A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Nantucket vs. Aspen for Food, Couples, Nightlife, and Resorts

Should you visit Nantucket or Aspen?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Nantucket and Aspen can help you decide which place is right for you.

Nantucket

Nantucket is a peaceful, upscale, and charming island. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Aspen

Aspen is a vibrant, artsy, and outdoorsy ski town. 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. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping.

Nantucket and Aspen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nantucket or Aspen?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Aspen than Nantucket, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Aspen is better known for its skiing, nightlife, music, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere, while Nantucket is more popular for its museums, beaches, and historical sights. Nantucket is well known for its pristine beaches, upscale atmosphere, and history of whaling. Aspen is well known for its world-class skiing, many food, film, and music festivals, and its stunning mountain hikes. Also, Aspen is famous for The Maroon Bells.

How is Nantucket different from Aspen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Nantucket or Aspen Better for Skiing?

Aspen is renowned for skiing. However, Nantucket is not a skiing destination.

Aspen is among the world's best ski destinations. Near the town, there are 4 separate ski resorts. In town you'll find Aspen Mountain, which is known for it's black-diamond runs. Aspen Highlands, a couple miles away, has a mix of slopes and is less crowded. Buttermilk attracts many freestyle skiers and Aspen Snowmass is considered one of the best family-friendly ski areas.

Nantucket is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nantucket or Aspen?

Nantucket is a island with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Aspen does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Nantucket. There are several museums around town that educate visitors on the island's whaling history and maritime past.

Aspen does not have museums and landmarks.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at amazing restaurants in both Nantucket and Aspen.

Nantucket has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Aspen is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The town hosts many food festivals and there is a growing selection of diverse restaurants. In town you'll find cafes and restaurants that cater to both the local crowd and the travelers who flock to the area during peak seasons.

Is Nantucket or Aspen Better for Nightlife?

Aspen is a great ski town for nightlife. Also, Nantucket is not as popular, but is still a nice island for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Aspen has something for everybody. The people in Aspen know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene includes craft beer, live music, and dancing. There's a local vibe, particularly during the off-season times when the tourist crowds are less.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Nantucket. 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.

Is Nantucket or Aspen Better for Music?

Aspen is a great ski town for live music. However, Nantucket is not a live music destination.

Aspen has a thriving music scene. Popular music venues in town include Silver City Mountain Saloon and Belly Up Aspen.

Nantucket is not a live music destination.

Is Nantucket or Aspen Better for Resorts?

Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Nantucket and Aspen.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Nantucket. Luxury resorts and upscale inns offer guests a relaxed setting with oceanfront views and family-friendly activities.

Aspen is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Popular resorts in the area include The Little Nell, Hotel Jerome, and St. Regis Aspen.

Is Nantucket or Aspen Better for Beaches?

Nantucket is a great destination for the beach. However, Aspen is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Nantucket attract visitors from all over. 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.

Aspen is not a beach destination.

Is Nantucket or Aspen Better for its Old Town?

Nantucket is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Aspen does not have a historic old town.

Nantucket is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Aspen does not have a historic old town.

Is Nantucket or Aspen Better for Hiking?

You'll find superb hiking in both Nantucket and Aspen.

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.

Aspen is a popular spot for hiking. During the summer and fall seasons, hiking is a great way to explore Aspen's nearby beauty. Popular trails include the Ute Trail, the Lost Man Trail, and the famous Maroon Bells Scenic Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Nantucket or Aspen?

If you're looking to go shopping, Nantucket and Aspen both offer plenty of superb spots.

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.

Aspen is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are many great local shops and art galleries where you can pick interesting items or fine art.

Is Nantucket or Aspen Better for Christmas?

Aspen is renowned for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Nantucket does not offer Christmas activities.

People travel from all around to experience the Christmas season in Aspen. There are a number of beautiful activities that will bring the holiday season to life in the town.

Nantucket does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Nantucket or Aspen Better for Christmas Markets?

Aspen is a great ski town for visiting Christmas markets. However, Nantucket does not offer Christmas markets.

Aspen has a lively atmosphere around its Christmas markets. The town has a charming Christmas market that is fun to explore and has around 40 vendors.

Nantucket does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Nantucket or Aspen Better for Families?

Nantucket is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Aspen is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

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

Aspen offers lots of family activities. Families that enjoy skiing together, hiking, rock climbing, and having adventures will enjoy a visit to this town. Aspen Mountain is not a great option for beginning skiers, but further away, Aspen Snowmass offers good beginner slopes.

Is Nantucket or Aspen Better for Couples?

Nantucket is renowned for couples. Also, Aspen is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Nantucket is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Aspen is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. Aspen is both a popular ski destination as well as an established town. There are many great restaurants and activities that couples can enjoy and the setting is cute and very scenic, making it a beautiful and romantic destination.

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

Nantucket and Aspen both offer notable public transit to get you around.

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.

Aspen has a few public transit options. There are several shuttle buses around the town.

Is Nantucket or Aspen a more walkable city?

Nantucket and Aspen are superb when it comes to walkability.

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.

Aspen is a very walkable island. The town is compact enough that it can be explored on foot. If you're planning to head into the mountains to hike, you'll likely need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Nantucket Worth Visiting? and Is Aspen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aspen or Nantucket?

How long in Nantucket or Aspen?

In either Nantucket or Aspen, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Aspen than Nantucket because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Nantucket, and 3-5 days is enough time in Aspen.

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

One day in Nantucket or Aspen?

Even though Nantucket is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the food. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find skiing and nightlife around the ski town of Aspen. 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 Nantucket or Aspen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nantucket. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the vibrant small town of Aspen. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This ski town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Nantucket or Aspen?

Nantucket is a fun place to experience. Nantucket is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Lots of people come for the food. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find live music and food around the authentic ski town of Aspen. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this ski town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this ski town has to offer.

A week in Nantucket or Aspen?

Nantucket is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Aspen 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 Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nantucket and Aspen, we can see that Nantucket is more expensive. And not only is Aspen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Aspen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Aspen 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 Aspen.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nantucket Expensive? and Is Aspen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nantucket or Aspen?

Nantucket has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Aspen. When comparing the sizes of Nantucket and Aspen, 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.