A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Duck vs. Las Vegas for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Couples

Should you visit Duck or Las Vegas?

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

Should I visit Duck or Las Vegas? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Duck

Duck is a compact, charming, and laid-back beach town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. Duck is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking. See Duck travel costs.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a entertaining, sexy, and glamourous entertainment capital. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food. See Las Vegas travel costs.

Duck and Las Vegas: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Not as many resort options
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Big city activities
  • Home to the Strip
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Duck or Las Vegas?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Las Vegas. Although Duck and Las Vegas are both popular with visitors, Las Vegas has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Las Vegas is more popular for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, resorts, shopping, and big city activities, while Duck is known for its beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Las Vegas is more touristy than Duck and is known for its magnificent resorts, world-class nightlife, all-you-can-eat buffets, and long running productions. It is also home to The Strip. Duck is popular for its quaint atmosphere and small town charm.

How is Duck different from Las Vegas?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Duck or Las Vegas?

Duck
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Duck is not a good beach town for its museums and history.

Las Vegas offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Just wander along the Strip and pop in to any of the hotels to see what makes this city unique. There are many replicas of iconic landmarks around the world including the Venetian canals and the Eiffel Tower. You can also check out the Mob Museum, the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, and the Neon Museum.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Duck. Hanging out at the beach and enjoy water sports or outdoor activities are the main draw of this town. You won't find much in the form of museums or indoor activities.


Is Duck or Las Vegas Better for Theater?

Duck
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is renowned for theatre. However, Duck is not a theatre destination.

The theater and performance venues in Las Vegas draw crowds from around the world. Long running shows along with traveling Broadway productions make the theater scene here diverse and entertaining.

Duck is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Duck or Las Vegas? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Duck
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Duck is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Las Vegas is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It has become famous for it's all-you-can-eat buffets, which you'll find in almost every hotel along the strip. To fully experience the sin of gluttony, head for one of the more luxurious hotels, which have the more expensive, but also higher quality buffets. Celebrity chefs have also opened many five star restaurants around town that you must try.

Duck has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. For such a small town, there's a decent selection of restaurants that range from local seafood eateries to pizza delivery. Homemade ice cream is a favorite in the area, but you also can't skip out on the flagship Duck Donuts store.

Is Duck or Las Vegas Better for Nightlife?

Duck
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is renowned for nightlife. However, Duck is not a good beach town for nightlife and partying.

Las Vegas is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. From posh dance clubs to glitzy cocktail bars, its nightlife scene puts this city on the map. Many people forget to sleep here, whether they're gambling away their money, checking out a world class show, or partying in one of the many clubs.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Duck. It's known as a family-friendly destination that isn't often associated with a strong nightlife, but there is often live music and other festivals during the summer months.


Is Duck or Las Vegas Better for Music?

Duck
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is renowned for live music. However, Duck is not a live music destination.

Las Vegas is a world class music destination. There are a number of long running shows as well as frequent musicians that pass through. There are also free live concerts and music festivals throughout the year.

Duck is not a live music destination.

Is Duck or Las Vegas Better for Resorts?

Duck
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is renowned for its resorts. Also, Duck is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its luxury resorts.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Las Vegas is a great choice. Along the strip you'll find world class resorts with casinos, shops, theaters, and all kinds of entertainment venues. Many resorts have a detailed décor that immerses you in an ambiance that unique from the world outside. Top rated resorts include the Bellagio, the Wynn, and Park MGM.

With a selection of resorts, Duck makes a nice vacation spot. Most of the accommodation around town is in the form of vacation beach rental houses that are perfect for family gatherings or larger groups.

Is Duck or Las Vegas Better for Beaches?

Duck
Las Vegas

Duck is very popular for its beaches. However, Las Vegas is not a beach destination.

Duck offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Long sandy beaches with great surf and a wonderful boardwalk make this a great beach destination. Kids play in the tidal pools and families relax under their beach umbrellas in a classic beach setting.

Las Vegas is not a beach destination.


Is Duck or Las Vegas Better for Hiking?

Duck
Las Vegas

Duck is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Las Vegas is not a hiking destination.

Duck offers some nice hiking trails. The Duck Trail runs for six miles and passes through town. It's popular with walkers, cyclists, and inline skaters.

Las Vegas is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Duck or Las Vegas?

Duck
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is renowned for shopping. Also, Duck is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Las Vegas is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city's shopping scene combines high end brands with a style that is uniquely Las Vegas. Many hotels have their own malls or shopping areas where you can buy designer names or visit flagship stores.

Duck is well-known for its shopping. Head to the Waterfront Shops for some of the town's best shopping. You can wander along the boardwalk and check out the independent vendors and local restaurants.

Is Duck or Las Vegas More Beautiful?

Duck
Las Vegas

Duck is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Las Vegas is not a destination known for its beauty.

Duck is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Beautiful sandy beaches and family-friendly parks offer a beautiful and relaxed beach vacation.

Las Vegas is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Duck or Las Vegas Better for Families?

Duck
Las Vegas

Duck is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for its kid-friendly activities.

Duck is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kid-friendly beaches, local ice cream joints, and the famed Duck Donuts all make this an ideal kid's beach destination. There's a waterpark nearby and plenty of water sports that the whole family can enjoy. The boardwalk is also a very family-friendly environment.

Las Vegas is not always a place people visit with their families. The city is more known for its adult entertainment options than as a family-friendly destination, but there are good kid-friendly activities around town including kid-oriented shows, the Fun Dungeon in the Excalibur, and thrilling rides that are great for all ages.

Is Duck or Las Vegas Better for Couples?

Duck
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is renowned for romance. Also, Duck is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its romantic activities.

Las Vegas makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The city has become a mecca for weddings - whether impromptu or luxuriously planned out. With it's glamourous resorts and wide variety of entertainment options, couples can enjoy a fun-filled visit here.

Duck makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a charming beach town with great local restaurants and a beautiful and peaceful setting. For couples who want to enjoy a relaxing beach town without the energy of a larger destination, then this is the perfect place. Much of the accommodation is in the form of rental houses, which can be a bit much for a couple, but the setting is perfect for a weekend escape.

Is Duck or Las Vegas Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Duck
Las Vegas

Both Duck and Las Vegas offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Duck. It's best to have a car if you want to exploring the Outer Banks and its many activities.

Public transit is mostly limited in Las Vegas. Many visitors use the Monorail to get around the Strip and the touristy areas. There's also a bus system that travels throughout the city.


Is Duck or Las Vegas a more walkable city?

Duck
Las Vegas

Duck is very popular for its walkability. Also, Las Vegas is not as famous, but is still a good entertainment capital to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Duck on foot. It's a wonderfully walkable and pedestrian-friendly town with a great boardwalk and many walking and cycling paths.

Las Vegas is a somewhat walkable place. The area around The Strip is very walkable and pedestrian-friendly. In this area you can access many restaurants, hotels, and casinos.

For even more information, also check out Is Duck Worth Visiting? and Is Las Vegas Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Las Vegas or Duck?

How long in Duck or Las Vegas?

Both Duck and Las Vegas have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Las Vegas has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Las Vegas than Duck. In general, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Duck, and 2-7 days is enough time in Las Vegas.

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

Couples should spend more time in Las Vegas than Duck. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Las Vegas that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Las Vegas than Duck 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 Las Vegas.


  • How many days in Duck or Las Vegas? Ideal Length of Stay
    Duck 5-7 
    Las Vegas 2-7

One day in Duck or Las Vegas?

Even though Duck is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

Las Vegas is a big city destination where you can fill many days. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Duck or Las Vegas?

Duck is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This beach town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Las Vegas is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


Five days in Duck or Las Vegas?

Duck is a small town with plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this beach town makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this beach town has to offer.

Las Vegas is a fun-filled big city where you can fill many days. This entertainment capital offers something for everyone. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Duck or Las Vegas?

Duck is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Duck, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Las Vegas is a sinful entertainment capital where you can fill many days. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Las Vegas or Duck?

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

  • Duck Prices
    USA Prices
    Las Vegas Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Duck $221
    Las Vegas $369

The average daily cost (per person) in Duck is $221, while the average daily cost in Las Vegas is $369. 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 Duck and Las Vegas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Duck $107
    Las Vegas $158
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Duck $214
    Las Vegas $316
Compare Hotels in Duck and Las Vegas

Looking for a hotel in Duck or Las Vegas? 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 Duck


Hotels in Las Vegas


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: Las Vegas Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Duck $66
    Las Vegas $53

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Las Vegas

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Las Vegas are as follows:


  • 24 Hr Bus Pass
    $15
  • 24 hrs Deuce Bus
    $7.00
  • Taxi from Airport to the Strip
    $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Las Vegas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Las Vegas:

  • LAS Airport Private Transfer to Las Vegas City: $17
  • LAS Airport to Las Vegas Stripe Hotels Shared Transfer: $22
  • Las Vegas Airport (LAS) / Transfer to hotels on the Strip.: $27
  • LAS Airport to Downtown|Strip Hotels Private Transfer: $36
  • Private Transfer to Las Vegas Airport (LAS): $38
  • Private Transfer from Las Vegas Airport (LAS): $38
  • Transfer Airport to Hotel or Hotel to Airport : $39
  • Las Vegas to Las Vegas Airport(LAS) - Departure Private Transfer : $42
  • Las Vegas Airport (LAS) to Las Vegas - Arrival Private Transfer : $42
  • One Way Private Transfer to/from McCarran Airport: $50
  • Manila- Private Airport Transfers (SEDAN): $50
  • Private Arrival Transfer: From Las Vegas Airport: $54

Is it cheaper to fly into Duck or Las Vegas?

Prices for flights to both Las Vegas and Duck 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
    Duck $78
    Las Vegas $139

Typical Food Prices in Las Vegas

Some typical examples of dining costs in Las Vegas are as follows:


  • Coffee
    $5.00
  • Deep Fried Twinkie
    $1.07
  • Chocolate Dip Banana
    $1.07
  • Gelato
    $5.95

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Las Vegas

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

  • Manila Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $44
  • Cowboy Christmas Show & Dinner at Firelight Barn in Henderson NV: $49
  • "Blockbuster Beats" show & dinner at the Firelight Barn: $49
  • "Rockin' Through Time" show & dinner at Firelight Barn: $49
  • "31 String Showdown" show & dinner at Firelight Barn in Henderson: $49
  • Manila Filipino Cooking Class: Meryenda Favorites: $65
  • Manila Chinatown Food Tour Experience : $65
  • Manila Food Tour Experience with Local Guide: $70
  • Makati Street Food tour Experience : $73
  • 2 Hour Italian Pasta Cooking Class in Las Vegas: $75
  • 2-Hour Italian Pasta Cooking Class: $75
  • Chocolate Making Cooking Class With Local Chef: $75

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Duck $13
    Las Vegas $78

Typical Entertainment Prices in Las Vegas

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Las Vegas are as follows:


  • Wedding Chapel
    $139
  • Atomic Testing Museum (two people)
    $12
  • Gondola Ride (4 person)
    $64
  • Monorail Ride
    $5.00
  • NY NY Rollercoaster
    $14
  • Circus Circus Adventure Dome Day Pass
    $26

Tours and Activities in Las Vegas

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Las Vegas are as follows:

  • Downtown Las Vegas Self Guided Audio Walking Tour : $7.75
  • BEEsita Sa Bukid - Guided Bee Farm Tour: $9.81
  • Las Vegas’ Glitter Gulch, Ghosts and Gangsters: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Dowtown Las Vegas: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Henderson by 3Quest Challenge: $10
  • Red Rock Canyon Tour Self-Guided Drive Experience: $13
  • Las Vegas Strip Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour : $13
  • Las Vegas Natural History Museum Admission Ticket: $14
  • Fremont Las Vegas Nevada Audio Tour: $15
  • Hoover Dam and Lake Mead Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Audio Driving Tour: Grand Canyon West, Hoover Dam Red Rock Canyon: $17
  • Skip the Line: Springs Preserve in Las Vegas Admission Ticket: $19

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Duck $45
    Las Vegas $55

Sample the Local Flavors in Las Vegas

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Las Vegas:

  • Mobsters, Casinos, and Speaky Bar Crawl: $35
  • Fremont Street Bar Crawl: $35
  • Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl (party bus add-on option): $36
  • Happy Hour Bar Crawl! Las Vegas Strip Walking Tour: $39
  • Bars Unknown: The Las Vegas Strip Bar Crawl: $49
  • Las Vegas Bar Crawl by Party Bus with Free Drinks: $49
  • Zombie Burlesque Comedy Musical Show Ticket: $49
  • Zombie Burlesque at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino: $49
  • Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl: $50
  • Fantasy Burlesque Show at Luxor Hotel & Casino: $53
  • Country Bar Crawl by Party Bus w/ Mixed Drinks: $59
  • Vegas Country Bar Crawl: Party Bus & Drinks Included: $59


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

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


Which is Bigger, Duck or Las Vegas?

Las Vegas has a larger population, and is about 850 times larger than the population of Duck. When comparing the sizes of Duck and Las Vegas, 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.