A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Boston vs. Hershey for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Boston or Hershey?

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 Boston and Hershey. 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.

Where Should I go: Boston or Hershey?

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.

Hershey

Often called "Chocolatetown, USA" and "The Sweetest Place on Earth," Hershey, Pennsylvania is most known for being home to the famous Hershey's chocolates. The Hershey Company was founded in 1894 by Milton S. Hershey, and has grown to sell products in over sixty countries worldwide. Before the town was named Hershey, it was called Derry Church and was the hometown of the chocolatier. While there are now manufacturing plants in many locations, Hershey, PA, remains the location that draws the crowds. It is the place where the Hershey Company originated and is home to attractions like Hershey Park, Hershey Gardens, and Hershey's Chocolate World.

Which place is cheaper, Hershey or Boston?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Boston is $254, while the average daily cost in Hershey is $212. 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 Boston and Hershey in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Boston $166
    Hershey $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Boston $332
    Hershey $228
Compare Hotels in Boston and Hershey

Looking for a hotel in Boston or Hershey? 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 Boston


Hotels in Hershey


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: Boston Hotel Prices and Hershey Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Boston $35
    Hershey $49
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:

  • Boston Logan Airport (BOS) - Private Round trip transfer : $62
  • Boston hotels to Flynn Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $116
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Boston Airport BOS to Boston City in Business Car: $109
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Boston Airport BOS to Boston City in Luxury SUV: $131
  • Boston Airport (BOS): Transfer to Flynn Cruise Port Boston: $171
  • Boston Airport(BOS) to Flynn Cruiseport Boston - Arrival Transfer: $38
  • Boston Logan Airport (BOS) to Boston - Arrival Private Transfer: $79
  • Boston Logan Airport (BOS) to Boston - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $158
  • Boston Logan Airport (BOS) to Flynn Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $77
  • Boston Logan Airport (BOS) to Killington/Okemo - Arrival Transfer: $571
  • Boston Logan Airport (BOS): Private Transfer to Boston city: $247
  • Boston Logan Airport Transfer Limo & Shuttle Service: $140

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hershey

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hershey:

  • Private transfer from MDT airport to Harrisburg, Lancaster, York, Hershey: $150

Is it cheaper to fly into Boston or Hershey?

Prices for flights to both Hershey 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.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Boston $49
    Hershey $61

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Boston

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Boston.

  • Self Guided "The North End Pizza, Cannoli and Picnic" Solo Walking Tour : $5.50
  • AM Coffee Walks with Salem Food Tours: $34
  • Boston's North End Pizza & History Walking Food Tour: $49
  • North End Pizza Tour with 3 Slices and Cannoli: $49
  • The Ultimate Boston Food Tour: $67
  • North End Food Experience with Pizza, Meats & Cheese: $75
  • Boston's North End Small Group Food Tour : $75
  • Boston's North End Food Tour Small Group Walking Tour: $75
  • Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise on Boston Harbor: $82
  • Boston's North End: Secret Food Tour: $88
  • Ultimate Boston Food Tour: Freedom Trail & North End: $89
  • Union Square, Somerville Neighborhood Food Tour: $90

Typical Food prices in Hershey

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hershey:


  • Frozen Hot Chocolate
    $4.19
  • Plain and Fancy Farm
    $46
  • Homemade Apple Butter
    $7.98

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Boston $33
    Hershey $53
Typical Entertainment prices in Boston

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Boston are as follows:


  • Two Tickets to Celtics Game
    $101
  • Duck Tour
    $32

Tours and Activities in Boston

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Boston are as follows:

  • The Ghosts of Boston's Past Haunted Self-guided Tour: $5.00
  • Self-Guided Boston's Beacon Hill Underground Railroad Audio Tour Walking Tour: $5.00
  • Self-Guided Boston Christmas Tour: $5.00
  • Underground Railroad Audio App Self-Guided Tour: $5.00
  • Self Guided Audio Tour 'Hawthorne's Haunts' Haunted Walking Tour Salem: $5.00
  • Self Guided "Historic Boston Downtown Freedom Trail" Audio/GPS Walking Tour: $5.00
  • Self Guided Classic Freedom Trail Location Aware (GPS) Walking Audio Tour: $5.75
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour of Boston North End: $5.75
  • Self-Guided Smartphone Ghost Walking Tour in Boston: $5.95
  • Self-Guided Freedom Trail Walking Audio Tour w/ App: $5.99
  • Self-Guided Smartphone Ghost Walking Tour in Salem: $5.99
  • Boston Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00

Typical Entertainment prices in Hershey

Here are a few typical costs in Hershey for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Hershey Chocolate World (for 3)
    $75

Tours and Activities in Hershey

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

  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Harrisburg by 3Quest Challenge: $10
  • Skip the Line: AACA Museum Admission Ticket: $25

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Boston $27
    Hershey $27

Sample the Local Flavors in Boston

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Boston:

  • Boston Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Haunted Pub Crawl of Historic Pubs and Taverns: $30
  • Salem Booze and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl by US Ghost Adventures: $33
  • Salem Ghosts Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl: $34
  • Boston Ghosts Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl : $34
  • Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Haunted Boston Ghost and Pub Walking Tour: $36
  • History Pub Crawl Tour Along the Freedom Trail: $59
  • Boston Small-Group Freedom Trail History Tour Pub Crawl: $60
  • Freedom Trail Bar Crawl Smartphone Audio Guide: $72
  • Boston Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $105
  • Guided Craft Brewery Tour with a Snack: $105


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Boston and Hershey, we can see that Boston is more expensive. And not only is Hershey much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hershey would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hershey 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 Hershey.

Which is Bigger, Boston or Hershey?

Boston is bigger, and its population is about 44.7 times larger than the population of Hershey. When comparing the population of Boston vs. Hershey, 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 and the activities that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Boston or Hershey?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Boston or Hershey in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Boston and Hershey. The beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Boston this time of year.

Boston is around the same temperature as Hershey in the summer. The daily temperature in Boston averages around 73°F (23°C) in July, and Hershey fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hershey this time of the year. In Boston, it's very sunny this time of the year. Boston usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hershey during summer. Boston gets 304 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 310 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Boston usually receives less rain than Hershey. Boston gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Boston 73°F (23°C) 
    Hershey 77°F (25°C)

Should I visit Boston or Hershey in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Boston as well as Hershey. Many travelers come to Boston for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Boston is around the same temperature as Hershey. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Boston in October average around 54°F (12°C), and Hershey averages at about 56°F (13°C).

In the autumn, Boston often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hershey. Boston gets 194 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 194 hours of full sun.

Boston usually gets more rain in October than Hershey. Boston gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Boston 54°F (12°C) 
    Hershey 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Boston or Hershey in the Winter?

Both Hershey and Boston are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Boston in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Hershey can be very cold during winter. Boston can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Boston is generally much colder than Hershey. Daily temperatures in Boston average around 29°F (-2°C), and Hershey fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

Boston usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hershey during winter. Boston gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Boston usually receives more rain than Hershey. Boston gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Boston 29°F (-2°C) 
    Hershey 30°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Boston or Hershey in the Spring?

Both Hershey and Boston during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Boston for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

Boston is cooler than Hershey in the spring. The daily temperature in Boston averages around 48°F (9°C) in April, and Hershey fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

In Hershey, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Boston. In the spring, Boston often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hershey. Boston gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 237 hours of full sun.

Boston usually gets more rain in April than Hershey. Boston gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Boston 48°F (9°C) 
    Hershey 53°F (12°C)

Typical Weather for Hershey and Boston

Boston Hershey
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 29°F (-2°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Feb 30°F (-1°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 33°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Mar 38°F (4°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Apr 48°F (9°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
May 58°F (15°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 63°F (17°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
Jun 68°F (20°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Jul 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Sep 64°F (18°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Oct 54°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Nov 45°F (7°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Dec 33°F (1°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 35°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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Boston vs. Hershey Travel Comparison

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