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

Should you visit Tallahassee or Duck?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tallahassee and Duck can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Tallahassee

Tallahassee is a vibrant, youthful, and lively city. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Duck

Duck is a traditional, compact, and charming beach town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and beaches.

Tallahassee and Duck: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Tallahassee or Duck?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Duck than Tallahassee, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Duck is better known for its food, resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Tallahassee is more popular for its museums and nightlife. Duck is more touristy than Tallahassee and is popular for its quaint atmosphere and small town charm. Also, Duck is famous for the wide sandy beach. Tallahassee is well known for its capital building and many universities.

How is Tallahassee different from Duck?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Tallahassee
Duck

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

Tallahassee offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. As the capital city of Florida, you'll find a number of museums around town. Tallahassee Museum has outdoor and indoor space to explore. You can also visit the Tallahassee Automobile Museum, the Museum of Florida History, or the Florida Historic Capital Museum.

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 Tallahassee or Duck? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Tallahassee
Duck

Duck is a beach town with good options for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Duck is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Tallahassee offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find plenty of chain restaurants and cheap eateries that cater to the students. The main options are classic American restaurants with a few international restaurants mixed in as well.

Is Tallahassee or Duck Better for Nightlife?

Tallahassee
Duck

Tallahassee is a popular place for nightlife. However, Duck is not a good beach town for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Tallahassee. The nightlife scene is mostly centered around the student population. There are many bars and pubs that fill up with students on weekends.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Duck. 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.

Is Tallahassee or Duck Better for Resorts?

Tallahassee
Duck

Duck is a beach town with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Tallahassee is not a resort destination.

Duck has a few great resort options. Most of the accommodation around town is in the form of vacation beach rental houses that are perfect for family gatherings or larger groups.

Tallahassee is not a resort destination.


Is Tallahassee or Duck Better for Beaches?

Tallahassee
Duck

Duck is an amazing beach town to visit for the beach. However, Tallahassee is not a beach destination.

Duck is considered to be a world-class beach destination. 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.

Tallahassee is not a beach destination.

Is Tallahassee or Duck Better for Hiking?

Tallahassee
Duck

Duck is a beach town with good options for hiking. However, Tallahassee is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Duck. The Duck Trail runs for six miles and passes through town. It's popular with walkers, cyclists, and inline skaters.

Tallahassee is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tallahassee or Duck?

Tallahassee
Duck

Duck is great for its shopping areas. Also, Tallahassee is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Duck. 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.

Tallahassee is a great destination for shopping. There is no shortage of strip malls and shopping centers in the area. Some of the most interesting shopping is found at Railroad Square and Market Square.


Is Tallahassee or Duck Better for Families?

Tallahassee
Duck

Duck is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Tallahassee is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

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

Tallahassee is a family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of outdoor parks and adventure activities for kids. You could also see the wild manatees at Wakulla Springs.

Is Tallahassee or Duck Better for Couples?

Tallahassee
Duck

Duck is great for couples. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for romance.

Duck is a great beach town if you're traveling as 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.

Tallahassee is not the best destination for a couple to visit. Head to a restaurant or bar. You could also check out a concert or explore a garden or park in town.

Is Tallahassee or Duck Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallahassee
Duck

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Tallahassee. The student population creates an environment that is welcoming to backpackers. There's also a hostel in town with affordable rooms.

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 Tallahassee or Duck Better for Students?

Tallahassee
Duck

Tallahassee is a well-known place for students. However, Duck is not popular with students.

Tallahassee is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. Both Florida State University and Florida A&M University are located here. There's a large student population with many activities and cheap restaurants that appeal to the student crowd.

Duck is not popular with students.

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

Tallahassee
Duck

Tallahassee and Duck both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Tallahassee. There is a bus system operated by StarMetro.

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

Is Tallahassee or Duck a more walkable city?

Tallahassee
Duck

Duck is an amazing beach town to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for its walkability.

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

Tallahassee is generally not very walkable. There are a couple of walkable areas around Railroad Square, Downtown, and Midtown, but for the most part the city is not pedestrian-friendly.


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

Should I spend more time in Duck or Tallahassee?

How long in Tallahassee or Duck?

Both Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Tallahassee, and 5-7 days is enough time in Duck.

Families should spend more time in Duck than Tallahassee. 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 Tallahassee. 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 Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee.


  • How many days in Tallahassee or Duck? Ideal Length of Stay
    Tallahassee 1-2 
    Duck 5-7

One day in Tallahassee or Duck?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Tallahassee. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Duck is a small town with plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people visit for the beaches. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Tallahassee or Duck?

Tallahassee is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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 might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This beach town offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Tallahassee or Duck?

You'll find shopping and museums around the lively destination of Tallahassee. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Even though Duck is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.


A week in Tallahassee or Duck?

The lively city of Tallahassee offers museums and nightlife. 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 small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Most people come for the beaches. Most people visit for the beaches. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this beach town.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.


Which place is cheaper, Duck or Tallahassee?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Tallahassee is $156, 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 Tallahassee and Duck in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tallahassee $89
    Duck $107
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tallahassee $178
    Duck $214
Compare Hotels in Tallahassee and Duck

Looking for a hotel in Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee


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: Tallahassee Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tallahassee $33
    Duck $66

Is it cheaper to fly into Tallahassee or Duck?

Prices for flights to both Duck and Tallahassee 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
    Tallahassee $47
    Duck $45

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tallahassee $12
    Duck $13

Tours and Activities in Tallahassee

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

  • Luxury Picnic Experience at Pedrick Pond Park: $120
  • Experience Tranquility with a Picnic at Pedrick Pond Park: $120
  • Tallahassee Tranquility: A Scenic Walking Tour: $192
  • Tallahassee Delights: A Christmas Tour Through Art and Parks: $245
  • Tallahassee Tranquility: A Scenic Walking Tour: $376
  • Tallahassee Delights: A Christmas Tour Through Art and Parks: $483

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tallahassee $53
    Duck $45


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

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


Which is Bigger, Tallahassee or Duck?

Tallahassee has a larger population, and is about 270 times larger than the population of Duck. When comparing the sizes of Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee or Duck?

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 Tallahassee or Duck in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Tallahassee is around the same temperature as Duck. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tallahassee in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Duck averages at about 78°F (26°C).

In Duck, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tallahassee. In the summer, Tallahassee often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Duck. Tallahassee gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Duck receives 279 hours of full sun.

Duck gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Tallahassee. Tallahassee usually gets more rain in July than Duck. Tallahassee gets 8.9 inches (227 mm) of rain, while Duck receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Tallahassee or Duck in the Autumn?

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

In October, Tallahassee is generally a little warmer than Duck. Daily temperatures in Tallahassee average around 69°F (20°C), and Duck fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Duck this time of the year. In Tallahassee, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tallahassee usually receives more sunshine than Duck during autumn. Tallahassee gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Duck receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Tallahassee usually receives less rain than Duck. Tallahassee gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Duck receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Tallahassee.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tallahassee 69°F (20°C) 
    Duck 62°F (16°C)

Should I visit Tallahassee or Duck in the Winter?

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

The weather in Duck can be very cold. Tallahassee is much warmer than Duck in the winter. The daily temperature in Tallahassee averages around 51°F (11°C) in January, and Duck fluctuates around 41°F (5°C).

In the winter, Tallahassee often gets more sunshine than Duck. Tallahassee gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Duck receives 168 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Duck. Tallahassee usually gets less rain in January than Duck. Tallahassee gets 3.7 inches (95 mm) of rain, while Duck receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tallahassee 51°F (11°C) 
    Duck 41°F (5°C)

Should I visit Tallahassee or Duck in the Spring?

Both Duck and Tallahassee are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Duck this time of year.

In the spring, Tallahassee is a little warmer than Duck. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tallahassee in April average around 67°F (19°C), and Duck averages at about 59°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in Duck. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tallahassee. Tallahassee usually receives more sunshine than Duck during spring. Tallahassee gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Duck receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Tallahassee. In April, Tallahassee usually receives more rain than Duck. Tallahassee gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Duck receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Tallahassee is the hurricane season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tallahassee 67°F (19°C) 
    Duck 59°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Duck and Tallahassee

Tallahassee Duck
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 41°F (5°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (121 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Mar 60°F (16°C) 5.9 inches (151 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Apr 67°F (19°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
May 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 67°F (19°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 6.6 inches (168 mm) 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.9 inches (227 mm) 78°F (26°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (175 mm) 78°F (25°C) 5 inches (127 mm)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 6.7 inches (169 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm)
Oct 69°F (20°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 62°F (16°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Nov 60°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Dec 54°F (12°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)