A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Clearwater vs. Boise for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Clearwater or Boise?

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 Clearwater and Boise. 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.

Clearwater

Clearwater is a beautiful, outdoorsy, and adventure-filled coastal city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Boise

Boise is a friendly, welcoming, and authentic city. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Clearwater and Boise: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Clearwater or Boise?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Clearwater than Boise. While Boise is larger than Clearwater, Clearwater has more sights and attractions for tourists. Clearwater is more touristy than Boise and is popular for its beautiful white sand beaches, laid back atmosphere, and watersports. Also, Clearwater is famous for Clearwater Beach. Boise is well known for its many outdoor and recreational activities.

How is Clearwater different from Boise?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Clearwater or Boise?

Clearwater is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Boise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Clearwater offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Perhaps most well known is the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, but there are also a surprising number of museums nearby such as the Dalí Museum, the impressive Chihuly Glass Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts.

Boise is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. As the state capital, there's a nice selection of local museums around town. Favorites include the Boise Art Museum, the Basque Museum & Cultural Center, the Idaho Black History Museum, and Discovery Center.

Is the Food Better in Clearwater or Boise? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Clearwater is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Boise is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Clearwater has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Head to the waterfront for some of the best seafood. Unfortunately this is also where you'll find the highest prices. Shrimp, crab, and a fresh catch of the day are common on many menus.

Boise offers some easy restaurants to choose from. While Idaho has long been associated with the potato, the locals usually think of "finger steaks" when describing local food. These are deep-friend beef strips that are as good as they sound.

Is Clearwater or Boise Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are notable in both Clearwater and Boise.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Clearwater. You'll find laid back beach clubs, glitzy wine bars, and relaxed bars where you can spend a nice night out.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Boise. In downtown Boise you'll find a selection of bars, lounges, and breweries. There's enough around town to keep the nightlife scene interesting.

Is Clearwater or Boise Better for Resorts?

Clearwater is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Boise is not a resort destination.

Clearwater is known as a popular and fun resort destination. You'll find a number of nice resorts along the coastline. Some of the most popular are the Sandpearl Resort, the Opal Sands Resort, and the Clearwater Beach Marriott.

Boise is not a resort destination.

Is Clearwater or Boise Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Clearwater is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Boise is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Clearwater has a few good snorkeling spots. There's both snorkeling and diving nearby. Some of the best dive spots are within and hour of the shore and you'll find diving shops that offer trips.

Boise is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Clearwater or Boise Better for Beaches?

Clearwater is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Boise is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Clearwater. Clearwater Beach is on many lists as one of the best beaches in America. It's the most popular beach in the area and it spreads out over 2.5 miles. Sand Key Beach is another popular destination as is the pristine Caladesi Island State Park.

Boise is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Clearwater or Boise?

Both Clearwater and Boise are notable shopping destinations.

Clearwater is a great destination for shopping. You'll find all of the standard shopping options in the area such as malls, shopping centers, and outlets. Westfield Countryside Mall is a popular destination as is the Cleveland Street District.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Boise. You'll find a mix of local boutiques, independent vendors, and suburban shopping centers where you'll find anything that you might need.

Is Clearwater or Boise Better for Families?

Clearwater is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Boise is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Clearwater. Check out the playground and activities around Pier 60. Less crowded and family-friendly Sand Key Park is another favorite spot and the playgrounds at New Coachman Park and Crest Lake Park are also fun. Clearwater Marine Aquarium is another popular attraction for visitors with kids.

Boise doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. You'll find parks, playgrounds, and the Discovery Center which will help keep kids entertained.

Is Clearwater or Boise Better for Couples?

Clearwater is an excellent place to visit for couples. However, Boise is lacking in options for romance.

Clearwater makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are beautiful parks and beaches as well as romantic activities like sunset cruises and dolphin spotting tours. Couples will also enjoy dining on local seafood and shopping at the local venues.

Boise is not the best destination for a couple to visit. Date night activities include dining at a nice restaurants and seeing a show at the theater.

Is Clearwater or Boise Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Clearwater and Boise offer respectable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Clearwater. The Clearwater Jolley Trolley connects some of the area's highlights. There are also public buses that run several routes through town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Boise. There are infrequent buses around town, but visitors usually have a car to get around town efficiently.

Is Clearwater or Boise a more walkable city?

Clearwater is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Boise is lacking in options for its walkability.

Clearwater is a somewhat walkable coastal city. The waterfront and downtown areas are surprisingly walkable.

Boise is generally not very walkable. There are a couple of walkable neighborhoods but, in general, the town isn't very walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Clearwater Worth Visiting? and Is Boise Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Boise or Clearwater?

How long in Clearwater or Boise?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Clearwater or Boise to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Clearwater than Boise because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Clearwater, and 1-2 days is enough time in Boise.

Families should spend more time in Clearwater than Boise. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Clearwater, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Clearwater than Boise. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Clearwater that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Clearwater than Boise 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 Clearwater.

One day in Clearwater or Boise?

In Clearwater, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this relaxing destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the beaches. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

With museums and nightlife around the friendly city of Boise, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Boise, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Clearwater or Boise?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Clearwater. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

With nightlife and shopping around the destination of Boise, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Clearwater or Boise?

Clearwater is a fun place to experience. In Clearwater, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the beaches. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Boise, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Clearwater or Boise?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the outdoorsy destination of Clearwater. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Boise is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Clearwater and Boise, we can see that Clearwater is more expensive. And not only is Boise much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Boise would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Boise 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 Clearwater would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Clearwater than you might in Boise.

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

Which is Bigger, Clearwater or Boise?

Boise has a larger population, and is about 35% larger than the population of Clearwater. When comparing the sizes of Clearwater and Boise, 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.