A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Richmond vs. Martha's Vineyard for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Richmond or Martha's Vineyard?

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 Richmond and Martha's Vineyard can help you decide which place is right for you.

Richmond

Richmond is a friendly, historical, and growing city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a coastal, peaceful, and affluent island. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and hiking.

Richmond and Martha's Vineyard: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Richmond or Martha's Vineyard?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Martha's Vineyard. Although Richmond and Martha's Vineyard are popular destinations, Martha's Vineyard has more sights and attractions for tourists. Martha's Vineyard is very popular for its food, resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Richmond attracts visitors for its museums and nightlife. Martha's Vineyard is more touristy than Richmond and is popular for its natural beauty, charming New England towns, and upscale local shopping. It is also well known for the Aquinnah Cliffs. Richmond is famous for its cultural and historical sights.

How is Richmond different from Martha's Vineyard?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Richmond or Martha's Vineyard?

Richmond
Martha's Vineyard

Richmond is a great city for its historical sights. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Richmond. The city has a long history which you can learn about at one of the many museums. There's the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, and the Black History Museum. There are also landmarks and historical homes.

Martha's Vineyard offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of local museums in the area as well as the Martha's Vineyard Museum.


Is the Food Better in Richmond or Martha's Vineyard? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Richmond
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Richmond is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Martha's Vineyard is an experience not to be missed. The region prioritizes sustainable agriculture and there are many local eateries that range from upscale to more casual. You'll find the greatest number of options during the peak summer months, but regardless of when you visit, you're sure to eat well.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Richmond. The food scene has been growing around town, and there are food halls and local restaurants that serve diverse and interesting dishes. You'll find Indian, Asian, and European restaurants in addition to local classics.

Is Richmond or Martha's Vineyard Better for Nightlife?

Richmond
Martha's Vineyard

Richmond is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Richmond has a few options to choose from. You'll find diverse bars and clubs around town. Pubs are usually laid back with a relaxed atmosphere. You'll also find live music that includes bluegrass, country, and jazz.

Most people don't head to Martha's Vineyard specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There's more of a laid back vibe, but the best towns in the evening are Edgartown and Oak Bluffs.

Is Richmond or Martha's Vineyard Better for Resorts?

Richmond
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Richmond is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Martha's Vineyard is a perfect choice. There are beautiful and luxurious resorts that attract celebrities and socialites. Many have pools and serene outdoor spaces that you can enjoy.

Richmond is not a resort destination.


Is Richmond or Martha's Vineyard Better for Beaches?

Richmond
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is notable for the beach. However, Richmond is not a beach destination.

Martha's Vineyard is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The beaches are scenic and peaceful. Head to northern side of the island for shallow water, or south for more surf. While there are some public beaches that are open to everyone, there are also beaches that require a parking or town beach permit to visit.

Richmond is not a beach destination.

Is Richmond or Martha's Vineyard Better for Hiking?

Richmond
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is very good for the nearby hiking options. However, Richmond is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Martha's Vineyard. There are miles of trails around the island that pass through fields or along the coastline. The island is mostly flat, so the hikes are relatively easy for all skill levels.

Richmond is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Richmond or Martha's Vineyard?

Richmond
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is notable for its shopping areas. Also, Richmond is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Martha's Vineyard. There are no malls, so you'll enjoy shopping at local stores that sell a mix of locally made items and name brand. There are many art galleries as well as craft festivals during the summer months.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Richmond. You'll find shopping malls and shopping centers around town, but there are also eclectic shopping streets and boutique outlets.


Is Richmond or Martha's Vineyard Better for Families?

Richmond
Martha's Vineyard

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Richmond or Martha's Vineyard.

Richmond is a family-friendly place to visit. The Children's Museum of Richmond offers hands-on exhibits that will keep young ones entertained. Another fun option is the Science Museum of Virginia. The city also has parks and outdoor places to explore as well as playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants.

Martha's Vineyard is a family-friendly city. You can visit local farms or go to a local baseball game. There's also cafes, ice cream shops, and donut shops that kids will enjoy.

Is Richmond or Martha's Vineyard Better for Couples?

Richmond
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Richmond is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Martha's Vineyard has plenty to offer. It's filled with charming bed and breakfasts and plenty of New England charm. Couples will enjoy the quaint restaurants and mix of history, small town charm, and outdoor adventure.

Richmond is a nice destination for couples. Kayaking or tubing on the James River is a great activity for couples. There are also museums and many restaurants that are perfect for a date night.

Is Richmond or Martha's Vineyard Better for Students?

Richmond
Martha's Vineyard

Richmond is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Martha's Vineyard is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Richmond. There are a couple of colleges and universities in town such as Virginia Commonwealth University.

Martha's Vineyard is not popular with students.


Is Richmond or Martha's Vineyard Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Richmond
Martha's Vineyard

Both Richmond and Martha's Vineyard offer reasonable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Richmond. There are buses around town, but the availability and reliability is limited.

Public transit is mostly limited in Martha's Vineyard. Access to the island is limited to boat and air. There's a bus service that connects the towns.

Is Richmond or Martha's Vineyard a more walkable city?

Richmond
Martha's Vineyard

Richmond and Martha's Vineyard both are nice when exploring on foot.

Richmond is a somewhat walkable city. There are some walkable neighborhoods such as the Fan and Museum District, but most people prefer to get around by car.

Martha's Vineyard is somewhat walkable. Many of the towns have walkable downtown areas, but traveling between towns and into the countryside requires a vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is Richmond Worth Visiting? and Is Martha's Vineyard Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Martha's Vineyard or Richmond?

How long in Richmond or Martha's Vineyard?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Richmond and Martha's Vineyard. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Martha's Vineyard than in Richmond. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Richmond, and 1-3 days is enough time in Martha's Vineyard.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Richmond than Martha's Vineyard 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 Richmond.


  • How many days in Richmond or Martha's Vineyard? Ideal Length of Stay
    Richmond 1-2 
    Martha's Vineyard 1-3

One day in Richmond or Martha's Vineyard?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Richmond, there's plenty to do. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

Martha's Vineyard is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


A weekend in Richmond or Martha's Vineyard?

With museums and nightlife around the friendly city of Richmond, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Martha's Vineyard is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Martha's Vineyard, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Richmond or Martha's Vineyard?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the growing destination of Richmond. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Martha's Vineyard is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Richmond or Martha's Vineyard?

Richmond is a popular choice for travelers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Martha's Vineyard is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Martha's Vineyard or Richmond?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Richmond is $161, while the average daily cost in Martha's Vineyard is $241. 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 Richmond and Martha's Vineyard in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Richmond $101
    Martha's Vineyard $132
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Richmond $202
    Martha's Vineyard $264
Compare Hotels in Richmond and Martha's Vineyard

Looking for a hotel in Richmond or Martha's Vineyard? 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 Richmond


Hotels in Marthas Vineyard


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: Richmond Hotel Prices and Martha's Vineyard Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Richmond $72
    Martha's Vineyard $83

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Richmond

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Richmond:

  • Richmond Airport (RIC) to Richmond City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $72
  • Richmond City to Richmond Airport (RIC) - Departure Private Transfer: $39
  • Richmond Airport (RIC) to Richmond city - Arrival Private Transfer: $36

Is it cheaper to fly into Richmond or Martha's Vineyard?

Prices for flights to both Martha's Vineyard and Richmond 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
    Richmond $21
    Martha's Vineyard $60

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Richmond

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

  • The Carytown Food Tour in Richmond: $80
  • Church Hill Food Tour in Richmond, VA: $80
  • Church Hill Food Tour: $80
  • Trendy Carytown Food Tour: $80
  • Arts District Food Tour in Richmond: $85
  • Arts District Walking Food Tour: $85
  • Delicious Pizza & Ice Cream Tour of Richmond: $90
  • Pizza & Ice Cream Tour: $90

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Richmond $13
    Martha's Vineyard $30

Tours and Activities in Richmond

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

  • Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Richmond: $44
  • Church Hill Chillers Ghost Tour: $25
  • Church Hill Segway Tour in Richmond: $80
  • Discover Downtown Richmond Bike Tour: $125
  • Guided Walking Tour of Richmond: $38
  • Haunted Capitol Hill Ghost Tour: $30
  • Historic Trolley Tour: $38
  • Hollywood Cemetery Segway Tour in Richmond: $76
  • Hollywood Cemetery Tour Richmond Lore and Civil War: $24
  • Phantoms of Franklin Ghost Tour: $30
  • RVATukTuk Sightseeing Tour of Richmond: $187
  • Richmond Downtown Walking Tour: $38

Tours and Activities in Martha's Vineyard

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Martha's Vineyard.

  • Martha’s Vineyard Self-Guided (APP/GPS) Audio Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard Audio Tour: $13
  • Martha's Vinyard Driving & Walking GPS-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • 3-Hour Martha's Vineyard Island Tour from Oak Bluffs: $65
  • All Island Bus Tour: $65

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Richmond -
    Martha's Vineyard $22

Sample the Local Flavors in Richmond

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Richmond:

  • Richmond Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl : $34
  • Richmond Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Drink Richmond Craft Brewery Crawl: $74
  • Richmond Craft Brewery Crawl By Junket: $74
  • Brewery Tour of Richmond, VA: $90


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

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



When is the best time to visit Richmond or Martha's Vineyard?

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 Richmond or Martha's Vineyard in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Richmond as well as Martha's Vineyard. Many visitors come to Richmond in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Martha's Vineyard for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Richmond is a little warmer than Martha's Vineyard in the summer. The daily temperature in Richmond averages around 78°F (26°C) in July, and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Martha's Vineyard. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Richmond this time of the year. In the summer, Richmond often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Martha's Vineyard. Richmond gets 305 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Martha's Vineyard receives 293 hours of full sun.

Richmond receives a lot of rain in the summer. Richmond usually gets more rain in July than Martha's Vineyard. Richmond gets 5 inches (128 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Richmond 78°F (26°C) 
    Martha's Vineyard 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Richmond or Martha's Vineyard in the Autumn?

Both Martha's Vineyard and Richmond are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Richmond for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Martha's Vineyard because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Richmond is a little warmer than Martha's Vineyard. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Richmond in October average around 59°F (15°C), and Martha's Vineyard averages at about 53°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Martha's Vineyard. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Richmond. Richmond usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Martha's Vineyard during autumn. Richmond gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Martha's Vineyard receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Richmond usually receives more rain than Martha's Vineyard. Richmond gets 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Richmond 59°F (15°C) 
    Martha's Vineyard 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Richmond or Martha's Vineyard in the Winter?

Both Martha's Vineyard and Richmond during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Richmond because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Martha's Vineyard this time of year.

It's quite cold in Martha's Vineyard in the winter. The weather in Richmond can be very cold. In January, Richmond is generally much warmer than Martha's Vineyard. Daily temperatures in Richmond average around 36°F (2°C), and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

In the winter, Richmond often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Martha's Vineyard. Richmond gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Martha's Vineyard receives 170 hours of full sun.

Richmond usually gets less rain in January than Martha's Vineyard. Richmond gets 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Richmond 36°F (2°C) 
    Martha's Vineyard 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Richmond or Martha's Vineyard in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Richmond and Martha's Vineyard. Furthermore, many travelers come to Martha's Vineyard for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Richmond is much warmer than Martha's Vineyard in the spring. The daily temperature in Richmond averages around 58°F (14°C) in April, and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Martha's Vineyard this time of the year. In Richmond, it's very sunny this time of the year. Richmond usually receives more sunshine than Martha's Vineyard during spring. Richmond gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Martha's Vineyard receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Richmond usually receives less rain than Martha's Vineyard. Richmond gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Richmond 58°F (14°C) 
    Martha's Vineyard 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Martha's Vineyard and Richmond

Richmond Martha's Vineyard
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 36°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (83 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (80 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 49°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 58°F (14°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 67°F (19°C) 3.8 inches (98 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 78°F (26°C) 5 inches (128 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 77°F (25°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 71°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 59°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)