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

Should you visit Nantucket or Kennebunkport?

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 Kennebunkport can help you decide which place is right for you.

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.

Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a charming, quaint, and character-filled town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Nantucket and Kennebunkport: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Nantucket or Kennebunkport?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nantucket. Although Nantucket and Kennebunkport 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. Kennebunkport is popular for its historic and charming atmosphere, its wonderful local seafood, and its stunning coastline.

How is Nantucket different from Kennebunkport?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nantucket
Kennebunkport

Spend time exploring the good sights and museums in either Nantucket or Kennebunkport.

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.

Kennebunkport offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a handful of local museums around town like the Brick Store Museum, the First Families Kennebunkport Museum, and the Seashore Trolley Museum.


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

Nantucket
Kennebunkport

Nantucket is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Kennebunkport is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Kennebunkport. Fine dining, seafood restaurants, and local cafes all make this a wonderful town for foodies. The town's famous for its lobster, but you can also try the scallops, crab, or oysters.

Is Nantucket or Kennebunkport Better for Nightlife?

Nantucket
Kennebunkport

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

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 Kennebunkport. You can check out the happy hours that many of the bars in the waterfront area host regularly.

Is Nantucket or Kennebunkport Better for Resorts?

Nantucket
Kennebunkport

Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Nantucket and Kennebunkport.

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.

Kennebunkport is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Luxury resorts and classic inns provide traditional and local accommodation options for visitors.


Is Nantucket or Kennebunkport Better for Beaches?

Nantucket
Kennebunkport

Nantucket is great for its beaches. However, Kennebunkport 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.

Kennebunkport is not a beach destination. It's lined with rocky and sandy coastlines that are perfect for finding critters at low tide or searching for seashells. Mother's Beach is popular with families and Gooch's Beach is a popular place for walking. Middle Beach is a great spot for climbing over rocks.

Is Nantucket or Kennebunkport Better for its Old Town?

Nantucket
Kennebunkport

Nantucket is great for its historic old town. However, Kennebunkport 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.

Kennebunkport does not have a historic old town.

Is Nantucket or Kennebunkport Better for Hiking?

Nantucket
Kennebunkport

Nantucket is great for hiking. Also, Kennebunkport is not as popular, but is still a nice town for the nearby hiking options.

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.

Many people include a hike when visiting Kennebunkport. There are waterfront walks and coastal trails. There are also trails that wander through forests or past marshland.


Is the Shopping Better in Nantucket or Kennebunkport?

Nantucket
Kennebunkport

If you're looking to go shopping, Nantucket and Kennebunkport both offer plenty of great 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.

Kennebunkport is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Dock's Square for the best local shops with a charming atmosphere.

Is Nantucket or Kennebunkport Better for Families?

Nantucket
Kennebunkport

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Nantucket or Kennebunkport.

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.

Kennebunkport is a very kid-friendly island. You can explore the rocks around Mother's Beach or take the kids out on a lobster boat. There's also a lot of history around Dock's Square and plenty of kid-friendly restaurants in town.

Is Nantucket or Kennebunkport Better for Couples?

Nantucket
Kennebunkport

Nantucket is very popular for romance. Also, Kennebunkport is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Kennebunkport is a very popular place to visit for couples. Beaches, romantic hotels, and charming local restaurants make this a perfect couple's destination.


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

Nantucket
Kennebunkport

Nantucket is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Kennebunkport is not a good destination for its 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.

Public transit is generally limited in Kennebunkport. During the summer months there's a Shoreline Trolley that connects towns.

Is Nantucket or Kennebunkport a more walkable city?

Nantucket
Kennebunkport

Nantucket is great for its walkability. Also, Kennebunkport is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Kennebunkport is a somewhat walkable place. It's downtown is compact and particularly walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Kennebunkport or Nantucket?

How long in Nantucket or Kennebunkport?

It's fun to spend time in either Nantucket or Kennebunkport. In our opinion, Nantucket has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Nantucket than Kennebunkport. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Nantucket than Kennebunkport. 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 Kennebunkport. 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 Kennebunkport 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 Kennebunkport? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nantucket 2-4 
    Kennebunkport 2-4

One day in Nantucket or Kennebunkport?

Even though Nantucket is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Kennebunkport. 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 Kennebunkport?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nantucket. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming small town of Kennebunkport. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Nantucket or Kennebunkport?

Nantucket is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming town of Kennebunkport. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Nantucket or Kennebunkport?

Nantucket is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Kennebunkport 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.


Which place is cheaper, Kennebunkport 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 Kennebunkport is $220. 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 Kennebunkport in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nantucket $237
    Kennebunkport $124
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nantucket $474
    Kennebunkport $248
Compare Hotels in Nantucket and Kennebunkport

Looking for a hotel in Nantucket or Kennebunkport? 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 Kennebunkport


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 and Kennebunkport Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nantucket $47
    Kennebunkport $49

Is it cheaper to fly into Nantucket or Kennebunkport?

Prices for flights to both Kennebunkport 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
    Kennebunkport $67

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nantucket $34
    Kennebunkport $21

Tours and Activities in Kennebunkport

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

  • 90 Minutes Ghost Walking Tour in Kennebunkport: $30
  • 2-Hour Historical Walking Tour: $50
  • A Tasty Lunchtime Walking Tour: $140
  • Ghost Tour with Folklore, Gossip & Scandals: $29
  • Historic District Walking Tour: $45

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nantucket $35
    Kennebunkport $31


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

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


Which is Bigger, Nantucket or Kennebunkport?

Nantucket has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Kennebunkport. When comparing the sizes of Nantucket and Kennebunkport, 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 Kennebunkport?

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 Nantucket or Kennebunkport in the Summer?

Both Kennebunkport and Nantucket are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Nantucket for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Kennebunkport because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Nantucket is around the same temperature as Kennebunkport in the summer. The daily temperature in Nantucket averages around 68°F (20°C) in July, and Kennebunkport fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

In July, Nantucket usually receives more rain than Kennebunkport. Nantucket gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nantucket 68°F (20°C) 
    Kennebunkport 69°F (20°C)

Should I visit Nantucket or Kennebunkport in the Autumn?

Both Kennebunkport and Nantucket during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Nantucket because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Kennebunkport this time of year.

In the autumn, Nantucket is a little warmer than Kennebunkport. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nantucket in October average around 53°F (12°C), and Kennebunkport averages at about 49°F (9°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nantucket. Nantucket usually gets more rain in October than Kennebunkport. Nantucket gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nantucket 53°F (12°C) 
    Kennebunkport 49°F (9°C)

Should I visit Nantucket or Kennebunkport in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nantucket and Kennebunkport. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nantucket this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kennebunkport for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Kennebunkport. It's quite cold in Nantucket in the winter. In January, Nantucket is generally much warmer than Kennebunkport. Daily temperatures in Nantucket average around 31°F (-0°C), and Kennebunkport fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

Nantucket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Nantucket usually receives more rain than Kennebunkport. Nantucket gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nantucket 31°F (-0°C) 
    Kennebunkport 21°F (-6°C)

Should I visit Nantucket or Kennebunkport in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nantucket as well as Kennebunkport. Many travelers come to Nantucket for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Kennebunkport in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Nantucket is a little warmer than Kennebunkport in the spring. The daily temperature in Nantucket averages around 45°F (7°C) in April, and Kennebunkport fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

Nantucket receives a lot of rain in the spring. Nantucket usually gets more rain in April than Kennebunkport. Nantucket gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nantucket 45°F (7°C) 
    Kennebunkport 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Kennebunkport and Nantucket

Nantucket Kennebunkport
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-0°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Feb 32°F (-0°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Mar 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (102 mm) 33°F (1°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Apr 45°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
May 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 63°F (17°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Jul 68°F (20°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 69°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Aug 68°F (20°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Sep 62°F (17°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm) 49°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Nov 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 39°F (4°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Dec 36°F (2°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)