Salt Lake City: $70

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nags Head $12
    Salt Lake City $17


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


Which is Bigger, Nags Head or Salt Lake City?

Salt Lake City has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Nags Head. When comparing the sizes of Nags Head and Salt Lake City, 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.