A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Baltimore vs. Nags Head for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Baltimore or Nags Head?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Baltimore and Nags Head can help you decide which place is right for you.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a historic, vibrant, and diverse city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Baltimore travel costs.

Nags Head

And you can't forget about the nightlife and food. See Nags Head travel costs.

Baltimore and Nags Head: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Baltimore or Nags Head?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Baltimore. Although Baltimore and Nags Head are popular destinations, Baltimore has more sights and attractions for tourists. Baltimore is more touristy than Nags Head and is popular for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities. It is also well known for the National Aquarium. Nags Head is famous for

How is Baltimore different from Nags Head?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Baltimore or Nags Head?

Baltimore
Nags Head

Baltimore is great for its historical sights. However, Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.

Baltimore offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.

Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Baltimore or Nags Head? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Baltimore
Nags Head

Baltimore is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Nags Head is not as popular, but is still a nice for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Baltimore. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Nags Head. There are a wide variety of seafood restaurants that serve locally caught fish, shrimp, and crabs. Cajon flavors are popular and you'll also find cheese grits at many places.

Is Baltimore or Nags Head Better for Nightlife?

Baltimore
Nags Head

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Baltimore and Nags Head.

Baltimore is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

Many people head to Nags Head for the nightlife scene. You'll find the widest variety of nightlife options in the Outer Banks here. There are a number of bars and clubs around town where you can enjoy a drink or dance late into the night. During the peak summer months there's often live music at many places.

Is the Shopping Better in Baltimore or Nags Head?

Baltimore
Nags Head

Baltimore is great for shopping. However, Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Baltimore. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Baltimore or Nags Head Better for Families?

Baltimore
Nags Head

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Baltimore or Nags Head.

Baltimore is a very kid-friendly city. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Nags Head. It makes a wonderful base for the many family-friendly activities in the area. Jockey's Ridge is a fun place to visit with kids. There are also wonderful beaches and many kids enjoying flying kites.

Is Baltimore or Nags Head Better for Couples?

Baltimore
Nags Head

Both Baltimore and Nags Head are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Baltimore makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.

Nags Head is a good city for couples to visit. There are great seafood restaurants and a number of activities in the area that are fun for couples.

Is Baltimore or Nags Head Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Baltimore
Nags Head

Baltimore and Nags Head are nice places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Baltimore is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

It's common for backpackers to visit Nags Head. This is one of the more affordable places to stay in the Outer Banks, so it appeals to more budget-oriented travelers.


Is Baltimore or Nags Head Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Baltimore
Nags Head

Baltimore is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Nags Head is not a good destination for its public transit.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Baltimore. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail system.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Nags Head. There's no real public transit around town, so you'll need to have your own car.

Is Baltimore or Nags Head a more walkable city?

Baltimore
Nags Head

Baltimore is great for its walkability. However, Nags Head is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

Baltimore is very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.

Nags Head is generally not very walkable. This is one of the least walkable towns in the Outer Banks. You'll need a car to reach most restaurants and other activities in the area.

Should I spend more time in Nags Head or Baltimore?

How long in Baltimore or Nags Head?

Both Baltimore and Nags Head have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Nags Head than in Baltimore. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Baltimore, and 4-7 days is enough time in Nags Head.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Baltimore than Nags Head 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 Baltimore.


  • How many days in Baltimore or Nags Head? Ideal Length of Stay
    Baltimore 2-3 
    Nags Head 4-7

One day in Baltimore or Nags Head?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Baltimore. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find nightlife and food around the of Nags Head. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A weekend in Baltimore or Nags Head?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the colorful destination of Baltimore. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find food and nightlife around the laid-back destination of Nags Head. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Baltimore or Nags Head?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the diverse city of Baltimore. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find nightlife and food around the laid-back of Nags Head. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this has to offer.

A week in Baltimore or Nags Head?

Baltimore is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Nags Head is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nags Head, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Nags Head or Baltimore?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Baltimore Prices
    USA Prices
    Nags Head Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Baltimore $217
    Nags Head $179

The average daily cost (per person) in Baltimore is $217, while the average daily cost in Nags Head is $179. 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 Baltimore and Nags Head in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Baltimore $93
    Nags Head $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Baltimore $186
    Nags Head $160
Compare Hotels in Baltimore and Nags Head

Looking for a hotel in Baltimore or Nags Head? 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 Baltimore


Hotels in Nags Head


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: Baltimore Hotel Prices and Nags Head Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Baltimore $21
    Nags Head $40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Baltimore

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Baltimore:

  • Private Airport Transfer from Baltimore to DCA or vice versa: $300
  • Airport transfer to or from Silver Spring, MD and Dulles Airport: $275
  • Airport Transfer Baltimore/Washington International Airport BWI to Baltimore, MD: $245
  • Private transfer To or Form Bethesda and Dulles International Airport: $240
  • Private Transfer from BWI Airport ⇄ Washington DC : $199
  • Baltimore City to Washington City - Private Transfer: $172
  • Airport Transfer Downtown Baltimore to BWI Airport: $160
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $154
  • Oakland to San Francisco Airport (SFO)-Departure Private Transfer: $135
  • Departure Private Transfer Baltimore to Baltimore Airport BWI: $114
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to San Francisco hotel/address - Private Arrival Transfer: $77
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Baltimore Washington Airport BWI: $60

Is it cheaper to fly into Baltimore or Nags Head?

Prices for flights to both Nags Head and Baltimore 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
    Baltimore $79
    Nags Head $71
Typical Food Prices in Baltimore

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Baltimore:


  • Seafood Dinner (for 2) in Fells Point
    $76

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Baltimore

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

  • Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery in Baltimore: $75
  • Pasta Making Cooking Classes at a Local Brewery: $75
  • Fells Point Food Tour in Baltimore: $78
  • City Cruises Signature Dinner Cruise: $125

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Baltimore $18
    Nags Head $14

Tours and Activities in Baltimore

Here are a few actual costs in Baltimore for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Antietam National Battlefield Self-Guided Driving Tour: $15
  • Assateague Island Cruise Departs from Ocean Pines: $40
  • Baltimore Bewitched: Raven's Revenge, Bones & Ballads Ghost Tour: $32
  • Baltimore Downtown Poe Ruth and More GPS Self Guided Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Baltimore Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate: $96
  • Baltimore Ravens Football Game Ticket at M&T Bank Stadium: $109
  • Baltimore Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $49
  • Baltimore Walking & Driving Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Baltimore Walking Foodie Tour in Fells Point: $104
  • Baltimore's Cruise ship Tour-shuttle service: $25
  • Baltimore's Historical Sightseeing Tour: $44
  • Baltimore's Private Cultural Tour: $200

Tours and Activities in Nags Head

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

  • Cape Hatteras National Seashore Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15
  • Wright Brothers Carolina Dunes Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Outer Banks: $17
  • Outer Banks Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $25
  • OBX Ghost Tours- The Original Ghost Tour of the Outer Banks: $25
  • OBX Ghost Tours: Lighthouse Wraiths & Dune Shadows: $26
  • Kitty Hawk Maritime Forest Kayak Tour: $49
  • Nags Head Kayak Tour: $55
  • Alligator River Kayak Adventure: $59
  • Cape Hatteras Kayak Adventure in Rodanthe: $59
  • Stand Up Paddleboard Adventure on the Outer Banks : $65
  • 2-hour Outer Banks Wild Horse Tour by 4WD Truck: $65

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Baltimore $17
    Nags Head $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Baltimore

Also in Baltimore, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Original Fells Point Haunted Pub Tour by Baltimore Ghost Tours: $33
  • Baltimore Boos & Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $36

Sample the Local Flavors in Nags Head

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nags Head:

  • Wine Tasting And Boat Ride: $109


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

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


Which is Bigger, Baltimore or Nags Head?

Baltimore has a larger population, and is about 190 times larger than the population of Nags Head. When comparing the sizes of Baltimore and Nags Head, 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 Baltimore or Nags Head?

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 Baltimore or Nags Head in the Summer?

Both Nags Head and Baltimore during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Baltimore for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Nags Head because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Baltimore is generally around the same temperature as Nags Head. Daily temperatures in Baltimore average around 78°F (25°C), and Nags Head fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

In Nags Head, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Baltimore. In the summer, Baltimore often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nags Head. Baltimore gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nags Head receives 274 hours of full sun.

Nags Head gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Baltimore. Baltimore usually gets less rain in July than Nags Head. Baltimore gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Nags Head receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Baltimore 78°F (25°C) 
    Nags Head 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Baltimore or Nags Head in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Baltimore and Nags Head. The autumn months attract visitors to Baltimore because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Baltimore is cooler than Nags Head in the autumn. The daily temperature in Baltimore averages around 57°F (14°C) in October, and Nags Head fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nags Head this time of the year. Baltimore usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nags Head during autumn. Baltimore gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Nags Head receives 205 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Baltimore usually receives less rain than Nags Head. Baltimore gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Nags Head receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Baltimore 57°F (14°C) 
    Nags Head 62°F (16°C)

Should I visit Baltimore or Nags Head in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Baltimore as well as Nags Head. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Baltimore this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nags Head for the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Nags Head. It's quite cold in Baltimore in the winter. In the winter, Baltimore is much colder than Nags Head. Typically, the winter temperatures in Baltimore in January average around 32°F (0°C), and Nags Head averages at about 41°F (5°C).

In the winter, Baltimore often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nags Head. Baltimore gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nags Head receives 147 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nags Head. Baltimore usually gets less rain in January than Nags Head. Baltimore gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Nags Head receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Baltimore 32°F (0°C) 
    Nags Head 41°F (5°C)

Should I visit Baltimore or Nags Head in the Spring?

Both Nags Head and Baltimore are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Baltimore for the activities around the city.

In April, Baltimore is generally cooler than Nags Head. Daily temperatures in Baltimore average around 54°F (12°C), and Nags Head fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in Nags Head. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Baltimore. Baltimore usually receives less sunshine than Nags Head during spring. Baltimore gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Nags Head receives 262 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Baltimore usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nags Head. Baltimore gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Nags Head receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Baltimore 54°F (12°C) 
    Nags Head 59°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Nags Head and Baltimore

Baltimore Nags Head
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 32°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 41°F (5°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Mar 45°F (7°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Apr 54°F (12°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
May 64°F (18°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 67°F (19°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)
Jun 73°F (23°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Jul 78°F (25°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 78°F (26°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Aug 76°F (25°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 78°F (25°C) 5 inches (127 mm)
Sep 69°F (21°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm)
Oct 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 62°F (16°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Nov 47°F (9°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Dec 37°F (3°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)