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

Should you visit Nags Head or Richmond?

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

Should I visit Nags Head or Richmond? 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

Other popular activities here include nightlife and food. See Nags Head travel costs.

Richmond

Richmond is a historical, growing, and friendly city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Richmond travel costs.

Nags Head and Richmond: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Nags Head or Richmond?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Richmond than Nags Head, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Richmond is better known for its museums and attractions and shopping, while Nags Head is more popular for its nightlife. Richmond is more touristy than Nags Head and is popular for its cultural and historical sights. Also, Richmond is famous for the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Nags Head is well known for

How is Nags Head different from Richmond?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nags Head
Richmond

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

Richmond offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city has a long history which you can learn about at one of the many museums. There's the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, and the Black History Museum. There are also landmarks and historical homes.

Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Nags Head
Richmond

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Nags Head and Richmond 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 Richmond. The food scene has been growing around town, and there are food halls and local restaurants that serve diverse and interesting dishes. You'll find Indian, Asian, and European restaurants in addition to local classics.

Is Nags Head or Richmond Better for Nightlife?

Nags Head
Richmond

Nags Head is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Richmond is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Nags Head has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Richmond. You'll find diverse bars and clubs around town. Pubs are usually laid back with a relaxed atmosphere. You'll also find live music that includes bluegrass, country, and jazz.

Is the Shopping Better in Nags Head or Richmond?

Nags Head
Richmond

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Richmond. You'll find shopping malls and shopping centers around town, but there are also eclectic shopping streets and boutique outlets.

Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Nags Head or Richmond Better for Families?

Nags Head
Richmond

Nags Head is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Richmond is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Nags Head is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Richmond is a family-friendly . The Children's Museum of Richmond offers hands-on exhibits that will keep young ones entertained. Another fun option is the Science Museum of Virginia. The city also has parks and outdoor places to explore as well as playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants.

Is Nags Head or Richmond Better for Couples?

Nags Head
Richmond

With fun activities for couples, both Nags Head and Richmond make for a notable 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.

Richmond makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Kayaking or tubing on the James River is a great activity for couples. There are also museums and many restaurants that are perfect for a date night.

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

Nags Head
Richmond

Nags Head is very good for backpackers. However, Richmond is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Nags Head is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. This is one of the more affordable places to stay in the Outer Banks, so it appeals to more budget-oriented travelers.

Richmond is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not a popular backpacker destination, and most people breeze through town.


Is Nags Head or Richmond Better for Students?

Nags Head
Richmond

Richmond is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Nags Head is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Richmond. There are a couple of colleges and universities in town such as Virginia Commonwealth University.

Nags Head is not popular with students.

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

Nags Head
Richmond

Richmond 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 Richmond. There are buses around town, but the availability and reliability is limited.

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 Richmond a more walkable city?

Nags Head
Richmond

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

Richmond is somewhat walkable. There are some walkable neighborhoods such as the Fan and Museum District, but most people prefer to get around by car.

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 Richmond or Nags Head?

How long in Nags Head or Richmond?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Nags Head or Richmond to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Nags Head than Richmond 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 Richmond.

Families should spend more time in Nags Head than Richmond. 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.

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


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

One day in Nags Head or Richmond?

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 shopping and museums around the city of Richmond. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Richmond has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Nags Head or Richmond?

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 museums and nightlife around the growing destination of Richmond. 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 Richmond?

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 nightlife and food when visiting the historical city of Richmond. 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 Richmond?

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.

Richmond 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, Richmond 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
    Richmond Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Nags Head $179
    Richmond $176

The average daily cost (per person) in Nags Head is $179, while the average daily cost in Richmond is $176. 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 Richmond in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nags Head $80
    Richmond $101
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nags Head $160
    Richmond $202
Compare Hotels in Nags Head and Richmond

Looking for a hotel in Nags Head or Richmond? 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 Richmond


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 Richmond Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nags Head $40
    Richmond $72

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Richmond

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Richmond:

  • Richmond City to Richmond Airport (RIC) - Departure Private Transfer: $175
  • Richmond Airport (RIC) to Richmond city - Arrival Private Transfer: $175

Is it cheaper to fly into Nags Head or Richmond?

Prices for flights to both Richmond 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
    Richmond $36

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Richmond

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Richmond.

  • Church Hill Food Tour: $89
  • Trendy Carytown Food Tour: $89
  • The Carytown Food Tour with Discover Richmond Tours: $90
  • Church Hill Food Tour with Discover Richmond Tours: $90
  • Arts District Food Tour in Richmond with Discover Richmond: $90
  • Delicious Pizza & Ice Cream Tour of Richmond: $94
  • Arts District Walking Food Tour: $99

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

Tours and Activities in Nags Head

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

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

Tours and Activities in Richmond

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Richmond are as follows:

  • Capitol Steps and Stories Walking Tour : $45
  • Church Hill Chillers Ghost Tour: $27
  • Church Hill Segway Tour in Richmond: $80
  • Creepy Tales on Campus Ghost Tour: $27
  • Discover Downtown Richmond Bike Tour: $165
  • Discover Downtown and Riverfront Bike Tour : $115
  • Haunted Capitol Hill Ghost Tour: $27
  • Historic Trolley Tour: $42
  • Hollywood Cemetery Segway Tour in Richmond: $80
  • Offbeat History Tour of Richmond on a bus: $45
  • Phantoms of Franklin Ghost Tour: $27
  • Quirk Richmond Art and Secret Garden Tour: $115

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nags Head $12
    Richmond -

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 Richmond

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

  • Richmond Virginia Bar Crawl: $15
  • Richmond Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Richmond Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl : $37
  • Richmond Craft Brewery Crawl By Junket: $86
  • Brewery Tour of Richmond, VA: $90


When comparing the travel costs between Nags Head and Richmond, we can see that Nags Head 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 Nags Head Expensive? and Is Richmond Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nags Head or Richmond?

Richmond has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Nags Head. When comparing the sizes of Nags Head and Richmond, 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 Richmond?

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 Nags Head or Richmond in the Summer?

Both Richmond and Nags Head during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nags Head this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Richmond for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Nags Head is generally around the same temperature as Richmond. Daily temperatures in Nags Head average around 78°F (26°C), and Richmond fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

In Richmond, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nags Head. In the summer, Nags Head often gets less sunshine than Richmond. Nags Head gets 274 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Richmond receives 305 hours of full sun.

Richmond gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Nags Head. Nags Head usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Richmond. Nags Head gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 5 inches (128 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nags Head 78°F (26°C) 
    Richmond 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Nags Head or Richmond in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nags Head and Richmond. Also, many visitors come to Richmond in the autumn for the shopping scene.

Nags Head is around the same temperature as Richmond in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nags Head averages around 62°F (16°C) in October, and Richmond fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Richmond this time of the year. In Nags Head, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nags Head usually receives less sunshine than Richmond during autumn. Nags Head gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Richmond receives 221 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Nags Head usually receives less rain than Richmond. Nags Head gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nags Head 62°F (16°C) 
    Richmond 59°F (15°C)

Should I visit Nags Head or Richmond in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nags Head as well as Richmond. Many visitors come to Nags Head in the winter for the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Richmond for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Richmond can be very cold during winter. Nags Head can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Nags Head is much warmer than Richmond. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nags Head in January average around 41°F (5°C), and Richmond averages at about 36°F (2°C).

In the winter, Nags Head often gets less sunshine than Richmond. Nags Head gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Richmond receives 169 hours of full sun.

Nags Head receives a lot of rain in the winter. Nags Head usually gets more rain in January than Richmond. Nags Head gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nags Head 41°F (5°C) 
    Richmond 36°F (2°C)

Should I visit Nags Head or Richmond in the Spring?

Both Richmond and Nags Head are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In April, Nags Head is generally around the same temperature as Richmond. Daily temperatures in Nags Head average around 59°F (15°C), and Richmond fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Richmond. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nags Head. Nags Head usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Richmond during spring. Nags Head gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Richmond receives 265 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nags Head usually receives around the same amount of rain as Richmond. Nags Head gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nags Head 59°F (15°C) 
    Richmond 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Richmond and Nags Head

Nags Head Richmond
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 41°F (5°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 36°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (83 mm)
Feb 42°F (6°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (80 mm)
Mar 50°F (10°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 49°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Apr 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 58°F (14°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
May 67°F (19°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3.8 inches (98 mm)
Jun 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 78°F (26°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 78°F (26°C) 5 inches (128 mm)
Aug 78°F (25°C) 5 inches (127 mm) 77°F (25°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) 71°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Oct 62°F (16°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Dec 45°F (7°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)