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

Should you visit Nantucket or Minneapolis?

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

Nantucket

Nantucket is a serene, peaceful, and upscale island. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a dynamic, innovative, and diverse city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Nantucket and Minneapolis: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • 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
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Nantucket or Minneapolis?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nantucket. Although Nantucket and Minneapolis are popular destinations, Nantucket has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nantucket is very popular for its food, resorts, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Minneapolis attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities. Nantucket is more touristy than Minneapolis and is known for its pristine beaches, upscale atmosphere, and history of whaling. It is also well known for Great Point Lighthouse. Minneapolis is famous for its professional sports teams, countless outdoor activities, and friendly people.

How is Nantucket different from Minneapolis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nantucket
Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Nantucket is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Minneapolis specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There's a wide variety of museums that include art, history, science, and local culture. Some of the favorite museums in the city are the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Walker Art Center, the American Swedish Institute, and the Weisman Art Museum.

Nantucket offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several museums around town that educate visitors on the island's whaling history and maritime past.


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

Nantucket
Minneapolis

Nantucket is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Minneapolis area. Dishes in the Midwest are known for being hearty comfort foods, and the food in Minneapolis is no exception. You'll find cheese-stuffed burgers that are known as Juicy Lucys, Tator Tot casseroles, and deep-fried cheese curds. For international food, there's a variety of Scandinavian options around town.

Is Nantucket or Minneapolis Better for Nightlife?

Nantucket
Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a great city for nightlife. Also, Nantucket is not as popular, but is still a nice island for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Minneapolis has something for everybody. There are diverse neighborhoods that each have their own personality. You'll find rooftop lounges in Uptown, international venues in Whittier, and trendy bars in the North Loop. But at the heart of the city's nightlife scene is Downtown Minneapolis.

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 Minneapolis Better for Resorts?

Nantucket
Minneapolis

Nantucket is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Minneapolis 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.

Minneapolis is not a resort destination.


Is Nantucket or Minneapolis Better for Beaches?

Nantucket
Minneapolis

Nantucket is a very popular place for the beache. However, Minneapolis 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.

Minneapolis is not a beach destination.

Is Nantucket or Minneapolis Better for its Old Town?

Nantucket
Minneapolis

Nantucket is a very popular place for its old town. However, Minneapolis 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.

Minneapolis does not have a historic old town.

Is Nantucket or Minneapolis Better for Hiking?

Nantucket
Minneapolis

Nantucket is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Minneapolis is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Nantucket. 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.

Minneapolis is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Nantucket or Minneapolis?

Nantucket
Minneapolis

Minneapolis is renowned for shopping. Also, Nantucket is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Minneapolis. Known for the megamall, Mall of America, this is a shopper's paradise. Mall of America is the largest shopping mall in the country and it even has an aquarium and a theme park within it. In addition to this iconic shopping mall, Minneapolis also has many shopping districts including the Minnehaha Mile.

Nantucket is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Is Nantucket or Minneapolis Better for Families?

Nantucket
Minneapolis

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Nantucket or Minneapolis.

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.

Minneapolis is a very kid-friendly island. Mall of America is at the top of the list for most families, but there's also plenty of kid-friendly museums around town as well as nature centers, parks, and playgrounds. There's the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, the Minnesota Zoo, and Afton Apple Orchard. For museums, kids will love the Minnesota Children's Museum or the Science Museum of Minnesota.

Is Nantucket or Minneapolis Better for Couples?

Nantucket
Minneapolis

Nantucket is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Minneapolis is a good island for couples to visit. There are beautiful parks and outdoor spaces to explore as well as museums and fine dining. Couples will appreciate stopping by the Stone Arch Bridge or wandering through the Lyndale Park Rose Garden.


Is Nantucket or Minneapolis Better for Students?

Nantucket
Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Nantucket is not popular with students.

Minneapolis is very popular with students. There are a number of colleges and universities in the area including the University of Minnesota. The city is known for its academic and intellectual focus, and students will enjoy being challenged educationally while enjoying a dynamic city.

Nantucket is not popular with students.

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

Nantucket
Minneapolis

Nantucket and Minneapolis both offer nice 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.

Minneapolis has a few public transit options. There are buses, light rail, and commuter trains that stop at many of the major entertainment centers around town.

Is Nantucket or Minneapolis a more walkable city?

Nantucket
Minneapolis

Nantucket is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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

Minneapolis is a somewhat walkable island. There are neighborhoods that are dense enough to be walkable, but the city is still very car-focused.


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

Should I spend more time in Minneapolis or Nantucket?

How long in Nantucket or Minneapolis?

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

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

One day in Nantucket or Minneapolis?

Nantucket is a small town with plenty to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the food. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Minneapolis. 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 Minneapolis?

Nantucket might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This island offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the innovative destination of Minneapolis. 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 Nantucket or Minneapolis?

Because Nantucket is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the dynamic city of Minneapolis. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the shopping. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Nantucket or Minneapolis?

Since Nantucket is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people visit for the food. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Minneapolis 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 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, Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis is $206. 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 Minneapolis in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nantucket $237
    Minneapolis $110
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nantucket $474
    Minneapolis $220
Compare Hotels in Nantucket and Minneapolis

Looking for a hotel in Nantucket or Minneapolis? 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 Minneapolis


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 Minneapolis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nantucket $47
    Minneapolis $43

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Minneapolis

Also for Minneapolis, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Minneapolis Airport (MSP) to Minneapolis - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $138
  • Private Departure Transfer to Minneapolis Airport MSP: $88
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Minneapolis Airport MSP: $88
  • Minneapolis Airport (MSP) to Minneapolis - Arrival Private Transfer: $69

Is it cheaper to fly into Nantucket or Minneapolis?

Prices for flights to both Minneapolis 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
    Minneapolis $40

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Minneapolis

For Minneapolis, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Minneapolis Food Tour - Walking: $115

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nantucket $34
    Minneapolis $27

Tours and Activities in Minneapolis

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

  • 2-Hour Historic Heartbeats of Minneapolis Senior Tour with Guide: $194
  • Candlelight Ghost Trolley Tour in Minneapolis: $55
  • Challah Baking Experience: $72
  • Christmas in the City: A Minneapolis Walking Tour: $689
  • Complete Minneapolis Walking Tour: $99
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Minneapolis with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • Ghost Walking Tour in Minneapolis: $29
  • In the Footsteps of Prince: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • In the Footsteps of Prince: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Downtown Minneapolis: $7.99
  • Lost Souls Tour: $20
  • Mall of America: 1-Hour Escape Room Adventure: $44
  • Mall of America: Crayola Experience Flexible Date Ticket: $31

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nantucket $35
    Minneapolis $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Minneapolis

Also in Minneapolis, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • History and 4-Bar Crawl Guided Walking Tour: $69
  • All-Inclusive Minneapolis Craft Brewery Tour: $85
  • 3-Hour Craft Brewery Tour: $100


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

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


Which is Bigger, Nantucket or Minneapolis?

Minneapolis has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Nantucket. When comparing the sizes of Nantucket and Minneapolis, 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 Minneapolis?

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 Minneapolis in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nantucket and Minneapolis. 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 Minneapolis for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Nantucket is cooler than Minneapolis. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nantucket in July average around 68°F (20°C), and Minneapolis averages at about 76°F (25°C).

In July, Nantucket usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. Nantucket gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nantucket 68°F (20°C) 
    Minneapolis 76°F (25°C)

Should I visit Nantucket or Minneapolis in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nantucket as well as Minneapolis. 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 Minneapolis in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Nantucket is generally around the same temperature as Minneapolis. Daily temperatures in Nantucket average around 53°F (12°C), and Minneapolis fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

Nantucket receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nantucket usually gets more rain in October than Minneapolis. Nantucket gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nantucket 53°F (12°C) 
    Minneapolis 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Nantucket or Minneapolis in the Winter?

Both Minneapolis and Nantucket are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Nantucket in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Minneapolis for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Minneapolis can be very cold during winter. Nantucket can get quite cold in the winter. Nantucket is much warmer than Minneapolis in the winter. The daily temperature in Nantucket averages around 31°F (-0°C) in January, and Minneapolis fluctuates around 15°F (-10°C).

It's quite rainy in Nantucket. In January, Nantucket usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. Nantucket gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nantucket 31°F (-0°C) 
    Minneapolis 15°F (-10°C)

Should I visit Nantucket or Minneapolis in the Spring?

Both Minneapolis and Nantucket during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Nantucket for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Minneapolis because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Nantucket is cooler than Minneapolis. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nantucket in April average around 45°F (7°C), and Minneapolis averages at about 49°F (10°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nantucket. Nantucket usually gets more rain in April than Minneapolis. Nantucket gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nantucket 45°F (7°C) 
    Minneapolis 49°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Minneapolis and Nantucket

Nantucket Minneapolis
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-0°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 15°F (-10°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Feb 32°F (-0°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 0.7 inches (19 mm)
Mar 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (102 mm) 34°F (1°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm)
Apr 45°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 49°F (10°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
May 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 62°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Jun 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Jul 68°F (20°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 76°F (25°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Aug 68°F (20°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Sep 62°F (17°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 64°F (18°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm) 52°F (11°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Nov 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 36°F (2°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Dec 36°F (2°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)