A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Flagstaff vs. Avon for Hiking, Food, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Flagstaff or Avon?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Flagstaff and Avon can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Flagstaff

Flagstaff is a picturesque, active, and adventurous city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping.

Avon

Avon is a active, outdoorsy, and scenic town. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and skiing.

Flagstaff and Avon: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less hiking options
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Flagstaff or Avon?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Flagstaff than Avon, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Flagstaff is better known for its museums, food, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Avon is more popular for its skiing and resorts. Flagstaff is well known for its nearby craters and volcanic caves as well as its location along the historic Route 66. Also, Flagstaff is famous for Walnut Canyon National Monument. Avon is well known for it's affordable accommodation options and its access to Beaver Creek Ski Resort.

How is Flagstaff different from Avon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Flagstaff or Avon Better for Skiing?

Flagstaff
Avon

Avon is well known for winter skiing. However, Flagstaff is not a skiing destination.

Avon is a well-known ski destination which attracts visitors from far and wide. Beaver Creek is the main ski area near town and it's about a mile away. The town of Avon is below Beaver Creek and is located beside an interstate.

Flagstaff is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Flagstaff or Avon?

Flagstaff
Avon

Flagstaff is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Avon is a mediocre town for its museums and history.

Flagstaff is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Lowell Observatory is a highlight for many visitors, especially those who are fascinated by space. There's also the Museum of Northern Arizona, the Pioneer Museum, and Fort Tuthill Military History Museum.

While most people don't head to Avon specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. While there aren't a ton of museums in the area, it's worth checking out the Walking Mountains Science Center.

Is the Food Better in Flagstaff or Avon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Flagstaff
Avon

Flagstaff is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Flagstaff makes for a great culinary experience. The food scene is diverse and growing. There's a focus on local recipes and ingredients. You'll also find many casual and family-friendly restaurants. American cuisine is common, but you'll also find burritos, Indian curries, and frittatas.

Avon has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are casual eateries where you can grab a bite to eat, whether you're in the mood for Chinese, pizza, or burgers.

Is Flagstaff or Avon Better for Nightlife?

Flagstaff
Avon

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Flagstaff and Avon.

Flagstaff has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find a range of bars and cocktail lounges around town that come to life in the evening hours.

If you're looking for night time activities Avon has a few options to choose from. It's a small town but there are some bars and lively pubs where you can enjoy cold drinks.


Is Flagstaff or Avon Better for Resorts?

Flagstaff
Avon

Avon is a town with good options for its resorts. However, Flagstaff is not a resort destination.

Avon has a few great resort options. There are the typical chain resort options, many with beautiful mountain views.

Flagstaff is not a resort destination.

Is Flagstaff or Avon Better for Hiking?

Flagstaff
Avon

Flagstaff is a must-visit destination for the nearby hiking options. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its hiking trails.

Flagstaff is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Nearby you'll find world class hikes through surreal landscapes and diverse environments. The area is filled with desert landscapes and varied rock formations that are best explored on foot. Trails range in length and skill level, but whatever your ability, the hiking in the area is among the best.

Avon is a good destination for hiking. There are paved trails and recreational paths through town that are great for both hiking and biking. The main ones are Eagle Valley Trail and the trails in West Avon Preserve.

Is the Shopping Better in Flagstaff or Avon?

Flagstaff
Avon

Flagstaff is a good destination for shopping. However, Avon is a mediocre town for its shopping opportunities.

Flagstaff is a great destination for shopping. Located along historic Route 66, you'll find many shops that capture the city's history, particularly in the Southside Historic District. The town also has farmer's markets as well as shopping centers and large malls.

If you're looking to go shopping, Avon has some nice offerings. There aren't a ton of shopping opportunities in town, but there are enough shops around in case you need to pick up necessities or buy a gift.


Is Flagstaff or Avon Better for Families?

Flagstaff
Avon

Flagstaff is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Flagstaff is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city is filled with outdoor activities for kids like ropes courses and adventure parks. Kids will also enjoy climbing around the Lava River Cave, visiting Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, or hiking through the many diverse landscapes in the area. There are also museums that educate visitors on the city's history as well as Lowell Observatory, which will intrigue all the space enthusiasts among us.

Avon is a family-friendly city. There are parks and playgrounds around town and there's easy access to the Beaver Creek Ski Resort. There's also plenty of hiking in the area.

Is Flagstaff or Avon Better for Couples?

Flagstaff
Avon

Both Flagstaff and Avon are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

Flagstaff is a good city for couples to visit. Hiking and outdoor adventure sports make this city a good destination for couples who enjoy active living. There are many parks that you can visit as well as hiking trails and unique natural settings.

Avon is a nice destination for couples. While avid skiers prefer to stay at nearby Beaver Creek, the town of Avon offers a good alternative.

Is Flagstaff or Avon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Flagstaff
Avon

Flagstaff is notable for backpackers. However, Avon is a mediocre town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Flagstaff. There are campgrounds nearby as well as tons of nature parks and countless hiking trails in the area.

Avon is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers prefer to stay closer to the ski facilities.


Is Flagstaff or Avon Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Flagstaff
Avon

Avon is a town with good options for its public transit. However, Flagstaff is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Avon, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are shuttles and buses that travel through town and to Beaver Creek.

Public transit is mostly limited in Flagstaff. The Mountain Line offers eight routes through town.

Is Flagstaff or Avon a more walkable city?

Flagstaff
Avon

Flagstaff and Avon both are notable when exploring on foot.

Flagstaff is a somewhat walkable city. The downtown is compact and walkable, but you'll really want to have a car to explore the nearby hiking trails and natural areas.

Avon is somewhat walkable. The town center is small and there are paved walking trails that you can use. It's possible to walk to restaurants or the recreation center, depending on where you're staying.

For even more information, also check out Is Flagstaff Worth Visiting? and Is Avon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Avon or Flagstaff?

How long in Flagstaff or Avon?

It's fun to spend time in either Flagstaff or Avon. In our opinion, Flagstaff has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Flagstaff than Avon. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Flagstaff than Avon 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 Flagstaff.


  • How many days in Flagstaff or Avon? Ideal Length of Stay
    Flagstaff 2-4 
    Avon 2-4

One day in Flagstaff or Avon?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Flagstaff. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find nightlife and food around the town of Avon. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A weekend in Flagstaff or Avon?

Flagstaff is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find food and skiing around the active destination of Avon. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Flagstaff or Avon?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the picturesque destination of Flagstaff. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the outdoorsy town of Avon. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Flagstaff or Avon?

The active city of Flagstaff offers nightlife and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Avon is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.


Which place is cheaper, Avon or Flagstaff?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Flagstaff is $166, while the average daily cost in Avon is $277. 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 Flagstaff and Avon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Flagstaff $86
    Avon $177
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Flagstaff $172
    Avon $354
Compare Hotels in Flagstaff and Avon

Looking for a hotel in Flagstaff or Avon? 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.

Hotels in Flagstaff


Hotels in Avon


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: Flagstaff Hotel Prices and Avon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Flagstaff $37
    Avon $41

Is it cheaper to fly into Flagstaff or Avon?

Prices for flights to both Avon 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Flagstaff $55
    Avon $67

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Flagstaff $28
    Avon $48

Tours and Activities in Flagstaff

Here are a few actual costs in Flagstaff for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Full-Day Grand Canyon South Rim Audio Driving Tour: $11
  • Grand Canyon South Rim: Self-Guided GPS Audio Tour: $11
  • Grand Canyon South Rim: Audio Driving Tour: $12
  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour of Sedona: $13
  • Flagstaff, AZ: Murder Mystery Detective Experience: $15
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience Flagstaff, AZ: $15
  • Flagstaff Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Family Friendly Haunted Walking Tour: $25
  • Downtown Flagstaff Haunted History Tour: $28
  • Downtown Haunted History Walking Tour: $28
  • Mountain Town Of Madness, Original *Adult Only* Haunted Downtown Flagstaff Tour: $30
  • Flagstaff Ghosts Tour By Us Ghost Adventures: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Flagstaff $29
    Avon $38

Sample the Local Flavors in Flagstaff

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Flagstaff:

  • Spirits With The Spirits, Haunted Pub Crawl Of Downtown Flagstaff: $50
  • Haunted Pub Crawl with Guide: $50


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Flagstaff and Avon, we can see that Avon 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 Avon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Avon than you might in Flagstaff.

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


Which is Bigger, Flagstaff or Avon?

Flagstaff has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Avon. When comparing the sizes of Flagstaff and Avon, 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.