A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nags Head vs. Kamloops for Nightlife, Families, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Nags Head or Kamloops?

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

Should I visit Nags Head or Kamloops? 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.

Nags Head

Visitors also love the nightlife and food. See Nags Head travel costs.

Kamloops

Kamloops is a outdoorsy, nature-filled, and laid-back city. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping. See Kamloops travel costs.

Nags Head and Kamloops: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Nags Head or Kamloops?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kamloops. Although Nags Head and Kamloops are popular destinations, Kamloops has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kamloops is very popular for its skiing, museums and attractions, hiking, and shopping, while Nags Head attracts visitors for its nightlife. Kamloops is more touristy than Nags Head and is known for its hiking trails, bike paths, and golf courses. It is also well known for Sun Peaks Resort. Nags Head is famous for

How is Nags Head different from Kamloops?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Nags Head or Kamloops Better for Skiing?

Nags Head
Kamloops

Kamloops is great for skiing. However, Nags Head is not a skiing destination.

Kamloops offers world-class skiing that is fun for everyone. There's a long ski season that runs from mid-November to mid-April. The region has two major ski resorts - Sun Peaks Resorts and Harper Mountain.

Nags Head is not a skiing destination.


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

Nags Head
Kamloops

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

While most people don't head to Kamloops specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of museums in the area that highlight the local culture and the region's heritage.

Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Nags Head
Kamloops

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Nags Head and Kamloops can be difficult as they are each nice in their own way.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Kamloops. You'll find restaurants that range from casual to fine dining. There are also international options like Jamaican, Indian, or Chinese.

Is Nags Head or Kamloops Better for Nightlife?

Nags Head
Kamloops

Nags Head is an excellent place to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Kamloops is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Nags Head has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Kamloops has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find pubs, bars, breweries and night clubs around town that range in personality and style.


Is Nags Head or Kamloops Better for Hiking?

Nags Head
Kamloops

Kamloops is a popular place for hiking. However, Nags Head is not a hiking destination.

Kamloops is a good destination for hiking. The area is filled with hiking trails that pass through grasslands, desert landscapes, and pine forests. There is something for every skill level.

Nags Head is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nags Head or Kamloops?

Nags Head
Kamloops

Kamloops is a popular place for shopping. However, Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Kamloops. Downtown you'll find local boutiques and eclectic shops. You could also head to Aberdeen Mall for all of the major brands and recognizable stores.

Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Nags Head or Kamloops Better for Families?

Nags Head
Kamloops

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Nags Head or Kamloops.

Nags Head is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Kamloops is a very kid-friendly . There are great parks and outdoor spaces for kids as well as the Deep Creek Tool Museum, Westsyde Centennial Park and Petting Zoo, and Hells Gate Air Tram. You can also take a ride on the Kettle Valley Railway Steam Engine. Animal lovers will enjoy a visit to either Kamloops Wildlife Park or Kangaroo Creek Farm.


Is Nags Head or Kamloops Better for Couples?

Nags Head
Kamloops

With fun activities for couples, both Nags Head and Kamloops make for a nice place to visit.

Nags Head is a nice destination for couples. There are great seafood restaurants and a number of activities in the area that are fun for couples.

Kamloops makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The area is filled with great hikes and nice parks. There are also great restaurants that make for a good date night.

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

Nags Head
Kamloops

Nags Head is a with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Kamloops is lacking in options for backpackers.

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

Kamloops is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's often overlooked by backpackers, but there is a hostel in town.

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

Nags Head
Kamloops

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Kamloops. There is a bus system through the city.

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 Nags Head or Kamloops a more walkable city?

Nags Head
Kamloops

Nags Head and Kamloops are reasonable when it comes to walkability.

Nags Head is generally not a 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.

Kamloops is generally not very walkable. The downtown is the most walkable part of town.

Should I spend more time in Kamloops or Nags Head?

How long in Nags Head or Kamloops?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Nags Head or Kamloops to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Nags Head than Kamloops because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Nags Head, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kamloops.

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

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


  • How many days in Nags Head or Kamloops? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nags Head 4-7 
    Kamloops 1-2

One day in Nags Head or Kamloops?

The of Nags Head offers food and nightlife. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Kamloops. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kamloops has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Nags Head or Kamloops?

Nags Head is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find shopping and skiing around the nature-filled destination of Kamloops. 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.


Five days in Nags Head or Kamloops?

Nags Head is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nags Head, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the laid-back city of Kamloops. 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.

A week in Nags Head or Kamloops?

Nags Head is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nags Head has to offer. This offers something for everyone.

Kamloops 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Kamloops or Nags Head?

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

  • Nags Head Prices
    USA Prices
    Kamloops Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Nags Head $179
    Kamloops $99

The average daily cost (per person) in Nags Head is $179, while the average daily cost in Kamloops is $99. 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 Nags Head and Kamloops in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nags Head $80
    Kamloops $44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nags Head $160
    Kamloops $88
Compare Hotels in Nags Head and Kamloops

Looking for a hotel in Nags Head or Kamloops? 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 Nags Head


Hotels in Kamloops


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: Nags Head Hotel Prices and Kamloops Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nags Head $40
    Kamloops $20

Is it cheaper to fly into Nags Head or Kamloops?

Prices for flights to both Kamloops and Nags Head 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
    Nags Head $71
    Kamloops $41

Typical Food Prices in Kamloops

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


  • Pastries
    $5.80
  • Lunch for Two
    $25
  • Coffee and Gelato
    $12

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nags Head $14
    Kamloops $13

Tours and Activities in Nags Head

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

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

Tours and Activities in Kamloops

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

  • BC Wildlife Park Entry Ticket: $14
  • Scenic Kamloops Self Guided Audio Driving Tour to Lake Louise : $12
  • Skip the Line: Kamloops BC Wildlife Park Admission Ticket: $15
  • Smartphone Audio Driving Tour between Kamloops & Revelstoke: $8.07
  • Smartphone Audio Driving Tour between Kamloops and Vancouver: $8.08
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Kamloops by Zombie Scavengers: $21

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nags Head $12
    Kamloops $6.77

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

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


Which is Bigger, Nags Head or Kamloops?

Kamloops has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Nags Head. When comparing the sizes of Nags Head and Kamloops, 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 Nags Head or Kamloops?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Nags Head or Kamloops in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nags Head and Kamloops. Many visitors come to Nags Head in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Kamloops for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Nags Head is a little warmer than Kamloops. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nags Head in July average around 78°F (26°C), and Kamloops averages at about 23°C (73°F).

Nags Head gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Nags Head usually receives more rain than Kamloops. Nags Head gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nags Head 78°F (26°C) 
    Kamloops 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Nags Head or Kamloops in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nags Head as well as Kamloops. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Kamloops because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Nags Head is generally much warmer than Kamloops. Daily temperatures in Nags Head average around 62°F (16°C), and Kamloops fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Nags Head usually gets more rain in October than Kamloops. Nags Head gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nags Head 62°F (16°C) 
    Kamloops 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Nags Head or Kamloops in the Winter?

Both Kamloops and Nags Head are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Nags Head because of the cuisine. Also, the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kamloops this time of year.

It's quite cold in Kamloops in the winter. The weather in Nags Head can be very cold. Nags Head is much warmer than Kamloops in the winter. The daily temperature in Nags Head averages around 41°F (5°C) in January, and Kamloops fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

It's quite rainy in Nags Head. In January, Nags Head usually receives more rain than Kamloops. Nags Head gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nags Head 41°F (5°C) 
    Kamloops -3°C (27°F)

Should I visit Nags Head or Kamloops in the Spring?

Both Kamloops and Nags Head during the spring are popular places to visit.

In the spring, Nags Head is a little warmer than Kamloops. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nags Head in April average around 59°F (15°C), and Kamloops averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Nags Head usually gets more rain in April than Kamloops. Nags Head gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nags Head 59°F (15°C) 
    Kamloops 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Kamloops and Nags Head

Nags Head Kamloops
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 41°F (5°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) -3°C (27°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Feb 42°F (6°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 2°C (35°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 50°F (10°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 7°C (44°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 12°C (53°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
May 67°F (19°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 16°C (61°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 21°C (69°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 78°F (26°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 23°C (73°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 78°F (25°C) 5 inches (127 mm) 23°C (73°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) 17°C (63°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Oct 62°F (16°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 11°C (51°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 4°C (39°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Dec 45°F (7°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) -1°C (30°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)