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

Should you visit Nags Head or Pittsburgh?

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

Should I visit Nags Head or Pittsburgh? 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

It's also popular because of the nightlife and food. See Nags Head travel costs.

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is a industrial, authentic, and under-rated 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 Pittsburgh travel costs.

Nags Head and Pittsburgh: 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 public transit
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Nags Head or Pittsburgh?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Pittsburgh than Nags Head, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Pittsburgh is more touristy than Nags Head and is known for its many bridges, its steel industry, and being the home of "Mr. Roger's Neighborhood". Also, Pittsburgh is famous for Mount Washington. Nags Head is well known for

How is Nags Head different from Pittsburgh?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh?

Nags Head
Pittsburgh

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

Pittsburgh offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The museums range from science and nature focused, like the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden, to quirky and artsy, like the Mattress Factory. The Warhol Museum is dedicated to the works of Andy Warhol and it's not to be missed. Also worth a visit is the Heinz History Center, Randyland, and the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History.

Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Nags Head
Pittsburgh

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Nags Head and Pittsburgh can be difficult as they are each notable 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 Pittsburgh. The city is known for its working class roots, and the food is hearty and filling, which is great for those on a budget. Popular local dishes include pierogis, deli sandwiches, Pittsburgh salads (complete with French fries), and hotcakes.

Is Nags Head or Pittsburgh Better for Nightlife?

Nags Head
Pittsburgh

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

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.

Pittsburgh has plenty to do after the sun goes down. There's an active music and dance scene in town. For the best bars and clubs, head to the Strip and South Side and for live entertainment and casinos check out the North Shore.

Is the Shopping Better in Nags Head or Pittsburgh?

Nags Head
Pittsburgh

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Pittsburgh. You'll find local fashion boutiques and shopping centers in the city's downtown. Other great shopping neighborhoods include Shadyside, Station Square, and Fifth Avenue Place.

Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Nags Head or Pittsburgh Better for Families?

Nags Head
Pittsburgh

Nags Head is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Pittsburgh is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Nags Head. 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.

Pittsburgh is a family-friendly place to visit. There's a surprising number of kid-friendly activities packed into this city. Check out the National Aviary or visit the popular Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium. There are also kid-focused museums and science centers as well as parks and playgrounds. Also make sure you take the cable car up Duquesne Incline or enjoy a boat ride on one of the rivers as well.

Is Nags Head or Pittsburgh Better for Couples?

Nags Head
Pittsburgh

Nags Head is a nice place to visit for couples. However, Pittsburgh is not a good destination for romance.

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

Pittsburgh is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are a few good date night activities like taking river cruises, enjoying dinner and show, or going to a Pirate's game.

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

Nags Head
Pittsburgh

Nags Head is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Pittsburgh is not a good destination 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.

Pittsburgh is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's usually overlooked by backpackers, but there is some cheap accommodation in town.


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

Nags Head
Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are bus and lightrail options through the city's downtown. There's also the unique incline, which is an experience worth doing.

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 Pittsburgh a more walkable city?

Nags Head
Pittsburgh

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

Pittsburgh is somewhat walkable. Some of the attractions are spread out, but if you're willing to do a bit of walking, it's possible to get around on foot.

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 Pittsburgh or Nags Head?

How long in Nags Head or Pittsburgh?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nags Head and Pittsburgh. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Nags Head than in Pittsburgh. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Nags Head, and 2-3 days is enough time in Pittsburgh.

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


  • How many days in Nags Head or Pittsburgh? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nags Head 4-7 
    Pittsburgh 2-3

One day in Nags Head or Pittsburgh?

With food and nightlife around the activity-filled of Nags Head, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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

With nightlife and food around the destination of Nags Head, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Pittsburgh. 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 Pittsburgh?

Nags Head, a popular , is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this . Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the under-rated city of Pittsburgh. 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 Pittsburgh?

Nags Head is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Pittsburgh 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, Pittsburgh 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
    Pittsburgh Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Nags Head $179
    Pittsburgh $220

The average daily cost (per person) in Nags Head is $179, while the average daily cost in Pittsburgh is $220. 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 Pittsburgh in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nags Head $80
    Pittsburgh $106
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nags Head $160
    Pittsburgh $212
Compare Hotels in Nags Head and Pittsburgh

Looking for a hotel in Nags Head or Pittsburgh? 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 Pittsburgh


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 Pittsburgh Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nags Head $40
    Pittsburgh $22

Is it cheaper to fly into Nags Head or Pittsburgh?

Prices for flights to both Pittsburgh 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
    Pittsburgh $94

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pittsburgh

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

  • Handmade Sushi Cooking Class With Local Chef in Pittsburgh: $75
  • Downtown Pittsburgh Hidden Eats Food Tour with 6 Food Tastings: $95

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nags Head $14
    Pittsburgh $38

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 Pittsburgh

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

  • Best of the Burgh Walking Tour of Pittsburgh: $33
  • Bike the Burgh Tour: $59
  • Black & Ghost Tour: $33
  • Black & Gold Sunset Tour: $33
  • Echoes from the Iron Forge: Pittsburgh Phantoms Ghost Tour: $32
  • Essential Pittsburgh Experience - The One Tour to Take: $75
  • Gems of Pittsburgh Bike Tour: $59
  • HOP ON-HOP OFF TOUR PASS- All Day Sightseeing Tour Pass: $50
  • Holiday Lights Tour: $33
  • JUST THE TOUR - Double Decker bus sightseeing tour of Pittsburgh.: $45
  • Pittsburgh Historic Strip District Libation Tour: $60
  • Pittsburgh Penguins Ice Hockey Game Ticket at PPG Paints Arena: $74

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nags Head $12
    Pittsburgh $33

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 Pittsburgh

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

  • Pittsburgh Bar Hunt: Party Through Pittsburgh Bar Crawl: $13
  • Wigle Whiskey Rebellion Distillery Tour: $22
  • Beers in the Burgh: Pittsburgh Brewery Walk: $69
  • Bikes & Brews Tour: Pittsburgh Brewery Tour: $89
  • Pittsburgh Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $105


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nags Head and Pittsburgh, we can see that Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nags Head or Pittsburgh?

Pittsburgh has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Nags Head. When comparing the sizes of Nags Head and Pittsburgh, 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.