A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Asheville vs. Sun Valley for Families, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Asheville or Sun Valley?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Asheville and Sun Valley. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Asheville

Asheville is a progressive, open-minded, and eclectic mountain town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for live music, food, and hiking.

Sun Valley

Sun Valley is a outdoorsy, active, and adventurous town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Asheville and Sun Valley: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Asheville or Sun Valley?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Asheville. Although Asheville and Sun Valley are popular destinations, Asheville has more sights and attractions for tourists. Asheville is very popular for its nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere, while Sun Valley attracts visitors for its skiing, museums, food, resorts, and impressive beauty. Sun Valley is more touristy than Asheville and is known for its ski resorts as well as being the home of Ernest Hemingway. Asheville is famous for its fall foliage, artsy downtown, local North Carolina barbecue, and being home to the Biltmore Estate. It is also well known for The Biltmore Estate.

How is Asheville different from Sun Valley?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Asheville or Sun Valley Better for Skiing?

Sun Valley is an unbeatable place for winter skiing. However, Asheville is not a skiing destination.

Sun Valley is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. There are plenty of slopes that are accessible by lift as well as backcountry terrain for those who are more adventurous. The ski areas include Bald Mountain, which is next to Ketchum, and Dollar Mountain, by Sun Valley. Bald Mountain is best for advanced skiers and Dollar Mountain has options for beginners and intermediates.

Asheville is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Asheville or Sun Valley?

Sun Valley is a town with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

Sun Valley offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Museums in the area include the Sun Valley Museum of Art and the Wood River Museum of History and Culture.

Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Asheville or Sun Valley? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sun Valley is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Sun Valley. Many restaurants pride themselves in using local, organic, and sustainable ingredients. You'll find everything from cafes and bakeries to sushi, pizza, and Mediterranean.

Asheville is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Downtown Asheville is filled with local restaurants that serve everything from brunch to late night snacks. There are many vegan and vegetarian options as well as a number of international restaurants. Popular local dishes include North Carolina barbeque and country ham biscuits.

Is Asheville or Sun Valley Better for Nightlife?

Asheville is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Sun Valley is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Asheville know how to have a good time. The city has a fun and eclectic nightlife scene that centers around the city's breweries and live music venues.

If you're looking for night time activities Sun Valley has a few options to choose from. It's a low key town with relaxing bars and breweries where you can enjoy a cold drink after a day on the slopes. It's not a party town that's high energy, but there are plenty of places where you can hang out in a mellow setting.

Is Asheville or Sun Valley Better for Music?

Asheville is a great destination for live music. However, Sun Valley is not a live music destination.

Asheville has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. The city has grown into a world famous music destination that holds true to its mountain roots and independent artists.

Sun Valley is not a live music destination.

Is Asheville or Sun Valley Better for Resorts?

Sun Valley is well known for its resorts. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

There are plenty of resorts in Sun Valley to choose from. The most popular place to stay is Sun Valley Lodge, but there are also other small lodges and hotels in the area.

Asheville has a few great resort options. The most famous resorts in the area are the Biltmore Estate and the Grove Park Inn. Both offer luxury restaurants and beautiful grounds that are particularly nice during the holidays.

Is Asheville or Sun Valley Better for its Old Town?

Asheville is a mountain town with a few options for its historic old town. However, Sun Valley does not have a historic old town.

Asheville is a good place to visit the old town. Downtown Asheville maintains much of its historic vibe, but it's smaller than some of the more notable old cities around the country.

Sun Valley does not have a historic old town.

Is Asheville or Sun Valley Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Asheville and Sun Valley, and they are excellent.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Asheville. Just outside of town are many great hikes to waterfalls or through the mountains. The hikes range in skill level and length but many pass through local forests or along the beautiful skyline.

Many visitors go to Sun Valley for the hiking trails. During the warmer months you'll enjoy miles of hiking trails in the area that take you by fields of wildflowers and to scenic mountain overlooks. White Cloud Trails is a relatively easy 4 mile trail that many visitors enjoy. Baker Lake and Taylor Canyon are also nice options.

Is the Shopping Better in Asheville or Sun Valley?

Asheville is a great destination for shopping. Also, Sun Valley is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Asheville is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has many local shops that sell local crafts and independent art. The downtown area is filled with art vendors and you'll find the greatest concentration of shopping along the pedestrian-friendly Lexington Avenue.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Sun Valley. While most visitors spend their time adventuring outdoors, there are also plenty of shopping options in the area. Whether you need to pick up hiking or ski gear, or you want to browse some local boutiques, you'll find shops that meet your need.

Is Asheville or Sun Valley Better for Christmas?

Asheville is a great destination for its Christmas activities. However, Sun Valley does not offer Christmas activities.

Visitors come from all around to experience the Christmas activities in Asheville. Head to the Biltmore Estate to see it fully decorated for the Christmas season. It's also worth going to see the winning Gingerbread Houses on display at the Grove Park Inn.

Sun Valley does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Asheville or Sun Valley Better for Christmas Markets?

Asheville is a mountain town with a few options for its Christmas markets. However, Sun Valley does not offer Christmas markets.

Asheville is a good spot to see some Christmas markets. There are a handful of local Christmas shops around town where you can buy personalized gifts.

Sun Valley does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Asheville or Sun Valley Better for Families?

Sun Valley is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Sun Valley is very family-friendly. During the winter months there's skiing, ice skating, and other winter activities. During the warmer months families will enjoy riding the Roundhouse Express Gondola, hiking through the mountains, or horseback riding.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Asheville. With its beautiful hiking, interesting nature centers, and outdoor adventure activities, this mountain town makes a great kid-friendly destination. There are outdoor adventure parks where kids can zipline or climb. There are also hands on farms and orchards for fruit-picking.

Is Asheville or Sun Valley Better for Couples?

Sun Valley is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Sun Valley is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples who enjoy winter sports and outdoor activities will love a romantic getaway to the area. There's also a charming downtown area that has great restaurants. In the surrounding countryside there's plenty of spectacular hikes that couples will enjoy as well.

Asheville is a great mountain town if you're traveling as a couple. Couples enjoy exploring the beautiful Biltmore Estates or visiting the spa at the Grove Park Inn. The quaint town makes a great honeymoon destination or a nice romantic getaway. There are luxury hotels or intimate bed and breakfasts that offer different options for couples on a romantic trip.

Is Asheville or Sun Valley Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Asheville and Sun Valley are excellent places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Asheville is a great mountain town to visit for backpackers. The town has an eclectic vibe that backpackers appreciate. There are a few good hostels around town as well as nearby campgrounds that are perfect for budget travelers or hikers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Sun Valley. There are a couple of hostels in the area and plenty of activities that appeal to the backpacker crowd.

Is Asheville or Sun Valley Better for Students?

Asheville is a great destination for students. However, Sun Valley is not popular with students.

Many students visit Asheville. With its progressive personality and charming downtown, students enjoy spending time in this great town.

Sun Valley is not popular with students.

Is Asheville or Sun Valley Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sun Valley is well known for its public transit. However, Asheville is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Sun Valley can get you around easily. There are free shuttle buses that run through Wood River Valley including connections between the Village and Dollar and Bald Mountains. It's also connected to Ketchum and Elkhorn Springs.

Public transit is mostly limited in Asheville. There are buses around town, but almost everyone gets around town with their own vehicle.

Is Asheville or Sun Valley a more walkable city?

Sun Valley is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Sun Valley on foot is easy. It's easy to walk to almost anything you need if you stay at a conveniently located hotel.

Asheville is a somewhat walkable mountain town. If you stay downtown and don't plan to explore the outlying areas, then it's possible to walk around town. Otherwise, you'll need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Asheville Worth Visiting? and Is Sun Valley Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sun Valley or Asheville?

How long in Asheville or Sun Valley?

Both Asheville and Sun Valley have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sun Valley than in Asheville. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Asheville, and 3-7 days is enough time in Sun Valley.

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

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

One day in Asheville or Sun Valley?

With shopping and nightlife around the outdoorsy mountain town of Asheville, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find food and shopping around the town of Sun Valley. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Asheville or Sun Valley?

With nightlife and live music around the destination of Asheville, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this mountain town.

You'll find shopping and skiing around the outdoorsy destination of Sun Valley. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Asheville or Sun Valley?

Asheville, a popular mountain town, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find skiing and nightlife around the adventurous town of Sun Valley. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the skiing. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

A week in Asheville or Sun Valley?

Asheville is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Sun Valley is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Sun Valley, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Asheville or Sun Valley?

Asheville has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Sun Valley. When comparing the sizes of Asheville and Sun Valley, 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.