A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Nantucket vs. The Hamptons for Food, Couples, Resorts, and Beaches

Should you visit Nantucket or The Hamptons?

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 The Hamptons 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. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

The Hamptons

The Hamptons is a wealthy, opulent, and lavish beach destination. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Nantucket and The Hamptons: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Nantucket or The Hamptons?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nantucket. Although Nantucket and The Hamptons are both popular with visitors, Nantucket has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nantucket is more popular for its museums, food, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while The Hamptons is known for its shopping. Nantucket is more touristy than The Hamptons and is popular for its pristine beaches, upscale atmosphere, and history of whaling. It is also home to Great Point Lighthouse. The Hamptons is popular for its long sandy beaches, charming seaside communities, opulent villas, and vacationing celebrities.

How is Nantucket different from The Hamptons?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nantucket
The Hamptons

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

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.

The Hamptons does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Nantucket
The Hamptons

Nantucket is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Nantucket have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

The Hamptons has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a number of fine dining restaurants in the area and seafood is a favorite. Some restaurants are known to be frequented by vacationing celebrities, so if you're hoping to spot someone famous, do some research and you may have some luck.

Is Nantucket or The Hamptons Better for Nightlife?

Nantucket
The Hamptons

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

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 The Hamptons. There are plenty of nightclubs and bars throughout the area. Head to East Hampton for some of the best options.

Is Nantucket or The Hamptons Better for Resorts?

Nantucket
The Hamptons

Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Nantucket and The Hamptons.

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.

The Hamptons is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Known as a hangout for the rich and famous, there is no shortage of luxury hotels and resorts in the area.


Is Nantucket or The Hamptons Better for Beaches?

Nantucket
The Hamptons

Nantucket is a great destination for its beaches. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beache.

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.

The Hamptons offers a nice beach destination. The beaches in the area feature long stretches of soft sand and plenty of space to spread out. Many beaches do come with a hefty price tag though as they require you to pay for parking or a permit.

Is Nantucket or The Hamptons Better for its Old Town?

Nantucket
The Hamptons

Nantucket is a great destination for its historic old town. However, The Hamptons 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.

The Hamptons does not have a historic old town.

Is Nantucket or The Hamptons Better for Hiking?

Nantucket
The Hamptons

Nantucket is a great destination for its hiking experiences. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

The Hamptons offers some nice hiking trails. There are a number of picturesque walks through the dunes and wetlands around the area. There is plenty of peaceful nature to explore if you're looking for a break from city life.


Is the Shopping Better in Nantucket or The Hamptons?

Nantucket
The Hamptons

The Hamptons 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 The Hamptons. Known as a playground for the rich and famous, you can be assured there are plenty of shopping opportunities where you can flash your cash around town.

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 The Hamptons Better for Families?

Nantucket
The Hamptons

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

Nantucket is 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.

The Hamptons offers lots of family activities. The area has a family-friendly setting with many outdoor activities and a children's museum. There are music events, children's parks, small zoos, and, of course, the beach. Also make sure you pick up some ice cream and enjoy that quintessential beach experience.

Is Nantucket or The Hamptons Better for Couples?

Nantucket
The Hamptons

Nantucket is a world-class destination for romance. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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.

The Hamptons is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy beaches, dining out, and escaping the chaos of city life will enjoy a retreat here. The area has many beautiful parks and outdoor spaces, but there are also amazing restaurants that make for a great date night.


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

Nantucket
The Hamptons

Nantucket is a island with good options for its public transit. However, The Hamptons is a beach destination with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Nantucket, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are shuttle buses around the island that operate with greater frequency during the summer months.

Public transit is quite limited in The Hamptons. While there are trains between towns, there aren't many options when it comes to public transit.

Is Nantucket or The Hamptons a more walkable city?

Nantucket
The Hamptons

Nantucket is a great destination for its walkability. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

The Hamptons is a somewhat walkable place. While some of the towns offer a nice place for a stroll, most of the Hamptons is not very walkable and it's best to have a car.

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

Should I spend more time in The Hamptons or Nantucket?

How long in Nantucket or The Hamptons?

Both Nantucket and The Hamptons have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in The Hamptons than in Nantucket. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Nantucket, and 3-7 days is enough time in The Hamptons.

Families should spend more time in Nantucket than The Hamptons. 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 The Hamptons. 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 The Hamptons 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 The Hamptons? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nantucket 2-4 
    The Hamptons 3-7

One day in Nantucket or The Hamptons?

Nantucket is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the beach destination of The Hamptons. 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 The Hamptons?

Nantucket is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the food. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the lavish destination of The Hamptons. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This beach destination offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Nantucket or The Hamptons?

Nantucket is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

You'll find nightlife and food around the opulent beach destination of The Hamptons. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this beach destination makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the shopping. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this beach destination has to offer.

A week in Nantucket or The Hamptons?

Nantucket is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The Hamptons is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in The Hamptons, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, The Hamptons 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 The Hamptons is $223. 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 The Hamptons in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nantucket $237
    The Hamptons $126
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nantucket $474
    The Hamptons $252
Compare Hotels in Nantucket and The Hamptons

Looking for a hotel in Nantucket or The Hamptons? 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 The Hamptons


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
    The Hamptons $63

Is it cheaper to fly into Nantucket or The Hamptons?

Prices for flights to both The Hamptons 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
    The Hamptons $60

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nantucket $34
    The Hamptons $22

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nantucket $35
    The Hamptons $31


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

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


Which is Bigger, Nantucket or The Hamptons?

Nantucket has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of The Hamptons. When comparing the sizes of Nantucket and The Hamptons, 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 The Hamptons?

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 The Hamptons in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nantucket as well as The Hamptons. Many travelers come to Nantucket for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to The Hamptons in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Nantucket is cooler than The Hamptons in the summer. The daily temperature in Nantucket averages around 68°F (20°C) in July, and The Hamptons fluctuates around 76°F (25°C).

It's quite rainy in The Hamptons. Nantucket usually gets less rain in July than The Hamptons. Nantucket gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Nantucket or The Hamptons in the Autumn?

Both The Hamptons and Nantucket are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Nantucket in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to The Hamptons for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Nantucket is cooler than The Hamptons. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nantucket in October average around 53°F (12°C), and The Hamptons averages at about 58°F (14°C).

It's quite rainy in Nantucket. In October, Nantucket usually receives more rain than The Hamptons. Nantucket gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nantucket 53°F (12°C) 
    The Hamptons 58°F (14°C)

Should I visit Nantucket or The Hamptons in the Winter?

Both The Hamptons and Nantucket during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Nantucket for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to The Hamptons because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

The weather in The Hamptons can be very cold. Nantucket can be very cold during winter. In January, Nantucket is generally around the same temperature as The Hamptons. Daily temperatures in Nantucket average around 31°F (-0°C), and The Hamptons fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nantucket. Nantucket usually gets more rain in January than The Hamptons. Nantucket gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nantucket 31°F (-0°C) 
    The Hamptons 31°F (-0°C)

Should I visit Nantucket or The Hamptons in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nantucket and The Hamptons. The spring months attract visitors to Nantucket because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to The Hamptons this time of year.

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

Nantucket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Nantucket usually receives around the same amount of rain as The Hamptons. Nantucket gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nantucket 45°F (7°C) 
    The Hamptons 51°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for The Hamptons and Nantucket

Nantucket The Hamptons
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-0°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 31°F (-0°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Feb 32°F (-0°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 33°F (1°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Mar 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (102 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Apr 45°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 51°F (11°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
May 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Jun 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 68°F (20°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 76°F (25°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm)
Aug 68°F (20°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm)
Sep 62°F (17°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm) 58°F (14°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Nov 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 47°F (9°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Dec 36°F (2°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 37°F (3°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)