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

Should you visit Boston or Reno?

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 Reno. 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 Reno?

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.

Reno

In the northwest area of Nevada, Reno sits at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. After Las Vegas, it's the second most popular tourist destination in the state of Nevada. You'll find some nice resorts, elaborate casinos, nice restaurants and unique opportunities for entertainment throughout the city.

The city, referred to as "The Biggest Little City in the World", has a population of about 235,000. It's part of the Reno-Sparks metropolitan area, which has a population of about 440,000.

Reno is located in the rain shadow of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The city has a steppe climate with light to moderate snowfall in the winter months. Precipitation is most common during the winter and spring, but the city averages about 300 days of sunshine a year. Average temperatures are 35 degrees Fahrenheit in December and 75 degrees Fahrenheit in July.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Reno or Boston?

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 Reno is $144. 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 Reno in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Boston $166
    Reno $55
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Boston $332
    Reno $110
Compare Hotels in Boston and Reno

Looking for a hotel in Boston or Reno? 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 Reno


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 Reno Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Boston $37
    Reno $23
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:

  • Transfer in private vehicle from Boston Airport (BOS) to City Downtown: $69
  • Round trip transfer in private vehicle from Boston downtown-to the Airport (BOS): $138
  • Private transfer: Boston Airport (BOS) to Boston : $96
  • Private arrival OR departure transfer in Boston (hotel OR airport pick-up): $182
  • Private Transfer: between Manhattan and Boston: $969
  • Private Transfer in Boston (BOS) Airport/Home/Hotel/Work : $160
  • Private Transfer from Boston to Flynn Cruiseport Boston: $117
  • Private Transfer from Boston Logan Airport (BOS) to Newport Port: $88
  • Private Transfer from Boston City Hotels to Newport Cruise Port: $88
  • Private Transfer from Boston Airport to Providence RI: $254
  • Private Transfer from Boston (BOS) Airport to Boston City: $104
  • Private Transfer between Boston Logan Airport and Boston City: $150

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Reno

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Reno:


  • Car Wash
    $5.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reno

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

  • Reno/Tahoe International Airport (RNO) to Reno – Private Arrival Transfer : $67
  • Reno to Reno/Tahoe International Airport (RNO) - Departure Private Transfer: $67
  • Reno Tahoe Airport (RNO) to Heavenly Mountain - Arrival Transfer: $110
  • Reno/Tahoe International Airport (RNO) to Reno – Round-Trip Private Transfer: $134
  • Reno Tahoe Airport to Northstar/Squaw Valley - Arrival Transfer: $165
  • Reno Tahoe Airport (RNO) to Mammoth Mountain: Arrival Transfer: $187
  • Reno Tahoe Airport to Heavenly Mountain - Round-Trip Transfer: $220

Is it cheaper to fly into Boston or Reno?

Prices for flights to both Reno 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
    Reno $54

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: $32
  • Boston's North End Pizza & History Walking Food Tour: $49
  • North End Pizza Tour with 3 Slices and Cannoli: $55
  • Boston Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $65
  • North End Food Experience with Pizza, Meats & Cheese: $68
  • The Ultimate Food Tour: $80
  • Boston's North End Small Group Food Tour : $81
  • Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise on Boston Harbor: $82
  • Union Square, Somerville Neighborhood Food Tour: $90
  • Boston Harbor: Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $108
  • Local Gems of the South End Neighborhood Food Tour: $110

Typical Food Prices in Reno

For Reno, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dennys for Breakfast
    $22
  • Sushi DInner (for 2)
    $40
  • In-n-Out Burger (for 3)
    $19

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Boston $33
    Reno $88
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:

  • A Father Son Tour of Boston: $36
  • Boston Massachusetts Private Photography Tour: $130
  • "Ghosts of Boston" Walking Ghost Tour: $25
  • "Witch Trials" Walking Tour in Salem: $25
  • 1 If By Land Walking Tours: History Walking Tour of Boston: $45
  • 1-Day Tour to Portland-Maine from Boston: $175
  • 1692 Salem Day Tour: $32
  • 1692 Salem Night Walking Tour: $32
  • 2 Hour North End 'Little Italy' Walking Tour : $35
  • 2-Day Niagara Falls USA & Secret Cavern Tour from Boston: $229
  • 90-Minute Boston Harbor Sunset Sightseeing Cruise: $48
  • 90-Minute Historical Walking Tour in Boston: $34

Tours and Activities in Reno

For Reno, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Downtown Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • From Reno Arch to Truckee River: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game: $10
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Reno by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Reno Scavenger Hunt: Reno Adventure: $12
  • Lake Tahoe Audio Driving Tour: $14
  • Lake Tahoe: Self-Guided GPS Audio Tour: $14
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience Carson City, NV: $15
  • Zero Latency Extreme Virtual Reality Experience Ticket: $25
  • Gangs and Gamblers Haunted Walking Tour: $26
  • Reno Ghosts Tour: $30
  • Carson City Puzzling Adventure: $35

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
    Reno $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Boston

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Boston:

  • Haunted Pub Crawl of Historic Pubs and Taverns: $30
  • Boston Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • 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
  • History Pub Crawl Tour Along the Freedom Trail: $59
  • Boston Small-Group Freedom Trail History Tour Pub Crawl: $60
  • Guided Craft Brewery Tour with a Snack: $105

Sample the Local Flavors in Reno

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Reno:

  • 1 Hour Distillery Tour and Tasting Flight: $25


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Boston Expensive? and Is Reno Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Boston or Reno?

Boston has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Reno. When comparing the sizes of Boston and Reno, 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.