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

Should you visit Pensacola or Nantucket?

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 Pensacola and Nantucket can help you decide which place is right for you.

Pensacola

Pensacola is a fun-filled, active, and entertaining beach town. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Nantucket

Nantucket is a charming, serene, and peaceful island. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Pensacola and Nantucket: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Pensacola or Nantucket?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nantucket. Although Pensacola and Nantucket are popular destinations, Nantucket has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nantucket is very popular for its food, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Pensacola attracts visitors for its beaches. Pensacola is more touristy than Nantucket and is popular for its white sand beaches and long running naval history. Nantucket is famous for its pristine beaches, upscale atmosphere, and history of whaling. It is also well known for Great Point Lighthouse.

How is Pensacola different from Nantucket?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Pensacola or Nantucket?

Pensacola
Nantucket

Plenty of people visit the nice sights and museums in both Pensacola and Nantucket.

Pensacola offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. On a rainy day there are some nice museums in the area. You can visit the National Naval Aviation Museum, the Historic Pensacola Village, the Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum, or Pensacola Children's Museum.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Nantucket. There are several museums around town that educate visitors on the island's whaling history and maritime past.


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

Pensacola
Nantucket

Nantucket is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Pensacola is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its restaurants.

Nantucket has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Pensacola has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find no shortage of seafood options around town. Oysters, shrimp, and fresh fish are popular on the menus. You'll also find lots of Cajun flavors as well as casual sandwiches and pizza.

Is Pensacola or Nantucket Better for Nightlife?

Pensacola
Nantucket

Evening events are nice in both Pensacola and Nantucket.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Pensacola. There's a casual nightlife scene with pubs, live music, and a mellow but fun setting.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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 Pensacola or Nantucket Better for Resorts?

Pensacola
Nantucket

Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Pensacola and Nantucket.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Pensacola. Family-friendly resorts with pools, waterslides, and lazy rivers are common. You'll also find beachfront hotels and more affordable options set back from the beach.

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.


Is Pensacola or Nantucket Better for Beaches?

Pensacola
Nantucket

Pensacola is renowned for its beaches. Also, Nantucket is not as popular, but is still a nice island for the beache.

With world-famous beaches, Pensacola is a very popular vacation destination. White sand beaches with blue water and mild temperatures make this a wonderful beach destination. Some of the best beaches include Casino Beach, Perdido Key Beach, and Opal Beach.

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.

Is Pensacola or Nantucket Better for its Old Town?

Pensacola
Nantucket

Nantucket is notable for its old town. However, Pensacola does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Nantucket. The Historic District is filled with New England charm, cobblestone streets, and upscale boutiques. There are many great restaurants and a lot of historic character.

Pensacola does not have a historic old town.

Is Pensacola or Nantucket Better for Hiking?

Pensacola
Nantucket

Nantucket is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Pensacola is a mediocre beach town for its hiking trails.

Nantucket is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Hiking is a fun activity while in Pensacola. Step away from the beachfront development and you'll find some nice nature parks with quiet walking trails.


Is the Shopping Better in Pensacola or Nantucket?

Pensacola
Nantucket

Nantucket is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Pensacola is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its shopping areas.

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.

Pensacola has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are sprawling shopping malls and shopping centers as well as local boutiques and quintessential souvenir shops.

Is Pensacola or Nantucket Better for Families?

Pensacola
Nantucket

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Pensacola or Nantucket.

Pensacola is a very kid-friendly beach town. Kid-friendly beaches, minigolf, a zoo, and even a few museums make this a great family destination. There are family-friendly resorts and kid-friendly restaurants that make for an easy vacation that everyone will enjoy.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Nantucket. 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.

Is Pensacola or Nantucket Better for Couples?

Pensacola
Nantucket

Nantucket is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Pensacola is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Nantucket 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.

Pensacola makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Beautiful beaches and sunset cruises make this a great romantic getaway. You'll find great restaurants for a date night and plenty of activity once the sun goes down. During the day you can lounge on the beach or by the pool, sip drinks, and enjoy a vacation with your loved one.


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

Pensacola
Nantucket

Nantucket is very good for its public transit. However, Pensacola is a mediocre beach town for times when you don't have a car.

Nantucket has a few public transit options. There are shuttle buses around the island that operate with greater frequency during the summer months.

Public transit is quite limited in Pensacola. There's a bus system, but it's not particularly helpful to vacationers.

Is Pensacola or Nantucket a more walkable city?

Pensacola
Nantucket

Nantucket is notable for its high level of walkability. However, Pensacola is a mediocre beach town 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.

Pensacola is generally not a very walkable beach town. It's not a particularly walkable city and you'll want to have a car to fully enjoy your vacation.

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

Should I spend more time in Nantucket or Pensacola?

How long in Pensacola or Nantucket?

It's fun to spend time in either Pensacola or Nantucket. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Pensacola due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Pensacola, and 2-4 days is enough time in Nantucket.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nantucket than Pensacola 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 Pensacola or Nantucket? Ideal Length of Stay
    Pensacola 3-7 
    Nantucket 2-4

One day in Pensacola or Nantucket?

You'll find shopping and museums around the beach town of Pensacola. 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.

Even though Nantucket is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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 Pensacola or Nantucket?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the entertaining destination of Pensacola. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This beach town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Nantucket is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Pensacola or Nantucket?

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

Nantucket is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Pensacola or Nantucket?

Pensacola 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 Pensacola, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Nantucket is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Nantucket or Pensacola?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Pensacola is $198, while the average daily cost in Nantucket is $350. 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 Pensacola and Nantucket in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pensacola $115
    Nantucket $237
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pensacola $230
    Nantucket $474
Compare Hotels in Pensacola and Nantucket

Looking for a hotel in Pensacola or Nantucket? 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 Pensacola


Hotels in Nantucket


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: Pensacola Hotel Prices and Nantucket Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pensacola $64
    Nantucket $47
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Pensacola

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Pensacola:


  • Boca Grande Causeway Toll
    $5.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pensacola

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pensacola:

  • Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Destin, FL - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $142
  • Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Pensacola - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $109
  • Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Destin, FL - Arrival Private Transfer: $71
  • Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Pensacola - Arrival Private Transfer: $55
  • Pensacola to Pensacola International Airport (PNS) - Departure Private Transfer: $55

Is it cheaper to fly into Pensacola or Nantucket?

Prices for flights to both Nantucket and Pensacola 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
    Pensacola $48
    Nantucket $81
Typical Food Prices in Pensacola

Some typical examples of dining costs in Pensacola are as follows:


  • Two Ice Creams
    $6.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pensacola

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Pensacola.

  • Seville Stroll Food Tour: $72

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Pensacola $13
    Nantucket $34
Typical Entertainment Prices in Pensacola

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Pensacola are as follows:


  • Bike Rental
    $16

Tours and Activities in Pensacola

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Pensacola are as follows:

  • 1hr Segway Tour Downtown : $57
  • 2hr Segway Tour of Downtown : $72
  • 3 Hour Sandbar Adventure on Motorized Floats: $69
  • 3 hours cruise with swimming: $81
  • Dolphin & Sightseeing Cruise + Private Beach Stop: $64
  • Fourth of July Fireworks Cruise: $59
  • Frisky Mermaid Fireworks Cruise Up to 49 Pax: $64
  • Frisky Mermaid Public Dolphin + Sightseeing Cruise Up to 49 Pax: $37
  • Ghosts and Graveyard Tour of Pensacola: $34
  • Hop-on Hop-off Tour in Pensacola : $35
  • Land Paddle Tour in Pensacola: $50
  • Pensacola Beach Jolly Dolphin Cruise and Scenic Bay Tour: $39

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pensacola $44
    Nantucket $35

Sample the Local Flavors in Pensacola

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

  • Walking Pub Tour : $21


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

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


Which is Bigger, Pensacola or Nantucket?

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

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 Pensacola or Nantucket in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Pensacola as well as Nantucket. The summer months attract visitors to Pensacola because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nantucket this time of year.

In July, Pensacola is generally a little warmer than Nantucket. Daily temperatures in Pensacola average around 82°F (28°C), and Nantucket fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

Pensacola receives a lot of rain in the summer. Pensacola usually gets more rain in July than Nantucket. Pensacola gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Pensacola 82°F (28°C) 
    Nantucket 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Pensacola or Nantucket in the Autumn?

Both Nantucket and Pensacola are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Pensacola this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nantucket for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Pensacola is much warmer than Nantucket in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pensacola averages around 69°F (21°C) in October, and Nantucket fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nantucket. It's quite rainy in Pensacola. In October, Pensacola usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nantucket. Pensacola gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Pensacola is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Pensacola 69°F (21°C) 
    Nantucket 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Pensacola or Nantucket in the Winter?

Both Nantucket and Pensacola during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Pensacola for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Nantucket in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Nantucket can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Pensacola is much warmer than Nantucket. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pensacola in January average around 51°F (10°C), and Nantucket averages at about 31°F (-0°C).

Nantucket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Pensacola. Pensacola usually gets more rain in January than Nantucket. Pensacola gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Pensacola 51°F (10°C) 
    Nantucket 31°F (-0°C)

Should I visit Pensacola or Nantucket in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Pensacola and Nantucket. Many visitors come to Pensacola in the spring for the beaches. Furthermore, most visitors come to Nantucket for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Pensacola is generally much warmer than Nantucket. Daily temperatures in Pensacola average around 67°F (20°C), and Nantucket fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

Nantucket receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Pensacola usually receives less rain than Nantucket. Pensacola gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Pensacola.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Pensacola 67°F (20°C) 
    Nantucket 45°F (7°C)

Typical Weather for Nantucket and Pensacola

Pensacola Nantucket
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (10°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 31°F (-0°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 32°F (-0°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)
Mar 60°F (16°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (102 mm)
Apr 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 45°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 7.4 inches (189 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.4 inches (188 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm) 62°F (17°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Oct 69°F (21°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 53°F (12°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm)
Nov 61°F (16°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Dec 54°F (12°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 36°F (2°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)