A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Boca Raton vs. Flagstaff for Hiking, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Boca Raton or Flagstaff?

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 Flagstaff. 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 outdoorsy, relaxed, and luxurious coastal city. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Flagstaff

Flagstaff is a adventurous , picturesque, and active city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping.

Boca Raton and Flagstaff: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less hiking options
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Boca Raton or Flagstaff?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Boca Raton than Flagstaff. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Boca Raton is very popular for its museums & sights, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Flagstaff attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Flagstaff is more touristy than Boca Raton and is popular for its nearby craters and volcanic caves as well as its location along the historic Route 66. Boca Raton is famous for its golf courses, outdoor recreational activities, and safe atmosphere. It is also well known for Red Reef Park.

How is Boca Raton different from Flagstaff?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Flagstaff 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 Flagstaff?

Boca Raton
Flagstaff

Boca Raton is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Flagstaff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Boca Raton. 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.

Flagstaff is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Lowell Observatory is a highlight for many visitors, especially those who are fascinated by space. There's also the Museum of Northern Arizona, the Pioneer Museum, and Fort Tuthill Military History Museum.


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

Boca Raton
Flagstaff

Foodies will find both Boca Raton and Flagstaff both to be very good 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, Flagstaff makes for a great culinary experience. The food scene is diverse and growing. There's a focus on local recipes and ingredients. You'll also find many casual and family-friendly restaurants. American cuisine is common, but you'll also find burritos, Indian curries, and frittatas.

Is Boca Raton or Flagstaff Better for Nightlife?

Boca Raton
Flagstaff

Boca Raton is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Flagstaff is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Boca Raton is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. You'll find plenty of upscale wine bars, cocktail bars, and live music venues that will keep you entertained late into the evening.

If you're looking for night time activities Flagstaff has a few options to choose from. You'll find a range of bars and cocktail lounges around town that come to life in the evening hours.

Is Boca Raton or Flagstaff Better for Resorts?

Boca Raton
Flagstaff

Boca Raton is well known for its resorts. However, Flagstaff is not a resort destination.

In Boca Raton, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. You'll find many luxury beachside resorts that offer all of the amenities, from access to golf course to family-friendly kids clubs.

Flagstaff is not a resort destination.


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

Boca Raton
Flagstaff

Boca Raton is a coastal city with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Flagstaff is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life 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.

Flagstaff is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Boca Raton or Flagstaff Better for Beaches?

Boca Raton
Flagstaff

Boca Raton is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Flagstaff is not a beach destination.

Boca Raton is considered to be a world-class beach destination. 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.

Flagstaff is not a beach destination.

Is Boca Raton or Flagstaff Better for Hiking?

Boca Raton
Flagstaff

Flagstaff is a world-class destination for hiking. Also, Boca Raton is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for the nearby hiking options.

Flagstaff is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Nearby you'll find world class hikes through surreal landscapes and diverse environments. The area is filled with desert landscapes and varied rock formations that are best explored on foot. Trails range in length and skill level, but whatever your ability, the hiking in the area is among the best.

Boca Raton is a good destination for hiking. 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.


Is the Shopping Better in Boca Raton or Flagstaff?

Boca Raton
Flagstaff

Boca Raton is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Flagstaff is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Boca Raton. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Flagstaff. Located along historic Route 66, you'll find many shops that capture the city's history, particularly in the Southside Historic District. The town also has farmer's markets as well as shopping centers and large malls.

Is Boca Raton or Flagstaff Better for Families?

Boca Raton
Flagstaff

Both Boca Raton and Flagstaff are very good family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Boca Raton. 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.

Flagstaff is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city is filled with outdoor activities for kids like ropes courses and adventure parks. Kids will also enjoy climbing around the Lava River Cave, visiting Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, or hiking through the many diverse landscapes in the area. There are also museums that educate visitors on the city's history as well as Lowell Observatory, which will intrigue all the space enthusiasts among us.

Is Boca Raton or Flagstaff Better for Couples?

Boca Raton
Flagstaff

Boca Raton is well known for couples. Also, Flagstaff is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Boca Raton frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Flagstaff is a nice destination for couples. Hiking and outdoor adventure sports make this city a good destination for couples who enjoy active living. There are many parks that you can visit as well as hiking trails and unique natural settings.


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

Boca Raton
Flagstaff

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

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Flagstaff. There are campgrounds nearby as well as tons of nature parks and countless hiking trails in the area.

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 Flagstaff Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Boca Raton
Flagstaff

Boca Raton is a coastal city with good options for its public transit. However, Flagstaff is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Boca Raton, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Flagstaff. The Mountain Line offers eight routes through town.

Is Boca Raton or Flagstaff a more walkable city?

Boca Raton
Flagstaff

Boca Raton and Flagstaff are nice when it comes to walkability.

Boca Raton is a somewhat walkable coastal city. 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.

Flagstaff is somewhat walkable. The downtown is compact and walkable, but you'll really want to have a car to explore the nearby hiking trails and natural areas.


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

Should I spend more time in Flagstaff or Boca Raton?

How long in Boca Raton or Flagstaff?

It's fun to spend time in either Boca Raton or Flagstaff. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Boca Raton due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Boca Raton, and 2-4 days is enough time in Flagstaff.

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

Couples should spend more time in Boca Raton than Flagstaff. 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 Boca Raton than Flagstaff 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 Boca Raton.


  • How many days in Boca Raton or Flagstaff? Ideal Length of Stay
    Boca Raton 3-5 
    Flagstaff 2-4

One day in Boca Raton or Flagstaff?

You'll find nightlife and food around the coastal city of Boca Raton. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the adventurous city of Flagstaff, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. 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.

A weekend in Boca Raton or Flagstaff?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the outdoorsy destination of Boca Raton. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Flagstaff, 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. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Boca Raton or Flagstaff?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the luxurious coastal city of Boca Raton. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer.

Flagstaff, a popular city, 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.


A week in Boca Raton or Flagstaff?

Boca Raton is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Flagstaff is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.


Which place is cheaper, Flagstaff or Boca Raton?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Boca Raton is $283, while the average daily cost in Flagstaff is $166. 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Boca Raton and Flagstaff in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Boca Raton $171
    Flagstaff $86
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Boca Raton $342
    Flagstaff $172
Compare Hotels in Boca Raton and Flagstaff

Looking for a hotel in Boca Raton or Flagstaff? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Boca Raton


Hotels in Flagstaff


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Boca Raton Hotel Prices and Flagstaff Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Boca Raton $76
    Flagstaff $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Boca Raton

Also for Boca Raton, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Delray Beach Transfer and Fort Lauderdale Airport: $84
  • Boca Raton to Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL)- Departure Private Transfer: $54
  • Boca Raton to Miami Airport (MIA) - Departure Private Transfer: $45
  • Boynton Beach to Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) - Departure Private Transfer: $42
  • Boynton Beach to Miami Airport (MIA) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
  • Delray Beach to Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) - Departure Private Transfer: $41
  • Delray Beach to Miami Airport (MIA) - Departure Private Transfer: $51
  • Private Transfer from West Palm Beach to (FLL) Airport: $115

Is it cheaper to fly into Boca Raton or Flagstaff?

Prices for flights to both Flagstaff and Boca Raton 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.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Boca Raton $67
    Flagstaff $55

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Boca Raton

For Boca Raton, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Delray Beach Dinner & Drinks Tour: $109

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Boca Raton $28
    Flagstaff $28

Tours and Activities in Boca Raton

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Boca Raton.

  • Boca Raton Bash Amazing Race & Tour: $24
  • Boomers Park Admission Tickets: $50
  • Delray Beach Food & Drinks Tour: $104
  • Boca Raton on High Speed Train with Millionaire Home Boat Tour: $150
  • Boca Raton on High Speed Train with Millionaire Home Boat Tour: $160
  • Boca Raton-Delray Beach 1-Hour Private Jet Ski Guided Tour: $165
  • Private Jet Ski Tour with Optional Snorkeling: $200
  • 23ft Boat Tour with Snorkeling/Tubing/Island: $400

Tours and Activities in Flagstaff

Here are a few actual costs in Flagstaff for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2 Hours Private E-Bike Tours In Northern Arizona: $75
  • Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Day Tour from Flagstaff: $299
  • Arizona: Grand Canyon National Park Tour with Lunch & Pickup: $245
  • Comprehensive Grand Canyon Tour from Flagstaff w/Lunch: $208
  • Downtown Flagstaff Haunted History Tour: $28
  • Downtown Flagstaff Haunted History Walking Tour: $28
  • Family-Friendly Ghost Walking Tour in Flagstaff: $25
  • Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course-Adult Course: $65
  • Flagstaff Ghosts Tour By Us Ghost Adventures: $23
  • Flagstaff Route 66 Electric Bike Guided Tour 2 HR: $85
  • Flagstaff Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Flagstaff Segway Tour: $129

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Boca Raton $40
    Flagstaff $29

Sample the Local Flavors in Flagstaff

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Flagstaff:

  • Spirits With The Spirits, Haunted Pub Crawl Of Downtown Flagstaff: $50
  • Spirits With The Spirits, Haunted Pub Crawl: $50


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

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 Flagstaff Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Boca Raton or Flagstaff?

Boca Raton has a larger population, and is about 40% larger than the population of Flagstaff. When comparing the sizes of Boca Raton and Flagstaff, 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.