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

Should you visit Boca Raton or Reno?

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 Reno. 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 posh, outdoorsy, and relaxed coastal city. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Reno

Reno is a energetic, growing, and vibrant city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Boca Raton and Reno: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance


Is there more to do in Boca Raton or Reno?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Boca Raton than Reno. While Reno is larger than Boca Raton, Boca Raton has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Boca Raton is famous for its golf courses, outdoor recreational activities, and safe atmosphere. It is also well known for Red Reef Park. Reno is famous for its casinos and nightlife scene.

How is Boca Raton different from Reno?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Boca Raton
Reno

Boca Raton is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Reno is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Reno is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Museums in town range from art and history to local or quirky. The National Automobile Museum, the Nevada Museum of Art, Fleischmann Planetarium, and the Anthropology Museum are some of the favorites.


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

Boca Raton
Reno

Boca Raton is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Reno is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Reno offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The food scene has been growing in recent years and you'll find plenty of casual restaurants that serve hearty and filling comfort foods.

Is Boca Raton or Reno Better for Nightlife?

Boca Raton
Reno

The vibe at night is superb in both Boca Raton and Reno.

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.

Reno has plenty to do after the sun goes down. There's a big nightlife scene with a huge number of bars and entertainment options. There are also a growing number of breweries in town.

Is Boca Raton or Reno Better for Resorts?

Boca Raton
Reno

Boca Raton is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Reno is not a resort destination.

Boca Raton is known as a popular and fun resort destination. You'll find many luxury beachside resorts that offer all of the amenities, from access to golf course to family-friendly kids clubs.

Reno is not a resort destination.


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

Boca Raton
Reno

Boca Raton is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Reno is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Boca Raton has a few good snorkeling spots. 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.

Reno is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Boca Raton or Reno Better for Beaches?

Boca Raton
Reno

Boca Raton is renowned for the beach. However, Reno is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Boca Raton. 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.

Reno is not a beach destination.

Is Boca Raton or Reno Better for Hiking?

Boca Raton
Reno

Boca Raton is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Reno is not a hiking destination.

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.

Reno is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Boca Raton or Reno?

Boca Raton
Reno

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Reno is a great destination for shopping. In addition to your standard suburban shopping malls and strip malls, there's the Midtown District, which has local retail shops and an eclectic and alternative vibe. The area has thrift shops, music vendors, and more.

Is Boca Raton or Reno Better for Families?

Boca Raton
Reno

Boca Raton is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Reno is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Reno. You'll find some arcades and entertainment options for kids in some of the casinos. There's also the Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum, which has kid-friendly, hands-on exhibits, and the largest zoo in Nevado, the Sierra Nevada Zoological Park.

Is Boca Raton or Reno Better for Couples?

Boca Raton
Reno

Boca Raton is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Reno is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Boca Raton makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Reno is a nice destination for couples. There are outdoor parks and scenic walks like the Truckee River Walk or the Rancho San Rafael Regional Park. There's also several great museums and some interesting restaurants.


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

Boca Raton
Reno

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

Boca Raton has some 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.

Public transit is generally limited in Reno. There's a public bus system with routes around town.

Is Boca Raton or Reno a more walkable city?

Boca Raton
Reno

Boca Raton is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Reno is lacking in options for its 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.

Reno is generally not very walkable. While there are some reasonably walkable neighborhoods, you really need a car to get around town.

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

Should I spend more time in Reno or Boca Raton?

How long in Boca Raton or Reno?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Boca Raton and Reno. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Boca Raton than in Reno. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Boca Raton, and 1-3 days is enough time in Reno.

Families should spend more time in Boca Raton than Reno. 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 Reno. 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 Reno 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 Reno? Ideal Length of Stay
    Boca Raton 3-5 
    Reno 1-3

One day in Boca Raton or Reno?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Boca Raton. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

With museums and nightlife around the vibrant city of Reno, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Reno, one day is sufficent for most.


A weekend in Boca Raton or Reno?

Boca Raton is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the beaches. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Reno, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Boca Raton or Reno?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the posh destination of Boca Raton. This coastal city offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Reno, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. 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 Reno?

The outdoorsy coastal city of Boca Raton offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Reno is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Reno 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 Reno is $144. 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 Reno in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Boca Raton $171
    Reno $55
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Boca Raton $342
    Reno $110
Compare Hotels in Boca Raton and Reno

Looking for a hotel in Boca Raton or Reno? 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 Reno


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 Reno Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Boca Raton $76
    Reno $23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Boca Raton

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

  • Private Transfer from West Palm Beach to (FLL) Airport: $115
  • Delray Beach to Miami Airport (MIA) - Departure Private Transfer: $49
  • Delray Beach to Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) - Departure Private Transfer: $40
  • Boynton Beach to Miami Airport (MIA) - Departure Private Transfer: $54
  • Boynton Beach to Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) - Departure Private Transfer: $40
  • Boca Raton to Miami Airport (MIA) - Departure Private Transfer: $44
  • Boca Raton to Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL)- Departure Private Transfer: $52
  • Boca Raton Private Transfer to FLL (UP TO 14 PASS): $80
  • Private Delray Beach Transfer and Fort Lauderdale Airport: $84

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Reno

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Reno:


  • Car Wash
    $5.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reno

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

  • Reno Tahoe Airport to Heavenly Mountain - Round-Trip Transfer: $218
  • Reno Tahoe Airport (RNO) to Mammoth Mountain: Arrival Transfer: $185
  • Reno Tahoe Airport to Northstar/Squaw Valley - Arrival Transfer: $163
  • Reno/Tahoe International Airport (RNO) to Reno – Round-Trip Private Transfer: $133
  • Reno Tahoe Airport (RNO) to Heavenly Mountain - Arrival Transfer: $109
  • Reno/Tahoe International Airport (RNO) to Reno – Private Arrival Transfer : $66
  • Reno to Reno/Tahoe International Airport (RNO) - Departure Private Transfer: $66

Is it cheaper to fly into Boca Raton or Reno?

Prices for flights to both Reno 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
    Reno $54

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

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
  • In-n-Out Burger (for 3)
    $19

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Boca Raton $28
    Reno $88

Tours and Activities in Boca Raton

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

  • Boca Raton on High Speed Train with Millionaire Home Boat Tour: $160
  • Boca Raton on High Speed Train with Millionaire Home Boat Tour: $150
  • Boca Raton-Delray Beach 1-Hour Private Jet Ski Guided Tour: $165
  • Delray Beach Food & Drinks Tour: $104

Tours and Activities in Reno

For Reno, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • ATV - Tours & Trap Shooting Combo Packages from Reno: $129
  • (18+) Private 30-Minute Axe Throwing Experience Ticket: $40
  • 45 Minutes Twinkle Tours in Reno: $130
  • Biking Adventure Tour from Reno: $102
  • Burning Man Art and Downtown Mural Private Tour: $65
  • Carson City Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Downtown Reno Tour: $55
  • Downtown Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Experience Raptors and Falconry in Reno: $125
  • From Reno Arch to Truckee River: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Historic Donner Party, Immigrant Trail and Lake Tahoe Photo Tour from Reno: $206
  • Horseback Riding Adventure from Reno: $279

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Boca Raton $40
    Reno $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Reno

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

  • 1 Hour Distillery Tour and Tasting Flight: $25
  • Brewery Tour: $130


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Boca Raton and Reno, we can see that Boca Raton 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 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 Reno.

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 Reno Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Boca Raton or Reno?

Reno has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Boca Raton. When comparing the sizes of Boca Raton and Reno, 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.