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

Should you visit Aspen or Boise?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Aspen and Boise can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Aspen

Aspen is a outdoorsy, authentic, and charming ski town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the shopping, skiing, and nightlife.

Boise

Boise is a authentic, friendly, and welcoming city. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Aspen and Boise: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aspen or Boise?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Aspen. Although Aspen and Boise are popular destinations, Aspen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Aspen is very popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, music, resorts, hiking, shopping, christmas markets, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Boise attracts visitors for its museums. Aspen is more touristy than Boise and is popular for its world-class skiing, many food, film, and music festivals, and its stunning mountain hikes. It is also well known for The Maroon Bells. Boise is famous for its many outdoor and recreational activities.

How is Aspen different from Boise?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Aspen or Boise Better for Skiing?

Aspen is a must-visit destination for skiing and snowboarding. However, Boise is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Aspen should be on your list. Near the town, there are 4 separate ski resorts. In town you'll find Aspen Mountain, which is known for it's black-diamond runs. Aspen Highlands, a couple miles away, has a mix of slopes and is less crowded. Buttermilk attracts many freestyle skiers and Aspen Snowmass is considered one of the best family-friendly ski areas.

Boise is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Aspen or Boise?

Boise is a city with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Aspen does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Boise. As the state capital, there's a nice selection of local museums around town. Favorites include the Boise Art Museum, the Basque Museum & Cultural Center, the Idaho Black History Museum, and Discovery Center.

Aspen does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Aspen or Boise? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aspen is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. However, Boise is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Aspen is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The town hosts many food festivals and there is a growing selection of diverse restaurants. In town you'll find cafes and restaurants that cater to both the local crowd and the travelers who flock to the area during peak seasons.

Boise offers some easy restaurants to choose from. While Idaho has long been associated with the potato, the locals usually think of "finger steaks" when describing local food. These are deep-friend beef strips that are as good as they sound.

Is Aspen or Boise Better for Nightlife?

Aspen is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Boise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Aspen has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The people in Aspen know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene includes craft beer, live music, and dancing. There's a local vibe, particularly during the off-season times when the tourist crowds are less.

Boise has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. In downtown Boise you'll find a selection of bars, lounges, and breweries. There's enough around town to keep the nightlife scene interesting.

Is Aspen or Boise Better for Music?

Aspen is an excellent place to visit for its music scene. However, Boise is not a live music destination.

Whether you like big venues or smaller artists, Aspen has diverse options. Popular music venues in town include Silver City Mountain Saloon and Belly Up Aspen.

Boise is not a live music destination.

Is Aspen or Boise Better for Resorts?

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

Aspen is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Popular resorts in the area include The Little Nell, Hotel Jerome, and St. Regis Aspen.

Boise is not a resort destination.

Is Aspen or Boise Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Aspen. During the summer and fall seasons, hiking is a great way to explore Aspen's nearby beauty. Popular trails include the Ute Trail, the Lost Man Trail, and the famous Maroon Bells Scenic Trail.

Boise is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Aspen or Boise?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Aspen. There are many great local shops and art galleries where you can pick interesting items or fine art.

Boise is a great destination for shopping. You'll find a mix of local boutiques, independent vendors, and suburban shopping centers where you'll find anything that you might need.

Is Aspen or Boise Better for Christmas?

Aspen is a must-visit destination for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Boise does not offer Christmas activities.

Known for its popular Christmas activities, Aspen draws large crowds. There are a number of beautiful activities that will bring the holiday season to life in the town.

Boise does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Aspen or Boise Better for Christmas Markets?

Aspen is an excellent place to visit for visiting Christmas markets. However, Boise does not offer Christmas markets.

Many people head to Aspen to see its Christmas markets. The town has a charming Christmas market that is fun to explore and has around 40 vendors.

Boise does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Aspen or Boise Better for Families?

Aspen is a popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Boise is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Aspen is a family-friendly ski town. Families that enjoy skiing together, hiking, rock climbing, and having adventures will enjoy a visit to this town. Aspen Mountain is not a great option for beginning skiers, but further away, Aspen Snowmass offers good beginner slopes.

Boise doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. You'll find parks, playgrounds, and the Discovery Center which will help keep kids entertained.

Is Aspen or Boise Better for Couples?

Aspen is an excellent place to visit for couples. However, Boise is lacking in options for romance.

Aspen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Aspen is both a popular ski destination as well as an established town. There are many great restaurants and activities that couples can enjoy and the setting is cute and very scenic, making it a beautiful and romantic destination.

Boise is not the best destination for a couple to visit. Date night activities include dining at a nice restaurants and seeing a show at the theater.

Is Aspen or Boise Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

Aspen has some public transit options. There are several shuttle buses around the town.

Public transit is generally limited in Boise. There are infrequent buses around town, but visitors usually have a car to get around town efficiently.

Is Aspen or Boise a more walkable city?

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

Aspen is a very walkable destination. The town is compact enough that it can be explored on foot. If you're planning to head into the mountains to hike, you'll likely need a car.

Boise is generally not very walkable. There are a couple of walkable neighborhoods but, in general, the town isn't very walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Aspen Worth Visiting? and Is Boise Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Boise or Aspen?

How long in Aspen or Boise?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Aspen or Boise to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Aspen than Boise because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Aspen, and 1-2 days is enough time in Boise.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Aspen than Boise 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 Aspen.

One day in Aspen or Boise?

Even though Aspen is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This ski town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Boise, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this friendly destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Aspen or Boise?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aspen. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Boise. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Aspen or Boise?

Aspen is a fun place to experience. Aspen is a small town with plenty to do. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Boise is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Boise. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Aspen or Boise?

Aspen is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the authentic destination of Boise. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Aspen or Boise?

Boise has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Aspen. When comparing the sizes of Aspen and Boise, 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.