A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America The Hamptons vs. Rapid City for Families, Hiking, Couples, and Food

Should you visit The Hamptons or Rapid City?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between The Hamptons and Rapid City 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.

The Hamptons

The Hamptons is a opulent, lavish, and wealthy beach destination. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Rapid City

Rapid City is a fascinating, activity-filled, and friendly city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and food.

The Hamptons and Rapid City: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Home to Mount Rushmore
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping


Is there more to do in The Hamptons or Rapid City?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Rapid City. Although The Hamptons and Rapid City are popular destinations, Rapid City has more sights and attractions for tourists. Rapid City is very popular for its museums and hiking, while The Hamptons attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty. Rapid City is more touristy than The Hamptons and is popular for its proximity to Mount Rushmore and many other iconic parks. It is also well known for Mount Rushmore. The Hamptons is famous for its long sandy beaches, charming seaside communities, opulent villas, and vacationing celebrities.

How is The Hamptons different from Rapid City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in The Hamptons or Rapid City?

The Hamptons
Rapid City

Rapid City is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. However, The Hamptons does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Rapid City that are not to be missed. You'll find a wide variety of museums and landmarks nearby. Popular places to visit that aren't far from town include the Mammoth Site of Hot Springs, the South Dakota Air & Space Museum, and the Journey Museum & Learning Center. There's also the Museum of Geology and the National Presidential Wax Museum. And of course, there's the iconic Mount Rushmore.

The Hamptons does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in The Hamptons or Rapid City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

The Hamptons
Rapid City

Foodies will find both The Hamptons and Rapid City both to be nice destinations.

The Hamptons offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a number of fine dining restaurants in the area and seafood is a favorite. Some restaurants are known to be frequented by vacationing celebrities, so if you're hoping to spot someone famous, do some research and you may have some luck.

Rapid City has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find local restaurants in town that serve local specialties such as chislic (grilled meat), fry bread, and walleye (a local fish.

Is The Hamptons or Rapid City Better for Nightlife?

The Hamptons
Rapid City

The Hamptons is very good for nightlife and partying. However, Rapid City is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in The Hamptons. There are plenty of nightclubs and bars throughout the area. Head to East Hampton for some of the best options.

Rapid City is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. You'll find some places with live music and good drinks, but the city isn't really known for its nightlife scene.

Is The Hamptons or Rapid City Better for Resorts?

The Hamptons
Rapid City

The Hamptons is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Rapid City is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in The Hamptons. Known as a hangout for the rich and famous, there is no shortage of luxury hotels and resorts in the area.

Rapid City is not a resort destination.


Is The Hamptons or Rapid City Better for Beaches?

The Hamptons
Rapid City

The Hamptons is very good for the beache. However, Rapid City is not a beach destination.

Many people head to The Hamptons to enjoy the beach. The beaches in the area feature long stretches of soft sand and plenty of space to spread out. Many beaches do come with a hefty price tag though as they require you to pay for parking or a permit.

Rapid City is not a beach destination.

Is The Hamptons or Rapid City Better for Hiking?

The Hamptons
Rapid City

Rapid City is a great destination for its hiking experiences. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Rapid City. The region is filled with national parks, state parks, and natural areas with wonderful hiking trails. You don't have to travel far to get into nature and experience some of South Dakota's best natural beauty.

The Hamptons offers some nice hiking trails. There are a number of picturesque walks through the dunes and wetlands around the area. There is plenty of peaceful nature to explore if you're looking for a break from city life.

Is the Shopping Better in The Hamptons or Rapid City?

The Hamptons
Rapid City

The Hamptons is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Rapid City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, The Hamptons draws large crowds to its stores. Known as a playground for the rich and famous, you can be assured there are plenty of shopping opportunities where you can flash your cash around town.

Many visitors go to Rapid City to go shopping. Rapid City has some interesting local shops as well as larger malls and shopping centers.


Is The Hamptons or Rapid City Better for Families?

The Hamptons
Rapid City

Rapid City is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Rapid City is an extremely popular city to visit for families. Nearby national parks and outdoor activities, this is the perfect base for exploring the area with kids. Nearby you'll find the Big Thunder Gold Mine, which has tours and lets you pan for gold, and Custer State Park, which is filled with wildlife. Wall Drug is worth a stopoff, as is Dinosaur Park.

The Hamptons offers lots of family activities. The area has a family-friendly setting with many outdoor activities and a children's museum. There are music events, children's parks, small zoos, and, of course, the beach. Also make sure you pick up some ice cream and enjoy that quintessential beach experience.

Is The Hamptons or Rapid City Better for Couples?

The Hamptons
Rapid City

Both The Hamptons and Rapid City are superb destinations for a couple's getaway.

Couples visit The Hamptons frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy beaches, dining out, and escaping the chaos of city life will enjoy a retreat here. The area has many beautiful parks and outdoor spaces, but there are also amazing restaurants that make for a great date night.

Rapid City is a great beach destination if you're traveling as a couple. Couples will enjoy the amazing national parks in the area and the easy access to iconic landmarks like Mount Rushmore. There are many opportunities for wildlife spotting as well as great hiking trails and unique landscapes.

Is The Hamptons or Rapid City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

The Hamptons
Rapid City

Rapid City is a great destination for backpackers. However, The Hamptons is a beach destination with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Rapid City. Backpackers will appreciate the surrounding natural beauty and the nearby national parks.

The Hamptons is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's more popular with the rich and famous than it is with the budget crowd, so you may struggle to find an affordable place to stay, much less a hostel.


Is The Hamptons or Rapid City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

The Hamptons
Rapid City

Rapid City is a city with a few options for its public transit. However, The Hamptons is a beach destination with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Rapid City. While there are a few buses, this isn't a realistic option for traveling through the region.

Public transit is quite limited in The Hamptons. While there are trains between towns, there aren't many options when it comes to public transit.

Is The Hamptons or Rapid City a more walkable city?

The Hamptons
Rapid City

The Hamptons is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Rapid City is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

The Hamptons is a somewhat walkable place. While some of the towns offer a nice place for a stroll, most of the Hamptons is not very walkable and it's best to have a car.

Rapid City is generally not very walkable. While the downtown is walkable, most visitors use the city as a base for exploring the surrounding areas, and this requires a car.

For even more information, also check out Is The Hamptons Worth Visiting? and Is Rapid City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rapid City or The Hamptons?

How long in The Hamptons or Rapid City?

It's fun to spend time in either The Hamptons or Rapid City. Generally, people tend to spend more time in The Hamptons due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for The Hamptons, and 2-4 days is enough time in Rapid City.

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

Couples should spend more time in The Hamptons than Rapid City. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in The Hamptons that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rapid City than The Hamptons 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 Rapid City.


  • How many days in The Hamptons or Rapid City? Ideal Length of Stay
    The Hamptons 3-7 
    Rapid City 2-4

One day in The Hamptons or Rapid City?

With shopping and nightlife around the wealthy beach destination of The Hamptons, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Rapid City, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this friendly city offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.


A weekend in The Hamptons or Rapid City?

With nightlife and food around the destination of The Hamptons, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Rapid City is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the museums. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in The Hamptons or Rapid City?

The Hamptons, a popular beach destination, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this beach destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find food and shopping around the activity-filled destination of Rapid City. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in The Hamptons or Rapid City?

The Hamptons is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this beach destination makes for a great vacation. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this beach destination has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Rapid City is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Rapid City or The Hamptons?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in The Hamptons is $223, while the average daily cost in Rapid City is $116. 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 The Hamptons and Rapid City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    The Hamptons $126
    Rapid City $60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    The Hamptons $252
    Rapid City $120
Compare Hotels in The Hamptons and Rapid City

Looking for a hotel in The Hamptons or Rapid City? 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 The Hamptons


Hotels in Rapid City


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: Rapid City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    The Hamptons $63
    Rapid City $53

Is it cheaper to fly into The Hamptons or Rapid City?

Prices for flights to both Rapid City and The Hamptons 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
    The Hamptons $60
    Rapid City $23

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rapid City

For Rapid City, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Roller Coaster Tickets with Dinner and Show in Rapid City: $70

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    The Hamptons $22
    Rapid City $26

Tours and Activities in Rapid City

For Rapid City, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Mount Rushmore Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $15
  • Black Hills & Badlands: Self-Guided Audio Driving Tours: $20
  • Bus Tour of Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills: $133
  • Mount Rushmore and Black Hills Tour with Two Meals and a Music Variety Show: $164
  • Badlands Winter Wonderland Adventure: $239
  • Full-Day Private Sightseeing Tour in South Dakota: $275
  • NEW! Half Day Tour of the Black Hills: $289
  • Badlands Sunset and Wildlife Adventure : $289
  • From Private Spearfish Canyon Tour: $650
  • From Private Devils Tower Tour and Hike: $650
  • Private Black Hills Monuments Full-Day Tour: $650
  • Badlands National Park Private Tour: $650

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    The Hamptons $31
    Rapid City $6.93


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

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


Which is Bigger, The Hamptons or Rapid City?

Rapid City has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of The Hamptons. When comparing the sizes of The Hamptons and Rapid City, 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.