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

Should you visit Saint Augustine or Martha's Vineyard?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Augustine or Martha's Vineyard, 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.

Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a peaceful, affluent, and coastal island. 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. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and food.

Saint Augustine and Martha's Vineyard: 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
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife


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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Saint Augustine than Martha's Vineyard, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Saint Augustine is better known for its museums, nightlife, and historical sights, while Martha's Vineyard is more popular for its resorts, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. 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. Martha's Vineyard is well known for its natural beauty, charming New England towns, and upscale local shopping.

How is Saint Augustine 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 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 Martha's Vineyard?

Saint Augustine
Martha's Vineyard

Saint Augustine 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 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.

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 Saint Augustine or Martha's Vineyard? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Augustine
Martha's Vineyard

Both Saint Augustine and Martha's Vineyard 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.

Martha's Vineyard has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Is Saint Augustine or Martha's Vineyard Better for Nightlife?

Saint Augustine
Martha's Vineyard

Saint Augustine 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 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.

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 Saint Augustine or Martha's Vineyard Better for Resorts?

Saint Augustine
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is very popular for its resorts. However, Saint Augustine is not a resort destination.

Martha's Vineyard offers an unforgettable resort vacation. There are beautiful and luxurious resorts that attract celebrities and socialites. Many have pools and serene outdoor spaces that you can enjoy.

Saint Augustine is not a resort destination.


Is Saint Augustine or Martha's Vineyard Better for Beaches?

Saint Augustine
Martha's Vineyard

Both Saint Augustine and Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard attract visitors from all over. 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.

Is Saint Augustine or Martha's Vineyard Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine
Martha's Vineyard

Saint Augustine is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Martha's Vineyard does not have a historic old town.

Saint Augustine offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Martha's Vineyard does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint Augustine or Martha's Vineyard Better for Hiking?

Saint Augustine
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a nice place to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Saint Augustine is not a hiking destination.

Martha's Vineyard has hiking trails worth exploring. 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.

Saint Augustine is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Saint Augustine or Martha's Vineyard?

Saint Augustine
Martha's Vineyard

Shopping is a popular activity in both Martha's Vineyard 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.

Martha's Vineyard is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Is Saint Augustine or Martha's Vineyard Better for Families?

Saint Augustine
Martha's Vineyard

Saint Augustine is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Martha's Vineyard is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

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

Martha's Vineyard is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Saint Augustine or Martha's Vineyard Better for Couples?

Saint Augustine
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is very popular for romance. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Martha's Vineyard has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Saint Augustine is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. 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.


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

Saint Augustine
Martha's Vineyard

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Saint Augustine and Martha's Vineyard.

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

Is Saint Augustine or Martha's Vineyard a more walkable city?

Saint Augustine
Martha's Vineyard

Saint Augustine is a great city for its ease of walking around. Also, Martha's Vineyard is not as popular, but is still a nice island 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.

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 Saint Augustine Worth Visiting? and Is Martha's Vineyard Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Saint Augustine or Martha's Vineyard?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint Augustine and Martha's Vineyard. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Saint Augustine than in Martha's Vineyard. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Augustine, and 1-3 days is enough time in Martha's Vineyard.

Families should spend more time in Saint Augustine than Martha's Vineyard. 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 Martha's Vineyard than Saint Augustine. 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 Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine.


  • How many days in Saint Augustine or Martha's Vineyard? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Augustine 3-4 
    Martha's Vineyard 1-3

One day in Saint Augustine or Martha's Vineyard?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Saint Augustine, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

Martha's Vineyard is a small town with plenty to do. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.


A weekend in Saint Augustine or Martha's Vineyard?

With museums and nightlife around the colonial city of Saint Augustine, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Martha's Vineyard might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Saint Augustine or Martha's Vineyard?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the colonial destination of Saint Augustine. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This island offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Saint Augustine or Martha's Vineyard?

Saint Augustine is a popular choice for travelers. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

Since Martha's Vineyard is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


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, Martha's Vineyard 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 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 Saint Augustine and Martha's Vineyard in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Augustine $86
    Martha's Vineyard $132
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Augustine $172
    Martha's Vineyard $264
Compare Hotels in Saint Augustine and Martha's Vineyard

Looking for a hotel in Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine


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: Saint Augustine Hotel Prices and Martha's Vineyard Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Augustine $39
    Martha's Vineyard $83

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

Prices for flights to both Martha's Vineyard 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
    Martha's Vineyard $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
    Martha's Vineyard $30

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 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
    Saint Augustine $25
    Martha's Vineyard $22

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

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 Martha's Vineyard Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine or Martha's Vineyard in the Summer?

Both Martha's Vineyard 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. Also, many visitors come to Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 82°F (28°C), and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In Martha's Vineyard, 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 Martha's Vineyard. Saint Augustine gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Martha's Vineyard receives 293 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 Martha's Vineyard. Saint Augustine gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Augustine 82°F (28°C) 
    Martha's Vineyard 73°F (23°C)

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Augustine and Martha's Vineyard. Many visitors come to Saint Augustine in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Martha's Vineyard this time of the year. In Saint Augustine, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Augustine usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Martha's Vineyard during autumn. Saint Augustine gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Martha's Vineyard receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Augustine usually receives less rain than Martha's Vineyard. Saint Augustine gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.3 inches (83 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) 
    Martha's Vineyard 53°F (12°C)

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

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Augustine as well as Martha's Vineyard. Most visitors come to Saint Augustine for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Martha's Vineyard because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Martha's Vineyard can be very cold. In the winter, Saint Augustine is much warmer than Martha's Vineyard. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Augustine in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Martha's Vineyard averages at about 28°F (-2°C).

In the winter, Saint Augustine often gets more sunshine than Martha's Vineyard. Saint Augustine gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Martha's Vineyard receives 170 hours of full sun.

Saint Augustine usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Martha's Vineyard. Saint Augustine gets 3.3 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
    Saint Augustine 53°F (12°C) 
    Martha's Vineyard 28°F (-2°C)

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

Both Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard this time of year.

In April, Saint Augustine is generally much warmer than Martha's Vineyard. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 68°F (20°C), and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

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

In April, Saint Augustine usually receives less rain than Martha's Vineyard. Saint Augustine gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.7 inches (94 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) 
    Martha's Vineyard 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Martha's Vineyard and Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine Martha's Vineyard
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)