Which place is cheaper, Salt Lake City or Breckenridge?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Should I visit Breckenridge or Salt Lake City? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Breckenridge is a nature-filled, charming, and breathtaking ski resort. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and skiing.
Salt Lake City is a architectural, notable, and religious city. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums.
Tourists will generally find more to do in Breckenridge. Although Breckenridge and Salt Lake City are both popular with visitors, Breckenridge has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Breckenridge is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Salt Lake City is known for its museums and scuba diving & snorkeling. Breckenridge is popular for its world-class ski resorts, its charming small town atmosphere, and its family-friendly environment. It is also home to The Family-Friendly Ski Resort. Salt Lake City is popular for its religious landmarks and its large Mormon population.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Salt Lake City and Breckenridge. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Breckenridge is a world-class destination for skiing and snowboarding. However, Salt Lake City is not a skiing destination.
Breckenridge is among the world's best ski destinations. This is one of the most recognizable ski destinations in the world. It has diverse terrain that is good for all levels including beginners, intermediate, and expert skiers. The resort also has the tallest chairlift in North America.
Salt Lake City is not a skiing destination.
Salt Lake City is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Breckenridge does not have museums and landmarks.
Salt Lake City offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Many of the fascinating sights around town are influenced by the city's Mormon culture. Temple Square is a highlight for most visitors. It spans 35 acres and is beautifully landscaped with several fountains. There are also four main churches - The Temple, the Tabernacle, the Temple Annex, and Assembly Hall. The city also has several museums such as the Natural History Museum and the historic Liberty Park.
Breckenridge does not have museums and landmarks.
Foodies will find both Breckenridge and Salt Lake City both to be good destinations.
Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Breckenridge. There are a number of restaurants around town serving everything from casual to fine dining. There are bistros, pubs, and luxury options where you can enjoy international or local dishes including elk and buffalo.
Salt Lake City is becoming an appealing option for foodies. In recent years the food scene has really improved and you'll find a variety of restaurants that serve everything from upscale dishes to more casual fare.
Breckenridge is very good for its evening party scene. However, Salt Lake City is lacking in good options for nightlife.
With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Breckenridge. The town comes to life in the winter and there are plenty of bars, breweries, and a wide selection of craft beer that you can try. Live music also brings the town to life in the evening.
Salt Lake City is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. Known for its large Mormon population, nightlife isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Salt Lake City. While it will likely never be a party city, there are a growing number of entertainment options around town.
Breckenridge is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Salt Lake City is not a resort destination.
Breckenridge has a few great resort options. The resorts often have pools or hot tubs where you can unwind after a day on the slopes. Many have condos that include a kitchen and separate bedrooms.
Salt Lake City is not a resort destination.
Salt Lake City is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Breckenridge is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Salt Lake City has a few good snorkeling spots. There are a number of good ski resorts nearby, making this a good base or starting point for a ski vacation.
Breckenridge is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Breckenridge is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Salt Lake City does not have a historic old town.
Breckenridge has an old town worth visiting. Originating as a mining town, there is a historic Main Street that is filled with character.
Salt Lake City does not have a historic old town.
If you're looking to go hiking, Breckenridge and Salt Lake City both have good trails.
Breckenridge is a good destination for hiking. During the summer months there are plenty of beautiful hikes nearby, but you'll likely need a car to reach most trailheads. Popular trails include Hoosier Pass Loop, Blue Lakes Trail, and McCullough Gulch.
Many people include a hike when visiting Salt Lake City. The city offers easy access to many diverse trails, so if you're a nature enthusiasts, you'll appreciate this destination.
Breckenridge is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Salt Lake City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.
Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Breckenridge. Quaint shops and galleries are throughout the town where you can by gear, artwork, or souvenirs.
Salt Lake City is a great destination for shopping. The city has sprawling outlet malls as well as local stores and craft shops. City Creek Center is a favorite shopping destination, but there are also several large shopping malls that are worth visiting.
Breckenridge is a world-class destination for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Salt Lake City does not offer Christmas activities.
Breckenridge offers plenty of sights and activities around Christmas. From sledding to sleigh rides and hot chocolate, this town is absolutely magical during the Christmas season.
Salt Lake City does not offer Christmas activities.
Breckenridge is a very popular place for visiting Christmas markets. However, Salt Lake City does not offer Christmas markets.
Breckenridge offers plenty of Christmas markets. During the holiday season the Arts District hosts a Christmas Market.
Salt Lake City does not offer Christmas markets.
Breckenridge is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Salt Lake City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.
You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Breckenridge. It is a fun, family-friendly ski resort town with skiing for all levels. There are lessons for kids starting at the age of three, and slopes that are perfect for all skill levels. The town also has ice skating, sledding, and white water rafting.
You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Salt Lake City. There are museums that kids will enjoy like the Natural History Museum of Utah and the Leonardo Museum. There are also fun-filled activities like a visit to Lagoon Amusement Park. You can learn about history at This Is the Place Heritage Park or learn about the undersea world at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium.
Breckenridge is a very popular place for couples. Also, Salt Lake City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.
Breckenridge makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For couples who enjoy skiing, outdoor activities, beautiful hikes, and a charming small town atmosphere, this is the perfect romantic getaway.
Salt Lake City is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with beautiful gardens like Red Butte Garden. There are also nice restaurants and romantic hotels that will make this a nice place for a couple's getaway.
Breckenridge is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Salt Lake City is lacking in good options for backpackers.
Breckenridge is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The town has a hostel or two for skiers who want a social setting at an affordable price.
Salt Lake City is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels in town, but most backpackers overlook this destination or breeze through town quickly.
Salt Lake City is a popular place for its public transit. However, Breckenridge is not a good ski resort for times when you don't have a car.
Salt Lake City has a few public transit options. There's a surprisingly good public transit system that includes light rail, buses, and commuter trains, but if you want to get out of town you'll need to have a car.
Public transit is mostly limited in Breckenridge. There is a free shuttle service around town.
Breckenridge is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. However, Salt Lake City is lacking in good options for its walkability.
It's very easy to get around on foot in Breckenridge. The town is designed to be pedestrian-friendly.
Salt Lake City is generally not very walkable. While some neighborhoods are walkable, like Temple Square, most visitors prefer to have a car.
For even more information, also check out Is Breckenridge Worth Visiting? and Is Salt Lake City Worth Visiting?.
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Breckenridge and Salt Lake City. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Breckenridge than in Salt Lake City. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Breckenridge, and 2-3 days is enough time in Salt Lake City.
Families should spend more time in Breckenridge than Salt Lake City. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Breckenridge, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Breckenridge than Salt Lake City. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Breckenridge that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Breckenridge than Salt Lake City 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 Breckenridge.
Breckenridge might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
In Salt Lake City, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this architectural city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.
Breckenridge is a great place to explore. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.
Salt Lake City is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Breckenridge. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the skiing. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.
You'll find museums and food around the notable destination of Salt Lake City. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.
Breckenridge is a small town with plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. One reason most visitors come is for the skiing. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.
Salt Lake City is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Breckenridge is $200, while the average daily cost in Salt Lake City is $246. 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 Breckenridge and Salt Lake City in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Breckenridge or Salt Lake City? 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 specific examples of transportation prices in Breckenridge:
Also for Salt Lake City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Salt Lake City and Breckenridge 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.
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Breckenridge are as follows:
For Salt Lake City, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
Also in Breckenridge, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Breckenridge and Salt Lake City, we can see that Salt Lake City is more expensive. And not only is Breckenridge much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Breckenridge would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Breckenridge 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 Salt Lake City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Salt Lake City than you might in Breckenridge.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Breckenridge Expensive? and Is Salt Lake City Expensive?.
Salt Lake City has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Breckenridge. When comparing the sizes of Breckenridge and Salt Lake City, 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.