A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Boca Raton vs. Boston for Attractions, Beaches, Families, and Food

Should you visit Boca Raton or Boston?

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 Boca Raton and Boston. 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.

Boca Raton

Boca Raton is a luxurious, posh, and outdoorsy coastal city. It's also known for scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Boston

Boston is a traditional, classic, and proud city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Boca Raton and Boston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Boca Raton or Boston?

You'll generally find more things to do in Boston than Boca Raton. Boston is bigger than Boca Raton, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Boston is better known for its museums, theatre productions, music, historical sights, christmas markets, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Boca Raton is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and shopping. Boston is more touristy than Boca Raton and is popular for its enthusiastic sports fans, influential history, beautiful parks, and world-class universities. Also, Boston is famous for The Freedom Trail. Boca Raton is well known for its golf courses, outdoor recreational activities, and safe atmosphere.

How is Boca Raton different from Boston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Boca Raton or Boston?

Boston is a world-class destination for its historical sights. Also, Boca Raton is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Boston has many famous sights for visitors. The city itself feels like a living museum. It is famous for Faneuil Hall, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabelle Stewart Gardner Museum, the USS Constitution, as well as the many sites along the Freedom Trail. There are also many museums on the campuses of the world renowned universities in the city.

Boca Raton offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. While most visitors focus on the beaches and outdoor activities in the area, there are also a surprising number of museums that you can visit. On a rainy day head to the Boca Raton Museum of Art or the Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum. Sports enthusiasts will like the Sports Immortals Museum and kids will want to check out the Children's Science Explorium.

Is Boca Raton or Boston Better for Theater?

Boston is great for its shows and theatre. However, Boca Raton is not a theatre destination.

Boston offers many theater and performance venues for visitors. The city has many historic, beautifully restored theaters where you can enjoy a show. Head to the theater district for some of the most famous venues.

Boca Raton is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Boca Raton or Boston? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Boca Raton and Boston both to be excellent destinations.

Boca Raton has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find a mix of local and international flavors with both casual and upscale dining available. Reservations are recommended, particularly on weekend nights. For the health-conscious, there's also a nice selection of healthy eateries to choose from.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Boston makes for a great culinary experience. There are many local dishes that utilize fresh caught seafood and comfort food flavors. The cuisine also takes advantage of the city's Italian and Irish populations. Famous local foods include New England Clam Chowder, lobster rolls, and baked beans. You'll find hearty sandwiches and filling meals that warm your soul.

Is Boca Raton or Boston Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is excellent in both Boca Raton and Boston.

Many people head to Boca Raton for the nightlife scene. You'll find plenty of upscale wine bars, cocktail bars, and live music venues that will keep you entertained late into the evening.

Boston has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city is known for its breweries, craft beer, and vibrant university neighborhoods. It also hosts regular outdoor movies and world class sporting events. The nightlife scene is varied, with some areas catering to the student population and other areas focused on the professional or sport-loving crowds.

Is Boca Raton or Boston Better for Music?

Boston is a good destination for its music scene. However, Boca Raton is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Boston. Popular music venues include Lizard Lounge, Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, and The Middle East.

Boca Raton is not a live music destination.

Is Boca Raton or Boston Better for Resorts?

Boca Raton is notable for its resorts. However, Boston is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Boca Raton to choose from. You'll find many luxury beachside resorts that offer all of the amenities, from access to golf course to family-friendly kids clubs.

Boston is not a resort destination.

Is Boca Raton or Boston Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Boca Raton is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Boston is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Boca Raton. Head to the "Aqua Zoo", which is just to the south of Boca Inlet to see stingrays, groupers, and moray eels. Red Reef Park offers excellent snorkeling as well.

Boston is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Boca Raton or Boston Better for Beaches?

Boca Raton is an unbeatable place for its beaches. However, Boston is a mediocre city for the beache.

Boca Raton offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. There's a two mile stretch of beautiful sandy beaches that are all monitored by lifeguards. The beaches offer all of the facilities that you might need such as picnic areas, restrooms, and showers. Many beaches are part of park land and some offer nice snorkeling. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Spanish River Park, Bark Park Dog Beach, Red Reef Beach, and South Beach Park.

You can check out the beach in Boston. There are a few urban beaches in the greater Boston area that you can explore on a nice day.

Is Boca Raton or Boston Better for its Old Town?

Boston is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Boca Raton does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Boston is revered around the world. Boston is famous for its Freedom Trail, which takes visitors around the city's rich history. The oldest parts of the city are known as Boston Proper and include the neighborhoods of Beacon Hill, Historic Downtown, the North End, and the West End.

Boca Raton does not have a historic old town.

Is Boca Raton or Boston Better for Hiking?

Boca Raton is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Boston is not a hiking destination.

Boca Raton offers some nice hiking trails. There's a surprising number of nature parks in the area that have hiking trails, nature walks, and beach paths that are fun to explore.

Boston is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Boca Raton or Boston?

Boca Raton is notable for shopping. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Boca Raton is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It's an upscale area, and you'll find no shortage of luxury shopping around town. Popular areas for shopping include Downtown Boca, Mizner Park, and the Town Center at Boca Raton.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Boston. Head to Back Bay for some of the best high end shops. There are luxury brands and boutique venues that sell local art or crafts.

Is Boca Raton or Boston Better for Christmas?

Boston is great for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Boca Raton does not offer Christmas activities.

Boston is a very popular destination during Christmas. Christmas comes to life in the city with its Christmas Trees, holiday shows, and festivals.

Boca Raton does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Boca Raton or Boston Better for Christmas Markets?

Boston is great for visiting Christmas markets. However, Boca Raton does not offer Christmas markets.

Boston offers plenty of Christmas markets. There are a number of European style Christmas markets that pop up during the holiday season around town.

Boca Raton does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Boca Raton or Boston Better for Families?

Boston is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Boca Raton is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Boston is very family-friendly. It's filled with history, but there are also many activities for kids who need a break from all of the historical stuff. Popular activities for all ages include the Museum of Science, the New England Aquarium, and exploring the waterfront, gardens, and parks around town.

Boca Raton is a very family-friendly place to visit. It's an upscale area with a family-friendly atmosphere and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Many of the hotels have kids clubs that will keep the young ones entertained. The area also has nature centers, children's museums, and waterparks that will ensure everyone stays entertained.

Is Boca Raton or Boston Better for Couples?

Boca Raton is notable for romance. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Boca Raton is a very popular place to visit for couples. There's an upscale vibe with plenty of nature trails and nice beaches. Many of the hotels offer a touch of luxury that honeymooning couples will appreciate. You can also head to the downtown area for music, events, and museums.

Boston makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy history will enjoy exploring the city. Take a swan boat ride in the Public Garden and wander the unique route along the Freedom Trail. There are also many sporting and entertainment options around town.

Is Boca Raton or Boston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Boston is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Boca Raton is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Boston. Like most larger American cities, the city has a handful of hostels to choose from.

Boca Raton is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's known for its upscale luxury, and you won't find much in the form of hostels or backpacker-friendly accommodation.

Is Boca Raton or Boston Better for Students?

Boston is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Boca Raton is not popular with students.

Boston is a very popular place to visit for students. It is a city of students, with a number of world renowned universities located here including Harvard University, Boston College, and MIT. Many neighborhoods are filled with students and there are many student-centered activities around town including festivals and an active nightlife scene.

Boca Raton is not popular with students.

Is Boca Raton or Boston Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Boston is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Boca Raton is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Boston can get you around easily. There's the T, which is the subway, as well as a trolley, bus, and water transportation system.

Boca Raton has a few public transit options. The Downtowner is a fleet of free, oversized golf cars that shuttle visitors around town, passing by many top sites such as Mizner Park, Red Reef Park, and the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. There's also a public bus system, Palm Tran, that offers service around town.

Is Boca Raton or Boston a more walkable city?

Boston is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Boca Raton is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its walkability.

Boston is a very easy city to get around on foot. The many parks and compact neighborhoods are best explored on foot.

Boca Raton is somewhat walkable. There are some communities within the city that are more walkable than others, particularly East Boca Raton, Royal Palm Place, and Mizner Park. There are also many pedestrian and bike paths around town. Even so, you really must have a car to explore the area in depth.

For even more information, also check out Is Boca Raton Worth Visiting? and Is Boston Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Boston or Boca Raton?

How long in Boca Raton or Boston?

In either Boca Raton or Boston, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Boston has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Boston than Boca Raton. However, 3-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Boston than Boca Raton 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 Boston.

One day in Boca Raton or Boston?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Boca Raton. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

When visiting Boston, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Boca Raton or Boston?

Boca Raton is a great place to explore. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

When visiting Boston, people usually allow for lots of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Boca Raton or Boston?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Boca Raton. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Boston, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Boca Raton or Boston?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the posh destination of Boca Raton. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Boston is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Boca Raton and Boston, we can see that Boca Raton is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Boca Raton or Boston?

Boston has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Boca Raton. When comparing the sizes of Boca Raton and Boston, 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.

When is the best time to visit Boca Raton or Boston?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Boston in the Summer?

Both Boston and Boca Raton during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Boca Raton because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Boston this time of year.

In the summer, Boca Raton is a little warmer than Boston. Typically, the summer temperatures in Boca Raton in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Boston averages at about 73°F (23°C).

In Boston, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Boca Raton. In the summer, Boca Raton often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Boston. Boca Raton gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 304 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Boca Raton. Boca Raton usually gets more rain in July than Boston. Boca Raton gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Boston in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Boca Raton and Boston. The hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Boca Raton this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Boston for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Boca Raton is generally much warmer than Boston. Daily temperatures in Boca Raton average around 78°F (25°C), and Boston fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

In Boca Raton, it's very sunny this time of the year. Boca Raton usually receives more sunshine than Boston during autumn. Boca Raton gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Boca Raton gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Boca Raton usually receives more rain than Boston. Boca Raton gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Boca Raton.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Boston in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Boca Raton as well as Boston. Many travelers come to Boca Raton for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Boston in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Boston can get quite cold in the winter. Boca Raton is much warmer than Boston in the winter. The daily temperature in Boca Raton averages around 65°F (19°C) in January, and Boston fluctuates around 29°F (-2°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Boca Raton this time of the year. In the winter, Boca Raton often gets more sunshine than Boston. Boca Raton gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 153 hours of full sun.

Boca Raton usually gets less rain in January than Boston. Boca Raton gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Boston in the Spring?

Both Boston and Boca Raton are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Boca Raton in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Boston for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Boca Raton is much warmer than Boston. Typically, the spring temperatures in Boca Raton in April average around 74°F (23°C), and Boston averages at about 48°F (9°C).

It's quite sunny in Boston. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Boca Raton. Boca Raton usually receives more sunshine than Boston during spring. Boca Raton gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Boca Raton usually receives around the same amount of rain as Boston. Boca Raton gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Boca Raton is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Boston and Boca Raton