Should you visit Denver or Reno?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Denver or Reno, this travel cost comparison can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Denver
The capital of Colorado, Denver is commonly referred to as "The Mile-High City" because it is at an elevation of 5,280 feet (1,600 meters) above sea level. It also sits where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains, giving a beautiful backdrop for this metropolitan city. The city is the largest in the Rocky Mountains with a population of more than 600,000 and nearly 3 million in the metropolitan area. Denver is a cosmopolitan city with cowboy roots. It's cultural scene is thriving, and the outdoor recreation in the area is superb. Denver is a rapidly growing city but with change comes challenges. Urban sprawl is a problem and the city's infrastructure has reached its limits. Still, efforts are in place to maintain the character and personality that Denver is known for.
Reno
In the northwest area of Nevada, Reno sits at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. After Las Vegas, it's the second most popular tourist destination in the state of Nevada. You'll find some nice resorts, elaborate casinos, nice restaurants and unique opportunities for entertainment throughout the city.
The city, referred to as "The Biggest Little City in the World", has a population of about 235,000. It's part of the Reno-Sparks metropolitan area, which has a population of about 440,000.
Reno is located in the rain shadow of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The city has a steppe climate with light to moderate snowfall in the winter months. Precipitation is most common during the winter and spring, but the city averages about 300 days of sunshine a year. Average temperatures are 35 degrees Fahrenheit in December and 75 degrees Fahrenheit in July.
Which city is cheaper, Reno or Denver?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Denver is $174, while the average daily cost in Reno is $113. 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 city. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Denver and Reno in more detail.
Accommodation
A hotel room in Denver is about $138 This assumes double occupancy and modest accommodations.
An average hotel room with basic furnishings costs about $86 in Reno For the most convenient locations and nicer amenities you can expect to pay a bit more.
Food
The price of a meal in Denver can vary widely. However, the average price for food per day is $34 per person, and a typical meal will cost around $14 based on the spending of previous visitors. Less expensive dining options can be found by eating street food or at fast food restaurants.
The price of a meal in Reno can vary widely. However, the average price for food per day is $42 per person, and a typical meal will cost around $17 based on the spending of previous visitors. Less expensive dining options can be found by eating street food or at fast food restaurants.
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Food
Meals for one day
Denver $34
Reno $42
Typical Food prices in Denver
Some typical examples of dining costs in Denver are as follows:
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Denver
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Denver.
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Small-Group Food Tour in Denver:
$69
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Haunted Denver Walking Food Tour:
$73
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The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Denver:
$77
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Walking Food Tour - Best of Union Station & LoDo:
$79
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Denver Cooking Classes-Local, seasonal, and hands on menus:
$97
Typical Food prices in Reno
For Reno, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Dennys for Breakfast
$22
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Sushi DInner (for 2)
$40
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In-n-Out Burger (for 3)
$19
Local Transportation
The average price of local transportation around Denver is $81 per person, per day. As this average includes both taxis and public transport, keep in mind that the prices of private drivers and taxis are significantly more expensive than public transportation.
Reno's transportation costs can vary by the type of transport chosen by visitors. Naturally, taxis and private drivers cost much more than public transportation options. On average, visitors spend $18 per person, per day on transportation in Reno.
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Denver
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Denver:
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Vail: Private Transfer to or from Denver Airport:
$557
-
Transfer in private minivan from Denver International Airport(DEN) to Downtown:
$86
-
Transfer in private minivan from Denver International Airport (DEN) to Vail city:
$291
-
Transfer in private minivan from Denver Downtown to International Airport (DEN):
$86
-
Transfer in Private Car from Denver International Airport (DEN) to Downtown:
$72
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Transfer in Private Car from Denver Downtown to International Airport (DEN):
$72
-
Round trip transfer in private minivan from-to Denver Intl. Airport to Downtown:
$173
-
Round trip transfer in private minivan from-to Denver Airport (DEN) to Vail city:
$582
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Round trip transfer in Private Car from-to Denver Int. Airport (DEN) to Downtown:
$144
-
Private Transfer: Denver International Airport (DEN) to Vail:
$576
-
Private Transfer: Denver International Airport (DEN) to Aspen:
$1,321
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Private Transfer from Denver City to Denver (DEN) Airport:
$109
Typical Local Transportation prices in Reno
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Reno:
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reno
Also for Reno, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
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Reno/Tahoe International Airport One Way Transfer:
$48
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Reno to Reno/Tahoe International Airport (RNO) - Departure Private Transfer:
$168
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Reno/Tahoe International Airport (RNO) to Reno – Private Arrival Transfer:
$168
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Reno/Tahoe International Airport (RNO) to Reno – Round-Trip Private Transfer:
$336
Is it cheaper to fly into Denver or Reno?
Prices for flights to both Reno and Denver 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.
Entertainment
Denver's costs for entertainment, tickets, attractions, and tours will often cost around $42 per person, per day. This cost can vary widely by the type of activity, however, as this includes admission tickets, day tours, museums, and other things to do.
Sightseeing, admission tickets, things to do, and other entertainment expenses in Reno can vary widely by price. On average, visitors spend around $70 per person, per day on entertainment and sightseeing here.
Tours and Activities in Denver
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Denver are as follows:
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1.5 Hour LoDo Walking Tour in Denver:
$25
-
Astrophotography Experience in the Colorado Rockies:
$200
-
Best of Denver Tour:
$64
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Best of Denver Tour:
$22
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Bike and Brew Tour:
$60
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Breckenridge Ultimate Full Day Mountain Tour from Denver:
$115
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Capitol Hill History & Ghost Tour:
$22
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Craft Beer Tour in Lower Downtown Denver:
$53
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Denver Ghost Hunt: Mile High Ghost Tour:
$12
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Denver Ghost Tour:
$23
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Denver Guided Sightseeing Tour on Motor Scooters:
$112
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Denver History and Highlights Small Group Tour:
$35
Tours and Activities in Reno
For Reno, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
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Reno Scavenger Hunt: Reno Adventure:
$12
-
Culinary & Cultural Reno Tour:
$91
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Biking Adventure Tour from Reno:
$102
-
Truckee River Rafting Tour from Reno:
$132
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Winter Horseback Riding Adventure from Reno:
$206
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ATV & Snow Mobile Winter Adventures from Reno:
$290
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ATV - Tours & Trap Shooting Combo Packages from Reno:
$394
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Hot Air Balloon & Snowmobile Adventure:
$616
Alcohol
The average person spends about $4.25 on alcoholic beverages in Denver per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
Typically, people visiting Reno spend on average $10 on alcoholic beverages per person, per day.
Sample the Local Flavors in Denver
Also in Denver, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
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Haunted Denver Ghost and Pub Walking Tour in Lower Downtown:
$26
-
Haunted Denver Ghost and Pub Walking Tour - South Broadway (SoBo):
$27
-
3-Hour Brewery Walking Tour:
$49
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Craft Distillery Bus Tour:
$71
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Denver and Reno, we can see that Denver is more expensive. And not only is Reno much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Reno would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Reno 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 Denver would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Denver than you might in Reno.
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