A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Nantucket vs. Columbia River Gorge for Food, Couples, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Nantucket or Columbia River Gorge?

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 Columbia River Gorge can help you decide which place is right for you.

Nantucket

Nantucket is a charming, serene, and peaceful island. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Columbia River Gorge

Columbia River Gorge is a scenic, natural, and beautiful region. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Nantucket and Columbia River Gorge: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Nantucket or Columbia River Gorge?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nantucket. Although Nantucket and Columbia River Gorge are both popular with visitors, Nantucket has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nantucket is popular for its pristine beaches, upscale atmosphere, and history of whaling. It is also home to Great Point Lighthouse. Columbia River Gorge is popular for its hiking, biking, and high number of waterfalls.

How is Nantucket different from Columbia River Gorge?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nantucket or Columbia River Gorge?

Nantucket
Columbia River Gorge

Nantucket is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Columbia River Gorge specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of local museums in the area, but most visitors spend their time exploring the region's natural beauty.


Is the Food Better in Nantucket or Columbia River Gorge? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nantucket
Columbia River Gorge

Nantucket is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Columbia River Gorge is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Nantucket is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Columbia River Gorge has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find many great restaurants in the area that serve local dishes that make use of the region's agricultural scene.

Is Nantucket or Columbia River Gorge Better for Nightlife?

Nantucket
Columbia River Gorge

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find good options in both Nantucket and Columbia River Gorge.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Columbia River Gorge. Local breweries, wineries, and bars offer a relaxing setting with a local vibe.

Is Nantucket or Columbia River Gorge Better for Resorts?

Nantucket
Columbia River Gorge

Nantucket is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a resort destination.

Nantucket is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Luxury resorts and upscale inns offer guests a relaxed setting with oceanfront views and family-friendly activities.

Columbia River Gorge is not a resort destination.


Is Nantucket or Columbia River Gorge Better for Beaches?

Nantucket
Columbia River Gorge

Nantucket is a well-known place for its beaches. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Nantucket. 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.

Columbia River Gorge is not a beach destination.

Is Nantucket or Columbia River Gorge Better for its Old Town?

Nantucket
Columbia River Gorge

Nantucket is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Columbia River Gorge does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Nantucket to see the historical old town. 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.

Columbia River Gorge does not have a historic old town.

Is Nantucket or Columbia River Gorge Better for Hiking?

Nantucket
Columbia River Gorge

You'll find excellent hiking in both Nantucket and Columbia River Gorge.

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.

Columbia River Gorge is a popular spot for hiking. There are world-class hikes that take you to iconic waterfalls, breathtaking viewpoints, and along scenic waterways.


Is the Shopping Better in Nantucket or Columbia River Gorge?

Nantucket
Columbia River Gorge

Nantucket is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Columbia River Gorge is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Nantucket is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Columbia River Gorge. Art galleries feature local artwork and artisan crafts. There are photography shops and other venues that sell items highlighting the region's beauty.

Is Nantucket or Columbia River Gorge Better for Families?

Nantucket
Columbia River Gorge

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Nantucket or Columbia River Gorge.

Nantucket is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Columbia River Gorge is a very kid-friendly island. Kids will love exploring the waterfalls and mountains as much as the adults do. There are kid-friendly hikes as well as bakeries and restaurants with many kid options.

Is Nantucket or Columbia River Gorge Better for Couples?

Nantucket
Columbia River Gorge

Nantucket is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Columbia River Gorge is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its romantic activities.

Nantucket has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Columbia River Gorge makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will love the romantic hikes and waterfalls. There are also beautiful scenic viewpoints and wonderful restaurants.


Is Nantucket or Columbia River Gorge Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nantucket
Columbia River Gorge

Columbia River Gorge is a great region for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Nantucket is not known for backpackers.

Columbia River Gorge is very popular with the backpacker crowd. You'll find hostels and campgrounds in the area that are perfect for backpackers and budget 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 Nantucket or Columbia River Gorge Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Nantucket
Columbia River Gorge

Nantucket is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for times when you don't have a car.

Nantucket has a few public transit options. There are shuttle buses around the island that operate with greater frequency during the summer months.

Public transit is mostly limited in Columbia River Gorge. There are some buses, but don't rely on them to efficiently explore.

Is Nantucket or Columbia River Gorge a more walkable city?

Nantucket
Columbia River Gorge

Nantucket is a well-known place for its walkability. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for its high level of 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.

Columbia River Gorge is not a very walkable island. You really need a car to explore the area, but some visitors rely on a bike.


For even more information, also check out Is Nantucket Worth Visiting? and Is Columbia River Gorge Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Columbia River Gorge or Nantucket?

How long in Nantucket or Columbia River Gorge?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nantucket and Columbia River Gorge. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Nantucket than in Columbia River Gorge. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Nantucket, and 2-3 days is enough time in Columbia River Gorge.

Families should spend more time in Nantucket than Columbia River Gorge. 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 Columbia River Gorge. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nantucket than Columbia River Gorge 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 Nantucket or Columbia River Gorge? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nantucket 2-4 
    Columbia River Gorge 2-3

One day in Nantucket or Columbia River Gorge?

Nantucket is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the region of Columbia River Gorge. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Columbia River Gorge?

Nantucket is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the beautiful destination of Columbia River Gorge. 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 region has to offer. This region offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Nantucket or Columbia River Gorge?

Many people visit Nantucket for five days. Nantucket is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful region of Columbia River Gorge. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Nantucket or Columbia River Gorge?

Because Nantucket is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Hikers are also drawn to this area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Columbia River Gorge is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Columbia River Gorge or Nantucket?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Nantucket is $350, while the average daily cost in Columbia River Gorge is $179. 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 Nantucket and Columbia River Gorge in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nantucket $237
    Columbia River Gorge $89
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nantucket $474
    Columbia River Gorge $178
Compare Hotels in Nantucket and Columbia River Gorge

Looking for a hotel in Nantucket or Columbia River Gorge? 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 Nantucket


Hotels in Columbia River Gorge


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: Nantucket Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nantucket $47
    Columbia River Gorge $78

Is it cheaper to fly into Nantucket or Columbia River Gorge?

Prices for flights to both Columbia River Gorge and Nantucket 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
    Nantucket $81
    Columbia River Gorge $46

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nantucket $34
    Columbia River Gorge $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nantucket $35
    Columbia River Gorge $12


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

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


Which is Bigger, Nantucket or Columbia River Gorge?

Nantucket has a larger population, and is about 28% larger than the population of Columbia River Gorge. When comparing the sizes of Nantucket and Columbia River Gorge, 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 Nantucket or Columbia River Gorge?

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 Nantucket or Columbia River Gorge in the Summer?

Both Columbia River Gorge and Nantucket during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nantucket this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Columbia River Gorge for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Nantucket is around the same temperature as Columbia River Gorge in the summer. The daily temperature in Nantucket averages around 68°F (20°C) in July, and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

Nantucket usually gets more rain in July than Columbia River Gorge. Nantucket gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nantucket 68°F (20°C) 
    Columbia River Gorge 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Nantucket or Columbia River Gorge in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nantucket and Columbia River Gorge. Many travelers come to Nantucket for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Columbia River Gorge in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Nantucket is around the same temperature as Columbia River Gorge. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nantucket in October average around 53°F (12°C), and Columbia River Gorge averages at about 55°F (13°C).

Nantucket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Nantucket usually receives more rain than Columbia River Gorge. Nantucket gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nantucket 53°F (12°C) 
    Columbia River Gorge 55°F (13°C)

Should I visit Nantucket or Columbia River Gorge in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nantucket as well as Columbia River Gorge. Many visitors come to Nantucket in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Columbia River Gorge for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Columbia River Gorge can be very cold during winter. Nantucket can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Nantucket is generally much colder than Columbia River Gorge. Daily temperatures in Nantucket average around 31°F (-0°C), and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

It's quite rainy in Columbia River Gorge. Nantucket receives a lot of rain in the winter. Nantucket usually gets less rain in January than Columbia River Gorge. Nantucket gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nantucket 31°F (-0°C) 
    Columbia River Gorge 40°F (4°C)

Should I visit Nantucket or Columbia River Gorge in the Spring?

Both Columbia River Gorge and Nantucket are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Nantucket for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Columbia River Gorge because of the natural beauty.

Nantucket is cooler than Columbia River Gorge in the spring. The daily temperature in Nantucket averages around 45°F (7°C) in April, and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

It's quite rainy in Nantucket. In April, Nantucket usually receives more rain than Columbia River Gorge. Nantucket gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nantucket 45°F (7°C) 
    Columbia River Gorge 51°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Columbia River Gorge and Nantucket

Nantucket Columbia River Gorge
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-0°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 40°F (4°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm)
Feb 32°F (-0°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Mar 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (102 mm) 47°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Apr 45°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
May 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2 inches (51 mm)
Jun 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm)
Jul 68°F (20°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 68°F (20°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
Aug 68°F (20°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 69°F (20°C) 1 inches (25 mm)
Sep 62°F (17°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm) 55°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Nov 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 46°F (8°C) 5.4 inches (136 mm)
Dec 36°F (2°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 40°F (5°C) 6.1 inches (156 mm)


Related Articles for Columbia River Gorge