Which place is cheaper, Wisconsin Dells or Boston?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Boston vs. Wisconsin Dells for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
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Should you visit Boston or Wisconsin Dells?
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 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.
Where Should I go: Boston or Wisconsin Dells?
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.
Wisconsin Dells
Located in central Wisconsin, Wisconsin Dells offers natural beauty, fun rivers, and some of the area's most famous theme parks. Wisconsin Dells is one of the two towns that make up "The Dells." The other town, Lake Delton, is another popular Midwestern tourist spot.
Wisconsin Dells is about an hour north of Madison and two hours from Milwaukee. It's famous for its striking rock formations and scenic bluffs. The town's name comes from the Dells of the Wisconsin River, which is an impressive gorge that was originally formed by a glacier.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBoston $254Wisconsin Dells $142
The average daily cost (per person) in Boston is $254, 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.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBoston $166Wisconsin Dells $70
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBoston $332Wisconsin Dells $140
Compare Hotels in Boston and Wisconsin Dells
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.
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 Wisconsin Dells Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Boston $35Wisconsin Dells $35
Typical Local Transportation prices in Boston
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Boston are as follows:
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Taxi$35
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Subway Daily Pass$9.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Boston
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Boston:
- Boston Logan Airport (BOS) - Private Round trip transfer : $62
- Boston Airport (BOS): Transfer to Flynn Cruise Port Boston: $172
- Boston Logan Airport (BOS) to Boston - Arrival Private Transfer: $79
- Boston Logan Airport (BOS): Private Transfer to Boston city: $248
- Boston Logan Airport Transfer Limo & Shuttle Service: $140
- 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
- Flynn Cruiseport Private Transfer to Boston: $699
- Limo Private Transfer Logan International Airport to Boston: $160
- Private Arrival Transfer From Boston Logan Airport (BOS) : $38
- Private Arrival Transfer from Boston Airport BOS: $28
- Private Departure Transfer to Boston Airport BOS: $28
Is it cheaper to fly into Boston or Wisconsin Dells?
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.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayBoston $49Wisconsin Dells $43
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: $34
- North End Pizza Tour with 3 Slices and Cannoli: $49
- Boston's North End Pizza & History Walking Food Tour: $49
- The Ultimate Boston Food Tour: $67
- North End Food Experience with Pizza, Meats & Cheese: $75
- Boston's North End Small Group Food Tour : $75
- Boston's North End Food Tour Small Group Walking Tour: $75
- Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise on Boston Harbor: $82
- Boston's North End: Secret Food Tour: $87
- Ultimate Boston Food Tour: Freedom Trail & North End: $89
- Union Square, Somerville Neighborhood Food Tour: $90
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Boston $33Wisconsin Dells $46
Typical Entertainment prices in Boston
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Boston are as follows:
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Two Tickets to Celtics Game$101
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Duck Tour$32
Tours and Activities in Boston
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Boston are as follows:
- 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 Boston Christmas Tour: $5.00
- Self Guided Audio Tour 'Hawthorne's Haunts' Haunted Walking Tour Salem: $5.00
- 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 Classic Freedom Trail Location Aware (GPS) Walking Audio Tour: $5.75
- Self-Guided Audio Tour of Boston North End: $5.75
- Self-Guided Smartphone Ghost Walking Tour in Boston: $5.95
- Self-Guided Smartphone Ghost Walking Tour in Salem: $5.99
- Self-Guided Freedom Trail Walking Audio Tour w/ App: $5.99
- Extended Freedom Trail Self-Guided Walking Tour: $6.99
Tours and Activities in Wisconsin Dells
Here are a few actual costs in Wisconsin Dells for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- City and History Trolley Tour in Wisconsin Dells: $24
- Haunted History Trolley Tour in Wisconsin Dells: $25
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBoston $27Wisconsin Dells $9.14
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 Booze and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl by US Ghost Adventures: $33
- Salem Ghosts Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl: $34
- Boston Ghosts Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl : $34
- 2 Hour Historic Pub Crawl in Boston: $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
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.
Which is Bigger, Boston or Wisconsin Dells?
Boston is bigger, and its population is about 240 times larger than the population of Wisconsin Dells. When comparing the population of Boston vs. 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 and the activities that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Boston or Wisconsin Dells?
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 Wisconsin Dells in the Summer?
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.
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.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBoston 73°F (23°C)Wisconsin Dells 74°F (24°C)
Should I visit Boston or Wisconsin Dells in the Autumn?
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.
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.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBoston 54°F (12°C)Wisconsin Dells 52°F (11°C)
Should I visit Boston or Wisconsin Dells in the Winter?
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.
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.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBoston 29°F (-2°C)Wisconsin Dells 19°F (-7°C)
Should I visit Boston or Wisconsin Dells in the Spring?
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.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBoston 48°F (9°C)Wisconsin Dells 49°F (10°C)
Typical Weather for Wisconsin Dells and Boston
| 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) |
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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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