A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Boston vs. Seattle for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Music

Should you visit Boston or Seattle?

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 Seattle. 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

Boston is a classic, historic, and traditional classic. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Seattle

Seattle is a bustling, progressive, and cultural city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums.

Boston and Seattle: Pros and Cons

How is Boston different from Seattle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Seattle and Boston. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Boston or Seattle Better for Museums and Historical Sights?

Interesting museums and landmarks can be found in both Seattle and Boston, but many consider Boston to be a step above.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Boston that are not to be missed. 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.

Seattle offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The city's most famous landmark is the Space Needle. There's also a zoo, aquarium, and a handful of nice museums.

Is Boston or Seattle Better for Theater?

Both Boston and Seattle offer theater options for visitors.

Boston offers many theater and performance venues for visitors. 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.

You'll find a nice selection of shows in Seattle. There are a handful of theaters where you can enjoy traveling Broadway shows or smaller productions.

Is Boston or Seattle Better for Food?

Dining out at restaurants in both Boston and Seattle can be an enjoyable experience.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Boston makes for a great culinary experience. Famous local foods include New England Clam Chowder, lobster rolls, and baked beans.

Seattle has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city is famous for its seafood. Salmon, oysters, and Starbucks coffee are favorites here. Also check out the donuts at Pike's Place Market.

Is Boston or Seattle Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are similar in both Boston and Seattle.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Seattle. The city is known for its breweries and eclectic nightlife scene. The best neighborhoods for nightlife include Capitol Hill, Belltown, and Downtown.

Is Boston or Seattle Better for Music?

Both Boston and Seattle offer a variety of live music venues.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Boston. Popular music venues include Lizard Lounge, Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, and The Middle East.

Whether you like big venues or smaller artists, Seattle has diverse options. The city has developed its own music culture around several genres including alternative rock and grunge.

Is Boston or Seattle Better for Beaches?

Boston and Seattle both offer beautiful beaches.

Boston is a good spot to see the beach. There are a few urban beaches in the greater Boston area that you can explore on a nice day.

Seattle is a good option for a beach vacation. The city is surrounded by water so there are a number of rocky and sandy beaches nearby. Some beaches are more popular with locals while others attract a large amount of tourists.

Is Boston or Seattle Better for Shopping?

Both Boston and Seattle are good shopping destinations.

Boston is a great destination for shopping. Head to Back Bay for some of the best high end shops.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Seattle. Shopping in town has an eclectic mix of high end brands, local vendors, and vintage shops.

Is Boston or Seattle Better for Families?

Both Boston and Seattle are family-friendly destinations.

Boston is a very family-friendly place to visit. Popular activities for all ages include the Museum of Science, the New England Aquarium, and exploring the history, gardens, and parks around town.

Seattle is a family-friendly classic. There are several good museums as well as outdoor activities, parks, and a zoo. Make sure you check out the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Volunteer Park, and Artists at Play Playground.

Is Boston or Seattle Better for Couples?

Boston and Seattle both fun destinations for a couple.

Boston is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Seattle makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has a laid back vibe, a nice downtown area, and plenty of outdoor activities.

Is Boston or Seattle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Boston and Seattle are popular destinations for backpackers.

Boston is a good classic to visit for backpackers. Like most larger American cities, the city has a handful of hostels to choose from.

Plenty of backpackers visit Seattle. Although it's not the most popular city for backpackers in America, the city's chill vibe, fun breweries, and lively setting make it a great spot for young backpackers.

Is Boston or Seattle Better for Students?

Boston and Seattle are both good destinations for students and younger travelers.

Boston is a very popular place to visit for students. It is a city of students, with a number of world renowned universities located here including Harvard University, Boston College, and MIT.

Seattle is a very popular classic for students and younger travelers. It is a major IT center with a large university, so international students will have plenty of opportunities here.

Is Boston or Seattle Better for Public Transit?

While Seattle and Boston both provide public transit, overall the system in Boston is considered to be better.

Visitors in Boston can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. There's the T, which is the subway, as well as a trolley, bus, and water transportation system.

Seattle has some public transit options. There is a light rail system, a monorail, a street car, and buses.

Is Boston or Seattle a more walkable city?

Boston is generally more walkable than Seattle.

It is easy to get around Boston on foot. The many parks and compact neighborhoods are best explored on foot.

Seattle is a somewhat walkable place. Many neighborhoods are very walkable, particularly in the downtown and major tourist areas.

Should I spend more time in Seattle or Boston?

How long in Boston or Seattle?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Boston and Seattle. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Boston than Seattle.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Boston is 3-5 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Seattle is 2-3 days.

One day in Boston or Seattle?

Because Boston is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This classic offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the big city destination of Seattle. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Boston or Seattle?

Because Boston is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Seattle is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Boston or Seattle?

Boston is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Boston has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Seattle. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Boston or Seattle?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Boston. Many people enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting Boston. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the museums and theater when visiting the bustling big city of Seattle. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

When is the best time to visit Boston or Seattle?

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 Seattle in the Summer?

Both Seattle and Boston are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Boston in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Seattle for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Boston is generally a little warmer than Seattle. Temperatures in Boston average around 73°F (23°C), and Seattle stays around 67°F (19°C).

It's quite sunny in Seattle. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Boston. Boston usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Seattle during summer. Boston gets 304 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Boston usually receives more rain than Seattle. Boston gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Boston or Seattle in the Autumn?

Both Seattle and Boston during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Boston for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Seattle because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Boston is around the same temperature as Seattle in the autumn. The temperature in Boston is usually 54°F (12°C) in October, and Seattle stays around 54°F (12°C).

In the autumn, Boston often gets more sunshine than Seattle. Boston gets 194 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 143 hours of full sun.

Boston usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Seattle. Boston gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Boston or Seattle in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Boston and Seattle. The winter months attract visitors to Boston because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Seattle this time of year.

The weather in Boston can be very cold. In the winter, Boston is much colder than Seattle. Typically, the winter temperatures in Boston in January are around 29°F (-2°C), and Seattle is about 42°F (5°C).

Boston usually receives more sunshine than Seattle during winter. Boston gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 67 hours of full sun in the winter.

Seattle receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Boston usually receives less rain than Seattle. Boston gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Boston or Seattle in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Boston as well as Seattle. The beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Boston this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Seattle for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Boston is generally cooler than Seattle. Temperatures in Boston average around 48°F (9°C), and Seattle stays around 51°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seattle. 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 Seattle. Boston gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 212 hours of full sun.

Boston usually gets more rain in April than Seattle. Boston gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Seattle and Boston