Which place is cheaper, Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells. 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 classic, proud, and loyal 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.
Wisconsin Dells is a fun-filled, lighthearted, and high energy city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking.
Travelers will usually find more to do in Boston. Although Boston and Wisconsin Dells are popular destinations, Boston has more sights and attractions for tourists. Boston is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, music, beaches, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Wisconsin Dells attracts visitors for its resorts and hiking. Wisconsin Dells is more touristy than Boston and is known for its many waterparks and unapologetically playful atmosphere. 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.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Wisconsin Dells and Boston. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Boston is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its historical sights.
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.
While most people don't head to Wisconsin Dells specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of art galleries in the area, but most visitors spend the majority of their time at the theme parks and waterparks.
Boston is a great destination for its theatre productions. However, Wisconsin Dells is not a theatre destination.
While in town, many visitors enjoy seeing a show in Boston. 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.
Wisconsin Dells is not a theatre destination.
Boston is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Wisconsin Dells is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.
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.
Wisconsin Dells is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Pizza, pasta, burgers, and steak in a family-friendly atmosphere are the most common options in the area. There are also a few fine dining restaurants as well as pubs and brunch places to choose from.
Evening events are superb in both Boston and Wisconsin Dells.
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.
Wisconsin Dells has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. In the evening the fun-filled atmosphere takes on a different vibe. There are bars, clubs, casinos, and shows that keep things lively throughout the evening.
Boston is a popular place for its live music scene. However, Wisconsin Dells is not a live music destination.
The music scene in Boston is active and vibrant. Popular music venues include Lizard Lounge, Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, and The Middle East.
Wisconsin Dells is not a live music destination.
Wisconsin Dells is a good destination for its resorts. However, Boston is not a resort destination.
Wisconsin Dells has a handful of resorts to choose from. Many of the waterparks in the area have affiliated resorts that offer family-friendly entertainment.
Boston is not a resort destination.
Boston is a city with a few options for the beache. However, Wisconsin Dells 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.
Wisconsin Dells is not a beach destination.
Boston is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Wisconsin Dells does not have a historic old town.
The historic old town of Boston is revered around the world. 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.
Wisconsin Dells does not have a historic old town.
Wisconsin Dells is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Boston is not a hiking destination.
Wisconsin Dells offers some nice hiking trails. Visitors often forget that this was originally a destination for its natural beauty. There are still many hiking trails in the area with some of the favorites found at Mirror Lake State Park, Rocky Arbor State Park, and Chimney Rock Private Park.
Boston is not a hiking destination.
Boston is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its shopping areas.
Boston offers some nice shopping areas. 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.
Wisconsin Dells has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find shopping malls and shopping centers, as well as gift shops in the area.
Boston is a great destination for its Christmas activities. However, Wisconsin Dells does not offer Christmas activities.
Visitors come from all around to experience the Christmas activities in Boston. Christmas comes to life in the city with its Christmas Trees, holiday shows, and festivals.
Wisconsin Dells does not offer Christmas activities.
Boston is a great destination for its Christmas markets. However, Wisconsin Dells does not offer Christmas markets.
Boston offers plenty of Christmas markets. There are a number of European style Christmas markets that pop up during the holiday season around town.
Wisconsin Dells does not offer Christmas markets.
Both Boston and Wisconsin Dells are amazing family-friendly destinations.
With a huge array of activities for kids, Boston is very family-friendly. 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.
As it has a large number of activities for kids, Wisconsin Dells is a very family-friendly destination. While it used to be known for its impressive sandstone formations along the Wisconsin River, today it has a more touristy atmosphere with theme parks and amusement parks. It's also become known as the "Water Park Capital of the World", and it won't disappoint. There are both indoor and outdoor waterparks as well as train rides, boat rides, and plenty of family-friendly restaurants.
Boston and Wisconsin Dells both nice 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. There are also many sporting and entertainment options around town.
Wisconsin Dells makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are a number of resorts with spas and romantic atmospheres. There are also wineries and plenty of entertainment options in the area.
Boston is a popular place for backpackers. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.
Plenty of budget travelers visit Boston. Like most larger American cities, the city has a handful of hostels to choose from.
Wisconsin Dells is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You'll find campgrounds in the area, but most places are very built up and don't have the natural setting that backpackers appreciate.
Boston is a world-class destination for students. However, Wisconsin Dells is not popular with students.
Many students frequent Boston. 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.
Wisconsin Dells is not popular with students.
Boston is a world-class destination for its public transit. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.
With a huge network, the transit system in Boston can get you around easily. There's the T, which is the subway, as well as a trolley, bus, and water transportation system.
Public transit is quite limited in Wisconsin Dells. There's no real public transportation in the area.
Boston is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its ease of walking around.
Getting around Boston on foot is easy. The many parks and compact neighborhoods are best explored on foot.
Wisconsin Dells is generally not a very walkable city. While the downtown area is walkable, you really need a car to access everything that the area has to offer.
For even more information, also check out Is Boston Worth Visiting? and Is Wisconsin Dells Worth Visiting?.
It's fun to spend time in either Boston or Wisconsin Dells. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Boston due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Boston, and 2-4 days is enough time in Wisconsin Dells.
Families should spend more time in Boston than Wisconsin Dells. 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 Wisconsin Dells. 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 Wisconsin Dells 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.
Boston is a big city with plenty to do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.
Many travelers enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the destination of Wisconsin Dells. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
Boston is a big city with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.
Wisconsin Dells 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.
Boston is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Wisconsin Dells. 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.
Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Boston. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the lighthearted destination of Wisconsin Dells. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in 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 Wisconsin Dells is $142. 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 Wisconsin Dells in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Boston or Wisconsin Dells? 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 Wisconsin Dells 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:
Here are a few actual costs in Wisconsin Dells for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
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 Wisconsin Dells, we can see that Boston is more expensive. And not only is Wisconsin Dells much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Wisconsin Dells would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Boston Expensive? and Is Wisconsin Dells Expensive?.
Boston has a larger population, and is about 240 times larger than the population of Wisconsin Dells. When comparing the sizes of Boston and Wisconsin Dells, 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.
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Boston and Wisconsin Dells. The beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Boston this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Wisconsin Dells for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Boston is around the same temperature as Wisconsin Dells. Typically, the summer temperatures in Boston in July average around 73°F (23°C), and Wisconsin Dells averages at about 74°F (24°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells during summer. Boston gets 304 hours of sunny skies, while Wisconsin Dells receives 309 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Boston usually receives around the same amount of rain as Wisconsin Dells. Boston gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
The autumn brings many poeple to Boston as well as Wisconsin Dells. 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. Also, many visitors come to Wisconsin Dells in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.
In October, Boston is generally a little warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Daily temperatures in Boston average around 54°F (12°C), and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).
In the autumn, Boston often gets more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells. Boston gets 194 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wisconsin Dells receives 171 hours of full sun.
Boston usually gets more rain in October than Wisconsin Dells. Boston gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.
Both Wisconsin Dells 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. Also, most visitors come to Wisconsin Dells for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Wisconsin Dells can be very cold during winter. Boston can get quite cold in the winter. Boston is much warmer than Wisconsin Dells in the winter. The daily temperature in Boston averages around 29°F (-2°C) in January, and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 19°F (-7°C).
Boston usually receives more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells during winter. Boston gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Wisconsin Dells receives 141 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Boston usually receives more rain than Wisconsin Dells. Boston gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 1 inches (25 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
Both Wisconsin Dells 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.
In the spring, Boston is around the same temperature as Wisconsin Dells. Typically, the spring temperatures in Boston in April average around 48°F (9°C), and Wisconsin Dells averages at about 49°F (10°C).
In Wisconsin Dells, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Boston. In the spring, Boston often gets more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells. Boston gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wisconsin Dells receives 208 hours of full sun.
Boston usually gets more rain in April than Wisconsin Dells. Boston gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain this time of the year.
Boston | Wisconsin Dells | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 29°F (-2°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | 19°F (-7°C) | 1 inches (25 mm) |
Feb | 30°F (-1°C) | 3.7 inches (94 mm) | 24°F (-5°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) |
Mar | 38°F (4°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) | 36°F (2°C) | 2.2 inches (55 mm) |
Apr | 48°F (9°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) | 49°F (10°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) |
May | 58°F (15°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 60°F (16°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
Jun | 68°F (20°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) | 70°F (21°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
Jul | 73°F (23°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
Aug | 72°F (22°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
Sep | 64°F (18°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) | 63°F (17°C) | 2.8 inches (70 mm) |
Oct | 54°F (12°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) | 52°F (11°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) |
Nov | 45°F (7°C) | 4.3 inches (108 mm) | 39°F (4°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) |
Dec | 33°F (1°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) | 25°F (-4°C) | 1.6 inches (41 mm) |