A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Nantucket vs. Reno for Food, Couples, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Nantucket or Reno?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Nantucket and Reno can help you decide which place is right for you.

Nantucket

Nantucket is a serene, peaceful, and upscale island. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. With stunning beauty, Nantucket attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Nantucket travel costs.

Reno

Reno is a growing, vibrant, and energetic city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Reno travel costs.

Nantucket and Reno: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Nantucket or Reno?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nantucket than Reno, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nantucket is better known for its food, resorts, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Reno is more popular for its nightlife. Nantucket is more touristy than Reno and is known for its pristine beaches, upscale atmosphere, and history of whaling. Also, Nantucket is famous for Great Point Lighthouse. Reno is well known for its casinos and nightlife scene.

How is Nantucket different from Reno?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nantucket or Reno?

Nantucket
Reno

Spend time exploring the notable sights and museums in either Nantucket or Reno.

Nantucket is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several museums around town that educate visitors on the island's whaling history and maritime past.

Reno offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Museums in town range from art and history to local or quirky. The National Automobile Museum, the Nevada Museum of Art, Fleischmann Planetarium, and the Anthropology Museum are some of the favorites.


Is the Food Better in Nantucket or Reno? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nantucket
Reno

Nantucket is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Reno is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Nantucket is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Upscale eateries where you can look out on the water make dining on this island a true experience. There are raw bars, seafood restaurants, and local cafes with elaborate salads and duck carnitas. Dishes usually use the highest quality fresh ingredients and chefs bring their "A game" with every customer.

Reno offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The food scene has been growing in recent years and you'll find plenty of casual restaurants that serve hearty and filling comfort foods.

Is Nantucket or Reno Better for Nightlife?

Nantucket
Reno

Reno is a great city for nightlife. Also, Nantucket is not as popular, but is still a nice island for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Reno has something for everybody. There's a big nightlife scene with a huge number of bars and entertainment options. There are also a growing number of breweries in town.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Nantucket. You'll find a number of bars and a lively singles scene in town. There's also live music and a laid back but active atmosphere in the evening.

Is Nantucket or Reno Better for Resorts?

Nantucket
Reno

Nantucket is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Reno is not a resort destination.

Nantucket is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Luxury resorts and upscale inns offer guests a relaxed setting with oceanfront views and family-friendly activities.

Reno is not a resort destination.


Is Nantucket or Reno Better for Beaches?

Nantucket
Reno

Nantucket is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Reno is not a beach destination.

Nantucket is considered a top beach destination. You'll find the calmest water at the northern beaches, and cooler water with rougher surf to the south. Many of the beaches are accessible from town, but parking can be limited. There are both public and private beaches, each with beautiful settings and relaxing vibes.

Reno is not a beach destination.

Is Nantucket or Reno Better for its Old Town?

Nantucket
Reno

Nantucket is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Reno does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Nantucket. The Historic District is filled with New England charm, cobblestone streets, and upscale boutiques. There are many great restaurants and a lot of historic character.

Reno does not have a historic old town.

Is Nantucket or Reno Better for Hiking?

Nantucket
Reno

Nantucket is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Reno is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Nantucket. The island is easy to explore on foot, and its covered with hiking trails that follow the serene coastline or take you through forests, bogs, and marshland.

Reno is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Nantucket or Reno?

Nantucket
Reno

Nantucket is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Reno is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Nantucket. The Historic District is filled with boutiques, art galleries, and upscale shops. It's the perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering around and shopping.

Reno is a great destination for shopping. In addition to your standard suburban shopping malls and strip malls, there's the Midtown District, which has local retail shops and an eclectic and alternative vibe. The area has thrift shops, music vendors, and more.

Is Nantucket or Reno More Beautiful?

Nantucket
Reno

Nantucket is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Reno is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Nantucket attracts visitors from all around. Natural beauty and charming character make this a picturesque destination.

Reno is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Nantucket or Reno Better for Families?

Nantucket
Reno

Nantucket is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Reno is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Nantucket. There's a calm beach that's perfect for kids as well as quaint ice cream shops and plenty of New England charm. The town is also filled with hiking and biking trails.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Reno. You'll find some arcades and entertainment options for kids in some of the casinos. There's also the Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum, which has kid-friendly, hands-on exhibits, and the largest zoo in Nevado, the Sierra Nevada Zoological Park.


Is Nantucket or Reno Better for Couples?

Nantucket
Reno

Nantucket is renowned for couples. Also, Reno is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Nantucket makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The New England charm, natural beauty, and relaxing coastal atmosphere make this a perfect romantic destination. There are also many romantic places to stay and great local restaurants.

Reno is a nice destination for couples. There are outdoor parks and scenic walks like the Truckee River Walk or the Rancho San Rafael Regional Park. There's also several great museums and some interesting restaurants.

Is Nantucket or Reno Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Nantucket
Reno

Nantucket is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Reno is lacking in options for its public transit.

Nantucket has some public transit options. There are shuttle buses around the island that operate with greater frequency during the summer months.

Public transit is generally limited in Reno. There's a public bus system with routes around town.

Is Nantucket or Reno a more walkable city?

Nantucket
Reno

Nantucket is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Reno is lacking in options for its walkability.

Nantucket is a very walkable destination. The town is very walkable and parking can be challenging, so it's best to leave your car in the ferry parking lot.

Reno is generally not very walkable. While there are some reasonably walkable neighborhoods, you really need a car to get around town.


For even more information, also check out Is Nantucket Worth Visiting? and Is Reno Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Reno or Nantucket?

How long in Nantucket or Reno?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nantucket and Reno. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Nantucket than in Reno. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Nantucket, and 1-3 days is enough time in Reno.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nantucket than Reno 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 Nantucket.


  • How many days in Nantucket or Reno? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nantucket 2-4 
    Reno 1-3

One day in Nantucket or Reno?

Nantucket is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

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

A weekend in Nantucket or Reno?

Nantucket is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the energetic destination of Reno. 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 Nantucket or Reno?

Nantucket is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This island offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the energetic city of Reno. 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 Nantucket or Reno?

Because Nantucket is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Reno 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 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Reno or Nantucket?

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

  • Nantucket Prices
    USA Prices
    Reno Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Nantucket $409
    Reno $184

The average daily cost (per person) in Nantucket is $409, while the average daily cost in Reno is $184. 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 Nantucket and Reno in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nantucket $237
    Reno $55
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nantucket $474
    Reno $110
Compare Hotels in Nantucket and Reno

Looking for a hotel in Nantucket or Reno? 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 Nantucket


Hotels in Reno


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: Nantucket Hotel Prices and Reno Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nantucket $47
    Reno $23

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Reno

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Reno:


  • Car Wash
    $5.00

Is it cheaper to fly into Nantucket or Reno?

Prices for flights to both Reno and Nantucket 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
    Nantucket $141
    Reno $94

Typical Food Prices in Reno

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


  • Dennys for Breakfast
    $22
  • Sushi DInner (for 2)
    $40
  • In-n-Out Burger (for 3)
    $19

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nantucket $34
    Reno $88

Tours and Activities in Nantucket

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

  • Beyond the Cobblestones Self Guided Audio Tour of Nantucket: $9.99
  • Beyond the Cobblestones Self Guided Walking Tour of Nantucket: $9.99
  • Discover Nantucket Self-Guided Biking or Driving Tour: $13
  • Historical Tour of Nantucket: $57
  • Nantucket Coast to Coast Self-Guided Biking or Driving Tour: $13
  • Downtown Walking Tour: $120
  • Guided Bike Tour: $160
  • Guided Scenic Island Driving Tour: $160
  • Historical Landmarks Sightseeing Bus Tour: $53

Tours and Activities in Reno

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

  • Reno Ghost Tour: Ruin, Revenge, & Reckoning: $24
  • Axe Throwing Experience (18+) at Grand Sierra Resort: $40
  • Axe and Knife Throwing Experience: $35
  • Bowlball and Pins & Arrows Experience: $30
  • Jungle Escape Room Adventure: $30
  • Rage Room Experience: $40
  • Splatter Paint Room Experience: $45
  • The Master Escape Room Experience: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nantucket $35
    Reno $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Reno

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

  • Original Brewery Tour: $94


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

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


Which is Bigger, Nantucket or Reno?

Reno has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Nantucket. When comparing the sizes of Nantucket and Reno, 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.