Should you visit Aspen or Sun Valley?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel cost comparison between Aspen and Sun Valley 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.
Sun Valley
Sun Valley is a beautiful resort city in the Wood River Valley area of Idaho, most famous for becoming a snowy wonderland every winter. The area was actually named the 2nd best ski resort by Ski Magazine and was a favorite place of escape for Ernest Hemingway. Whether you visit in winter or summer, you're always met with beautiful scenery that's perfect for exploring. The best time of year for winter activities is December-March, while June-August is best for hiking and exploring the area.
Which city is cheaper, Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley is $147. 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 Sun Valley 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.
Accommodation prices vary by location and style, but travelers pay on average about $152 for a double occupancy room in Sun Valley.
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.
Food in Sun Valley costs travelers about $38 per day on average. Restaurants can vary significantly in price, so choose wisely if you're trying to save money. Fast food and street stalls are typically your cheapest options, which sit down restaurants can be significantly more expensive.
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Food
Meals for one day
Aspen $68
Sun Valley $38
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.
The cost of a taxi ride in Sun Valley is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $49 per person, per day, on local transportation in Sun Valley.
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aspen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aspen:
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Aspen hotel or address to Denver Airport (DEN) - Departure Private Transfer:
$796
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Private Arrival Transfer from Aspen Airport (ASE):
$36
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Private Departure Transfer to Aspen Airport (ASE):
$36
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Private Eagle County Regional Airport Transfer to Aspen:
$400
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Private Transfer: Aspen to Denver International Airport (DEN):
$1,321
Is it cheaper to fly into Aspen or Sun Valley?
Prices for flights to both Sun Valley 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.
Entertainment and activities in Sun Valley typically cost an average of $33 per person, per day. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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
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Aspen's Past to Present Historic Tour:
$40
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Glimpse of Aspen Tour:
$40
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.
While the amount that someone spends on alcohol while visiting Sun Valley may vary from person to person, on average a person spends $39 per day on alcoholic beverages.
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aspen and Sun Valley, we can see that Aspen is more expensive. And not only is Sun Valley much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sun Valley would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley.
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