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

Should you visit Jacksonville or The Hamptons?

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 Jacksonville and The Hamptons. 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.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a lively, youthful, and fun city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches. See Jacksonville travel costs.

The Hamptons

The Hamptons is a lavish, wealthy, and opulent beach destination. The Hamptons offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and hiking. See The Hamptons travel costs.

Jacksonville and The Hamptons: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Jacksonville or The Hamptons?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Jacksonville than The Hamptons, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Jacksonville is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while The Hamptons is more popular for its resorts, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. The Hamptons is more touristy than Jacksonville and is popular for its long sandy beaches, charming seaside communities, opulent villas, and vacationing celebrities. Jacksonville is well known for its beautiful beaches and lively downtown area. Also, Jacksonville is famous for Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens.

How is Jacksonville different from The Hamptons?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Jacksonville or The Hamptons?

Jacksonville
The Hamptons

Jacksonville is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, The Hamptons does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Jacksonville. The city has a number of museums that range from art museums to science or kid-friendly museums. Some favorites are the Museum of Science and History, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Mandarin Museum and Historical Society, and Kingsley Plantation.

The Hamptons does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Jacksonville
The Hamptons

Jacksonville is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Jacksonville makes for a great culinary experience. Local cuisine has its own identity. Unique dishes around town include garlic crabs, seafood boil, gumbo, and shrimp and grits. The local cuisine is similar to Lowcountry dishes with a lot of Cajun influence. If you want something different from seafood, you should try the barbecue.

The Hamptons has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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 Jacksonville or The Hamptons Better for Nightlife?

Jacksonville
The Hamptons

Jacksonville is a great destination for nightlife. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Jacksonville know how to have a good time. The young population brings out the nightlife scene. There's a great concentration of bars and clubs in the area known as The Elbow, which is at the intersection of N. Ocean and E. Bay Street. You'll find plenty of cocktail bars, lounges, and clubs around town that make for a fun night out.

If you're looking for night time activities The Hamptons has a few options to choose from. There are plenty of nightclubs and bars throughout the area. Head to East Hampton for some of the best options.

Is Jacksonville or The Hamptons Better for Resorts?

Jacksonville
The Hamptons

The Hamptons is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Jacksonville is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in The Hamptons to choose from. Known as a hangout for the rich and famous, there is no shortage of luxury hotels and resorts in the area.

Jacksonville is not a resort destination.


Is Jacksonville or The Hamptons Better for Beaches?

Jacksonville
The Hamptons

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

The beaches at Jacksonville attract visitors from all over. There are a number of beaches that are just a short distance from the city. Some have a historic vibe while others are more lively. Atlantic Beach is about a half hour drive from the city. For a laid back vibe head to Neptune Beach and the most popular beach in the area is Jacksonville Beach.

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 Jacksonville or The Hamptons Better for Hiking?

Jacksonville
The Hamptons

The Hamptons is a good destination for its hiking trails. However, Jacksonville is not a hiking destination.

The Hamptons offers some nice hiking trails. 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.

Jacksonville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Jacksonville or The Hamptons?

Jacksonville
The Hamptons

The Hamptons is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to The Hamptons specifically to go shopping. 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.

Jacksonville is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are countless malls and shopping districts around town. Some of the best shopping is found at St. John's Center, Five Points, and Avondale.


Is Jacksonville or The Hamptons More Beautiful?

Jacksonville
The Hamptons

The Hamptons is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Jacksonville is not a destination known for its beauty.

The Hamptons offers plenty of beauty for visitors. For a beautiful, upscale setting, this is a great destination near NYC.

Jacksonville is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Jacksonville or The Hamptons Better for Families?

Jacksonville
The Hamptons

Both Jacksonville and The Hamptons are notable family-friendly destinations.

Jacksonville is a family-friendly city. It's filled with adventure parks, zoos, animal farms, nature centers, and gardens. Adults will have as much fun as kids exploring the city and all of its family-friendly attractions.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in The Hamptons. 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 Jacksonville or The Hamptons Better for Couples?

Jacksonville
The Hamptons

The Hamptons is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

The Hamptons makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Jacksonville is a nice destination for couples. It's a young city that's near nature and has plenty of adventurous activities. There's sailing, botanical gardens, restaurants, and plenty of bars around town.


Is Jacksonville or The Hamptons Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jacksonville
The Hamptons

Jacksonville is a city with good options for backpackers. However, The Hamptons is a beach destination with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Jacksonville is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a few hostels in town as well as affordable motels. The city has a young population with plenty to do. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there's a surprising and underrated appeal to the backpacker crowd.

The Hamptons is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's more popular with the rich and famous than it is with the budget crowd, so you may struggle to find an affordable place to stay, much less a hostel.

Is Jacksonville or The Hamptons Better for Students?

Jacksonville
The Hamptons

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

Jacksonville is popular with students. There are a few colleges and universities in town. The city's population is also very young, making it a great place to study.

The Hamptons is not popular with students.

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

Jacksonville
The Hamptons

Jacksonville is a city with good options for its public transit. However, The Hamptons is a beach destination with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Jacksonville, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The public transportation system includes trolleys, the Skyway, buses, water taxis, and the ferry.

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 Jacksonville or The Hamptons a more walkable city?

Jacksonville
The Hamptons

Jacksonville and The Hamptons are notable when it comes to walkability.

Jacksonville is a somewhat walkable city. Downtown Jacksonville is the most walkable part of the city.

The Hamptons is somewhat walkable. 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 Jacksonville Worth Visiting? and Is The Hamptons Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in The Hamptons or Jacksonville?

How long in Jacksonville or The Hamptons?

Both Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Jacksonville, and 3-7 days is enough time in The Hamptons.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville.


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

One day in Jacksonville or The Hamptons?

In Jacksonville, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this youthful 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.

In The Hamptons, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this wealthy beach destination offers. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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.

A weekend in Jacksonville or The Hamptons?

Jacksonville 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.

The Hamptons is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the shopping. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.


Five days in Jacksonville or The Hamptons?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the lively destination of Jacksonville. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

In The Hamptons, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this wealthy destination offers. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Lots of people come for the shopping. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Jacksonville or The Hamptons?

Jacksonville 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 to visit. Many people spend one week here. It's also a relaxing resort destination. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


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


Which place is cheaper, The Hamptons or Jacksonville?

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

  • Jacksonville Prices
    USA Prices
    The Hamptons Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Jacksonville $289
    The Hamptons $267

The average daily cost (per person) in Jacksonville is $289, while the average daily cost in The Hamptons is $267. 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 Jacksonville and The Hamptons in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jacksonville $92
    The Hamptons $126
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jacksonville $184
    The Hamptons $252
Compare Hotels in Jacksonville and The Hamptons

Looking for a hotel in Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville


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: Jacksonville Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jacksonville $53
    The Hamptons $63

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jacksonville

Also for Jacksonville, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Jacksonville Airport to Casa Monica Resort and Spa Transfer: $189
  • Car Transfer Jacksonville Airport to The Cloister at Sea Island: $199
  • Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville Cruise Port -Arrival Private Transfer: $168
  • Jacksonville Airport JAX to Jacksonville Arrival Private Transfer: $134
  • Jacksonville Airport Limo Transfer to Hammock Beach Golf Resort: $275
  • Jacksonville Airport Private Lux Car Transfer to Downtown Hotels: $139
  • Jacksonville to Carnival Cruise Port Jacksonville - Departure Private Transfer: $159
  • Luxury Car Transfer JAX Airport to Margaritaville Beach Hotel: $155
  • Luxury Car Transfer Jacksonville Airport to Ponte Vedra Resorts: $145
  • Miami: One Way To/From Airport Transfer: $78
  • Private Transfer JAX Airport to Ritz Carlton Amelia Island: $135
  • Private Transfer Jacksonville Airport to Carnival Cruise Port: $135

Is it cheaper to fly into Jacksonville or The Hamptons?

Prices for flights to both The Hamptons and Jacksonville 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
    Jacksonville $166
    The Hamptons $104

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jacksonville

For Jacksonville, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • 1 Hour of Chocolate Pizza Making Class in Jacksonville: $20
  • San Marco Food Tour Culinary Journey in Jacksonville: $125

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jacksonville $20
    The Hamptons $22

Tours and Activities in Jacksonville

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

  • 20 Minutes Chocolate & Candy Factory Tour in Jacksonville: $8.00
  • 20 Minutes Chocolate & Candy Factory Tour: $8.60
  • Scenic A1A Byway Self Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • The Main Event Improv Comedy Ticket: $17
  • Murray Hill Walking Mural Tour: $25
  • Specters of the Spanish Moss: Jacksonville Ghost Tour: $26
  • Bike Ride Through Ponte Vedra Beach Private Tour Florida: $27
  • Downtown Fernandina Historical Walking Tour: $30
  • Amelia Island Area Kayak Rental on Lofton Creek with Adventures Up The Creek: $36
  • Jacksonville FL: Ortega River Kayak Rental Adventure: $40
  • Self-Guided Kayaking: Real Florida Adventure: $45
  • Electric Bike Tour with Free Application for Navigation: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jacksonville $20
    The Hamptons $31

Sample the Local Flavors in Jacksonville

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

  • All-Inclusive Sips & Ships: Downtown Pub Crawl: $75
  • Jax Brewery Tour (Drinks Included): $135


When comparing the travel costs between Jacksonville and The Hamptons, we can see that Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville Expensive? and Is The Hamptons Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Jacksonville or The Hamptons?

Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 190 times larger than the population of The Hamptons. When comparing the sizes of Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville or The Hamptons in the Summer?

Both The Hamptons and Jacksonville during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Jacksonville for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to The Hamptons because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Jacksonville is a little warmer than The Hamptons. Typically, the summer temperatures in Jacksonville in July average around 82°F (28°C), and The Hamptons averages at about 76°F (25°C).

The Hamptons gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Jacksonville. Jacksonville usually gets more rain in July than The Hamptons. Jacksonville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Jacksonville 82°F (28°C) 
    The Hamptons 76°F (25°C)

Should I visit Jacksonville or The Hamptons in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Jacksonville and The Hamptons. The autumn months attract visitors to Jacksonville because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to The Hamptons this time of year.

In October, Jacksonville is generally a little warmer than The Hamptons. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 70°F (21°C), and The Hamptons fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

In October, Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of rain as The Hamptons. Jacksonville gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Jacksonville.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Jacksonville 70°F (21°C) 
    The Hamptons 58°F (14°C)

Should I visit Jacksonville or The Hamptons in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in The Hamptons. Jacksonville is much warmer than The Hamptons in the winter. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 53°F (12°C) in January, and The Hamptons fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

Jacksonville usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as The Hamptons. Jacksonville gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Jacksonville 53°F (12°C) 
    The Hamptons 31°F (-0°C)

Should I visit Jacksonville or The Hamptons in the Spring?

Both The Hamptons and Jacksonville are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Jacksonville for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to The Hamptons in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Jacksonville is much warmer than The Hamptons. Typically, the spring temperatures in Jacksonville in April average around 68°F (20°C), and The Hamptons averages at about 51°F (11°C).

In April, Jacksonville usually receives less rain than The Hamptons. Jacksonville gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Jacksonville is the hurricane season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Jacksonville 68°F (20°C) 
    The Hamptons 51°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for The Hamptons and Jacksonville

Jacksonville The Hamptons
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 31°F (-0°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 33°F (1°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 51°F (11°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 76°F (25°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 58°F (14°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 47°F (9°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 37°F (3°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)