A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Orlando vs. Duck for Resorts, Families, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Orlando or Duck?

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

Should I visit Orlando or Duck? 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.

Orlando

Orlando is a family-friendly, entertaining, and active city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Duck

Duck is a traditional, compact, and charming beach town. 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 shopping, food, and beaches.

Orlando and Duck: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Home to Disney World, Universal Studios, and the city's many amusement parks
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Not as many resort options


Is there more to do in Orlando or Duck?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Orlando. Although Orlando and Duck are both popular with visitors, Orlando has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Orlando is more popular for its theatre productions, food, nightlife, and resorts, while Duck is known for its museums, beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Orlando is more touristy than Duck and is popular for being the home of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and many other theme parks and family-friendly activities. It is also home to Disney World, Universal Studios, and the city's many amusement parks. Duck is popular for its quaint atmosphere and small town charm.

How is Orlando different from Duck?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Orlando or Duck?

Orlando
Duck

Duck is mediocre for its historical sights. However, Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Duck. Hanging out at the beach and enjoy water sports or outdoor activities are the main draw of this town. You won't find much in the form of museums or indoor activities.

Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.


Is Orlando or Duck Better for Theater?

Orlando
Duck

Orlando is a popular place for theatre. However, Duck is not a theatre destination.

Orlando offers a number of shows and performances. The city has a number of local theaters that are fun to explore. As home to Disney World and Universal Studios, there are also a number of shows available that are affiliated with the parks.

Duck is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Orlando or Duck? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Orlando
Duck

Orlando is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Duck is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Orlando makes for a great culinary experience. There are a diversity of restaurants on the Disney grounds and nearby. You'll also find many restaurants at Universal CityWalk and Disney Springs. Food can be expensive, and the quality can vary dramatically. Many people enjoy going to dinner shows as well. Restaurants can be challenging also, as reservations must be made months in advance.

Duck has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. For such a small town, there's a decent selection of restaurants that range from local seafood eateries to pizza delivery. Homemade ice cream is a favorite in the area, but you also can't skip out on the flagship Duck Donuts store.

Is Orlando or Duck Better for Nightlife?

Orlando
Duck

Orlando is a popular place for nightlife. However, Duck is not a good beach town for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Orlando. If you need a break from the kids, you'll find some of the best nightlife around Orlando at Disney Springs, Wall Street Plaza and Universal CityWalk.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Duck. It's known as a family-friendly destination that isn't often associated with a strong nightlife, but there is often live music and other festivals during the summer months.


Is Orlando or Duck Better for Resorts?

Orlando
Duck

Orlando is renowned for its resorts. Also, Duck is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its luxury resorts.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Orlando is a great choice. Disney World is famous for its many iconic resorts. Some of the most popular are the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Port Orleans Resort, and the Grand Floridian Resort. There are also many resorts that aren't affiliated with the major theme parks. These tend to be more affordable, but transportation options to and from the park are limited. You'll also miss out on the perks that come with staying at a theme park resort.

With a selection of resorts, Duck makes a nice vacation spot. Most of the accommodation around town is in the form of vacation beach rental houses that are perfect for family gatherings or larger groups.

Is Orlando or Duck Better for Beaches?

Orlando
Duck

Duck is renowned for its beaches. However, Orlando is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Duck. Long sandy beaches with great surf and a wonderful boardwalk make this a great beach destination. Kids play in the tidal pools and families relax under their beach umbrellas in a classic beach setting.

Orlando is not a beach destination.

Is Orlando or Duck Better for Hiking?

Orlando
Duck

Duck is a popular place for hiking. However, Orlando is not a hiking destination.

Duck is a good destination for hiking. The Duck Trail runs for six miles and passes through town. It's popular with walkers, cyclists, and inline skaters.

Orlando is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Orlando or Duck?

Orlando
Duck

If you're looking to go shopping, Orlando and Duck both offer plenty of high quality spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Orlando. Shopping is a dream for any Disney enthusiast. There are countless malls and shops, both on and off the Disney grounds, that sell all of the Disney paraphernalia. Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk are the most famous areas. During the evenings, these areas can be very crowded, but during the day they're less popular as most people are at the theme parks.

Duck is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to the Waterfront Shops for some of the town's best shopping. You can wander along the boardwalk and check out the independent vendors and local restaurants.

Is Orlando or Duck Better for Christmas?

Orlando
Duck

Orlando is renowned for its Christmas activities. However, Duck does not offer Christmas activities.

Orlando is a world class destination during the Christmas season. Christmas at Disney World is lots of fun. There are decorations and all kinds of seasonal activities around town.

Duck does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Orlando or Duck Better for Families?

Orlando
Duck

Orlando is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Duck is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Orlando is a very family-friendly destination. Known as a theme park capital, here you'll find the iconic Disney World, as well as Universal Studios, SeaWorld and many more. While most people spend their vacation at the Disney or Universal resorts, there is also an endless supply of less mainstream parks and activities in the area.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Duck is very family-friendly. Kid-friendly beaches, local ice cream joints, and the famed Duck Donuts all make this an ideal kid's beach destination. There's a waterpark nearby and plenty of water sports that the whole family can enjoy. The boardwalk is also a very family-friendly environment.


Is Orlando or Duck Better for Couples?

Orlando
Duck

Duck is great for romance. Also, Orlando is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Duck is a great beach town if you're traveling as a couple. It's a charming beach town with great local restaurants and a beautiful and peaceful setting. For couples who want to enjoy a relaxing beach town without the energy of a larger destination, then this is the perfect place. Much of the accommodation is in the form of rental houses, which can be a bit much for a couple, but the setting is perfect for a weekend escape.

Orlando makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While most people visit the area with family, there is a niche crowd that enjoys honeymooning or vacationing here as a couple. There are many beautiful restaurants and interesting activities that couples can enjoy together. This is the perfect trip for fun loving couples who don't take themselves to seriously.

Is Orlando or Duck Better for Students?

Orlando
Duck

Orlando is a popular place for students. However, Duck is not popular with students.

Orlando is a good city to visit for students. Most people don't think about education when they think about Orlando, but there are actually a diversity of internships and opportunities for students to learn in a fun setting.

Duck is not popular with students.

Is Orlando or Duck Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Orlando
Duck

Orlando and Duck both offer decent public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Orlando. If you're staying at a Disney Property, there is excellent transportation around the complex, but otherwise, a car is essential.

Public transit is generally limited in Duck. It's best to have a car if you want to exploring the Outer Banks and its many activities.


Is Orlando or Duck a more walkable city?

Orlando
Duck

Duck is renowned for its walkability. However, Orlando is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

Duck is a very easy beach town to get around on foot. It's a wonderfully walkable and pedestrian-friendly town with a great boardwalk and many walking and cycling paths.

Orlando is not a walkable city. The city is sprawling, so unless you stay on the Disney grounds, it's best to rent a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Orlando Worth Visiting? and Is Duck Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Duck or Orlando?

How long in Orlando or Duck?

Both Orlando and Duck have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Duck than in Orlando. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Orlando, and 5-7 days is enough time in Duck.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Orlando than Duck 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 Orlando.


  • How many days in Orlando or Duck? Ideal Length of Stay
    Orlando 7 
    Duck 5-7

One day in Orlando or Duck?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Orlando. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Duck is a small town with plenty to do. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This beach town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Orlando or Duck?

Orlando is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Duck might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.


Five days in Orlando or Duck?

Visitors enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting the family-friendly destination of Orlando. This city offers something for everyone. It's also a relaxing resort destination. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than five days exploring.

Duck is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Duck has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Orlando or Duck?

The family-friendly city of Orlando offers nightlife and food. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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's hard to know how much time to spend in Duck. Duck is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Duck or Orlando?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Orlando is $321, while the average daily cost in Duck is $188. 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 Orlando and Duck in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Orlando $154
    Duck $107
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Orlando $308
    Duck $214
Compare Hotels in Orlando and Duck

Looking for a hotel in Orlando or Duck? 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 Orlando


Hotels in Duck


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: Orlando Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Orlando $66
    Duck $66
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Orlando

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Orlando are as follows:


  • Parking
    $14
  • Taxi Ride
    $45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Orlando

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

  • Transfer: Lake Buena Vista Area Hotels to Orlando Airport (MCO): $19
  • Orlando Airport: Private Transfer to-from Disney & Universal: $30
  • Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal Transfers: $34
  • Train Transfer to Miami: $39
  • Orlando Sanford Intl. Airport (SFB) to Sanford - Arrival Private Transfer: $40
  • Private Transfer between Disney and Universal: $47
  • Private transfer Orlando Airport - Hotels in Disney and Universal: $47
  • Private Transfer to Disney Area Hotels from MCO airport: $48
  • Orlando to Orlando Airport (MCO) - Departure Private Transfer: $51
  • Orlando Airport (MCO) to Orlando - Arrival Private Transfer: $51
  • Private Transfer Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral or Cocoa: $60
  • Transfer in private minivan Orlando downtown -Orlando Airport (MCO): $60

Is it cheaper to fly into Orlando or Duck?

Prices for flights to both Duck and Orlando 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
    Orlando $65
    Duck $45
Typical Food Prices in Orlando

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Orlando:


  • Lunch for Two at Epcot
    $29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Orlando

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

  • The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show in Orlando: $38
  • The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show: $38
  • Señor Frogs Lunch / Dinner Package: $50
  • Downtown Murder Mystery Walking Dinner Tour: $66
  • Sleuth's Mystery Dinner Show, Orlando: $69
  • Mango's LIVE!: Dinner and Show in Orlando: $72
  • Polynesian Fire Luau with Dinner and Live Show: $75
  • Orlando Polynesian Fire Luau and Dinner Show Experience: $75
  • Pirates Dinner Adventure - Top Orlando Dinner Attraction: $78
  • Medieval Times Dinner Show: $78
  • Teatro Martini Dinner Show in Orlando: $79
  • Food Tour of Local Orlando's Ivanhoe Village : $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Orlando $204
    Duck $13
Typical Entertainment Prices in Orlando

For Orlando, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Universal Studios for Two
    $110

Tours and Activities in Orlando

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

  • Orlando’s Historical Highlights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour around Lake Eola in Orlando: $6.65
  • Orlando Self-Guided Historic App/GPS Audio Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure City Game on Your Phone: $10
  • 7-D Dark Ride Entry Ticket: $12
  • Orlando Icon Park Adventure Room Ticket: $12
  • 25 Minutes Adventure Rooms in Max Action Arena ICON Park: $12
  • Skip the Line: Museum of Military History Ticket: $12
  • Winter Park Scavenger Hunt: Winter Park Adventure: $12
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience Orlando, FL: $15
  • Lonely Dog Immersive Art Storytelling Experience: $15
  • Old Town Entertainment District Attraction Tickets: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Orlando $30
    Duck $45

Sample the Local Flavors in Orlando

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Orlando:

  • Orlando Virtual Bar Crawl & Scavenger Hunt: $12
  • Orlando Haunts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Pontoon Pub Crawl, 5 Lakeside Pubs and Restaurants Visit by Boat: $85
  • Happy Hour Downtown Pub Crawl: $170


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

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


Which is Bigger, Orlando or Duck?

Orlando has a larger population, and is about 370 times larger than the population of Duck. When comparing the sizes of Orlando and Duck, 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 Orlando or Duck?

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 Orlando or Duck in the Summer?

Both Duck and Orlando during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Orlando because of the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Duck this time of year.

Orlando is around the same temperature as Duck in the summer. The daily temperature in Orlando averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Duck fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

Duck gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Orlando. Orlando usually gets more rain in July than Duck. Orlando gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Duck receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Orlando 82°F (28°C) 
    Duck 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Orlando or Duck in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Orlando and Duck. The shopping scene are the main draw to Orlando this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Duck for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Orlando is a little warmer than Duck. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Orlando in October average around 75°F (24°C), and Duck averages at about 62°F (16°C).

Orlando gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Orlando usually receives more rain than Duck. Orlando gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Duck receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Orlando 75°F (24°C) 
    Duck 62°F (16°C)

Should I visit Orlando or Duck in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Orlando as well as Duck. Many travelers come to Orlando for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Duck in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Duck can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Orlando is generally much warmer than Duck. Daily temperatures in Orlando average around 59°F (15°C), and Duck fluctuates around 41°F (5°C).

It's quite rainy in Duck. Orlando usually gets less rain in January than Duck. Orlando gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Duck receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Orlando 59°F (15°C) 
    Duck 41°F (5°C)

Should I visit Orlando or Duck in the Spring?

Both Duck and Orlando are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Duck for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

Orlando is a little warmer than Duck in the spring. The daily temperature in Orlando averages around 72°F (22°C) in April, and Duck fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

In April, Orlando usually receives less rain than Duck. Orlando gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Duck receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Orlando 72°F (22°C) 
    Duck 59°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Duck and Orlando

Orlando Duck
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 59°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 41°F (5°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Feb 62°F (16°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Mar 67°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Apr 72°F (22°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
May 77°F (25°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 67°F (19°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 7.1 inches (181 mm) 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.3 inches (211 mm) 78°F (26°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 6.7 inches (171 mm) 78°F (25°C) 5 inches (127 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 7.2 inches (183 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm)
Oct 75°F (24°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 62°F (16°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Nov 68°F (20°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)