A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Wilmington vs. Rapid City for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Wilmington or Rapid City?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Wilmington or Rapid City, 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.

Wilmington

Wilmington is a historic, welcoming, and charming city. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Rapid City

Rapid City is a fascinating, activity-filled, and friendly city. Other reasons to visit include museums, food, and hiking.

Wilmington and Rapid City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Wilmington or Rapid City?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Wilmington than Rapid City. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Wilmington is very popular for its nightlife, beaches, and historical sights, while Rapid City attracts visitors for its museums and hiking. Rapid City is more touristy than Wilmington and is known for its proximity to Mount Rushmore and many other iconic parks. Wilmington is famous for its laid back beaches, historical waterfront area, and university setting. It is also well known for the Battleship North Carolina.

How is Wilmington different from Rapid City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Rapid City is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Rapid City from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

Wilmington offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are art, history, and science museums around town. The Battleship North Carolina is a popular destination. Science enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science or the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. For art, head to the Cameron Art Museum or Art in Bloom Gallery.

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

Both Wilmington and Rapid City offer a number of nice restaurants to choose from.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Wilmington. Head to the waterfront for local seafood restaurants that offer outdoor seating and fresh caught fish. There are also farm-to-table restaurants and local diners with casual food.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Rapid City. You'll find local restaurants in town that serve local specialties such as chislic (grilled meat), fry bread, and walleye (a local fish.

Is Wilmington or Rapid City Better for Nightlife?

Wilmington 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 Wilmington. Live music is popular around town. There are also bars, lounges and dance clubs. When the weather is warm, many places make use of the outdoor setting, which makes for a relaxed and fun evening.

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 Wilmington or Rapid City Better for Beaches?

Wilmington is a very popular place for the beache. However, Rapid City is not a beach destination.

Wilmington is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Nearby you'll find Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They have long stretches of sand and great waves. The water is usually warm enough for swimming between the months of April and October. During these peak months parking can be challenging, but during the quieter times, you shouldn't have trouble.

Rapid City is not a beach destination.

Is Wilmington or Rapid City Better for its Old Town?

Wilmington is very good for its old town. However, Rapid City does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Wilmington. The Historic District is along the waterfront and has 18th and 19th century architecture. There are also great restaurants and interesting shops.

Rapid City does not have a historic old town.

Is Wilmington or Rapid City Better for Hiking?

Rapid City is great for hiking. However, Wilmington is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Rapid City for the hiking trails. 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.

Wilmington is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Wilmington or Rapid City?

If you're looking to go shopping, Wilmington and Rapid City both offer plenty of nice spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Wilmington. Head downtown for the most interesting local shops. You'll find boutiques and souvenir shops where you can pick up art, accessories, or antiques.

Rapid City offers some nice shopping areas. Rapid City has some interesting local shops as well as larger malls and shopping centers.

Is Wilmington or Rapid City Better for Families?

Rapid City is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Rapid City is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. 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.

Wilmington is a very kid-friendly city. Near town you'll find several beaches - Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They're all family-friendly and perfect for a day's activity. The city also has the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, the Children's Museum of Wilmington, and the Wilmington Railroad Museum. For a rainy day there are also indoor play areas and entertainment centers.

Is Wilmington or Rapid City Better for Couples?

Wilmington and Rapid City are both excellent to visit as a couple.

Wilmington is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The beaches are great for a relaxing day of swimming and sunbathing. In the evening head into town and enjoy one of the local seafood restaurants on the waterfront. You'll also find great shopping and historical sights in the area.

Rapid City is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Wilmington or Rapid City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rapid City is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Wilmington is not a good destination for backpackers.

Rapid City is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Backpackers will appreciate the surrounding natural beauty and the nearby national parks.

Wilmington is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, the university and great beaches make this a surprisingly fun destination.

Is Wilmington or Rapid City Better for Students?

Wilmington is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Rapid City is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Wilmington. The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is a popular school that brings many students to town.

Rapid City is not popular with students.

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

Wilmington and Rapid City both offer reasonable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Wilmington. There are public buses around town, but for practical reasons, you'll want to have your own vehicle.

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.

Is Wilmington or Rapid City a more walkable city?

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

Wilmington is a somewhat walkable place. The Historic District is best explored on foot. You can also get around Wrightsville Beach on foot, but traveling between these places requires 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 Wilmington Worth Visiting? and Is Rapid City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rapid City or Wilmington?

How long in Wilmington or Rapid City?

It's fun to spend time in either Wilmington or Rapid City. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Wilmington due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Wilmington, and 2-4 days is enough time in Rapid City.

Families should spend more time in Rapid City than Wilmington. 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 Wilmington than Rapid City. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Wilmington 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 Wilmington 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.

One day in Wilmington or Rapid City?

With museums and nightlife around the charming city of Wilmington, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With museums and food around the friendly city of Rapid City, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Wilmington or Rapid City?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Wilmington, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

With food and shopping around the destination of Rapid City, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Wilmington or Rapid City?

Wilmington, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Rapid City, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Wilmington or Rapid City?

Wilmington is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Rapid City is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Wilmington and Rapid City, we can see that Wilmington 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 Wilmington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Wilmington 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 Wilmington Expensive? and Is Rapid City Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Wilmington or Rapid City?

Wilmington has a larger population, and is about 49% larger than the population of Rapid City. When comparing the sizes of Wilmington 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.