A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Nantucket vs. Salt Lake City for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Hiking

Should you visit Nantucket or Salt Lake City?

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 Salt Lake City 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.

Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is a religious, architectural, and notable city. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and food. See Salt Lake City travel costs.

Nantucket and Salt Lake City: 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
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Home to Temple Square
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Nantucket or Salt Lake City?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nantucket than Salt Lake City, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nantucket is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Salt Lake City is more popular for its museums and attractions and scuba diving & snorkeling. Nantucket is well known for its pristine beaches, upscale atmosphere, and history of whaling. Also, Nantucket is famous for Great Point Lighthouse. Salt Lake City is well known for its religious landmarks and its large Mormon population.

How is Nantucket different from Salt Lake City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City?

Nantucket
Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Nantucket is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Salt Lake City specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Many of the fascinating sights around town are influenced by the city's Mormon culture. Temple Square is a highlight for most visitors. It spans 35 acres and is beautifully landscaped with several fountains. There are also four main churches - The Temple, the Tabernacle, the Temple Annex, and Assembly Hall. The city also has several museums such as the Natural History Museum and the historic Liberty Park.

Nantucket offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several museums around town that educate visitors on the island's whaling history and maritime past.


Is the Food Better in Nantucket or Salt Lake City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nantucket
Salt Lake City

Nantucket is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Salt Lake City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Nantucket has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Salt Lake City offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. In recent years the food scene has really improved and you'll find a variety of restaurants that serve everything from upscale dishes to more casual fare.

Is Nantucket or Salt Lake City Better for Nightlife?

Nantucket
Salt Lake City

Nantucket is very good for its evening party scene. However, Salt Lake City is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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.

Salt Lake City is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. Known for its large Mormon population, nightlife isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Salt Lake City. While it will likely never be a party city, there are a growing number of entertainment options around town.

Is Nantucket or Salt Lake City Better for Resorts?

Nantucket
Salt Lake City

Nantucket is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Salt Lake City is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Nantucket. Luxury resorts and upscale inns offer guests a relaxed setting with oceanfront views and family-friendly activities.

Salt Lake City is not a resort destination.


Is Nantucket or Salt Lake City Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nantucket
Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Nantucket is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Salt Lake City. There are a number of good ski resorts nearby, making this a good base or starting point for a ski vacation.

Nantucket is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nantucket or Salt Lake City Better for Beaches?

Nantucket
Salt Lake City

Nantucket is a very popular place for the beach. However, Salt Lake City is not a beach destination.

Nantucket is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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.

Salt Lake City is not a beach destination.

Is Nantucket or Salt Lake City Better for its Old Town?

Nantucket
Salt Lake City

Nantucket is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Salt Lake City does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of 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.

Salt Lake City does not have a historic old town.


Is Nantucket or Salt Lake City Better for Hiking?

Nantucket
Salt Lake City

Nantucket is a very popular place for its hiking trails. Also, Salt Lake City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

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.

Salt Lake City has hiking trails worth exploring. The city offers easy access to many diverse trails, so if you're a nature enthusiasts, you'll appreciate this destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nantucket or Salt Lake City?

Nantucket
Salt Lake City

Nantucket is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Salt Lake City 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.

Salt Lake City is a great destination for shopping. The city has sprawling outlet malls as well as local stores and craft shops. City Creek Center is a favorite shopping destination, but there are also several large shopping malls that are worth visiting.

Is Nantucket or Salt Lake City More Beautiful?

Nantucket
Salt Lake City

Nantucket is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Salt Lake City 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.

Salt Lake City is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Nantucket or Salt Lake City Better for Families?

Nantucket
Salt Lake City

Nantucket is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City. There are museums that kids will enjoy like the Natural History Museum of Utah and the Leonardo Museum. There are also fun-filled activities like a visit to Lagoon Amusement Park. You can learn about history at This Is the Place Heritage Park or learn about the undersea world at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium.

Is Nantucket or Salt Lake City Better for Couples?

Nantucket
Salt Lake City

Nantucket is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Salt Lake City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Nantucket has plenty to offer. 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.

Salt Lake City is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with beautiful gardens like Red Butte Garden. There are also nice restaurants and romantic hotels that will make this a nice place for a couple's getaway.

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

Nantucket
Salt Lake City

Nantucket and Salt Lake City both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Nantucket offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are shuttle buses around the island that operate with greater frequency during the summer months.

Salt Lake City has a few public transit options. There's a surprisingly good public transit system that includes light rail, buses, and commuter trains, but if you want to get out of town you'll need to have a car.


Is Nantucket or Salt Lake City a more walkable city?

Nantucket
Salt Lake City

Nantucket is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Salt Lake City is lacking in good 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.

Salt Lake City is generally not very walkable. While some neighborhoods are walkable, like Temple Square, most visitors prefer to have a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Nantucket Worth Visiting? and Is Salt Lake City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Salt Lake City or Nantucket?

How long in Nantucket or Salt Lake City?

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

Families should spend more time in Nantucket than Salt Lake City. 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 Salt Lake City. 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 Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nantucket 2-4 
    Salt Lake City 2-3

One day in Nantucket or Salt Lake City?

Nantucket might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Salt Lake City. 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 Nantucket or Salt Lake City?

Nantucket is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

You'll find museums and food around the architectural destination of Salt Lake City. 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 Salt Lake City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nantucket. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the religious city of Salt Lake City. 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 Salt Lake City?

Nantucket is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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.

Salt Lake City 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, Salt Lake City 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
    Salt Lake City Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Nantucket $409
    Salt Lake City $282

The average daily cost (per person) in Nantucket is $409, while the average daily cost in Salt Lake City is $282. 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 Salt Lake City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nantucket $237
    Salt Lake City $119
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nantucket $474
    Salt Lake City $238
Compare Hotels in Nantucket and Salt Lake City

Looking for a hotel in Nantucket or Salt Lake City? 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 Salt Lake City


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 Salt Lake City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nantucket $47
    Salt Lake City $45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Salt Lake City

Also for Salt Lake City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) to Park City hotel or address: $286
  • Private Transfer from SLC to Park City UT : $286
  • Private Transfer from Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) to Salt Lake City : $132
  • Salt Lake City to Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) - Departure Private Transfer: $48
  • Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) to Salt Lake City - Arrival Private Transfer: $48
  • Private Transfer: Hotels to SLC Airport: $45
  • Private Departure Transfer to Salt Lake City Airport SLC: $36

Is it cheaper to fly into Nantucket or Salt Lake City?

Prices for flights to both Salt Lake City 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
    Salt Lake City $86

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nantucket $34
    Salt Lake City $28

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 Salt Lake City

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

  • 4-Day Yellowstone&Mount Rushmore Tour from Salt Lake City: $1,348
  • 45 Minute Great Salt Lake Boat Tour: $39
  • 8-Day Tour: LA, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone & Las Vegas: $1,399
  • Antelope Island Wildlife Expedition Great Salt Lake Adventure: $99
  • Bonneville Salt Flats Adventure: $149
  • From 6-Day Yellowstone and Grand Teton Tour: $3,884
  • From Bonneville Salt Flats Guided Tour: $149
  • From Private Goblin Valley State Park Tour: $1,475
  • From Yellowstone & Grand Teton 5-Day Tour: $1,368
  • From Salt Lake Private Experience to Bonneville Salt Flats: $179
  • Gourmet Dining Experience : $215
  • Grand Teton,Yellowstone National Park 3-Day Tour from SLC: $1,016

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nantucket $35
    Salt Lake City $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Salt Lake City

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Salt Lake City:

  • Spirits of the Wasatch Distillery Tour: $20


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nantucket and Salt Lake City, we can see that Nantucket is more expensive. And not only is Salt Lake City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Salt Lake City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City.

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


Which is Bigger, Nantucket or Salt Lake City?

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