Should you visit Boston or Denver?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the prices of travel for Boston and Denver. 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. So, let's dig into it.
Boston
Boston is one of the oldest and most historic cities in New England. It is also the capital of the state of Massachusetts and the largest city in the region. The city proper covers 48 square miles and has a population of more than 600,000. The Greater Boston area has 4.5 million people and is the tenth largest metropolitan area in the country.
Denver
The capital of Colorado, Denver is commonly referred to as "The Mile-High City" because it is at an elevation of 5,280 feet (1,600 meters) above sea level. It also sits where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains, giving a beautiful backdrop for this metropolitan city. The city is the largest in the Rocky Mountains with a population of more than 600,000 and nearly 3 million in the metropolitan area. Denver is a cosmopolitan city with cowboy roots. It's cultural scene is thriving, and the outdoor recreation in the area is superb. Denver is a rapidly growing city but with change comes challenges. Urban sprawl is a problem and the city's infrastructure has reached its limits. Still, efforts are in place to maintain the character and personality that Denver is known for.
Which city is cheaper, Denver or Boston?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Boston is $203, while the average daily cost in Denver is $174. 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 city. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Boston and Denver in more detail.
Accommodation
Accommodation prices vary by location and style, but travelers pay on average about $264 for a double occupancy room in Boston.
A hotel room in Denver is about $138 This assumes double occupancy and modest accommodations.
Food
In Boston travelers spend around $40 a day on food. You can save money by choosing casual restaurants or food stalls, or you can spend plenty more by dining in nicer restaurants at every meal.
The price of a meal in Denver can vary widely. However, the average price for food per day is $34 per person, and a typical meal will cost around $14 based on the spending of previous visitors. Less expensive dining options can be found by eating street food or at fast food restaurants.
-
Food
Meals for one day
Boston $40
Denver $34
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Boston
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Boston.
-
Boston North End Pizza Tour:
$49
-
Historic Taverns and Pizza Tour:
$49
-
Boston's North End "Little Italy" Pizza, Cannoli, and Freedom Trail Walking Tour:
$49
-
Haunted Pizza Tour:
$66
-
Italian Food Tour with Pizza, Meats, Cheese, & Bread:
$69
-
Boston's North End Small-Group Walking Food Tour:
$71
-
Fenway Neighborhood Food Tour (Boston):
$79
-
Boston Buffet Dinner Cruise:
$99
-
Private Tour: Secret Food Tours Boston North End:
$103
-
Spirit of Boston Sunset Dinner Cruise with Buffet:
$105
-
Boston Dinner Cruise On The Odyssey:
$111
-
Boston Odyssey Dinner Cruise:
$118
Typical Food prices in Denver
Some typical examples of dining costs in Denver are as follows:
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Denver
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Denver.
-
Small-Group Food Tour in Denver:
$69
-
Haunted Denver Walking Food Tour:
$73
-
The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Denver:
$77
-
Walking Food Tour - Best of Union Station & LoDo:
$79
-
Denver Cooking Classes-Local, seasonal, and hands on menus:
$97
Local Transportation
The cost of a taxi ride in Boston is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $28 per person, per day, on local transportation in Boston.
The average price of local transportation around Denver is $81 per person, per day. As this average includes both taxis and public transport, keep in mind that the prices of private drivers and taxis are significantly more expensive than public transportation.
Typical Local Transportation prices in Boston
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Boston are as follows:
-
Taxi
$35
-
Subway Daily Pass
$9.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Boston
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Boston:
-
Private Arrival Transfer from Boston Airport BOS:
$28
-
Private Departure Transfer to Boston Airport BOS:
$28
-
Boston Airport Shared Transfer Service:
$29
-
Shared Arrival Transfer: Boston Airport to Hotel:
$30
-
Shared Departure Transfer: Hotel to Boston Airport:
$30
-
Airport Transfer by Private Car Service:
$55
-
Private Arrival Transfer Boston Airport to Boston City:
$60
-
Private Departure Transfer from Boston City to Boston Airport:
$60
-
Private Airport Transfer: Logan International Airport (BOS) to Boston:
$64
-
Arrival Private Transfer Boston Airport BOS to Boston Business or Luxury Vehicle:
$67
-
Departure Private Transfer Boston to Boston Airport BOS Business-Luxury Vehicle:
$67
-
Transfer in private vehicle from Boston City Downtown to Boston Airport (BOS):
$69
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Denver
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Denver:
-
Private Departure Transfer to Denver Airport (DEN):
$46
-
Private Arrival Transfer - from Denver Airport (DEN):
$46
-
Private Departure Transfer from Denver City to DEN Denver Airport:
$54
-
Private Arrival Transfer from DEN Denver Airport to Denver City:
$58
-
Denver Airport (DEN) to Denver hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer:
$68
-
Denver hotel or address to Denver Airport (DEN) - Departure Private Transfer:
$68
-
Transfer in Private Car from Denver International Airport (DEN) to Downtown:
$72
-
Transfer in Private Car from Denver Downtown to International Airport (DEN):
$72
-
Private Airport Transfer: from Denver to Denver International Airport (DEN):
$81
-
Private Airport Transfer: Denver International Airport (DEN) to Denver:
$81
-
Transfer in private minivan from Denver Downtown to International Airport (DEN):
$86
-
Transfer in private minivan from Denver International Airport(DEN) to Downtown:
$86
Is it cheaper to fly into Boston or Denver?
Prices for flights to both Denver and Boston 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.
Entertainment
Entertainment and activities in Boston typically cost an average of $26 per person, per day. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
Denver's costs for entertainment, tickets, attractions, and tours will often cost around $42 per person, per day. This cost can vary widely by the type of activity, however, as this includes admission tickets, day tours, museums, and other things to do.
Typical Entertainment prices in Boston
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Boston are as follows:
Tours and Activities in Boston
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Boston are as follows:
-
Self-Guided Smartphone Ghost Walking Tour in Boston:
$3.95
-
Self-Guided Boston Christmas Tour:
$4.50
-
Boston's Freedom Trail - Smart Phone guided (GPS) walking tour - go anytime:
$5.00
-
The Great Cannoli Tour:
$5.00
-
Boston Harborwalk & Tea Party Self-Guided Audio Tour:
$5.00
-
The Ghosts of Boston's Past Haunted Self-guided Tour:
$5.00
-
Freedom Trail Self-Guided Tour:
$6.33
-
Boston's Freedom Trail, 3 tours in 1, Smart Phone Guided Tour (GPS) - go anytime:
$7.99
-
Harvard: 70-Minute Hahvahd Tour:
$12
-
Public Tour of MIT:
$12
-
Self-Guided Audio Tour:
$14
-
Freedom Trail Lantern Tour:
$14
Tours and Activities in Denver
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Denver are as follows:
-
Spokes and Scoops: Explore Denver's top ice cream spots on an audio bicycle tour:
$5.20
-
Denver Ghost Hunt: Mile High Ghost Tour:
$12
-
Virtual Reality Experiences for Everyone:
$21
-
Denver Scavenger Hunt Adventure:
$21
-
Haunted Walking Ghost Tour:
$21
-
Twilight Ghost Tour:
$22
-
Best of Denver Tour:
$22
-
Capitol Hill History & Ghost Tour:
$22
-
Denver Ghost Tour:
$23
-
1.5 Hour LoDo Walking Tour in Denver:
$25
-
Customized Guided Tour:
$30
-
Moscow Mule Experience:
$32
For more ideas for your next trip, check out Free Things to Do in Boston, Must-See Monuments and Memorials In Boston, and The Best Things To Do in Boston with Kids.
Alcohol
The average person spends about $22 on alcoholic beverages in Boston per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
The average person spends about $4.25 on alcoholic beverages in Denver per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
Sample the Local Flavors in Boston
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Boston:
-
Haunted Boston Ghost and Pub Walking Tour:
$27
-
Historic Pub Crawl Tour along the Freedom Trail:
$40
-
Craft Brewery Beer Tour:
$82
-
Sip of Boston Guided Brewery Tour:
$90
-
North End Wine Tasting Tour:
$96
-
Back Bay Wine Tasting Tour:
$96
-
South End Wine Tasting Tour:
$96
Sample the Local Flavors in Denver
Also in Denver, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
-
Haunted Denver Ghost and Pub Walking Tour in Lower Downtown:
$26
-
Haunted Denver Ghost and Pub Walking Tour - South Broadway (SoBo):
$27
-
3-Hour Brewery Walking Tour:
$49
-
Craft Distillery Bus Tour:
$71
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Boston and Denver, we can see that Boston is more expensive. And not only is Denver much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Denver would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Denver 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 Boston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boston than you might in Denver.
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