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

Should you visit Roanoke or Nantucket?

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

Should I visit Roanoke or Nantucket? 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.

Roanoke

Roanoke is a outdoorsy, laid back, and scenic town. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and hiking. See Roanoke travel costs.

Nantucket

Nantucket is a upscale, charming, and serene island. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, Nantucket attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Nantucket travel costs.

Roanoke and Nantucket: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Roanoke or Nantucket?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nantucket than Roanoke, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nantucket is more touristy than Roanoke and is known for its pristine beaches, upscale atmosphere, and history of whaling. Also, Nantucket is famous for Great Point Lighthouse. Roanoke is well known for its welcoming hospitality and convenient access to the Blue Ridge Mountains.

How is Roanoke different from Nantucket?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of notable museums and attractions in both Nantucket and Roanoke.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Roanoke. There are several museums and sights around town such as the Living-Coral Reef Aquarium, the Science Museum of Western Virginia, and the Taubman Museum of Art. There's also the Harrison Museum of African American Culture and even the Roanoke Pinball Museum.

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.

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

Nantucket is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Roanoke is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Roanoke offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are burger joints, pizza restaurants, and plenty of other casual eateries where you can grab a quick meal.

Is Roanoke or Nantucket Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find notable options in both Roanoke and Nantucket.

If you're looking for night time activities Roanoke has a few options to choose from. There are local venues in the area that have drinks and often live music. You'll find jazz, country, rock, and bluegrass, particularly along Crooked Road in Franklin County.

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 Roanoke or Nantucket Better for Resorts?

Nantucket is a great island for its luxury resorts. However, Roanoke 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.

Roanoke is not a resort destination.

Is Roanoke or Nantucket Better for Beaches?

Nantucket is a great island for the beach. However, Roanoke 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.

Roanoke is not a beach destination.

Is Roanoke or Nantucket Better for its Old Town?

Nantucket is a great island for its historic old town charm. However, Roanoke 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.

Roanoke does not have a historic old town.

Is Roanoke or Nantucket Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Roanoke and Nantucket both have great trails.

Many visitors go to Roanoke for the hiking trails. The surrounding countryside is filled with mountain hikes. The Blue Ridge Mountains are crossed by trails that take you to waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and through serene forest. McAfee Knob, Sharp Top Mountain, and Roaring Run Trail some of the best hikes in the area.

Nantucket is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Roanoke or Nantucket?

Nantucket is a great island for its shopping areas. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Roanoke is a great destination for shopping. Market Street in Downtown Roanoke is lined with local vendors, particularly at the Historic Roanoke City Market. The town also has a mall and several shopping centers.

Is Roanoke or Nantucket More Beautiful?

Nantucket is a great island for its scenery and beauty. However, Roanoke 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.

Roanoke is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Roanoke or Nantucket Better for Families?

Nantucket is a great island for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Roanoke is a family-friendly place to visit. The Blue Ridge Parkway is filled with kid-friendly hiking trails and fun outdoor activities. You can visit the Blue Ridge Institute & Farm Museum or Smith Mountain Lake Farm. There's also Virginia Children's Theater.

Is Roanoke or Nantucket Better for Couples?

Nantucket is renowned for couples. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Roanoke is a very popular place to visit for couples. Staying at a quaint bed and breakfast, tucked into the beautiful mountain setting is the perfect romantic getaway. Nearby there are vineyards and wine cellars, as well as gardens, hikes, and other outdoor activities.

Is Roanoke or Nantucket Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Roanoke is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Nantucket is not known for backpackers.

Roanoke is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are several campgrounds in the area as well as great hiking trails.

Nantucket is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's known for its upscale atmosphere that isn't particularly accommodating for backpackers.

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

Nantucket is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Roanoke is not known for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Roanoke. There are buses as well as a free trolley service through the downtown, but you really do need a car to get most places.

Is Roanoke or Nantucket a more walkable city?

Nantucket is a great island for its ease of walking around. However, Roanoke is not known 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.

Roanoke is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, with sidewalks and more dense development styles.

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

Should I spend more time in Nantucket or Roanoke?

How long in Roanoke or Nantucket?

It's fun to spend time in either Roanoke or Nantucket. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Nantucket due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Roanoke, and 2-4 days is enough time in Nantucket.

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

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

One day in Roanoke or Nantucket?

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Roanoke. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Roanoke has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Nantucket is a small town with plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Roanoke or Nantucket?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the outdoorsy destination of Roanoke. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Nantucket might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nantucket has to offer.

Five days in Roanoke or Nantucket?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the laid back town of Roanoke. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. 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.

Nantucket is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Roanoke or Nantucket?

Roanoke is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nantucket. Since Nantucket is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the food. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Roanoke or Nantucket?

Roanoke has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Nantucket. When comparing the sizes of Roanoke and Nantucket, 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 Roanoke or Nantucket?

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 Roanoke or Nantucket in the Summer?

Both Nantucket and Roanoke are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Roanoke this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nantucket for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Roanoke is a little warmer than Nantucket. Typically, the summer temperatures in Roanoke in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Nantucket averages at about 68°F (20°C).

It's quite rainy in Roanoke. In July, Roanoke usually receives more rain than Nantucket. Roanoke gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Roanoke or Nantucket in the Autumn?

Both Nantucket and Roanoke during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Roanoke for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Nantucket in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Roanoke is generally a little warmer than Nantucket. Daily temperatures in Roanoke average around 60°F (16°C), and Nantucket fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

Nantucket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Roanoke usually gets less rain in October than Nantucket. Roanoke gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Roanoke or Nantucket in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Roanoke and Nantucket. Many visitors come to Roanoke in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Nantucket for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Nantucket can be very cold during winter. Roanoke can get quite cold in the winter. Roanoke is much warmer than Nantucket in the winter. The daily temperature in Roanoke averages around 38°F (3°C) in January, and Nantucket fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

Nantucket receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Roanoke usually receives less rain than Nantucket. Roanoke gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Roanoke or Nantucket in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Roanoke as well as Nantucket. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Nantucket because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Roanoke is much warmer than Nantucket. Typically, the spring temperatures in Roanoke in April average around 59°F (15°C), and Nantucket averages at about 45°F (7°C).

It's quite rainy in Nantucket. Roanoke usually gets less rain in April than Nantucket. Roanoke gets 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nantucket and Roanoke