A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Boise vs. Park City Utah for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Boise or Park City Utah?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Boise or Park City Utah? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Boise

Boise is a authentic, friendly, and welcoming city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Park City Utah

Park City Utah is a high energy, adventurous, and active town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping.

Boise and Park City Utah: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Boise or Park City Utah?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Park City Utah. Although Boise and Park City Utah are popular destinations, Park City Utah has more sights and attractions for tourists. Park City Utah is very popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, resorts, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Boise attracts visitors for its museums. Park City Utah is more touristy than Boise and is known for the Sundance Film Festival and world-renowned skiing and snowboarding. It is also well known for Deer Valley Resort. Boise is famous for its many outdoor and recreational activities.

How is Boise different from Park City Utah?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Park City Utah and Boise. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Boise or Park City Utah Better for Skiing?

Boise
Park City Utah

Park City Utah is a must-visit destination for skiing and snowboarding. However, Boise is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Park City Utah should be on your list. Two ski resorts are nearby, Park City Mountain and Deer Valley Resort. Park City Mountain is the largest resort in the United States. There are 7,300 acres that include two different base areas, 41 lifts, and 6 terrain parks. There's ski-in ski-out access from the town's Main Street, and options for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Deer Valley Resort is a ritzy and upscale option that is more glamorous and high class.

Boise is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Boise or Park City Utah?

Boise
Park City Utah

Boise is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Park City Utah is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Boise. As the state capital, there's a nice selection of local museums around town. Favorites include the Boise Art Museum, the Basque Museum & Cultural Center, the Idaho Black History Museum, and Discovery Center.

Park City Utah offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of museums and some nice art galleries in town. There are also museums at Olympic Park.

Is the Food Better in Boise or Park City Utah? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Boise
Park City Utah

Park City Utah is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Boise is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Park City Utah has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Park City has a wonderful food scene with many award-winning restaurants. Many restaurants offer fine dining experiences and even the more casual options are high priced with high quality dishes. You'll also find many great breakfast restaurants and cafes so you can start your day off with a filling meal.

Boise offers some easy restaurants to choose from. While Idaho has long been associated with the potato, the locals usually think of "finger steaks" when describing local food. These are deep-friend beef strips that are as good as they sound.

Is Boise or Park City Utah Better for Nightlife?

Boise
Park City Utah

Park City Utah is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Boise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Park City Utah is a world class party destination. After a day on the slopes, you'll return to a vibrant nightlife scene with bars and live music. Most of the action is concentrated around Main Street and it's easy to walk to most venues, even when the weather is cold and snowy.

Boise has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. In downtown Boise you'll find a selection of bars, lounges, and breweries. There's enough around town to keep the nightlife scene interesting.


Is Boise or Park City Utah Better for Resorts?

Boise
Park City Utah

Park City Utah is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Boise is not a resort destination.

Park City Utah is known as a popular and fun resort destination. You'll find most of the major chains as well as smaller and more personal hotels. Many hotels have hot tubs and pools, and many offer easy access to the ski gondola.

Boise is not a resort destination.

Is Boise or Park City Utah Better for Hiking?

Boise
Park City Utah

Park City Utah is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Boise is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Park City Utah. If you're visiting during a warmer month, hiking is a great way to experience the area's beauty. There are more than 350 miles of hiking trails that pass through forests, canyons, creeks, and mountain ridges. You'll find options for every skill level and regardless of the hike you choose, it's sure to take your breath away.

Boise is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Boise or Park City Utah?

Boise
Park City Utah

Park City Utah is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Boise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Park City Utah. Wander down the historic Main Street and enjoy shopping at the many quaint vendors and art galleries. There are also outlet malls in town.

Boise is a great destination for shopping. You'll find a mix of local boutiques, independent vendors, and suburban shopping centers where you'll find anything that you might need.


Is Boise or Park City Utah Better for Families?

Boise
Park City Utah

Park City Utah is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. However, Boise is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Park City Utah is a very family-friendly destination. There is kid-family skiing, ziplining, and alpine coasters. The free museums at Olympic Park are fun to explore as well and are filled with memorabilia from the 2002 Olympics. Additionally, there are kid-friendly restaurants and playgrounds where the little ones can run around.

Boise doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. You'll find parks, playgrounds, and the Discovery Center which will help keep kids entertained.

Is Boise or Park City Utah Better for Couples?

Boise
Park City Utah

Park City Utah is a must-visit destination for couples. However, Boise is lacking in options for romance.

Park City Utah makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, you can enjoy the area's many great restaurants and beautiful hikes. There are romantic hotels as well as sleigh rides and evening walks that will make this an unforgettable destination.

Boise is not the best destination for a couple to visit. Date night activities include dining at a nice restaurants and seeing a show at the theater.

Is Boise or Park City Utah Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Boise
Park City Utah

Park City Utah is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Boise is lacking in options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Park City Utah. Although the town is notoriously expensive, there is a hostel in town that appeals to backpackers.

Boise is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. Backpackers rarely make their way to this town.


Is Boise or Park City Utah Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Boise
Park City Utah

Park City Utah is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Boise is lacking in options for its public transit.

Park City Utah offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are 13 free bus routes as well as seasonal transportation providers.

Public transit is generally limited in Boise. There are infrequent buses around town, but visitors usually have a car to get around town efficiently.

Is Boise or Park City Utah a more walkable city?

Boise
Park City Utah

Park City Utah is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. However, Boise is lacking in options for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Park City Utah. It's a very walkable town and is easy to explore on foot.

Boise is generally not very walkable. There are a couple of walkable neighborhoods but, in general, the town isn't very walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Boise Worth Visiting? and Is Park City Utah Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Park City Utah or Boise?

How long in Boise or Park City Utah?

In either Boise or Park City Utah, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Park City Utah than Boise because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Boise, and 3-5 days is enough time in Park City Utah.

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

Couples should spend more time in Park City Utah than Boise. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Park City Utah that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Park City Utah than Boise 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 Park City Utah.


  • How many days in Boise or Park City Utah? Ideal Length of Stay
    Boise 1-2 
    Park City Utah 3-5

One day in Boise or Park City Utah?

In Boise, you'll find nightlife and shopping. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Park City Utah, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this active destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.


A weekend in Boise or Park City Utah?

Boise is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Park City Utah. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Boise or Park City Utah?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Boise. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Park City Utah is a fun place to experience. In Park City Utah, many people enjoy the skiing and nightlife that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Boise or Park City Utah?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the city of Boise. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the high energy destination of Park City Utah. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Park City Utah or Boise?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Boise is $146, while the average daily cost in Park City Utah is $320. 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 Boise and Park City Utah in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Boise $75
    Park City Utah $202
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Boise $150
    Park City Utah $404
Compare Hotels in Boise and Park City Utah

Looking for a hotel in Boise or Park City Utah? 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 Boise


Hotels in Park City Utah


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: Boise Hotel Prices and Park City Utah Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Boise $34
    Park City Utah $72

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Boise

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

  • Boise Air Terminal Airport One Way Transfer : $80

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Park City Utah

Also for Park City Utah, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Park City Hotels to Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) - Departure Private Transfer: $90
  • Departure Transfer from Park City Ski Resort to Provo Airport PVU: $33
  • Canyons Village to Salt Lake Airport (SLC) - Departure Transfer: $114

Is it cheaper to fly into Boise or Park City Utah?

Prices for flights to both Park City Utah and Boise 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
    Boise $45
    Park City Utah $65
Typical Food Prices in Boise

For Boise, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Hotel
    $59
  • Cracker Barrel Lunch (for 4)
    $55

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Boise $30
    Park City Utah $68
Typical Entertainment Prices in Boise

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Boise's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Edwards Boise Imax
    $27

Tours and Activities in Boise

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

  • A Macabre History of Boise Walking Tour: $25
  • Boise Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • Boise Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $13
  • Boise Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $13
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game: $10
  • Hells Canyon Kirkwood Jet Boat Tour near Boise, Idaho: $218
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Boise by 3Quest Challenge: $10

Tours and Activities in Park City Utah

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Park City Utah.

  • 2 Hours Off Road Tour in Utah: $175
  • Guided Fly Fishing Experience in Park City: $260
  • Park City Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Privately Guided Snowshoe Experience: $108
  • Urban Art and Historical E-Bike Tour in Park City: $175

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Boise $24
    Park City Utah $46


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Boise Expensive? and Is Park City Utah Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Boise or Park City Utah?

Boise has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Park City Utah. When comparing the sizes of Boise and Park City Utah, 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.