A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America New Bern vs. The Hamptons for Couples, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit New Bern or The Hamptons?

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

Should I visit New Bern or The Hamptons? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

New Bern

New Bern is a laid back, quaint, and charming town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

The Hamptons

The Hamptons is a wealthy, opulent, and lavish beach destination. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for beaches, hiking, and shopping.

New Bern and The Hamptons: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance


Is there more to do in New Bern or The Hamptons?

Tourists will generally find more to do in The Hamptons. Although New Bern and The Hamptons are both popular with visitors, The Hamptons has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. The Hamptons is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while New Bern is known for its museums and small town charm. New Bern is popular for being the birthplace of Pepsi. The Hamptons is popular for its long sandy beaches, charming seaside communities, opulent villas, and vacationing celebrities. It is also home to The Montauk Lighthouse.

How is New Bern different from The Hamptons?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in New Bern or The Hamptons?

New Bern
The Hamptons

New Bern is a town with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, The Hamptons does not have museums and landmarks.

New Bern is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Many visitors check out the Tryon Palace while they're in town. Other museums include the New Bern Fireman's Museum, the Carolina Creations Fine Art & Contemporary Craft Gallery, and the New Bern Academy Museum.

The Hamptons does not have museums and landmarks.


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

New Bern
The Hamptons

Dining out at restaurants in both New Bern and The Hamptons can be an enjoyable experience.

New Bern offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a number of local eateries, bistros, and cafes in town. You can sample southern favorites or something international. Popular dishes include fresh caught fish, crab cakes, and even tacos.

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 New Bern or The Hamptons Better for Nightlife?

New Bern
The Hamptons

The Hamptons is a popular place for nightlife. However, New Bern is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

The Hamptons has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are plenty of nightclubs and bars throughout the area. Head to East Hampton for some of the best options.

New Bern doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a couple of pubs and breweries around town.

Is New Bern or The Hamptons Better for Resorts?

New Bern
The Hamptons

The Hamptons is well known for its resorts. However, New Bern is not a resort destination.

The Hamptons is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Known as a hangout for the rich and famous, there is no shortage of luxury hotels and resorts in the area.

New Bern is not a resort destination.


Is New Bern or The Hamptons Better for Beaches?

New Bern
The Hamptons

The Hamptons is a popular place for its beaches. However, New Bern is not a beach destination.

The Hamptons is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

New Bern is not a beach destination.

Is New Bern or The Hamptons Better for Hiking?

New Bern
The Hamptons

The Hamptons is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, New Bern is not a hiking destination.

The Hamptons is a good destination for hiking. 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.

New Bern is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in New Bern or The Hamptons?

New Bern
The Hamptons

The Hamptons is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

The Hamptons is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting New Bern. There are local shops and boutiques that sell clothing, antiques, and gifts.


Is New Bern or The Hamptons Better for Families?

New Bern
The Hamptons

The Hamptons is a popular place for its family-friendly activities. However, New Bern is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in The Hamptons. 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.

For families, New Bern is not always the best place to visit. Stand up paddle boarding and other outdoor activities are a fun way to experience the area with kids. You could also visit the New Bern Fireman's Museum, the Tryon Palace, or one of the parks around town.

Is New Bern or The Hamptons Better for Couples?

New Bern
The Hamptons

The Hamptons is well known for romance. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit The Hamptons frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

New Bern makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The town's charm and quaint parks make this a nice weekend getaway. There are outdoor activities and the Tryon Palace which is nice to visit. There are also local restaurants around town.

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

New Bern
The Hamptons

Neither New Bern or The Hamptons offer decent public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in New Bern. There's no real public transit in the area.

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 New Bern or The Hamptons a more walkable city?

New Bern
The Hamptons

New Bern and The Hamptons both are good when exploring on foot.

New Bern is somewhat walkable. The downtown area is walkable and nice to explore on foot.

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 New Bern Worth Visiting? and Is The Hamptons Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in The Hamptons or New Bern?

How long in New Bern or The Hamptons?

Both New Bern 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 New Bern. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for New Bern, and 3-7 days is enough time in The Hamptons.

Families should spend more time in The Hamptons than New Bern. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in The Hamptons, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in The Hamptons than New Bern. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in The Hamptons that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in New Bern 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 New Bern.


  • How many days in New Bern or The Hamptons? Ideal Length of Stay
    New Bern 1-2 
    The Hamptons 3-7

One day in New Bern or The Hamptons?

New Bern is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and museums. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

The beach destination of The Hamptons offers nightlife and food. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in New Bern or The Hamptons?

New Bern is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

The Hamptons is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


Five days in New Bern or The Hamptons?

New Bern is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

The Hamptons is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in The Hamptons, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in New Bern or The Hamptons?

New Bern is a popular place to visit. 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 great place to explore. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that The Hamptons has to offer. This beach destination offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, The Hamptons or New Bern?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in New Bern is $140, 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 New Bern and The Hamptons in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    New Bern $76
    The Hamptons $126
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    New Bern $152
    The Hamptons $252
Compare Hotels in New Bern and The Hamptons

Looking for a hotel in New Bern 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 New Bern


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: New Bern Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    New Bern $34
    The Hamptons $63

Is it cheaper to fly into New Bern or The Hamptons?

Prices for flights to both The Hamptons and New Bern 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
    New Bern $41
    The Hamptons $60

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    New Bern $26
    The Hamptons $22

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    New Bern $30
    The Hamptons $31


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between New Bern and The Hamptons, we can see that The Hamptons is more expensive. And not only is New Bern much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to New Bern would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in New Bern 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 The Hamptons would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in The Hamptons than you might in New Bern.

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


Which is Bigger, New Bern or The Hamptons?

New Bern has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of The Hamptons. When comparing the sizes of New Bern 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 New Bern or The Hamptons?

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 New Bern or The Hamptons in the Summer?

Both The Hamptons and New Bern are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to New Bern in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to The Hamptons for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

New Bern is around the same temperature as The Hamptons in the summer. The daily temperature in New Bern averages around 80°F (27°C) in July, and The Hamptons fluctuates around 76°F (25°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in The Hamptons. It's quite rainy in New Bern. In July, New Bern usually receives more rain than The Hamptons. New Bern gets 6.6 inches (169 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    New Bern 80°F (27°C) 
    The Hamptons 76°F (25°C)

Should I visit New Bern or The Hamptons in the Autumn?

Both The Hamptons and New Bern during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to New Bern for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to The Hamptons because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, New Bern is a little warmer than The Hamptons. Typically, the autumn temperatures in New Bern in October average around 65°F (18°C), and The Hamptons averages at about 58°F (14°C).

New Bern usually gets more rain in October than The Hamptons. New Bern gets 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    New Bern 65°F (18°C) 
    The Hamptons 58°F (14°C)

Should I visit New Bern or The Hamptons in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both New Bern and The Hamptons. The winter months attract visitors to New Bern because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to The Hamptons this time of year.

It's quite cold in The Hamptons in the winter. In January, New Bern is generally much warmer than The Hamptons. Daily temperatures in New Bern average around 44°F (7°C), and The Hamptons fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

New Bern gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, New Bern usually receives more rain than The Hamptons. New Bern gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    New Bern 44°F (7°C) 
    The Hamptons 31°F (-0°C)

Should I visit New Bern or The Hamptons in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to New Bern as well as The Hamptons. The small town charm are the main draw to New Bern this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to The Hamptons for the beaches and the natural beauty.

New Bern is much warmer than The Hamptons in the spring. The daily temperature in New Bern averages around 62°F (16°C) in April, and The Hamptons fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

New Bern usually gets less rain in April than The Hamptons. New Bern gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    New Bern 62°F (16°C) 
    The Hamptons 51°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for The Hamptons and New Bern

New Bern The Hamptons
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 44°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 31°F (-0°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Feb 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) 33°F (1°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Apr 62°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 51°F (11°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
May 69°F (21°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Jun 76°F (25°C) 5 inches (126 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 80°F (27°C) 6.6 inches (169 mm) 76°F (25°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm)
Aug 79°F (26°C) 7.6 inches (192 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm)
Sep 75°F (24°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Oct 65°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 58°F (14°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Nov 56°F (13°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 47°F (9°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Dec 48°F (9°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 37°F (3°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)