A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Savannah vs. Duck for Beaches, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Savannah or Duck?

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

Should I visit Savannah or Duck? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Savannah

Savannah is a historic, beautiful, and charming city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

Duck

Duck is a compact, charming, and laid-back beach town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

Savannah and Duck: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less attractive beach
Pros
  • 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 museums and historical sights
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Savannah or Duck?

Both Duck and Savannah have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Savannah is more popular for its museums, food, and historical sights, while Duck is known for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Duck is more touristy than Savannah and is known for its quaint atmosphere and small town charm. Savannah is popular for its maritime past, its southern atmosphere, and its Historic District.

How is Savannah different from Duck?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Savannah or Duck?

Savannah
Duck

Savannah is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Duck is not a good beach town for its museums and history.

Savannah offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city's long history can be explored at the Savannah History Museum. With the Savannah School of Art and Design in town, you'll also find a great art culture with several museums such as the SCAD Museum of Art and the Jepson Center for the Arts. There's also the Georgia State Railroad Museum and the Sea Maritime Museum. There are several historic houses that you can visit as well, such as the Andrew Low House, the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, and Harper Fowlkes House.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Duck. Hanging out at the beach and enjoy water sports or outdoor activities are the main draw of this town. You won't find much in the form of museums or indoor activities.


Is the Food Better in Savannah or Duck? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Savannah
Duck

Savannah is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Duck is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Savannah makes for a great culinary experience. Local restaurants highlight southern hospitality as well as the cuisine. You'll find many classics such as crab cakes, shrimp and grits, and fried fish. There are many restaurants in historic buildings in the Historic District, but you'll also find a number of casual eateries in other neighborhoods.

Duck has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. For such a small town, there's a decent selection of restaurants that range from local seafood eateries to pizza delivery. Homemade ice cream is a favorite in the area, but you also can't skip out on the flagship Duck Donuts store.

Is Savannah or Duck Better for Nightlife?

Savannah
Duck

Duck is a moderate beach town for nightlife. However, Savannah is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Most people don't head to Duck specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's known as a family-friendly destination that isn't often associated with a strong nightlife, but there is often live music and other festivals during the summer months.

Savannah is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife. Downtown Savannah and River Street are filled with bars and clubs that keep things lively when the sun goes down. During the warmer months there are outdoor venues, concerts and events, but even during the cooler seasons things stay busy.

Is Savannah or Duck Better for Resorts?

Savannah
Duck

Duck is a popular place for its resorts. However, Savannah is not a resort destination.

Duck has a handful of resorts to choose from. Most of the accommodation around town is in the form of vacation beach rental houses that are perfect for family gatherings or larger groups.

Savannah is not a resort destination.


Is Savannah or Duck Better for Beaches?

Savannah
Duck

Duck is an amazing beach town to visit for its beaches. Also, Savannah is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for the beache.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Duck. Long sandy beaches with great surf and a wonderful boardwalk make this a great beach destination. Kids play in the tidal pools and families relax under their beach umbrellas in a classic beach setting.

Many people head to Savannah to enjoy the beach. While Savannah doesn't actually have a beach, you can head to nearby Tybee Island for waves and sun. It's about half an hour away and the closest beaches to the city are on the island's north side.

Is Savannah or Duck Better for its Old Town?

Savannah
Duck

Savannah is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Duck does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Savannah. There's an impressive Historic District that is filled with gardens, historic buildings, cobblestone streets, and Oak-lined streets. There are wonderful hotels and traditional restaurants that offer a beautiful experience.

Duck does not have a historic old town.

Is Savannah or Duck Better for Hiking?

Savannah
Duck

Duck is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Savannah is not a hiking destination.

Duck is a good destination for hiking. The Duck Trail runs for six miles and passes through town. It's popular with walkers, cyclists, and inline skaters.

Savannah is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Savannah or Duck?

Savannah
Duck

Both Savannah and Duck are high quality shopping destinations.

Savannah is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Shopping opportunities include art galleries, trendy clothing boutiques, and larger shopping malls. Visitors can wander down the popular Broughton Street, but there's also a City Market and Starland District.

Duck is well-known for its shopping. Head to the Waterfront Shops for some of the town's best shopping. You can wander along the boardwalk and check out the independent vendors and local restaurants.

Is Savannah or Duck Better for Families?

Savannah
Duck

Duck is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Savannah is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Duck is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kid-friendly beaches, local ice cream joints, and the famed Duck Donuts all make this an ideal kid's beach destination. There's a waterpark nearby and plenty of water sports that the whole family can enjoy. The boardwalk is also a very family-friendly environment.

Savannah is a family-friendly city. There's a children's museum in town. There's also many outdoor parks and the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge. Kids will enjoy stopping for ice cream or other sweet treats, which are plentiful as well.

Is Savannah or Duck Better for Couples?

Savannah
Duck

With fun activities for couples, both Savannah and Duck make for a high quality place to visit.

Savannah is a very popular place to visit for couples. Trees with Spanish Moss as well as a charming Historic District make this a nice destination for a couple's weekend. There are parks where you can enjoy a picnic. There are also nature trails and many great southern restaurants.

Duck makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a charming beach town with great local restaurants and a beautiful and peaceful setting. For couples who want to enjoy a relaxing beach town without the energy of a larger destination, then this is the perfect place. Much of the accommodation is in the form of rental houses, which can be a bit much for a couple, but the setting is perfect for a weekend escape.


Is Savannah or Duck Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Savannah
Duck

Savannah is a popular place for backpackers. However, Duck is not a good beach town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Savannah. There's a hostel in town, as well as a number of cheaper motels that are a bit outside of the Historic District.

Duck is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's an upscale town with many beach houses available for rent, and very little in the form of budget accommodation.

Is Savannah or Duck Better for Students?

Savannah
Duck

Savannah is a popular place for students. However, Duck is not popular with students.

Savannah is a good city to visit for students. There are a couple of colleges in town including the Savannah College of Art and Design.

Duck is not popular with students.

Is Savannah or Duck Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Savannah
Duck

Both Savannah and Duck offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Savannah. While there are some types of public transit available, the vast majority of visitors have a vehicle, which they use to get around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Duck. It's best to have a car if you want to exploring the Outer Banks and its many activities.


Is Savannah or Duck a more walkable city?

Savannah
Duck

Duck is an amazing beach town to visit for its walkability. Also, Savannah is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Duck on foot. It's a wonderfully walkable and pedestrian-friendly town with a great boardwalk and many walking and cycling paths.

Savannah is a very walkable city. The Historic District is very walkable, and it makes a pleasant place to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Savannah Worth Visiting? and Is Duck Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Duck or Savannah?

How long in Savannah or Duck?

Both Savannah and Duck have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Duck than in Savannah. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Savannah, and 5-7 days is enough time in Duck.

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

Couples should spend more time in Duck than Savannah. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Duck that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Savannah than Duck 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 Savannah.


  • How many days in Savannah or Duck? Ideal Length of Stay
    Savannah 1-3 
    Duck 5-7

One day in Savannah or Duck?

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Savannah. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Duck is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Savannah or Duck?

Savannah is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Duck 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.


Five days in Savannah or Duck?

You'll find shopping and museums around the historic destination of Savannah. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Duck is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Duck, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Savannah or Duck?

The charming city of Savannah offers museums and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Duck is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Duck has to offer. This beach town offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Duck or Savannah?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Savannah is $160, while the average daily cost in Duck is $188. 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 Savannah and Duck in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Savannah $84
    Duck $107
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Savannah $168
    Duck $214
Compare Hotels in Savannah and Duck

Looking for a hotel in Savannah or Duck? 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 Savannah


Hotels in Duck


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: Savannah Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Savannah $27
    Duck $66

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Savannah

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Savannah:

  • Grave Encounters Tour with Guide and Transfers: $32
  • African American History Walking Tour w/ Transfer: $64
  • Savannah to Savannah Hilton Airport (SAV) - Departure Private Transfer: $102
  • Private Transfer from SAV to Savannah: $204
  • Private Transfer from SAV to Hilton Head Island, SC : $220
  • Private Transfer from Savannah Hilton Airport (SAV) to Hilton Head Island, SC: $221
  • Private Transfer from Savannah Hilton Airport (SAV) to Savannah : $255
  • Savannah Hilton Airport (SAV): Private Transfer to Savannah: $430

Is it cheaper to fly into Savannah or Duck?

Prices for flights to both Duck and Savannah 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
    Savannah $58
    Duck $45

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Savannah

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

  • Grave Encounters Ghost Tour with Cellar and Dinner: $55
  • 2-Hour Southern Food Tour: $63
  • Savannah Ghost Trolley Tour with Dinner at the Pirate's House: $72
  • Monday Gospel Dinner Cruise: $76
  • Savannah First Squares Culinary & Cultural Walking Food Tour: $82
  • Savannah's Port City Walking Food Tour: $82
  • Famous and Secret East Side/Port City Food Tour: $82
  • 2 HR Savannah Riverboat Dinner Cruise with Onboard Entertainment: $91
  • Buffet Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment: $91
  • Southern Traditions Dinner Tour: $106
  • True South Lunch Food Tour: $106

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Savannah $17
    Duck $13
Typical Entertainment Prices in Savannah

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Savannah are as follows:


  • Pub Crawl
    $10

Tours and Activities in Savannah

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Savannah are as follows:

  • Old Squares GPS Audio Guided Walking Tour: $5.50
  • Self-Guided 'Old Squares of Savannah' Solo Walking Tour: $7.50
  • Ghosts of Savannah Self-Guided Haunted Tour: $7.75
  • Savannah Historical District: Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $7.99
  • Savannah’s Historical District: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Self Guided Audio Ghost Tour in Savannah in 6 Languages: $9.00
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Savannah by Crazy Dash: $10
  • Skip the Line: General Admission Webb Military Museum Ticket: $10
  • Uncover Savannah's Haunted Secrets: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Uncover Savannah's Secrets: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • City Highlights Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $13
  • Savannah Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $13

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Savannah $34
    Duck $45

Sample the Local Flavors in Savannah

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Savannah:

  • Epic Savannah Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
  • 90 Minute Historic Savannah Walking Haunted Bar Pub Crawl: $19
  • Captain Stoner Joe's Haunted Pub Crawl: $20
  • Spanish Moss Haunted Savannah Pub Crawl: $20
  • Captain Stoner Dive Bar Crawl Ticket: $25
  • Savannah Haunted Pub Crawl-Walking Tour Historic District: $25
  • The Savannah Pub Crawler with Captain Stoner Joe: $27
  • Savannah Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
  • Bloody Murder Savannah Pub Crawl: $30
  • Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Conjuring Cocktails Pub Crawl: $30
  • Savannah Bar Crawl by the Bridge: $32


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Savannah and Duck, we can see that Duck is more expensive. And not only is Savannah much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Savannah would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Savannah 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 Duck would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Duck than you might in Savannah.

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


Which is Bigger, Savannah or Duck?

Savannah has a larger population, and is about 230 times larger than the population of Duck. When comparing the sizes of Savannah and Duck, 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 Savannah or Duck?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Savannah or Duck in the Summer?

Both Duck and Savannah are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Savannah because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Duck this time of year.

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

It's quite sunny in Duck. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Savannah. Savannah usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Duck during summer. Savannah gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Duck receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Duck. It's quite rainy in Savannah. In July, Savannah usually receives more rain than Duck. Savannah gets 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain, while Duck receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Savannah 82°F (28°C) 
    Duck 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Savannah or Duck in the Autumn?

Both Duck and Savannah during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Savannah this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Duck for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Savannah is a little warmer than Duck. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Savannah in October average around 68°F (20°C), and Duck averages at about 62°F (16°C).

In Duck, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Savannah. In the autumn, Savannah often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Duck. Savannah gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Duck receives 211 hours of full sun.

Savannah usually gets less rain in October than Duck. Savannah gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Duck receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Savannah 68°F (20°C) 
    Duck 62°F (16°C)

Should I visit Savannah or Duck in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Savannah and Duck. Many travelers come to Savannah for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Duck in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Duck can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Savannah is generally much warmer than Duck. Daily temperatures in Savannah average around 49°F (9°C), and Duck fluctuates around 41°F (5°C).

Savannah usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Duck during winter. Savannah gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Duck receives 168 hours of full sun in the winter.

Duck receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Savannah usually receives less rain than Duck. Savannah gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Duck receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Savannah 49°F (9°C) 
    Duck 41°F (5°C)

Should I visit Savannah or Duck in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Savannah as well as Duck. Many visitors come to Savannah in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Duck for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

Savannah is a little warmer than Duck in the spring. The daily temperature in Savannah averages around 66°F (19°C) in April, and Duck fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Duck. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Savannah this time of the year. In the spring, Savannah often gets more sunshine than Duck. Savannah gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Duck receives 253 hours of full sun.

Savannah usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Duck. Savannah gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Duck receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Savannah 66°F (19°C) 
    Duck 59°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Duck and Savannah

Savannah Duck
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 49°F (9°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 41°F (5°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Feb 52°F (11°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Mar 59°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Apr 66°F (19°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
May 73°F (23°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 67°F (19°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)
Jun 79°F (26°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm) 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 7.9 inches (200 mm) 78°F (26°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (164 mm) 78°F (25°C) 5 inches (127 mm)
Sep 77°F (25°C) 5.6 inches (141 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm)
Oct 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 62°F (16°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Nov 59°F (15°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Dec 52°F (11°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)