A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Nags Head vs. Minneapolis for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Nags Head or Minneapolis?

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

Should I visit Nags Head or Minneapolis? 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.

Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a dynamic, innovative, and diverse city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Minneapolis travel costs.

Nags Head and Minneapolis: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Nags Head or Minneapolis?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Minneapolis. Although Nags Head and Minneapolis are popular destinations, Minneapolis has more sights and attractions for tourists. Minneapolis is more touristy than Nags Head and is known for its professional sports teams, countless outdoor activities, and friendly people. It is also well known for Mall of America. Nags Head is famous for

How is Nags Head different from Minneapolis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Nags Head
Minneapolis

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

Minneapolis offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There's a wide variety of museums that include art, history, science, and local culture. Some of the favorite museums in the city are the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Walker Art Center, the American Swedish Institute, and the Weisman Art Museum.

Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Nags Head
Minneapolis

Minneapolis is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Nags Head is not as popular, but is still a nice for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Minneapolis. Dishes in the Midwest are known for being hearty comfort foods, and the food in Minneapolis is no exception. You'll find cheese-stuffed burgers that are known as Juicy Lucys, Tator Tot casseroles, and deep-fried cheese curds. For international food, there's a variety of Scandinavian options around town.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in 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.

Is Nags Head or Minneapolis Better for Nightlife?

Nags Head
Minneapolis

The vibe at night is very good in both Nags Head and Minneapolis.

Many people head to Nags Head for the nightlife scene. 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.

Minneapolis has plenty to do after the sun goes down. There are diverse neighborhoods that each have their own personality. You'll find rooftop lounges in Uptown, international venues in Whittier, and trendy bars in the North Loop. But at the heart of the city's nightlife scene is Downtown Minneapolis.

Is the Shopping Better in Nags Head or Minneapolis?

Nags Head
Minneapolis

Minneapolis is an amazing city to visit for shopping. However, Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Minneapolis. Known for the megamall, Mall of America, this is a shopper's paradise. Mall of America is the largest shopping mall in the country and it even has an aquarium and a theme park within it. In addition to this iconic shopping mall, Minneapolis also has many shopping districts including the Minnehaha Mile.

Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Nags Head or Minneapolis Better for Families?

Nags Head
Minneapolis

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

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.

Minneapolis is a very kid-friendly . Mall of America is at the top of the list for most families, but there's also plenty of kid-friendly museums around town as well as nature centers, parks, and playgrounds. There's the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, the Minnesota Zoo, and Afton Apple Orchard. For museums, kids will love the Minnesota Children's Museum or the Science Museum of Minnesota.

Is Nags Head or Minneapolis Better for Couples?

Nags Head
Minneapolis

With fun activities for couples, both Nags Head and Minneapolis 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.

Minneapolis makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are beautiful parks and outdoor spaces to explore as well as museums and fine dining. Couples will appreciate stopping by the Stone Arch Bridge or wandering through the Lyndale Park Rose Garden.

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

Nags Head
Minneapolis

Nags Head is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Minneapolis is lacking in good options for backpackers.

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

Minneapolis is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not a popular destination for backpackers, there is at least one hostel in town.


Is Nags Head or Minneapolis Better for Students?

Nags Head
Minneapolis

Minneapolis is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Nags Head is not popular with students.

Minneapolis is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There are a number of colleges and universities in the area including the University of Minnesota. The city is known for its academic and intellectual focus, and students will enjoy being challenged educationally while enjoying a dynamic city.

Nags Head is not popular with students.

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

Nags Head
Minneapolis

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

While Minneapolis offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses, light rail, and commuter trains that stop at many of the major entertainment centers around town.

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 Minneapolis a more walkable city?

Nags Head
Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a popular place for its walkability. However, Nags Head is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

Minneapolis is somewhat walkable. There are neighborhoods that are dense enough to be walkable, but the city is still very car-focused.

Nags Head is generally not 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.


Should I spend more time in Minneapolis or Nags Head?

How long in Nags Head or Minneapolis?

It's fun to spend time in either Nags Head or Minneapolis. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Nags Head due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Nags Head, and 2-4 days is enough time in Minneapolis.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Minneapolis than Nags Head 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 Minneapolis.


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

One day in Nags Head or Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the laid-back of Nags Head. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Minneapolis. 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.

A weekend in Nags Head or Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the activity-filled destination of Nags Head. This offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the diverse destination of Minneapolis. 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 Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the activity-filled of Nags Head. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the diverse city of Minneapolis. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the shopping. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Nags Head or Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the destination of Nags Head. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this .

Minneapolis 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.


Which place is cheaper, Minneapolis 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
    Minneapolis Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Nags Head $179
    Minneapolis $235

The average daily cost (per person) in Nags Head is $179, while the average daily cost in Minneapolis is $235. 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 Minneapolis in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nags Head $80
    Minneapolis $110
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nags Head $160
    Minneapolis $220
Compare Hotels in Nags Head and Minneapolis

Looking for a hotel in Nags Head or Minneapolis? 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 Minneapolis


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 Minneapolis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nags Head $40
    Minneapolis $43

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Minneapolis

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

  • Rochester: One-Way Shared Transfer to or from MSP: $49

Is it cheaper to fly into Nags Head or Minneapolis?

Prices for flights to both Minneapolis 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
    Minneapolis $70

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Minneapolis

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

  • Sushi Cooking Class at a Local Brewery: $75
  • Secret Food Tour: $96

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nags Head $14
    Minneapolis $27

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 Minneapolis

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

  • Mall of America: Crayola Experience Flexible Date Ticket: $31
  • Minneapolis & St. Paul: Private Highlights Riding Tour: $550
  • Mall of America 1-Hour Escape Room Adventure: $47
  • Minnesota Timberwolves Basketball Game Ticket: $33
  • Mississippi River Cruise with Narration: $28
  • Past and Present Walking Tour: $60
  • Ultimate Minneapolis Walking Tour & Weatherproof Skyway Loop: $79

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nags Head $12
    Minneapolis $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Nags Head

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nags Head:

  • Wine Tasting And Boat Ride: $109

Sample the Local Flavors in Minneapolis

Also in Minneapolis, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Minneapolis Historical Bar Crawl: Hidden Bars & Stories: $79
  • Highest Rated 3-Hour Craft Brewery Tour in Minneapolis: $100


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

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 Minneapolis Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nags Head or Minneapolis?

Minneapolis has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Nags Head. When comparing the sizes of Nags Head and Minneapolis, 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 Minneapolis?

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 Minneapolis in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nags Head and Minneapolis. Many travelers come to Nags Head for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Minneapolis in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Nags Head is around the same temperature as Minneapolis. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nags Head in July average around 78°F (26°C), and Minneapolis averages at about 76°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Minneapolis this time of the year. In Nags Head, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nags Head usually receives less sunshine than Minneapolis during summer. Nags Head gets 274 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 357 hours of full sun in the summer.

Nags Head gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Nags Head usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. Nags Head gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nags Head 78°F (26°C) 
    Minneapolis 76°F (25°C)

Should I visit Nags Head or Minneapolis in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nags Head as well as Minneapolis. Additionally, most visitors come to Minneapolis for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Nags Head is generally a little warmer than Minneapolis. Daily temperatures in Nags Head average around 62°F (16°C), and Minneapolis fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nags Head this time of the year. In the autumn, Nags Head often gets more sunshine than Minneapolis. Nags Head gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 178 hours of full sun.

Nags Head usually gets more rain in October than Minneapolis. Nags Head gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nags Head 62°F (16°C) 
    Minneapolis 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Nags Head or Minneapolis in the Winter?

Both Minneapolis and Nags Head are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Nags Head for the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Minneapolis because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Minneapolis can be very cold. Nags Head can be very cold during winter. Nags Head is much warmer than Minneapolis in the winter. The daily temperature in Nags Head averages around 41°F (5°C) in January, and Minneapolis fluctuates around 15°F (-10°C).

Nags Head usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Minneapolis during winter. Nags Head gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 157 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Nags Head. In January, Nags Head usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. Nags Head gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nags Head 41°F (5°C) 
    Minneapolis 15°F (-10°C)

Should I visit Nags Head or Minneapolis in the Spring?

Both Minneapolis and Nags Head during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Minneapolis this time of year.

In the spring, Nags Head is much warmer than Minneapolis. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nags Head in April average around 59°F (15°C), and Minneapolis averages at about 49°F (10°C).

In Minneapolis, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nags Head. In the spring, Nags Head often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Minneapolis. Nags Head gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 244 hours of full sun.

Nags Head usually gets more rain in April than Minneapolis. Nags Head gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nags Head 59°F (15°C) 
    Minneapolis 49°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Minneapolis and Nags Head

Nags Head Minneapolis
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 41°F (5°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 15°F (-10°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Feb 42°F (6°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 0.7 inches (19 mm)
Mar 50°F (10°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 34°F (1°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm)
Apr 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 49°F (10°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
May 67°F (19°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 62°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Jun 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Jul 78°F (26°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 76°F (25°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Aug 78°F (25°C) 5 inches (127 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) 64°F (18°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Oct 62°F (16°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 52°F (11°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 36°F (2°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Dec 45°F (7°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)