Should you visit Flagstaff or Aspen?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel cost comparison between Flagstaff and Aspen can help. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Flagstaff
Located in northern Arizona near the San Francisco Peaks mountain range, Flagstaff is a small city surrounded by natural beauty. The city's proximity to a number of popular tourist sights, including Grand Canyon National Park, Oak Creek Canyon, the Arizona Snowbowl, Meteor Crater, and Historic Route 66, make it a common destination for tourists. It lies at an elevation of almost 7,000 feet with nearby areas climbing higher. In large part because of its altitude, the city has a cooler climate than the southern part of Arizona, which is famous for its low lying desert.
Aspen
Aspen is a famous, and notably expensive travel destination. The town is one of the country's most famous and recognizable ski destinations, and prices can climb high during the ski season. Although still expensive, you can often find better deals during the summer months or shoulder seasons. For visitors who want to enjoy the area's hiking, natural beauty, and charm, these are the times to visit.
Which city is cheaper, Aspen or Flagstaff?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Flagstaff is $132, while the average daily cost in Aspen is $235. 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 Flagstaff and Aspen in more detail.
Accommodation
The average price for accommodation for two people in Flagstaff is $136. This is for two people sharing a typical double occupancy hotel room.
The average price for accommodation for two people in Aspen is $272. This is for two people sharing a typical double occupancy hotel room.
Local Transportation
While taxis and private drivers typically cost much more than public transportation, people usually spend around $30 per day to get around in Flagstaff.
While taxis and private drivers typically cost much more than public transportation, people usually spend around $45 per day to get around in Aspen.
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aspen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aspen:
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Aspen hotel or address to Denver Airport (DEN) - Departure Private Transfer:
$796
-
Private Arrival Transfer from Aspen Airport (ASE):
$36
-
Private Departure Transfer to Aspen Airport (ASE):
$36
-
Private Eagle County Regional Airport Transfer to Aspen:
$400
-
Private Transfer: Aspen to Denver International Airport (DEN):
$1,321
Is it cheaper to fly into Flagstaff or Aspen?
Prices for flights to both Aspen and Flagstaff 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
Flagstaff food costs typically run travelers around $43 per day. Eating every meal in a nicer restaurant will drive the cost up, and grabbing fast food or casual meals will help you save money.
The price of a meal in Aspen can vary widely. However, the average price for food per day is $68 per person, and a typical meal will cost around $27 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
Flagstaff $43
Aspen $68
Entertainment
Activities, things to do, and other forms of entertainment usually cost around $22 per person, per day in Flagstaff. This cost includes the price of admission tickets to attractions and museums as well as daily tours.
Activities, things to do, and other forms of entertainment usually cost around $36 per person, per day in Aspen. This cost includes the price of admission tickets to attractions and museums as well as daily tours.
Tours and Activities in Flagstaff
Here are a few actual costs in Flagstaff for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
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Self-Guided Downtown Flagstaff Walking Tour:
$20
-
Self-Guided Flagstaff Driving Tour - History, Geology, Fun!:
$20
-
Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course-Kids Course:
$30
-
Haunted Downtown Flagstaff Tour by Segway Bike or Walking:
$31
-
Fun Flagstaff History Segway, Bike or Walking Tour:
$31
-
Dark Skies Astrophotography Tour:
$50
-
Flagstaff Adventure Zipline Course:
$61
-
Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course-Adult Course:
$61
-
Grand Falls Hidden Experience Tour:
$160
-
Grand Canyon Experience Tour from Flagstaff:
$162
-
Small-Group Grand Canyon Day Tour from Flagstaff:
$173
-
Grand Canyon Sightseeing Tour from Flagstaff:
$178
Tours and Activities in Aspen
Here are a few actual costs in Aspen for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
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Aspen's DarkSide Ghost Tour:
$40
-
Aspen's Past to Present Historic Tour:
$40
-
Glimpse of Aspen Tour:
$40
Alcohol
While the amount that someone spends on alcohol while visiting Flagstaff may vary from person to person, on average a person spends $23 per day on alcoholic beverages.
While the amount that someone spends on alcohol while visiting Aspen may vary from person to person, on average a person spends $16 per day on alcoholic beverages.
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Flagstaff and Aspen, we can see that Aspen is more expensive. And not only is Flagstaff much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Flagstaff would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Flagstaff 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 Aspen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Aspen than you might in Flagstaff.
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