Which place is cheaper, Seattle or Martha's Vineyard?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Martha's Vineyard and Seattle. 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.
Martha's Vineyard is a coastal, peaceful, and affluent island. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. With stunning beauty, Martha's Vineyard attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and hiking. See Martha's Vineyard travel costs.
Seattle is a progressive, cultural, and outdoorsy city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Seattle offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music. See Seattle travel costs.
Travelers will usually find more to do in Seattle. Although Martha's Vineyard and Seattle are popular destinations, Seattle has more sights and attractions for tourists. Seattle is very popular for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, nightlife, music, hiking, and big city activities, while Martha's Vineyard attracts visitors for its resorts, beaches, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Martha's Vineyard is famous for its natural beauty, charming New England towns, and upscale local shopping. Seattle is famous for its beautiful waterfront setting, diverse culinary scene, thriving art and cultural venues, and being the home of many international tech companies. It is also well known for The Space Needle.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Seattle and Martha's Vineyard. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Seattle is a great city for its historical sights. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for its sights and museums.
Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Seattle. The city's most iconic landmark is the Space Needle. There's also a zoo, aquarium, and a handful of nice museums. Several favorites include the Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of History & Industry, and the Seattle Art Museum.
Martha's Vineyard offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of local museums in the area as well as the Martha's Vineyard Museum.
Seattle is a good destination for its shows and theatre. However, Martha's Vineyard is not a theatre destination.
If you have some extra time in Seattle, take in a show. There are a handful of theaters where you can enjoy traveling Broadway shows or smaller productions.
Martha's Vineyard is not a theatre destination.
Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Martha's Vineyard and Seattle can be difficult as they are each great in their own way.
Martha's Vineyard has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The region prioritizes sustainable agriculture and there are many local eateries that range from upscale to more casual. You'll find the greatest number of options during the peak summer months, but regardless of when you visit, you're sure to eat well.
With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Seattle makes for a great culinary experience. The city has many diverse dining options that make it a popular foodie destination. The seafood is world-class with many restaurants offering fresh caught salmon and oysters. There are also many great Asian restaurants with Pho, sushi, and dim sum all being popular around town. Seattle is also famous as the birthplace of Starbucks coffee, and both chain and independent coffee shops are common. Finally, make sure you check out the donuts at Pike's Place Market.
Seattle is a great city for its evening party scene. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for nightlife.
The nightlife in Seattle has something for everybody. The city is known for its breweries and eclectic nightlife scene. There is a thriving theater scene as well as many bars and trendy restaurants. The best neighborhoods for nightlife include Capitol Hill, Belltown, and Downtown.
Most people don't head to Martha's Vineyard specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There's more of a laid back vibe, but the best towns in the evening are Edgartown and Oak Bluffs.
Seattle is a great city for its music scene. However, Martha's Vineyard is not a live music destination.
Seattle has a thriving music scene. The city has developed its own music culture around several genres including alternative rock and grunge.
Martha's Vineyard is not a live music destination.
Martha's Vineyard is renowned for its resorts. However, Seattle is not a resort destination.
Martha's Vineyard offers an unforgettable resort vacation. There are beautiful and luxurious resorts that attract celebrities and socialites. Many have pools and serene outdoor spaces that you can enjoy.
Seattle is not a resort destination.
Martha's Vineyard is notable for the beach. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its beaches.
You'll have a great beach vacation in Martha's Vineyard. The beaches are scenic and peaceful. Head to northern side of the island for shallow water, or south for more surf. While there are some public beaches that are open to everyone, there are also beaches that require a parking or town beach permit to visit.
Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Seattle. The city is surrounded by water so there are a number of rocky and sandy beaches nearby. Some beaches are more popular with locals while others attract a large amount of tourists. Alki Beach Park, Discovery Park, and Golden Gardens Park are among the best.
Seattle is a great city for hiking. Also, Martha's Vineyard is not as popular, but is still a nice island for the nearby hiking options.
Many visitors go to Seattle for the hiking trails. It's famously an outdoorsy city and the hiking will not disappoint. Within a half hour drive of town you'll find beautiful forests and stunning natural beauty. Head into the Cascades, to the coastal rainforests, or around Mount Rainier for all kinds of diverse landscapes. Seattle is well situated for you to experience hiking through the diverse Pacific Northwest landscapes.
Martha's Vineyard is a good destination for hiking. There are miles of trails around the island that pass through fields or along the coastline. The island is mostly flat, so the hikes are relatively easy for all skill levels.
Martha's Vineyard is notable for its shopping areas. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.
Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Martha's Vineyard. There are no malls, so you'll enjoy shopping at local stores that sell a mix of locally made items and name brand. There are many art galleries as well as craft festivals during the summer months.
Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Seattle. Shopping in town has an eclectic mix of high end brands, local vendors, and vintage shops. There are farmers markets as well as the famous Pike Place Market, but also major malls with all of the standard department stores.
Martha's Vineyard is notable for its scenery and beauty. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its scenery and beauty.
With stunning beauty, Martha's Vineyard attracts visitors from all around. The rugged coastline and rolling hills give this area a natural beauty.
Seattle is a gorgeous place to visit. Set against the backdrop of Mt. Rainier, the city has both natural and architectural beauty. It's also beautifully situated on the water with lots of parks and vegetation throughout.
Both Martha's Vineyard and Seattle are nice family-friendly destinations.
Martha's Vineyard offers lots of family activities. You can visit local farms or go to a local baseball game. There's also cafes, ice cream shops, and donut shops that kids will enjoy.
Seattle is a family-friendly place to visit. This is an outdoor city with plenty of places where kids can run around and experience nature. There are several good museums as well as outdoor activities, parks, and a zoo. Make sure you check out the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Volunteer Park, and Artists at Play Playground.
Martha's Vineyard is renowned for couples. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.
Martha's Vineyard has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's filled with charming bed and breakfasts and plenty of New England charm. Couples will enjoy the quaint restaurants and mix of history, small town charm, and outdoor adventure.
Seattle is a nice destination for couples. The city has a laid back vibe, a nice downtown area, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are a diversity of restaurants to enjoy and a great nightlife scene that makes for a good couple's getaway.
Seattle is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for backpackers.
Plenty of backpackers visit Seattle. Although it's not the most popular city for backpackers in America, the city's chill vibe, fun breweries, and lively setting make it a great spot for young backpackers.
Martha's Vineyard is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. Budget options are limited, making this an inconvenient destination for backpackers.
Seattle is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Martha's Vineyard is not popular with students.
Many students visit Seattle. It is a major IT center with a large university, so international students will have plenty of opportunities here. It's also a vibrant city with many outdoor recreational opportunities and a fun nightlife scene.
Martha's Vineyard is not popular with students.
Seattle is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for its public transit.
While Seattle offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a light rail system, a monorail, a street car, and buses.
Public transit is generally limited in Martha's Vineyard. Access to the island is limited to boat and air. There's a bus service that connects the towns.
Seattle is a great city for its ease of walking around. Also, Martha's Vineyard is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its walkability.
Seattle is a very walkable destination. Many neighborhoods are very walkable, particularly in the downtown and major tourist areas.
Martha's Vineyard is somewhat walkable. Many of the towns have walkable downtown areas, but traveling between towns and into the countryside requires a vehicle.
For even more information, also check out Is Martha's Vineyard Worth Visiting? and Is Seattle Worth Visiting?.
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Martha's Vineyard and Seattle. In our opinion, Seattle has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Seattle than Martha's Vineyard. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Martha's Vineyard, and 2-3 days is enough time in Seattle.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Seattle than Martha's Vineyard 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 Seattle.
Martha's Vineyard is a small town with plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.
When visiting Seattle, people usually allow for lots of time. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.
Martha's Vineyard might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Martha's Vineyard has to offer.
When visiting Seattle, people usually allow for lots of time. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.
Martha's Vineyard is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.
Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the cultural big city of Seattle. Hikers are also drawn to this area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Martha's Vineyard. Since Martha's Vineyard is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.
Seattle is a popular choice for travelers. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
The average daily cost (per person) in Martha's Vineyard is $285, while the average daily cost in Seattle is $242. 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 Martha's Vineyard and Seattle in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Martha's Vineyard or Seattle? 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.
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.
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Seattle:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seattle:
Prices for flights to both Seattle and Martha's Vineyard 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.
Some typical examples of dining costs in Seattle are as follows:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Seattle.
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Martha's Vineyard.
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Seattle are as follows:
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Seattle:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Martha's Vineyard and Seattle, we can see that Martha's Vineyard is more expensive. And not only is Seattle much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Seattle would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Seattle 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 Martha's Vineyard would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Martha's Vineyard than you might in Seattle.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Martha's Vineyard Expensive? and Is Seattle Expensive?.
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.
Both Seattle and Martha's Vineyard during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Martha's Vineyard in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Seattle for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Martha's Vineyard is a little warmer than Seattle in the summer. The daily temperature in Martha's Vineyard averages around 73°F (23°C) in July, and Seattle fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).
In Seattle, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Martha's Vineyard. In the summer, Martha's Vineyard often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Seattle. Martha's Vineyard gets 293 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 313 hours of full sun.
Martha's Vineyard usually gets more rain in July than Seattle. Martha's Vineyard gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year.
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Martha's Vineyard and Seattle. Most visitors come to Martha's Vineyard for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Seattle because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Martha's Vineyard is around the same temperature as Seattle. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Martha's Vineyard in October average around 53°F (12°C), and Seattle averages at about 54°F (12°C).
In Martha's Vineyard, it's very sunny this time of the year. Martha's Vineyard usually receives more sunshine than Seattle during autumn. Martha's Vineyard gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 143 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Martha's Vineyard usually receives around the same amount of rain as Seattle. Martha's Vineyard gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
The winter brings many poeple to Martha's Vineyard as well as Seattle. The winter months attract visitors to Martha's Vineyard because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Seattle this time of year.
The weather in Martha's Vineyard can be very cold. In January, Martha's Vineyard is generally much colder than Seattle. Daily temperatures in Martha's Vineyard average around 28°F (-2°C), and Seattle fluctuates around 42°F (5°C).
In the winter, Martha's Vineyard often gets more sunshine than Seattle. Martha's Vineyard gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 67 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Seattle. Martha's Vineyard usually gets less rain in January than Seattle. Martha's Vineyard gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain this time of the year.
Both Seattle and Martha's Vineyard are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Martha's Vineyard this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Seattle for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
Martha's Vineyard is cooler than Seattle in the spring. The daily temperature in Martha's Vineyard averages around 48°F (9°C) in April, and Seattle fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).
It's quite sunny in Seattle. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Martha's Vineyard. Martha's Vineyard usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Seattle during spring. Martha's Vineyard gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Martha's Vineyard usually receives more rain than Seattle. Martha's Vineyard gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
Martha's Vineyard | Seattle | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 28°F (-2°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) | 42°F (5°C) | 5.4 inches (136 mm) |
Feb | 30°F (-1°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) | 45°F (7°C) | 4 inches (102 mm) |
Mar | 38°F (3°C) | 4 inches (101 mm) | 47°F (9°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) |
Apr | 48°F (9°C) | 3.7 inches (94 mm) | 51°F (11°C) | 2.5 inches (64 mm) |
May | 58°F (15°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.9 inches (47 mm) |
Jun | 67°F (20°C) | 2.6 inches (67 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
Jul | 73°F (23°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) | 67°F (19°C) | 0.9 inches (22 mm) |
Aug | 72°F (22°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) | 67°F (19°C) | 1.2 inches (31 mm) |
Sep | 64°F (18°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
Oct | 53°F (12°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
Nov | 44°F (7°C) | 4.5 inches (115 mm) | 47°F (8°C) | 5.7 inches (144 mm) |
Dec | 33°F (0°C) | 4.1 inches (105 mm) | 42°F (6°C) | 6 inches (152 mm) |