A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Augustine vs. Nantucket for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Saint Augustine or Nantucket?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Augustine or Nantucket, 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Nantucket

Nantucket is a peaceful, upscale, and charming 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 nightlife, food, and beaches.

Saint Augustine and Nantucket: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • 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 Saint Augustine or Nantucket?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nantucket. Although Saint Augustine and Nantucket are both popular with visitors, Nantucket has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nantucket is more popular for its food, resorts, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Saint Augustine is known for its museums and historical sights. Saint Augustine is popular for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States. Nantucket is popular for its pristine beaches, upscale atmosphere, and history of whaling. It is also home to Great Point Lighthouse.

How is Saint Augustine different from Nantucket?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Augustine
Nantucket

Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

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 Saint Augustine or Nantucket? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Augustine
Nantucket

Nantucket is very popular for its restaurant scene. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Nantucket is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Saint Augustine has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Is Saint Augustine or Nantucket Better for Nightlife?

Saint Augustine
Nantucket

It's hard to distinguish whether Saint Augustine or Nantucket has a better nightlife scene.

Saint Augustine has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are wineries, pubs, live music venues, and a number of activities that take advantage of the outdoor setting.

If you're looking for night time activities Nantucket has a few options to choose from. 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 Saint Augustine or Nantucket Better for Resorts?

Saint Augustine
Nantucket

Nantucket is a great destination for its resorts. However, Saint Augustine is not a resort destination.

Nantucket is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Luxury resorts and upscale inns offer guests a relaxed setting with oceanfront views and family-friendly activities.

Saint Augustine is not a resort destination.


Is Saint Augustine or Nantucket Better for Beaches?

Saint Augustine
Nantucket

Both Saint Augustine and Nantucket have excellent 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 Nantucket attract visitors from all over. 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.

Is Saint Augustine or Nantucket Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine
Nantucket

Saint Augustine is renowned for its historic old town. Also, Nantucket is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its old town.

The old town of Saint Augustine is one of the most recognized in the world. 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.

Many visitors go to Nantucket to see the historical old town. 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.

Is Saint Augustine or Nantucket Better for Hiking?

Saint Augustine
Nantucket

Nantucket is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Saint Augustine is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Nantucket. 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.

Saint Augustine is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Saint Augustine or Nantucket?

Saint Augustine
Nantucket

Shopping is a popular activity in both Nantucket 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.

Nantucket is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Is Saint Augustine or Nantucket Better for Families?

Saint Augustine
Nantucket

Saint Augustine and Nantucket are both excellent 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, Nantucket is very family-friendly. 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.

Is Saint Augustine or Nantucket Better for Couples?

Saint Augustine
Nantucket

Nantucket is very popular for romance. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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

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

Saint Augustine
Nantucket

Nantucket is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Saint Augustine is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Nantucket, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are shuttle buses around the island that operate with greater frequency during the summer months.

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.

Is Saint Augustine or Nantucket a more walkable city?

Saint Augustine
Nantucket

Saint Augustine and Nantucket both are excellent when exploring on foot.

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.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Nantucket or Saint Augustine?

How long in Saint Augustine or Nantucket?

It's fun to spend time in either Saint Augustine or Nantucket. In our opinion, Nantucket has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Nantucket than Saint Augustine. In general, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Augustine, and 2-4 days is enough time in Nantucket.

Couples should spend more time in Nantucket than Saint Augustine. 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 Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine or Nantucket? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Augustine 3-4 
    Nantucket 2-4

One day in Saint Augustine or Nantucket?

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.

Nantucket is a small town with plenty to do. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 Nantucket?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the notable 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.

Nantucket might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Nantucket?

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.

Nantucket is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 Nantucket?

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.

Since Nantucket 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, Nantucket 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 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 Saint Augustine and Nantucket in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Augustine $86
    Nantucket $237
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Augustine $172
    Nantucket $474
Compare Hotels in Saint Augustine and Nantucket

Looking for a hotel in Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine


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: Saint Augustine Hotel Prices and Nantucket Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Augustine $39
    Nantucket $47

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Augustine or Nantucket?

Prices for flights to both Nantucket 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
    Nantucket $81

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
    Nantucket $34

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Augustine $25
    Nantucket $35

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 Nantucket, we can see that Nantucket 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 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 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 Nantucket Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Augustine or Nantucket?

Nantucket has a larger population, and is about 22% larger than the population of Saint Augustine. When comparing the sizes of Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine or Nantucket in the Summer?

Both Nantucket and Saint Augustine during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Saint Augustine for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Nantucket because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Saint Augustine is a little warmer than Nantucket in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Nantucket fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

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


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

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Nantucket in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Augustine and Nantucket. The autumn months attract visitors to Saint Augustine because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nantucket this time of year.

In the autumn, Saint Augustine is much warmer than Nantucket. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Augustine in October average around 70°F (21°C), and Nantucket averages at about 53°F (12°C).

Nantucket receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Saint Augustine usually receives less rain than Nantucket. Saint Augustine gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.4 inches (111 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) 
    Nantucket 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Nantucket in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Augustine as well as Nantucket. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint Augustine this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nantucket for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Nantucket. In January, Saint Augustine is generally much warmer than Nantucket. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 53°F (12°C), and Nantucket fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

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


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

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Nantucket in the Spring?

Both Nantucket and Saint Augustine are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Saint Augustine for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Nantucket in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Saint Augustine is much warmer than Nantucket in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Nantucket fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nantucket. In April, Saint Augustine usually receives less rain than Nantucket. Saint Augustine gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.1 inches (103 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) 
    Nantucket 45°F (7°C)

Typical Weather for Nantucket and Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine Nantucket
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)