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

Should you visit Boston or Pocono Mountains?

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 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.

Where Should I go: Boston or Pocono Mountains?

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.

Pocono Mountains

The Poconos are a region of mountains, small towns, and natural areas in Eastern Pennsylvania. Located just a few hours from both New York City and Philadelphia, this region of 4 counties (Wayne, Pike, Monroe, & Carbon) consists of plenty of mountain scenery, gorgeous lakes, historic small towns, ski resorts, state parks, water parks, and more.

Which place is cheaper, Pocono Mountains 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 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.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Boston $166
    Pocono Mountains $89
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Boston $332
    Pocono Mountains $178
Compare Hotels in Boston and Pocono Mountains

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.

Hotels in Boston


Hotels in Pocono Mountains


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Boston $35
    Pocono Mountains $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:

  • Private Departure Transfer to Boston Airport BOS: $28
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Boston Airport BOS: $28
  • Private Arrival Transfer From Boston Logan Airport (BOS) : $38
  • Boston Logan Intl Airport (BOS) to Flynn Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
  • Flynn Cruise Port to Boston Logan Intl Airport (BOS)- Departure Private Transfer: $38
  • Boston Logan Airport (BOS) - Private Round trip transfer : $62
  • Boston Logan Airport (BOS) to Boston - Arrival Private Transfer: $78
  • Private Transfer from Boston Logan Airport (BOS) to Newport Port: $87
  • Private Transfer from Boston City Hotels to Newport Cruise Port: $87
  • Limo Private Transfer Logan International Airport to Boston: $160
  • Private Transfer in Boston (BOS) Airport/Home/Hotel/Work : $160
  • Boston Airport (BOS): Transfer to Flynn Cruise Port Boston: $168

Is it cheaper to fly into Boston or Pocono Mountains?

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.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Boston $49
    Pocono Mountains $53

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
  • Boston's North End Pizza & History Walking Food Tour: $49
  • North End Pizza Tour with 3 Slices and Cannoli: $49
  • North End Food Experience with Pizza, Meats & Cheese: $75
  • Boston's North End Food Tour Small Group Walking Tour: $75
  • Boston's North End Small Group Food Tour : $77
  • Boston's North End: Secret Food Tour: $86
  • The Ultimate Boston Food Tour: $89
  • Ultimate Boston Food Tour: Freedom Trail & North End: $89
  • Union Square, Somerville Neighborhood Food Tour: $90
  • Boston Small-Group Walking Food Tour With Tastings: $99
  • Food Tour to Freedom Trail - Small Group Walking Tour: $99

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Boston $33
    Pocono Mountains $30
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:

  • Underground Railroad Audio App Self-Guided Tour: $5.00
  • Self-Guided Boston's Beacon Hill Underground Railroad Audio Tour Walking Tour: $5.00
  • Self Guided Audio Tour 'Hawthorne's Haunts' Haunted Walking Tour Salem: $5.00
  • The Ghosts of Boston's Past Haunted Self-guided Tour: $5.00
  • Self Guided "Historic Boston Downtown Freedom Trail" Audio/GPS Walking Tour: $5.00
  • Self-Guided Smartphone Ghost Walking Tour in Boston: $5.00
  • Self Guided Classic Freedom Trail Location Aware (GPS) Walking Audio Tour: $5.75
  • Self-Guided Freedom Trail Walking Audio Tour w/ App: $5.99
  • Self-Guided Smartphone Ghost Walking Tour in Salem: $5.99
  • Freedom Trail Self-Guided Walking Tour & Interactive Quiz: $6.99
  • Freedom Trail Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour App: $7.99
  • Harborwalk and Tea Party Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99

Tours and Activities in Pocono Mountains

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

  • Private Mount Pocono Observation Air Tour: $64
  • Delaware Water Gap Air Tour: $141
  • 20 Mile Stock Car Drive Experience at Pocono Raceway: $599

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
    Pocono Mountains $13

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
  • 2 Hour Historic Pub Crawl in Boston: $35
  • Boston Ghosts Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl : $35
  • 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 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.

Which is Bigger, Boston or Pocono Mountains?

Boston is bigger, and its population is about 192.5 times larger than the population of Pocono Mountains. When comparing the population of Boston vs. 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 and the activities that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Boston or Pocono Mountains?

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 Pocono Mountains in the Summer?

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.

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.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Boston 73°F (23°C) 
    Pocono Mountains 75°F (24°C)

Should I visit Boston or Pocono Mountains in the Autumn?

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.

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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Boston 54°F (12°C) 
    Pocono Mountains 55°F (13°C)

Should I visit Boston or Pocono Mountains in the Winter?

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.

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.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Boston 29°F (-2°C) 
    Pocono Mountains 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Boston or Pocono Mountains in the Spring?

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.

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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Boston 48°F (9°C) 
    Pocono Mountains 51°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Pocono Mountains and Boston

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)


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. Pocono Mountains Travel Comparison

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