A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Richmond vs. Nantucket for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Families

Should you visit Richmond 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 Richmond and Nantucket can help you decide which place is right for you.

Richmond

Richmond is a historical, growing, and friendly city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Nantucket

Nantucket is a charming, serene, and peaceful 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 beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Richmond and Nantucket: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Richmond or Nantucket?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nantucket than Richmond, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nantucket is better known for its food, resorts, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Richmond is more popular for its museums. Nantucket is more touristy than Richmond and is popular for its pristine beaches, upscale atmosphere, and history of whaling. Also, Nantucket is famous for Great Point Lighthouse. Richmond is well known for its cultural and historical sights.

How is Richmond different from Nantucket?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Richmond
Nantucket

Richmond is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Nantucket is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Richmond specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Nantucket offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several museums around town that educate visitors on the island's whaling history and maritime past.


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

Richmond
Nantucket

Nantucket is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Richmond is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

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 Nantucket Better for Nightlife?

Richmond
Nantucket

Evening events are notable in both Richmond and Nantucket.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Richmond. 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.

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 Richmond or Nantucket Better for Resorts?

Richmond
Nantucket

Nantucket is notable for its resorts. However, Richmond is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Nantucket. Luxury resorts and upscale inns offer guests a relaxed setting with oceanfront views and family-friendly activities.

Richmond is not a resort destination.


Is Richmond or Nantucket Better for Beaches?

Richmond
Nantucket

Nantucket is notable for the beach. However, Richmond is not a beach destination.

Nantucket is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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.

Richmond is not a beach destination.

Is Richmond or Nantucket Better for its Old Town?

Richmond
Nantucket

Nantucket is notable for its historic old town charm. However, Richmond 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.

Richmond does not have a historic old town.

Is Richmond or Nantucket Better for Hiking?

Richmond
Nantucket

Nantucket is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Richmond is not a hiking destination.

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.

Richmond is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Richmond or Nantucket?

Richmond
Nantucket

Nantucket 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 Nantucket. 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.

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 Nantucket Better for Families?

Richmond
Nantucket

Nantucket is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Richmond is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Nantucket is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There's a calm beach that's perfect for kids as well as quaint ice cream shops and plenty of New England charm. The town is also filled with hiking and biking trails.

Richmond is a family-friendly city. 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.

Is Richmond or Nantucket Better for Couples?

Richmond
Nantucket

Nantucket 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, 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.

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 Nantucket Better for Students?

Richmond
Nantucket

Richmond is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Nantucket 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.

Nantucket is not popular with students.

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

Richmond
Nantucket

Nantucket is very good for its public transit. However, Richmond is a mediocre city 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 mostly limited in Richmond. There are buses around town, but the availability and reliability is limited.

Is Richmond or Nantucket a more walkable city?

Richmond
Nantucket

Nantucket is notable for its ease of walking around. Also, Richmond is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

Nantucket is a very walkable destination. The town is very walkable and parking can be challenging, so it's best to leave your car in the ferry parking lot.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Nantucket or Richmond?

How long in Richmond or Nantucket?

It's fun to spend time in either Richmond or Nantucket. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Nantucket due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Richmond, and 2-4 days is enough time in Nantucket.

Families should spend more time in Nantucket than Richmond. 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 Richmond. 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 Richmond 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 Richmond or Nantucket? Ideal Length of Stay
    Richmond 1-2 
    Nantucket 2-4

One day in Richmond or Nantucket?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Richmond. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Richmond has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Nantucket is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Richmond or Nantucket?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the friendly destination of Richmond. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Nantucket 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 Nantucket, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Richmond or Nantucket?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historical city of Richmond. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Nantucket is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 Nantucket?

Richmond is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

Nantucket is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, 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, Nantucket 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 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 Richmond and Nantucket in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Richmond $101
    Nantucket $237
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Richmond $202
    Nantucket $474
Compare Hotels in Richmond and Nantucket

Looking for a hotel in Richmond 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 Richmond


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: Richmond Hotel Prices and Nantucket Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Richmond $72
    Nantucket $47

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 Nantucket?

Prices for flights to both Nantucket 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
    Nantucket $81

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
    Nantucket $34

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Richmond -
    Nantucket $35

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 Nantucket, we can see that Nantucket 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 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 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 Nantucket Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Richmond or Nantucket?

Richmond has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Nantucket. When comparing the sizes of Richmond 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 Richmond 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 Richmond or Nantucket in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Richmond as well as Nantucket. The summer months attract visitors to Richmond because of 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 the summer, Richmond is a little warmer than Nantucket. Typically, the summer temperatures in Richmond in July average around 78°F (26°C), and Nantucket averages at about 68°F (20°C).

Richmond receives a lot of rain in the summer. Richmond usually gets more rain in July than Nantucket. Richmond gets 5 inches (128 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Richmond 78°F (26°C) 
    Nantucket 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Richmond or Nantucket in the Autumn?

Both Nantucket and Richmond are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene are the main draw to Richmond 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.

In October, Richmond is generally a little warmer than Nantucket. Daily temperatures in Richmond average around 59°F (15°C), and Nantucket fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nantucket. In October, Richmond usually receives less rain than Nantucket. Richmond gets 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Richmond 59°F (15°C) 
    Nantucket 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Richmond or Nantucket in the Winter?

Both Nantucket and Richmond during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Richmond 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. Be prepared for some very cold days in Richmond. Richmond is much warmer than Nantucket in the winter. The daily temperature in Richmond averages around 36°F (2°C) in January, and Nantucket fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

Nantucket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Richmond usually gets less rain in January than Nantucket. Richmond gets 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Richmond 36°F (2°C) 
    Nantucket 31°F (-0°C)

Should I visit Richmond or Nantucket in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Richmond is much warmer than Nantucket. Typically, the spring temperatures in Richmond in April average around 58°F (14°C), and Nantucket averages at about 45°F (7°C).

Nantucket receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Richmond usually receives less rain than Nantucket. Richmond gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Richmond 58°F (14°C) 
    Nantucket 45°F (7°C)

Typical Weather for Nantucket and Richmond

Richmond Nantucket
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 36°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (83 mm) 31°F (-0°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Feb 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (80 mm) 32°F (-0°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)
Mar 49°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (102 mm)
Apr 58°F (14°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 45°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)
May 67°F (19°C) 3.8 inches (98 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Jun 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 78°F (26°C) 5 inches (128 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Aug 77°F (25°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Sep 71°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 62°F (17°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Oct 59°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 53°F (12°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm)
Nov 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Dec 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 36°F (2°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)