A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Augustine vs. Cape Cod for Food, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Saint Augustine or Cape Cod?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Augustine or Cape Cod, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine is a colonial, historic, and notable city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a maritime, beautiful, and peaceful beach destination. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and food.

Saint Augustine and Cape Cod: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Saint Augustine or Cape Cod?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Saint Augustine than Cape Cod, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Saint Augustine is better known for its museums, nightlife, and historical sights, while Cape Cod is more popular for its resorts, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Saint Augustine is well known for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States. Also, Saint Augustine is famous for the Colonial Quarter. Cape Cod is well known for its long scenic coastline, charming compact towns, and magnificent migrating whales.

How is Saint Augustine different from Cape Cod?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Augustine or Cape Cod?

Saint Augustine
Cape Cod

Saint Augustine is great for its historical sights. However, Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Saint Augustine. It's history is brought to life with many monuments and museums. The Lightner Museum, the Old Jail Museum, the Lincolnville Museum, and Castillo De San Marcos are among the city's most notable sights. Also worth a visit is the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum.

Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Saint Augustine or Cape Cod? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Augustine
Cape Cod

Both Saint Augustine and Cape Cod offer great local cuisine and restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Saint Augustine makes for a great culinary experience. The food scene is influenced by the long history of the city. You'll find flavors that are influenced by Spanish, African, and Native American cultures. There are several popular dishes around town such as fried shrimp, clam chowder, and shrimp and grits.

Cape Cod has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The region is famous for its fresh seafood and popular dishes include the fried clams and broiled lobster. There are also many diners and brunch cafes where you can enjoy pancakes or eggs benedict.

Is Saint Augustine or Cape Cod Better for Nightlife?

Saint Augustine
Cape Cod

Saint Augustine is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Cape Cod is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Saint Augustine has a few options to choose from. There are wineries, pubs, live music venues, and a number of activities that take advantage of the outdoor setting.

People don't go to Cape Cod for the nightlife. This area isn't really known for its nightlife, but the downtown of Hyannis has some activity at night.

Is Saint Augustine or Cape Cod Better for Resorts?

Saint Augustine
Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Saint Augustine is not a resort destination.

Cape Cod has a handful of resorts to choose from. Wequassett Resort and Golf Club, White Elephant Resorts, and Chatham Bars Inn are favorite resorts in the Cape Cod area.

Saint Augustine is not a resort destination.


Is Saint Augustine or Cape Cod Better for Beaches?

Saint Augustine
Cape Cod

Both Saint Augustine and Cape Cod have great beaches worth visiting.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Saint Augustine. Head to the beach to relax and swim. There are miles of sandy beach nearby, with some of the most popular being Ponte Vedra Beach, known for its golf courses, Vilano Beach, with its charming atmosphere, and the scenic Anastasia State Park.

The beaches at Cape Cod attract visitors from all over. Beaches in the area include long stretches of soft sand as well as tidal pools where kids can play. Several of the best beaches around Cape Cod include Mayflower Beach, Marconi Beach, and Race Point Beach.

Is Saint Augustine or Cape Cod Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine
Cape Cod

Saint Augustine is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. However, Cape Cod does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Saint Augustine offers plenty to see. As the longest running, continuously occupied city in the United States, the Historic Downtown is at the heart of the city. It's filled with quaint restaurants, historic hotels, and charming streets. You can take carriage rides or wander through the historic sites. Many of the buildings date back to the 1700s and offer a glimpse into Florida's past.

Cape Cod does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint Augustine or Cape Cod Better for Hiking?

Saint Augustine
Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a nice place to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Saint Augustine is not a hiking destination.

Cape Cod has hiking trails worth exploring. Hikes range from casual strolls to longer trails. Popular options include Bass Hole Boardwalk in Yarmouth and the 22 mile Cape Cod Rail Trail.

Saint Augustine is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Saint Augustine or Cape Cod?

Saint Augustine
Cape Cod

Shopping is a popular activity in both Cape Cod and Saint Augustine.

Saint Augustine is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The Historic Downtown has unique art galleries and boutiques. St. George Street is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir and Aviles Street is the oldest street in the United States. It's also filled with artisan boutiques. Plaza de la ConstituciĆ³n is known for its long running public market and it often has live entertainment.

Cape Cod is well-known for its shopping. Many of the area's towns have charming Main Streets where you can enjoy shopping and dining.

Is Saint Augustine or Cape Cod Better for Families?

Saint Augustine
Cape Cod

Saint Augustine and Cape Cod are both great destinations for the whole family.

Saint Augustine is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the Alligator Farm but there's also a surprisingly fascinating archaeological park - The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. The Colonial Quarter is fun for all ages as well, as is a visit to Fort Castillo De San Marcos. If you have some time, head outside of town to the Marineland Dolphin Adventure, which is well worth the trip.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Cape Cod is very family-friendly. The coastal towns have a number of kid-friendly activities. In the Upper Cape, Falmouth is one of the best towns for families. On Mid Cape, Dennis and Yarmouth are both kid-friendly. Dennis has a resorty vibe and Yarmouth has kid-friendly museums. On the Lower Cape, both Harwich and Orleans are family-friendly options.

Is Saint Augustine or Cape Cod Better for Couples?

Saint Augustine
Cape Cod

Saint Augustine and Cape Cod are both great to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Saint Augustine frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The Ancient City has a charm that is unique in Florida. There is beautiful architecture and a historical atmosphere that is romantic and genuine. You can enjoy a carriage ride and then sample some local cuisine before heading to the beach.

Cape Cod is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. With its charming character and relaxing beach setting, honeymooners and couples will appreciate all that the area has to offer. There are peaceful settings and charming villages to explore. There are also award-winning restaurants and beautiful views.


Is Saint Augustine or Cape Cod Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Saint Augustine
Cape Cod

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Saint Augustine and Cape Cod.

Public transit is generally limited in Saint Augustine. The Old Town Trolley travels through the historic center. There's also a bus service through the region, but you really need a private vehicle to explore everything.

Public transit is mostly limited in Cape Cod. While there are buses and shuttles to help you get around, a car really is necessary to explore the area.

Is Saint Augustine or Cape Cod a more walkable city?

Saint Augustine
Cape Cod

Saint Augustine is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Cape Cod is not as popular, but is still a nice beach destination for its walkability.

Saint Augustine is a very walkable destination. It's one of the more walkable cities in the area. Downtown, Uptown, and even near the beach have accessible areas with sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly zones.

Cape Cod is somewhat walkable. Many of the small towns in the area have compact and walkable areas, but the region is spread out so it's helpful to have a car to get from place to place.

For even more information, also check out Is Saint Augustine Worth Visiting? and Is Cape Cod Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cape Cod or Saint Augustine?

How long in Saint Augustine or Cape Cod?

Both Saint Augustine and Cape Cod have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cape Cod than in Saint Augustine. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Augustine, and 5-7 days is enough time in Cape Cod.

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

Couples should spend more time in Saint Augustine than Cape Cod. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Saint Augustine that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Augustine than Cape Cod 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 Saint Augustine.


  • How many days in Saint Augustine or Cape Cod? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Augustine 3-4 
    Cape Cod 5-7

One day in Saint Augustine or Cape Cod?

The city of Saint Augustine offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

Cape Cod is a small town with plenty to do. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.


A weekend in Saint Augustine or Cape Cod?

Saint Augustine is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Cape Cod might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Saint Augustine or Cape Cod?

Saint Augustine 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.

Cape Cod is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This beach destination offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Saint Augustine or Cape Cod?

Saint Augustine is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Cape Cod is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip 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, Cape Cod or Saint Augustine?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Augustine is $159, while the average daily cost in Cape Cod is $183. 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 Saint Augustine and Cape Cod in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Augustine $86
    Cape Cod $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Augustine $172
    Cape Cod $184
Compare Hotels in Saint Augustine and Cape Cod

Looking for a hotel in Saint Augustine or Cape Cod? 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 Saint Augustine


Hotels in Cape Cod


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: Saint Augustine Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Augustine $39
    Cape Cod $50

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Augustine or Cape Cod?

Prices for flights to both Cape Cod and Saint Augustine 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
    Saint Augustine $49
    Cape Cod $60

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Augustine

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

  • Feast of Saint Augustine Walking Food Tour: $139

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Augustine $18
    Cape Cod $27

Tours and Activities in Saint Augustine

Here are a few actual costs in Saint Augustine for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Arcimoto Electric Vehicle Adventure Rental in St. Augustine: $96
  • 1-Hour Your Studiyo Admission Ticket: $34
  • : Step back in time with pastime private historical tours: $38
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour of St Augustine's Twisted History: $20
  • Adventure Boat Tours - Ghost Boat - Boo Cruise: $40
  • Adventure Boat Tours - Sunset Water Tour in St. Augustine: $38
  • Adventure Meets History Tour in St Augustine: $89
  • Afterlife Tours- Beyond the Grave Tour: $25
  • Airboat Adventure in Saint Augustine with a Guide: $80
  • America‘s Oldest City: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of St Augustine: $20
  • Bay to City Nights of Lights Tour by Boat and Cart: $150
  • Best of St. Augustine with Scenic Cruise: $193

Tours and Activities in Cape Cod

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

  • Cape Cod Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • The Anne Hutchinson Tour of Provincetown: $30
  • Plymouth Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Mayflower Trolley Tour!: $36
  • 3-Hour Private Sightseeing Outdoor Escape Game in Eastham: $39
  • National Seashore Tour with Guided Hike: $65
  • Truro Cape Cod Lighthouse and Highland House Museum Tour: $65
  • Kayak The Creek Nature Tour: $80
  • Cape Cod Explorer Tour: $80
  • Cape Cod Sunset Kayak Tour: $80
  • Private Open-Air Pedicab Tour in Provincetown: $117
  • Private Province Town Pedicab Tour: $149

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Augustine $25
    Cape Cod $19

Sample the Local Flavors in Saint Augustine

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Saint Augustine:

  • The Original Haunted Pub Tour: $24
  • Ghosts and Spirits of St Augustine Pub Crawl Tour: $39
  • Toast of St. Augustine Walking Pub Crawl - drinks included: $63


When comparing the travel costs between Saint Augustine and Cape Cod, we can see that Cape Cod is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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



When is the best time to visit Saint Augustine or Cape Cod?

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 Saint Augustine or Cape Cod in the Summer?

Both Cape Cod and Saint Augustine during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Saint Augustine for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cape Cod in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Cape Cod, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Augustine. In the summer, Saint Augustine often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cape Cod. Saint Augustine gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Cod receives 304 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Augustine. Saint Augustine usually gets more rain in July than Cape Cod. Saint Augustine gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Augustine 82°F (28°C) 
    Cape Cod 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Cape Cod in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Augustine and Cape Cod. Many visitors come to Saint Augustine in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cape Cod for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Saint Augustine is much warmer than Cape Cod in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Cape Cod fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

In Saint Augustine, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Augustine usually receives more sunshine than Cape Cod during autumn. Saint Augustine gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Cod receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Cape Cod receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Saint Augustine usually receives less rain than Cape Cod. Saint Augustine gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Saint Augustine is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Augustine 70°F (21°C) 
    Cape Cod 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Cape Cod in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Augustine as well as Cape Cod. Most visitors come to Saint Augustine for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Cape Cod because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

The weather in Cape Cod can be very cold. In the winter, Saint Augustine is much warmer than Cape Cod. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Augustine in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Cape Cod averages at about 31°F (-0°C).

In the winter, Saint Augustine often gets more sunshine than Cape Cod. Saint Augustine gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Cod receives 153 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cape Cod. Saint Augustine usually gets less rain in January than Cape Cod. Saint Augustine gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Augustine 53°F (12°C) 
    Cape Cod 31°F (-0°C)

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Cape Cod in the Spring?

Both Cape Cod and Saint Augustine are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Saint Augustine because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cape Cod this time of year.

In April, Saint Augustine is generally much warmer than Cape Cod. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 68°F (20°C), and Cape Cod fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

It's quite sunny in Cape Cod. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Augustine. Saint Augustine usually receives more sunshine than Cape Cod during spring. Saint Augustine gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Cod receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cape Cod. In April, Saint Augustine usually receives less rain than Cape Cod. Saint Augustine gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Augustine.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Augustine 68°F (20°C) 
    Cape Cod 45°F (7°C)

Typical Weather for Cape Cod and Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine Cape Cod
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 31°F (-0°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 32°F (-0°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (102 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 45°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 62°F (17°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 53°F (12°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 36°F (2°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)