A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Boone vs. Galveston for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Boone or Galveston?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Boone and Galveston can help you decide which place is right for you.

Boone

Boone is a picturesque, charming, and relaxing town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Galveston

Galveston is a coastal, historic, and charming town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Boone and Galveston: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Blue Ridge Parkway
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Boone or Galveston?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Boone. Although Boone and Galveston are both popular with visitors, Boone has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Boone is more popular for its skiing, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Galveston is known for its museums, beaches, and historical sights. Boone is popular for its proximity to great hiking, skiing, and small town charm. It is also home to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Galveston is popular for its long history that is centered around the shipping industry and hurricanes.

How is Boone different from Galveston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Boone or Galveston Better for Skiing?

Boone
Galveston

Boone is great for skiing. However, Galveston is not a skiing destination.

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Boone. It's a very popular ski destination in North Carolina. There are family-friendly slopes as well as more challenging options. Head to the popular Appalachian Ski Mountain, nearby Beech Mountain, or Sugar Mountain for some of the area's best skiing.

Galveston is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Boone or Galveston?

Boone
Galveston

Galveston is a great town for its historical sights. Also, Boone is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Galveston specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. With its long history and Victorian homes, there are a number of museums around town. A favorite mansion is the 1892 Bishop's Palace. There's also the Galveston Railroad Museum and the Galveston Arts Center.

Boone is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Most people spend the majority of their time exploring the natural beauty, but there are also several small local museums such as the Banner House Museum.

Is the Food Better in Boone or Galveston? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Boone
Galveston

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Boone and Galveston can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

Boone is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find farm to table restaurants, local cafes, and all of the standard chain restaurants nearby. Check for a High Country Grown certification if you want to prioritize locally sourced ingredients.

Galveston offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There's a great mix of seafood and Texas favorites. Seafood-lovers will enjoy the oysters, crab cakes, and po boys while land-lovers will like the brisket, Tex Mex, and Texas chili.

Is Boone or Galveston Better for Nightlife?

Boone
Galveston

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find very good options in both Boone and Galveston.

The nightlife in Boone has something for everybody. It's a small town, but there are local breweries and a great nightlife scene that is, in large part, influenced by the large student population.

Galveston offers plenty to do in the evening. There's a bit of a party town vibe in the evenings. Head to Pleasure Pier for rides and entertainment. The town also has taverns, lounges, and bars that you can check out.


Is Boone or Galveston Better for Beaches?

Boone
Galveston

Galveston is very good for the beach. However, Boone is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Galveston to enjoy the beach. There are miles of beaches that spread out from town. Some of the best include Babe's Beach, Stewart Beach, and Crystal Beach. Because of the proximity to the Mississippi River, the water can be a bit murky, but the beaches are still fun.

Boone is not a beach destination.

Is Boone or Galveston Better for its Old Town?

Boone
Galveston

Galveston is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Boone does not have a historic old town.

Galveston has an old town worth visiting. The East End Historic District is filled with historic mansions with beautiful porches. It's possible to take a tour or you could explore independently.

Boone does not have a historic old town.

Is Boone or Galveston Better for Hiking?

Boone
Galveston

Boone is great for hiking. However, Galveston is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Boone for the hiking trails. The area is filled with wonderful hikes, particularly around Grandfather Mountain and along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The famed Appalachian Trail passes through the area as well. Many hikes take you through beautiful forests, passed dramatic waterfalls, and to breathtaking viewpoints.

Galveston is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Boone or Galveston?

Boone
Galveston

Boone is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, Galveston is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its shopping areas.

Boone is well-known for its shopping. Wander along King Street for some of the town's best shopping. There are independent vendors and antique shops that are fun to pop into. The town is also known for its farmer's markets.

Many visitors go to Galveston to go shopping. There are plenty of places to pick up souvenirs like shell jewelry or t-shirts. There are also more eclectic shops as well as shopping centers and malls.

Is Boone or Galveston Better for Families?

Boone
Galveston

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Boone or Galveston.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Boone. Near town you'll find kid-friendly hikes, such as Linville Falls. There are also several places where kids can go ziplining or rock climbing. Parks and outdoor activities are abundant and the whole family will enjoy the setting.

Galveston is a very family-friendly place to visit. Head to Pier 21 where you'll find museums, harbor tours, and other kid-friendly activities. The city also offers a number of pirate-themed activities that kids enjoy as well as spooky ghost tours. For a bit of a thrill you can check out the rides at Galveston Pleasure Pier. And, of course, there are the beaches.

Is Boone or Galveston Better for Couples?

Boone
Galveston

Both Boone and Galveston are very good destinations to visit as a couple.

Boone is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. The charming town has a romantic setting with local restaurants, beautiful hikes, and plenty of shopping. Couples enjoy staying at bed and breakfasts and enjoying the quaint atmosphere.

Galveston is a very popular place to visit for couples. The Historic District is the perfect place to enjoy a nice meal and soak up the charm. The area's beaches and parks also offer a bit of romance and there are plenty of outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, or swimming.


Is Boone or Galveston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Boone
Galveston

Boone is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Galveston is not a good destination for backpackers.

Boone is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While there aren't many hostels in the area, there are plenty of campgrounds. The nearby Appalachian State University also ensures that there are plenty of fun activities for young visitors.

Galveston is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The beaches are great, but most backpackers don't think to visit Galveston.

Is Boone or Galveston Better for Students?

Boone
Galveston

Boone is an amazing town to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Galveston is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Boone. This mountain town offers a great setting for students who enjoy hiking and skiing. Appalachian State University is a fun college with plenty of activities going on.

Galveston is not popular with students.

Is Boone or Galveston Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Boone
Galveston

Boone and Galveston both offer decent public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Boone. You really need a car to make the most of your time.

Public transit is generally limited in Galveston. While there are buses and trolley buses, a car is the best way to get around with the greatest flexibility and convenience.


Is Boone or Galveston a more walkable city?

Boone
Galveston

Boone is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Galveston is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its ease of walking around.

Boone is a very walkable town. Head to King Street for the best shopping and the most pedestrian-friendly part of town.

Galveston is a somewhat walkable town. There are some walkable areas such as the Historic District.

For even more information, also check out Is Boone Worth Visiting? and Is Galveston Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Galveston or Boone?

How long in Boone or Galveston?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Boone and Galveston. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Boone than in Galveston. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Boone, and 1-3 days is enough time in Galveston.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Boone than Galveston 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 Boone.


  • How many days in Boone or Galveston? Ideal Length of Stay
    Boone 2-4 
    Galveston 1-3

One day in Boone or Galveston?

Even though Boone is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.

In Galveston, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this charming destination offers. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Boone or Galveston?

Boone is a small town where visitors enjoy the nightlife and food. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Galveston. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


Five days in Boone or Galveston?

Boone is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Galveston is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Galveston. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Boone or Galveston?

Boone is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Galveston. 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 Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Galveston or Boone?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Boone is $173, while the average daily cost in Galveston is $183. 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 Boone and Galveston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Boone $91
    Galveston $81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Boone $182
    Galveston $162
Compare Hotels in Boone and Galveston

Looking for a hotel in Boone or Galveston? 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 Boone


Hotels in Galveston


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: Boone Hotel Prices and Galveston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Boone $33
    Galveston $35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Galveston

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

  • Privat Transfer from Galveston Port to Houston Airport (IAH): $193
  • Galveston Port to George Bush Airport Private Departure Transfer: $193
  • Galveston to Houston George Bush Airport (IAH) Private Transfer: $193
  • Galveston Port to William Hobby Airport Departure Transfer: $168
  • Private Departure Transfer from Galveston Port to HOU Airport: $168
  • Private Departure Transfer from Galveston to HOU Airport: $168

Is it cheaper to fly into Boone or Galveston?

Prices for flights to both Galveston and Boone 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
    Boone $53
    Galveston $52
Typical Food Prices in Boone

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Boone:


  • Restaurant Lunch for 2
    $20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Galveston

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

  • Taste of the Strand Food Tour on Galveston Island: $105

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Boone $53
    Galveston $15

Tours and Activities in Galveston

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

  • 2 Hours Private Cemeteries of Galveston Walking Tour: $180
  • Al's Authentic Paranormal Excursion Tour: $16
  • Authentic Galveston Ghost City Tour: $25
  • Baywatch Dolphin Tour : $25
  • Baywatch Galveston Island Bus Tours: $25
  • Dark Side and Cemeteries of Galveston – Walking Tour: $352
  • Demo and Reno Galveston Reconstructed Private Tour: $85
  • Dolphin Sightseeing Tour with Guide: $34
  • Galveston Cemetery Private Tour: $85
  • Galveston Cemetery Tour with Ghost Hunting Equipment: $20
  • Galveston Dark of the Moon Ghost Tour with Red Light District: $20
  • Galveston Dark of the Moon Tour: $999

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Boone $26
    Galveston $37

Sample the Local Flavors in Galveston

Also in Galveston, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Galveston Island Brewing Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting : $10
  • Historical Walking Tour and Pub Crawl: $20
  • Experience Best the Happy Hour Pub Crawl Tour in Galveston: $20
  • Happy Hour Pub Crawl: $25
  • Galveston's Best Pub Crawl: $25
  • Galveston Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
  • Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
  • Texas Tail Distillery Behind-the-Scenes Tour with Tasting: $45


When comparing the travel costs between Boone and Galveston, we can see that Galveston 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 Boone Expensive? and Is Galveston Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Boone or Galveston?

Galveston has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Boone. When comparing the sizes of Boone and Galveston, 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.