A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cape Cod vs. Reno for Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Cape Cod or Reno?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Cape Cod and Reno. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a wealthy, maritime, and beautiful beach destination. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. With stunning beauty, Cape Cod attracts visitors from all around. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Cape Cod travel costs.

Reno

Reno is a energetic, growing, and vibrant city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Reno travel costs.

Cape Cod and Reno: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance


Is there more to do in Cape Cod or Reno?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cape Cod. Although Cape Cod and Reno are popular destinations, Cape Cod has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cape Cod is very popular for its food, resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Reno attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and nightlife. Cape Cod is more touristy than Reno and is known for its long scenic coastline, charming compact towns, and magnificent migrating whales. It is also well known for The Cape Cod National Seashore. Reno is famous for its casinos and nightlife scene.

How is Cape Cod different from Reno?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cape Cod or Reno?

Cape Cod
Reno

Reno is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Reno. Museums in town range from art and history to local or quirky. The National Automobile Museum, the Nevada Museum of Art, Fleischmann Planetarium, and the Anthropology Museum are some of the favorites.

Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Cape Cod or Reno? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cape Cod
Reno

Cape Cod is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Reno is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Cape Cod has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The region is famous for its fresh seafood and popular dishes include the fried clams and broiled lobster. There are also many diners and brunch cafes where you can enjoy pancakes or eggs benedict.

Reno offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The food scene has been growing in recent years and you'll find plenty of casual restaurants that serve hearty and filling comfort foods.

Is Cape Cod or Reno Better for Nightlife?

Cape Cod
Reno

Reno is great for its evening party scene. However, Cape Cod is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Reno for the nightlife scene. There's a big nightlife scene with a huge number of bars and entertainment options. There are also a growing number of breweries in town.

People don't go to Cape Cod for the nightlife. This area isn't really known for its nightlife, but the downtown of Hyannis has some activity at night.

Is Cape Cod or Reno Better for Resorts?

Cape Cod
Reno

Cape Cod is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Reno is not a resort destination.

Cape Cod has a few great resort options. Wequassett Resort and Golf Club, White Elephant Resorts, and Chatham Bars Inn are favorite resorts in the Cape Cod area.

Reno is not a resort destination.


Is Cape Cod or Reno Better for Beaches?

Cape Cod
Reno

Cape Cod is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Reno is not a beach destination.

Cape Cod is considered a top beach destination. Beaches in the area include long stretches of soft sand as well as tidal pools where kids can play. Several of the best beaches around Cape Cod include Mayflower Beach, Marconi Beach, and Race Point Beach.

Reno is not a beach destination.

Is Cape Cod or Reno Better for Hiking?

Cape Cod
Reno

Cape Cod is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Reno is not a hiking destination.

Cape Cod is a good destination for hiking. Hikes range from casual strolls to longer trails. Popular options include Bass Hole Boardwalk in Yarmouth and the 22 mile Cape Cod Rail Trail.

Reno is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Cod or Reno?

Cape Cod
Reno

Cape Cod is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Reno is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Cape Cod. Many of the area's towns have charming Main Streets where you can enjoy shopping and dining.

Reno is a great destination for shopping. In addition to your standard suburban shopping malls and strip malls, there's the Midtown District, which has local retail shops and an eclectic and alternative vibe. The area has thrift shops, music vendors, and more.


Is Cape Cod or Reno More Beautiful?

Cape Cod
Reno

Cape Cod is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Reno is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Cape Cod attracts visitors from all around. Beautiful beaches, quaint towns, and picturesque scenery make this area truly unique.

Reno is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cape Cod or Reno Better for Families?

Cape Cod
Reno

Cape Cod is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Reno is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Cape Cod. The coastal towns have a number of kid-friendly activities. In the Upper Cape, Falmouth is one of the best towns for families. On Mid Cape, Dennis and Yarmouth are both kid-friendly. Dennis has a resorty vibe and Yarmouth has kid-friendly museums. On the Lower Cape, both Harwich and Orleans are family-friendly options.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Reno. You'll find some arcades and entertainment options for kids in some of the casinos. There's also the Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum, which has kid-friendly, hands-on exhibits, and the largest zoo in Nevado, the Sierra Nevada Zoological Park.

Is Cape Cod or Reno Better for Couples?

Cape Cod
Reno

Cape Cod is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Reno is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Cape Cod makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With its charming character and relaxing beach setting, honeymooners and couples will appreciate all that the area has to offer. There are peaceful settings and charming villages to explore. There are also award-winning restaurants and beautiful views.

Reno is a nice destination for couples. There are outdoor parks and scenic walks like the Truckee River Walk or the Rancho San Rafael Regional Park. There's also several great museums and some interesting restaurants.


Is Cape Cod or Reno Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cape Cod
Reno

Cape Cod and Reno both offer reasonable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Cape Cod. While there are buses and shuttles to help you get around, a car really is necessary to explore the area.

Public transit is generally limited in Reno. There's a public bus system with routes around town.

Is Cape Cod or Reno a more walkable city?

Cape Cod
Reno

Cape Cod is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Reno is lacking in options for its walkability.

Cape Cod is a somewhat walkable beach destination. Many of the small towns in the area have compact and walkable areas, but the region is spread out so it's helpful to have a car to get from place to place.

Reno is generally not very walkable. While there are some reasonably walkable neighborhoods, you really need a car to get around town.

For even more information, also check out Is Cape Cod Worth Visiting? and Is Reno Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Reno or Cape Cod?

How long in Cape Cod or Reno?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cape Cod and Reno. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cape Cod than in Reno. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Cape Cod, and 1-3 days is enough time in Reno.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Reno than Cape Cod 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 Reno.


  • How many days in Cape Cod or Reno? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cape Cod 5-7 
    Reno 1-3

One day in Cape Cod or Reno?

Cape Cod is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The city of Reno offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


A weekend in Cape Cod or Reno?

Cape Cod is a fun place to experience. It's also a great beach destination, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Reno is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Reno, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Cape Cod or Reno?

Cape Cod might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. This beach destination offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Reno is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Cape Cod or Reno?

Even though Cape Cod is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Reno is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Reno or Cape Cod?

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

  • Cape Cod Prices
    USA Prices
    Reno Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Cape Cod $227
    Reno $184

The average daily cost (per person) in Cape Cod is $227, while the average daily cost in Reno is $184. 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 Cape Cod and Reno in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cape Cod $92
    Reno $55
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cape Cod $184
    Reno $110
Compare Hotels in Cape Cod and Reno

Looking for a hotel in Cape Cod or Reno? 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 Cape Cod


Hotels in Reno


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: Reno Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cape Cod $50
    Reno $23

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Reno

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Reno:


  • Car Wash
    $5.00

Is it cheaper to fly into Cape Cod or Reno?

Prices for flights to both Reno and Cape Cod 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
    Cape Cod $103
    Reno $94

Typical Food Prices in Reno

For Reno, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dennys for Breakfast
    $22
  • Sushi DInner (for 2)
    $40
  • In-n-Out Burger (for 3)
    $19

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cape Cod $27
    Reno $88

Tours and Activities in Cape Cod

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

  • National Seashore Tour with Guided Hike: $75
  • Provincetown West End History Tour : $38
  • The Pilgrim Monument Tour- From Harbor to Heights: $52
  • The Tides of Terror A Provincetown Hidden Horrors Tour: $68
  • Cape Cod & Provincetown Self-Guided Driving & Walking Audio Tour: $22
  • Cape Cod Explorer Tour: $80
  • Chatham Bites and Sights Walking Guided Food Tasting Tour: $98
  • Highland House and Cape Cod Lighthouse Tour: $58
  • Kayak The Creek Nature Tour: $80
  • Local Legends and Lobster Roll Tour: $92
  • Lucinda Liphol Provincetown Cemetery Tour: $30
  • Mayflower Trolley Tour!: $46

Tours and Activities in Reno

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

  • Reno Ghost Tour: Ruin, Revenge, & Reckoning: $24
  • Axe Throwing Experience (18+) at Grand Sierra Resort: $40
  • Axe and Knife Throwing Experience: $35
  • Bowlball and Pins & Arrows Experience: $30
  • Jungle Escape Room Adventure: $30
  • Rage Room Experience: $40
  • Splatter Paint Room Experience: $45
  • The Master Escape Room Experience: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cape Cod $19
    Reno $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Reno

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Reno:

  • Original Brewery Tour: $94


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

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