Should you visit Aspen or Reno?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel cost comparison between Aspen and Reno can help. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Aspen
Aspen is a famous, and notably expensive travel destination. The town is one of the country's most famous and recognizable ski destinations, and prices can climb high during the ski season. Although still expensive, you can often find better deals during the summer months or shoulder seasons. For visitors who want to enjoy the area's hiking, natural beauty, and charm, these are the times to visit.
Reno
In the northwest area of Nevada, Reno sits at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. After Las Vegas, it's the second most popular tourist destination in the state of Nevada. You'll find some nice resorts, elaborate casinos, nice restaurants and unique opportunities for entertainment throughout the city.
The city, referred to as "The Biggest Little City in the World", has a population of about 235,000. It's part of the Reno-Sparks metropolitan area, which has a population of about 440,000.
Reno is located in the rain shadow of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The city has a steppe climate with light to moderate snowfall in the winter months. Precipitation is most common during the winter and spring, but the city averages about 300 days of sunshine a year. Average temperatures are 35 degrees Fahrenheit in December and 75 degrees Fahrenheit in July.
Which city is cheaper, Reno or Aspen?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Aspen is $235, while the average daily cost in Reno is $113. 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 city. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Aspen and Reno in more detail.
Accommodation
The average price for accommodation for two people in Aspen is $272. This is for two people sharing a typical double occupancy hotel room.
An average hotel room with basic furnishings costs about $86 in Reno For the most convenient locations and nicer amenities you can expect to pay a bit more.
Food
The price of a meal in Aspen can vary widely. However, the average price for food per day is $68 per person, and a typical meal will cost around $27 based on the spending of previous visitors. Less expensive dining options can be found by eating street food or at fast food restaurants.
The price of a meal in Reno can vary widely. However, the average price for food per day is $42 per person, and a typical meal will cost around $17 based on the spending of previous visitors. Less expensive dining options can be found by eating street food or at fast food restaurants.
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Food
Meals for one day
Aspen $68
Reno $42
Typical Food prices in Reno
For Reno, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Dennys for Breakfast
$22
-
Sushi DInner (for 2)
$40
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In-n-Out Burger (for 3)
$19
Local Transportation
While taxis and private drivers typically cost much more than public transportation, people usually spend around $45 per day to get around in Aspen.
Reno's transportation costs can vary by the type of transport chosen by visitors. Naturally, taxis and private drivers cost much more than public transportation options. On average, visitors spend $18 per person, per day on transportation in Reno.
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aspen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aspen:
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Private Transfer: Aspen to Denver International Airport (DEN):
$1,321
-
Private Eagle County Regional Airport Transfer to Aspen:
$400
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Private Departure Transfer to Aspen Airport (ASE):
$36
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Private Arrival Transfer from Aspen Airport (ASE):
$36
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Aspen hotel or address to Denver Airport (DEN) - Departure Private Transfer:
$796
Typical Local Transportation prices in Reno
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Reno:
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reno
Also for Reno, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
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Reno to Reno/Tahoe International Airport (RNO) - Departure Private Transfer:
$168
-
Reno/Tahoe International Airport (RNO) to Reno – Private Arrival Transfer:
$168
-
Reno/Tahoe International Airport (RNO) to Reno – Round-Trip Private Transfer:
$336
-
Reno/Tahoe International Airport One Way Transfer:
$48
Is it cheaper to fly into Aspen or Reno?
Prices for flights to both Reno and Aspen 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.
Entertainment
Activities, things to do, and other forms of entertainment usually cost around $36 per person, per day in Aspen. This cost includes the price of admission tickets to attractions and museums as well as daily tours.
Sightseeing, admission tickets, things to do, and other entertainment expenses in Reno can vary widely by price. On average, visitors spend around $70 per person, per day on entertainment and sightseeing here.
Tours and Activities in Aspen
Here are a few actual costs in Aspen for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
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Aspen's DarkSide Ghost Tour:
$40
-
Aspen's Past to Present Historic Tour:
$40
-
Glimpse of Aspen Tour:
$40
Tours and Activities in Reno
For Reno, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
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Reno Scavenger Hunt: Reno Adventure:
$12
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Culinary & Cultural Reno Tour:
$91
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Biking Adventure Tour from Reno:
$102
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Truckee River Rafting Tour from Reno:
$132
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Winter Horseback Riding Adventure from Reno:
$206
-
ATV & Snow Mobile Winter Adventures from Reno:
$290
-
ATV - Tours & Trap Shooting Combo Packages from Reno:
$394
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Hot Air Balloon & Snowmobile Adventure:
$616
Alcohol
While the amount that someone spends on alcohol while visiting Aspen may vary from person to person, on average a person spends $16 per day on alcoholic beverages.
Typically, people visiting Reno spend on average $10 on alcoholic beverages per person, per day.
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aspen and Reno, we can see that Aspen is more expensive. And not only is Reno much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Reno would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Reno 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 Reno.
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