Which place is cheaper, Pocono Mountains or Boston?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Boston and Pocono Mountains. 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.
Boston is a historic, traditional, and classic city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.
Pocono Mountains is a scenic, beautiful, and magnificent region. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping.
Travelers will usually find more to do in Boston. Although Boston and Pocono Mountains are popular destinations, Boston has more sights and attractions for tourists. Boston is very popular for its museums & sights, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, beaches, historical sights, christmas markets, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Pocono Mountains attracts visitors for its skiing, resorts, and hiking. Boston is famous for its enthusiastic sports fans, influential history, beautiful parks, and world-class universities. It is also well known for The Freedom Trail. Pocono Mountains is famous for its hiking trails, boating and fishing, and small towns.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Pocono Mountains and Boston. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Pocono Mountains is notable for snow skiing. However, Boston is not a skiing destination.
Pocono Mountains is an extremely popular place for snow skiing and other winter sports. There are a number of ski resorts in the area that offer family-friendly skiing or more advanced options. Some of the most popular ski areas are Big Boulder, Blue Mountain, Camelback Mountain, and Jack Frost Mountain.
Boston is not a skiing destination.
Boston is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. Also, Pocono Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its museums and history.
The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Boston are among the most recognizable in the world. The city itself feels like a living museum. It is famous for Faneuil Hall, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabelle Stewart Gardner Museum, the USS Constitution, as well as the many sites along the Freedom Trail. There are also many museums on the campuses of the world renowned universities in the city.
If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Pocono Mountains. Visiting a local museum is a great way to learn about the area's history and Native American population. For a glimpse back in time, you can visit the Asa Packer Mansion, Grey Towers National Historic Landmark, or Columns Museum. The Old Jail Museum is a fascinating place to visit and even offers ghost tours. The Pocono Indian Museum and Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm are both worth a visit as well.
Boston is notable for its theatre productions. However, Pocono Mountains is not a theatre destination.
Boston attracts a wide-range of world-class performances. The city has many historic, beautifully restored theaters where you can enjoy a show. Head to the theater district for some of the most famous venues.
Pocono Mountains is not a theatre destination.
Boston is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Pocono Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its restaurants.
Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Boston. There are many local dishes that utilize fresh caught seafood and comfort food flavors. The cuisine also takes advantage of the city's Italian and Irish populations. Famous local foods include New England Clam Chowder, lobster rolls, and baked beans. You'll find hearty sandwiches and filling meals that warm your soul.
Pocono Mountains is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Family-friendly restaurants are common. Many serve up casual American cuisine like burgers or pasta. There are also more upscale restaurants, some with impressive views, that will elevate your culinary experience. For a local experience, find a restaurant with a seasonal menu that makes the most of the local ingredients.
Boston is notable for nightlife and partying. However, Pocono Mountains is a mediocre region for its evening party scene.
Boston has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city is known for its breweries, craft beer, and vibrant university neighborhoods. It also hosts regular outdoor movies and world class sporting events. The nightlife scene is varied, with some areas catering to the student population and other areas focused on the professional or sport-loving crowds.
Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Pocono Mountains. There are some resorts with casinos and bars as well as local breweries and bars. You'll also find a theater or two in the area.
Boston is a city with good options for its live music scene. However, Pocono Mountains is not a live music destination.
You'll find some good live music in Boston. Popular music venues include Lizard Lounge, Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, and The Middle East.
Pocono Mountains is not a live music destination.
Pocono Mountains is a good destination for its resorts. However, Boston is not a resort destination.
Pocono Mountains has a handful of resorts to choose from. Resorts range from family-friendly to romantic. Many have indoor pools or even water parks. Some also have spas, restaurants, and plenty of amenities.
Boston is not a resort destination.
Boston is a moderate city for the beache. However, Pocono Mountains is not a beach destination.
You can check out the beach in Boston. There are a few urban beaches in the greater Boston area that you can explore on a nice day.
Pocono Mountains is not a beach destination.
Boston is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Pocono Mountains does not have a historic old town.
The rich history of Boston can be explored in its historical center. Boston is famous for its Freedom Trail, which takes visitors around the city's rich history. The oldest parts of the city are known as Boston Proper and include the neighborhoods of Beacon Hill, Historic Downtown, the North End, and the West End.
Pocono Mountains does not have a historic old town.
Pocono Mountains is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Boston is not a hiking destination.
Pocono Mountains is a popular spot for hiking. There are miles of hiking trails that take you through forests or to spectacular waterfalls. Trails range from easy to challenging and each offers a great way to escape into nature. Some of the more popular trails are found in Tobyhanna State Park and Promised Land State Park. The Appalachian Trail also passes through the area.
Boston is not a hiking destination.
Both Boston and Pocono Mountains are nice shopping destinations.
Boston is a great destination for shopping. Head to Back Bay for some of the best high end shops. There are luxury brands and boutique venues that sell local art or crafts.
Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Pocono Mountains. Head to the towns for some the best local shopping. The downtown areas in each of the major towns - Jim Thorpe, Stroudsburg, Milford, and Honesdale - have local vendors, antique shops, and the occasional flea market or farmer's market.
Boston is notable for its Christmas activities. However, Pocono Mountains does not offer Christmas activities.
Boston is an extremely popular place to visit during the Christmas season. Christmas comes to life in the city with its Christmas Trees, holiday shows, and festivals.
Pocono Mountains does not offer Christmas activities.
Boston is notable for its Christmas markets. However, Pocono Mountains does not offer Christmas markets.
Many people head to Boston to see its Christmas markets. There are a number of European style Christmas markets that pop up during the holiday season around town.
Pocono Mountains does not offer Christmas markets.
Boston is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Pocono Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its kid-friendly activities.
Boston is an extremely popular city to visit for families. It's filled with history, but there are also many activities for kids who need a break from all of the historical stuff. Popular activities for all ages include the Museum of Science, the New England Aquarium, and exploring the waterfront, gardens, and parks around town.
You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Pocono Mountains. There's horseback riding in the warmer seasons and kid-friendly skiing in the winter. The kids will also enjoy the hiking, ziplining, and indoor waterparks in the area. Animal farms and petting zoos are also popular, particularly with the younger kids.
Pocono Mountains is notable for romance. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.
Pocono Mountains is a very popular place to visit for couples. Romantic resorts, cozy cabins, and luxurious spas all make this a wonderful couples destination. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the hiking and adventure sports in the area, while those looking for a more relaxed experience will appreciate the dining and cultural activities.
Boston makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy history will enjoy exploring the city. Take a swan boat ride in the Public Garden and wander the unique route along the Freedom Trail. There are also many sporting and entertainment options around town.
Pocono Mountains is notable for backpackers. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.
Backpackers come from all over to visit Pocono Mountains. There's no shortage of campgrounds, cabins, and hiking opportunities that will let backpackers enjoy a bit of nature.
Plenty of budget travelers visit Boston. Like most larger American cities, the city has a handful of hostels to choose from.
Boston is a must-visit destination for students. However, Pocono Mountains is not popular with students.
Boston is a very popular city for students. It is a city of students, with a number of world renowned universities located here including Harvard University, Boston College, and MIT. Many neighborhoods are filled with students and there are many student-centered activities around town including festivals and an active nightlife scene.
Pocono Mountains is not popular with students.
Boston is a must-visit destination for its public transit. However, Pocono Mountains is a mediocre region for times when you don't have a car.
Boston has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. There's the T, which is the subway, as well as a trolley, bus, and water transportation system.
Public transit is mostly limited in Pocono Mountains. There are some bus services that run between a few towns, but they're not an efficient way to get around.
Boston is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. However, Pocono Mountains is a mediocre region for its ease of walking around.
It is easy to get around Boston on foot. The many parks and compact neighborhoods are best explored on foot.
Pocono Mountains is generally not a very walkable city. While there are plenty of hiking trails and some walkable towns, you really need a car to explore the area.
For even more information, also check out Is Boston Worth Visiting? and Is Pocono Mountains Worth Visiting?.
Both Boston and Pocono Mountains have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Pocono Mountains than in Boston. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Boston, and 3-7 days is enough time in Pocono Mountains.
Families should spend more time in Boston than Pocono Mountains. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Boston, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Boston than Pocono Mountains. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Boston that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Boston than Pocono Mountains 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 Boston.
People visit Boston because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
Many travelers enjoy the museums and skiing when visiting the destination of Pocono Mountains. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
People visit Boston because there is so much to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the museums. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.
Pocono Mountains is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
Boston is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pocono Mountains. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
Boston is a great place to explore. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the museums. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.
Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the scenic destination of Pocono Mountains. This region offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Boston is $255, while the average daily cost in Pocono Mountains 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Boston and Pocono Mountains in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Boston or Pocono Mountains? 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.
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.
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Boston are as follows:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Boston:
Prices for flights to both Pocono Mountains 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.
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Boston.
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Boston are as follows:
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Boston are as follows:
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Pocono Mountains are as follows:
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.
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Boston:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Boston and Pocono Mountains, we can see that Boston is more expensive. And not only is Pocono Mountains much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pocono Mountains would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Boston Expensive? and Is Pocono Mountains Expensive?.
Boston has a larger population, and is about 190 times larger than the population of Pocono Mountains. When comparing the sizes of Boston and Pocono Mountains, 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.
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.
Both Pocono Mountains and Boston are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Boston for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Pocono Mountains because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Boston is around the same temperature as Pocono Mountains. Typically, the summer temperatures in Boston in July average around 73°F (23°C), and Pocono Mountains averages at about 75°F (24°C).
It's quite sunny in Pocono Mountains. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Boston. Boston usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pocono Mountains during summer. Boston gets 304 hours of sunny skies, while Pocono Mountains receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Pocono Mountains. In July, Boston usually receives less rain than Pocono Mountains. Boston gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
Both Pocono Mountains and Boston during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Boston because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Pocono Mountains this time of year.
In October, Boston is generally around the same temperature as Pocono Mountains. Daily temperatures in Boston average around 54°F (12°C), and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).
In the autumn, Boston often gets more sunshine than Pocono Mountains. Boston gets 194 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pocono Mountains receives 168 hours of full sun.
Boston usually gets more rain in October than Pocono Mountains. Boston gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Boston and Pocono Mountains. The museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Boston this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pocono Mountains for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Pocono Mountains. It's quite cold in Boston in the winter. Boston is a little warmer than Pocono Mountains in the winter. The daily temperature in Boston averages around 29°F (-2°C) in January, and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).
Boston usually receives more sunshine than Pocono Mountains during winter. Boston gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Pocono Mountains receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Boston usually receives more rain than Pocono Mountains. Boston gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
The spring brings many poeple to Boston as well as Pocono Mountains. Many travelers come to Boston for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Pocono Mountains in the spring for the natural beauty.
In the spring, Boston is cooler than Pocono Mountains. Typically, the spring temperatures in Boston in April average around 48°F (9°C), and Pocono Mountains averages at about 51°F (11°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pocono Mountains. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Boston this time of the year. In the spring, Boston often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Pocono Mountains. Boston gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pocono Mountains receives 213 hours of full sun.
Boston usually gets less rain in April than Pocono Mountains. Boston gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.
Boston | Pocono Mountains | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 29°F (-2°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | 28°F (-2°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) |
Feb | 30°F (-1°C) | 3.7 inches (94 mm) | 31°F (-1°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
Mar | 38°F (4°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) | 41°F (5°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) |
Apr | 48°F (9°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) | 51°F (11°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) |
May | 58°F (15°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) |
Jun | 68°F (20°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) | 71°F (22°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) |
Jul | 73°F (23°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) | 75°F (24°C) | 4.4 inches (111 mm) |
Aug | 72°F (22°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 4.2 inches (106 mm) |
Sep | 64°F (18°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) | 66°F (19°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) |
Oct | 54°F (12°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) | 55°F (13°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
Nov | 45°F (7°C) | 4.3 inches (108 mm) | 45°F (7°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) |
Dec | 33°F (1°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) | 33°F (1°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) |