A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Wilmington vs. The Hamptons for Beaches, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Wilmington or The Hamptons?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Wilmington or The Hamptons, 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 charming, historic, and welcoming city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

The Hamptons

The Hamptons is a wealthy, opulent, and lavish beach destination. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Wilmington and The Hamptons: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance


Is there more to do in Wilmington or The Hamptons?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Wilmington. Although Wilmington and The Hamptons are both popular with visitors, Wilmington has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Wilmington is more popular for its museums, beaches, and historical sights, while The Hamptons is known for its resorts, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Wilmington is popular for its laid back beaches, historical waterfront area, and university setting. It is also home to the Battleship North Carolina. The Hamptons is popular for its long sandy beaches, charming seaside communities, opulent villas, and vacationing celebrities.

How is Wilmington different from The Hamptons?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Wilmington
The Hamptons

Wilmington is a city with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, The Hamptons does not have museums and landmarks.

Wilmington is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

The Hamptons does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Wilmington
The Hamptons

Both Wilmington and The Hamptons offer a number of good 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 The Hamptons. 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.

Is Wilmington or The Hamptons Better for Nightlife?

Wilmington
The Hamptons

The vibe at night is good in both Wilmington and The Hamptons.

If you're looking for night time activities Wilmington has a few options to choose from. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in The Hamptons. There are plenty of nightclubs and bars throughout the area. Head to East Hampton for some of the best options.

Is Wilmington or The Hamptons Better for Resorts?

Wilmington
The Hamptons

The Hamptons is great for its luxury resorts. However, Wilmington is not a resort destination.

The Hamptons is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Known as a hangout for the rich and famous, there is no shortage of luxury hotels and resorts in the area.

Wilmington is not a resort destination.


Is Wilmington or The Hamptons Better for Beaches?

Wilmington
The Hamptons

Wilmington is a great destination for its beaches. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beache.

The beaches at Wilmington attract visitors from all over. 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.

The Hamptons offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Is Wilmington or The Hamptons Better for its Old Town?

Wilmington
The Hamptons

Wilmington is a city with good options for its historic old town. However, The Hamptons does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Wilmington to see the historical old town. The Historic District is along the waterfront and has 18th and 19th century architecture. There are also great restaurants and interesting shops.

The Hamptons does not have a historic old town.

Is Wilmington or The Hamptons Better for Hiking?

Wilmington
The Hamptons

The Hamptons is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Wilmington is not a hiking destination.

The Hamptons has hiking trails worth exploring. 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.

Wilmington is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Wilmington or The Hamptons?

Wilmington
The Hamptons

The Hamptons is a must-visit destination for shopping. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in The Hamptons. 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.

Wilmington offers some nice shopping areas. Head downtown for the most interesting local shops. You'll find boutiques and souvenir shops where you can pick up art, accessories, or antiques.

Is Wilmington or The Hamptons Better for Families?

Wilmington
The Hamptons

Wilmington is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Wilmington is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

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 Wilmington or The Hamptons Better for Couples?

Wilmington
The Hamptons

Wilmington and The Hamptons are both high quality 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.

The Hamptons is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.


Is Wilmington or The Hamptons Better for Students?

Wilmington
The Hamptons

Wilmington is a city with good options for students. However, The Hamptons is not popular with students.

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

The Hamptons is not popular with students.

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

Wilmington
The Hamptons

Wilmington 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 Wilmington. There are public buses around town, but for practical reasons, you'll want to have your own vehicle.

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 Wilmington or The Hamptons a more walkable city?

Wilmington
The Hamptons

Wilmington and The Hamptons are good when it comes to walkability.

Wilmington is somewhat walkable. 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.

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.


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

Should I spend more time in The Hamptons or Wilmington?

How long in Wilmington or The Hamptons?

Both Wilmington and The Hamptons have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in The Hamptons than in Wilmington. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Wilmington, and 3-7 days is enough time in The Hamptons.

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

Couples should spend more time in Wilmington than The Hamptons. 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 Wilmington 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 Wilmington.


  • How many days in Wilmington or The Hamptons? Ideal Length of Stay
    Wilmington 2-5 
    The Hamptons 3-7

One day in Wilmington or The Hamptons?

In Wilmington, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this welcoming city offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

With shopping and nightlife around the lavish 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.

A weekend in Wilmington or The Hamptons?

Wilmington is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

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.

Five days in Wilmington or The Hamptons?

In Wilmington, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this charming destination offers. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

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.


A week in Wilmington or The Hamptons?

Wilmington is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

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.


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.


Which place is cheaper, The Hamptons or Wilmington?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Wilmington is $204, while the average daily cost in The Hamptons is $223. 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 Wilmington and The Hamptons in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Wilmington $120
    The Hamptons $126
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Wilmington $240
    The Hamptons $252
Compare Hotels in Wilmington and The Hamptons

Looking for a hotel in Wilmington or The Hamptons? 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 Wilmington


Hotels in The Hamptons


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: Wilmington Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Wilmington $47
    The Hamptons $63

Is it cheaper to fly into Wilmington or The Hamptons?

Prices for flights to both The Hamptons and Wilmington 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
    Wilmington $56
    The Hamptons $60

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Wilmington $17
    The Hamptons $22

Tours and Activities in Wilmington

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

  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game: $10
  • Wilmington Pirate Walking Tour: $20
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Wilmington by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Eagles Island 50 minute Narrated Boat Cruise: $21
  • History and Architecture Walking Tour : $25
  • Wilmington History and Architecture Tour: $25
  • Ghosts of the Port City Haunted Walking Tour: $26
  • Craft Beer and History Crawl Shared Experience in Wilmington: $30
  • Wilmington Ghosts: Phantoms of Pirates and Patriots Tour: $33
  • Black Water Adventure Cruise: $33
  • Trolley Pub Public Tour: $49
  • Island Hopper Cruise in Wrightsville Beach: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Wilmington $39
    The Hamptons $31

Sample the Local Flavors in Wilmington

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Wilmington:

  • 2-Hour Wilmington E-Bike Bar Crawl: $55
  • 2-Hour Wilmington E-Bike Bar Crawl: $55


When comparing the travel costs between Wilmington and The Hamptons, we can see that The Hamptons is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Wilmington or The Hamptons?

Wilmington has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of The Hamptons. When comparing the sizes of Wilmington and The Hamptons, 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 Wilmington or The Hamptons?

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 Wilmington or The Hamptons in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Wilmington as well as The Hamptons. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Wilmington this time of year. Also, many travelers come to The Hamptons for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Wilmington is around the same temperature as The Hamptons in the summer. The daily temperature in Wilmington averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and The Hamptons fluctuates around 76°F (25°C).

It's quite rainy in The Hamptons. Wilmington receives a lot of rain in the summer. Wilmington usually gets more rain in July than The Hamptons. Wilmington gets 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Wilmington 81°F (27°C) 
    The Hamptons 76°F (25°C)

Should I visit Wilmington or The Hamptons in the Autumn?

Both The Hamptons and Wilmington are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Wilmington for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to The Hamptons in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Wilmington is a little warmer than The Hamptons. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Wilmington in October average around 65°F (18°C), and The Hamptons averages at about 58°F (14°C).

In October, Wilmington usually receives less rain than The Hamptons. Wilmington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Wilmington 65°F (18°C) 
    The Hamptons 58°F (14°C)

Should I visit Wilmington or The Hamptons in the Winter?

Both The Hamptons and Wilmington during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Wilmington in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to The Hamptons for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

The Hamptons can be very cold during winter. In January, Wilmington is generally much warmer than The Hamptons. Daily temperatures in Wilmington average around 45°F (7°C), and The Hamptons fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

Wilmington usually gets more rain in January than The Hamptons. Wilmington gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Wilmington 45°F (7°C) 
    The Hamptons 31°F (-0°C)

Should I visit Wilmington or The Hamptons in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Wilmington and The Hamptons. Most visitors come to Wilmington for the beaches during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to The Hamptons because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Wilmington is much warmer than The Hamptons in the spring. The daily temperature in Wilmington averages around 63°F (17°C) in April, and The Hamptons fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In April, Wilmington usually receives less rain than The Hamptons. Wilmington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Wilmington 63°F (17°C) 
    The Hamptons 51°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for The Hamptons and Wilmington

Wilmington The Hamptons
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 45°F (7°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 31°F (-0°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Feb 47°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 33°F (1°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Mar 55°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Apr 63°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 51°F (11°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
May 70°F (21°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 6 inches (152 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 8.1 inches (207 mm) 76°F (25°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 6.9 inches (176 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm)
Sep 75°F (24°C) 5 inches (128 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Oct 65°F (18°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 58°F (14°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Nov 56°F (14°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 47°F (9°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Dec 49°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 37°F (3°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)