A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Augustine vs. Nags Head for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Saint Augustine or Nags Head?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Augustine or Nags Head, 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 historic, notable, and colonial city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Nags Head

It's also known for food.

Saint Augustine and Nags Head: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Saint Augustine or Nags Head?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Saint Augustine. Although Saint Augustine and Nags Head are both popular with visitors, Saint Augustine has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Saint Augustine is more touristy than Nags Head and is popular for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States. It is also home to the Colonial Quarter. Nags Head is popular for

How is Saint Augustine different from Nags Head?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Augustine
Nags Head

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

Saint Augustine offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Saint Augustine or Nags Head? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Augustine
Nags Head

Saint Augustine is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Nags Head is not as popular, but is still a nice for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Saint Augustine. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Nags Head. There are a wide variety of seafood restaurants that serve locally caught fish, shrimp, and crabs. Cajon flavors are popular and you'll also find cheese grits at many places.

Is Saint Augustine or Nags Head Better for Nightlife?

Saint Augustine
Nags Head

Saint Augustine is a popular place for nightlife. However, Nags Head is not a destination with noteworthy 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.

Nags Head is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Saint Augustine or Nags Head Better for Beaches?

Saint Augustine
Nags Head

Saint Augustine is great for its beaches. However, Nags Head is not a beach destination.

Saint Augustine is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Nags Head is not a beach destination.


Is Saint Augustine or Nags Head Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine
Nags Head

Saint Augustine is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town. However, Nags Head 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.

Nags Head does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Augustine or Nags Head?

Saint Augustine
Nags Head

Saint Augustine is great for shopping. However, Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Saint Augustine. 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.

Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Saint Augustine or Nags Head Better for Families?

Saint Augustine
Nags Head

Saint Augustine and Nags Head are both very good 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, Nags Head is very family-friendly. It makes a wonderful base for the many family-friendly activities in the area. Jockey's Ridge is a fun place to visit with kids. There are also wonderful beaches and many kids enjoying flying kites.


Is Saint Augustine or Nags Head Better for Couples?

Saint Augustine
Nags Head

Saint Augustine is great for romance. Also, Nags Head is not as popular, but is still a nice for its romantic activities.

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.

Nags Head makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are great seafood restaurants and a number of activities in the area that are fun for couples.

Is Saint Augustine or Nags Head Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Saint Augustine
Nags Head

Nags Head is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Saint Augustine is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Nags Head. This is one of the more affordable places to stay in the Outer Banks, so it appeals to more budget-oriented travelers.

Saint Augustine is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a hostel in town as well as a couple of affordable inns.

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

Saint Augustine
Nags Head

Saint Augustine is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Nags Head does not have public transit.

Public transit is mostly 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.

Nags Head does not have public transit.


Is Saint Augustine or Nags Head a more walkable city?

Saint Augustine
Nags Head

Saint Augustine is great for its walkability. However, Nags Head is not a walkable destination.

Saint Augustine is very walkable. 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.

Nags Head is not a walkable destination.

Should I spend more time in Nags Head or Saint Augustine?

How long in Saint Augustine or Nags Head?

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

Families should spend more time in Saint Augustine than Nags Head. 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 Nags Head. 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 Nags Head 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 Nags Head? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Augustine 3-4 
    Nags Head 4-7

One day in Saint Augustine or Nags Head?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Saint Augustine. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The destination of Nags Head offers food. 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 Nags Head?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Saint Augustine. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

The of Nags Head offers food. 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 Nags Head?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the colonial city of Saint Augustine. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Nags Head is a great place to explore. This 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 Nags Head?

Saint Augustine is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

The of Nags Head offers food. 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, Nags Head 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 Nags Head is $149. 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 Nags Head in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Augustine $86
    Nags Head $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Augustine $172
    Nags Head $160
Compare Hotels in Saint Augustine and Nags Head

Looking for a hotel in Saint Augustine or Nags Head? 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 Nags Head


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 Nags Head Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Augustine $39
    Nags Head $40

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Augustine or Nags Head?

Prices for flights to both Nags Head 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
    Nags Head $41

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
    Nags Head $14

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 Nags Head

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nags Head.

  • Cape Hatteras National Seashore: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $12
  • Wright Brothers Carolina Dunes: Self-Guided Driving Tour: $13
  • Outer Banks Audio Driving Tour: $13
  • Cape Hatteras National Seashore Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15
  • Wright Brothers Carolina Dunes Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Outer Banks Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $25
  • OBX Ghost Tours: $25
  • Manteo Historic Walking Tour: $28
  • Kitty Hawk Maritime Forest Kayak Tour: $49
  • 2-hour Outer Banks Wild Horse Tour by 4WD Truck: $57
  • Cape Hatteras Kayak Adventure in Rodanthe: $59
  • Alligator River Kayak Adventure: $59

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Augustine $25
    Nags Head $12

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 Nags Head, we can see that Saint Augustine 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 Nags Head Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Augustine or Nags Head?

Saint Augustine has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Nags Head. When comparing the sizes of Saint Augustine and Nags Head, 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 Saint Augustine or Nags Head?

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 Nags Head in the Summer?

Both Nags Head and Saint Augustine during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Saint Augustine in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Nags Head for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Saint Augustine is around the same temperature as Nags Head in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Nags Head fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

In Nags Head, 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 Nags Head. Saint Augustine gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nags Head receives 274 hours of full sun.

Nags Head gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Augustine. Saint Augustine usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Nags Head. Saint Augustine gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Nags Head receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Augustine 82°F (28°C) 
    Nags Head 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Nags Head in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Augustine and Nags Head. Most visitors come to Saint Augustine for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Saint Augustine is a little warmer than Nags Head. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Augustine in October average around 70°F (21°C), and Nags Head averages at about 62°F (16°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nags Head 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 Nags Head during autumn. Saint Augustine gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Nags Head receives 205 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Augustine usually receives less rain than Nags Head. Saint Augustine gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Nags Head receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Saint Augustine is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Augustine 70°F (21°C) 
    Nags Head 62°F (16°C)

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Nags Head in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Augustine as well as Nags Head. The winter months attract visitors to Saint Augustine because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the cuisine are the main draw to Nags Head this time of year.

It's quite cold in Nags Head in the winter. In January, Saint Augustine is generally much warmer than Nags Head. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 53°F (12°C), and Nags Head fluctuates around 41°F (5°C).

In the winter, Saint Augustine often gets more sunshine than Nags Head. Saint Augustine gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nags Head receives 147 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nags Head. Saint Augustine usually gets less rain in January than Nags Head. Saint Augustine gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Nags Head receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Augustine 53°F (12°C) 
    Nags Head 41°F (5°C)

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Nags Head in the Spring?

Both Nags Head and Saint Augustine are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Saint Augustine this time of year.

Saint Augustine is a little warmer than Nags Head in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Nags Head fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in Nags Head. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Augustine. Saint Augustine usually receives more sunshine than Nags Head during spring. Saint Augustine gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Nags Head receives 262 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Augustine usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nags Head. Saint Augustine gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Nags Head receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Saint Augustine is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Augustine 68°F (20°C) 
    Nags Head 59°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Nags Head and Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine Nags Head
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 41°F (5°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 67°F (19°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 78°F (26°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 78°F (25°C) 5 inches (127 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 62°F (16°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)