A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Adirondack Mountains vs. Salt Lake City for Attractions, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Adirondack Mountains or Salt Lake City?

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

Should I visit Adirondack Mountains or Salt Lake City? 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.

Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a pristine, scenic, and serene region. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, skiing, and nightlife.

Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is a architectural, notable, and religious city. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Adirondack Mountains and Salt Lake City: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
  • Home to Temple Square
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Adirondack Mountains or Salt Lake City?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Adirondack Mountains. Although Adirondack Mountains and Salt Lake City are both popular with visitors, Adirondack Mountains has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Adirondack Mountains is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Salt Lake City is known for its museums and scuba diving & snorkeling. Adirondack Mountains is popular for its miles of hiking trails, beautiful lakes, and pristine forests. It is also home to Whiteface Mountain. Salt Lake City is popular for its religious landmarks and its large Mormon population.

How is Adirondack Mountains 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 Adirondack Mountains. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Adirondack Mountains or Salt Lake City Better for Skiing?

Adirondack Mountains
Salt Lake City

Adirondack Mountains is very good for skiing and snowboarding. However, Salt Lake City is not a skiing destination.

Head to Adirondack Mountains for some great skiing and other winter activities. There are a number of ski resorts in the area with some of the most popular being Whiteface, Titus Mountain, and Oak Mountain.

Salt Lake City is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Adirondack Mountains or Salt Lake City?

Adirondack Mountains
Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Adirondack Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its museums and history.

Salt Lake City offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Adirondack Mountains. You can learn about local culture and heritage at any of the museums in the area. At the Adirondack Experience you can visit a vast campus that offers an open-air experience relating to the region's history. Other educational centers in the area include a wildlife center, several art museums, as well as battlefields, forts, and war museums.

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

Adirondack Mountains
Salt Lake City

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Adirondack Mountains and Salt Lake City can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Adirondack Mountains. Steakhouses, pancake shops, and local diners all serve up fresh and local dishes. Many visitors like to pack a picnic that they can enjoy along a hiking trail, but if you're looking for a sit down option, there are also plenty of restaurants to choose from.

Salt Lake City is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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 Adirondack Mountains or Salt Lake City Better for Nightlife?

Adirondack Mountains
Salt Lake City

Adirondack Mountains 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 Adirondack Mountains. There are laid back bars and pubs in the area, but for the best nightlife scene, head to Lake Placid.

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 Adirondack Mountains or Salt Lake City Better for Resorts?

Adirondack Mountains
Salt Lake City

Adirondack Mountains 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 Adirondack Mountains. Lodges and inns fill with vacationers who enjoy the pools and scenic settings that many of the resorts offer. Many places have a summer camp atmosphere that feels both wholesome and adventurous.

Salt Lake City is not a resort destination.

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

Adirondack Mountains
Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Adirondack Mountains is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Salt Lake City has a few good snorkeling spots. There are a number of good ski resorts nearby, making this a good base or starting point for a ski vacation.

Adirondack Mountains is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Adirondack Mountains or Salt Lake City Better for Hiking?

Adirondack Mountains
Salt Lake City

Adirondack Mountains 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 Adirondack Mountains. Trails range from easy to challenging and each passes through beautiful and diverse landscapes. You can climb to scenic viewpoints or explore pristine forests. It's the perfect way to escape into nature for a bit.

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 Adirondack Mountains or Salt Lake City?

Adirondack Mountains
Salt Lake City

Both Adirondack Mountains and Salt Lake City are good shopping destinations.

Adirondack Mountains offers some nice shopping areas. Many of the towns have a "general store" where you can pick up souvenirs or local items. There are also local artisan shops and even outlet malls in the area.

Salt Lake City has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Adirondack Mountains or Salt Lake City Better for Families?

Adirondack Mountains
Salt Lake City

Adirondack Mountains 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 Adirondack Mountains. There area is filled with ropes courses, adventure parks, and hiking trails. There are nature centers with information programs for young ones. The kids will also be a enchanted by the waterfalls as the adults are.

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 Adirondack Mountains or Salt Lake City Better for Couples?

Adirondack Mountains
Salt Lake City

Adirondack Mountains is a very popular place for couples. Also, Salt Lake City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Adirondack Mountains makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many lodges and inns that are tucked away in the mountains and make for a romantic retreat. Couples will enjoy the hiking and beautiful views. Whether you spend your time cozied up by the fire or out on an adventure, this is a wonderful romantic destination.

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 Adirondack Mountains or Salt Lake City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Adirondack Mountains
Salt Lake City

Adirondack Mountains is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Salt Lake City is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Adirondack Mountains. There are a number of campgrounds and even backcountry camping in the region. The hiking trails and beautiful setting make this a fun place to explore.

Salt Lake City is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels in town, but most backpackers overlook this destination or breeze through town quickly.

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

Adirondack Mountains
Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is a popular place for its public transit. However, Adirondack Mountains is a mediocre region for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Adirondack Mountains. There is no real public transportation in the park.

Is Adirondack Mountains or Salt Lake City a more walkable city?

Adirondack Mountains
Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is a moderate city for its high level of walkability. However, Adirondack Mountains is a mediocre region for its ease of walking around.

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

Adirondack Mountains is not a very walkable region. While there are many hiking trails, to get around and access most destinations, you'll need a car.


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

Should I spend more time in Salt Lake City or Adirondack Mountains?

How long in Adirondack Mountains or Salt Lake City?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Adirondack Mountains and Salt Lake City. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Adirondack Mountains than in Salt Lake City. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Adirondack Mountains, and 2-3 days is enough time in Salt Lake City.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Adirondack Mountains 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 Adirondack Mountains.


  • How many days in Adirondack Mountains or Salt Lake City? Ideal Length of Stay
    Adirondack Mountains 3-7 
    Salt Lake City 2-3

One day in Adirondack Mountains or Salt Lake City?

In Adirondack Mountains, you'll find skiing and nightlife. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Salt Lake City. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Adirondack Mountains or Salt Lake City?

Adirondack Mountains is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Salt Lake City is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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 Adirondack Mountains or Salt Lake City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Adirondack Mountains. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

Many people visit Salt Lake City for five days. You'll find museums and food around the city of Salt Lake City. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.


A week in Adirondack Mountains or Salt Lake City?

In Adirondack Mountains, you'll find shopping and museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.

The architectural destination of Salt Lake City offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Salt Lake City or Adirondack Mountains?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Adirondack Mountains is $166, while the average daily cost in Salt Lake City is $246. 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 Adirondack Mountains and Salt Lake City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Adirondack Mountains $97
    Salt Lake City $119
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Adirondack Mountains $194
    Salt Lake City $238
Compare Hotels in Adirondack Mountains and Salt Lake City

Looking for a hotel in Adirondack Mountains 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 Adirondack Mountains


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: Salt Lake City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Adirondack Mountains $33
    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 Departure Transfer to Salt Lake City Airport SLC: $36
  • Salt Lake City to Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
  • Private Transfer: Salt Lake City to Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) : $107
  • Salt Lake Airport (SLC) to Canyons Village - Arrival Transfer: $115
  • Private Transfer from Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) to Salt Lake City : $120
  • Private Transfer from SLC to Salt Lake City : $120
  • Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) to Park City UT - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $182
  • Salt Lake City Airport (SLC): Transfer to Salt Lake City: $201
  • Salt Lake Airport (SLC) to Canyons Village - Round-Trip Transfer: $230
  • Private Transfer from Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) to Park City hotel or address: $261
  • Private Transfer from SLC to Park City UT : $261

Is it cheaper to fly into Adirondack Mountains or Salt Lake City?

Prices for flights to both Salt Lake City and Adirondack Mountains 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
    Adirondack Mountains $49
    Salt Lake City $50

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Adirondack Mountains $17
    Salt Lake City $28

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:

  • Mormon History - Salt Lake Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Mormon History Salt Lake Self-Guided Audio app Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Salt Lake City by 3Quest Challenge: $10
  • Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $13
  • Salt Lake City Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $15
  • Salt Lake City & La Sal: Self-Guided Walking & Driving Tour: $20
  • Salt Lake City Ghost Tour: Outer Reaches Tour: $23
  • Salt Lake City Haunted Old Town Tour: $23
  • Haunted Walking Tour: $26
  • 45 Minute Great Salt Lake Boat Tour: $37
  • History & Culture Guided Walking Day Tour: $50
  • Salt Lake City Walking Tour: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Adirondack Mountains $19
    Salt Lake City $17


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

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