A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Flagstaff vs. Cody, Wyoming for Hiking, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Flagstaff or Cody, Wyoming?

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 Cody, Wyoming 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. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming is a activity-filled, historic, and fascinating town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and hiking.

Flagstaff and Cody, Wyoming: 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 museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less hiking options
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Flagstaff or Cody, Wyoming?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cody, Wyoming than Flagstaff, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cody, Wyoming is better known for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, while Flagstaff is more popular for its food, hiking, and impressive beauty. Flagstaff is well known for its nearby craters and volcanic caves as well as its location along the historic Route 66. Cody, Wyoming is well known for it's Wild West atmosphere and its founder, Buffalo Bill. Also, Cody, Wyoming is famous for the Buffalo Bill Center of the West.

How is Flagstaff different from Cody, Wyoming?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Flagstaff or Cody, Wyoming?

Flagstaff
Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Flagstaff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Cody, Wyoming. There are some interesting local museums around town. One of the most popular is the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. There are also several gun museums like the Cody Dug Up Gun Museum and the Cody Firearms Museum. For history, check out the Museum of the Plains Indian or the Cody Heritage Museum.

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.


Is the Food Better in Flagstaff or Cody, Wyoming? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Flagstaff
Cody, Wyoming

Flagstaff is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Cody, Wyoming is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Flagstaff. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Cody, Wyoming. Most of the restaurants offer a nod to the Wild West theme. There's a soda saloon, barbecue joints, and old fashioned saloons where you can grab a thick steak or fried green tomatoes. Many have fun decor and a family-friendly vibe that sets the atmosphere.

Is Flagstaff or Cody, Wyoming Better for Nightlife?

Flagstaff
Cody, Wyoming

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Flagstaff and Cody, Wyoming.

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 Cody, Wyoming has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene, like everything else in town, stays true to the Wild West theme. You'll find cowboys and cowgirls on the dance floor and enjoy live music and cold drinks at the local bar.

Is Flagstaff or Cody, Wyoming Better for its Old Town?

Flagstaff
Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming is a town with good options for its historic old town charm. However, Flagstaff does not have a historic old town.

Cody, Wyoming offers a nice historic old town area. The historic downtown is small, just a few blocks along Sheridan Avenue, but it's filled with personality. The buildings have local character and highlight the town's past.

Flagstaff does not have a historic old town.


Is Flagstaff or Cody, Wyoming Better for Hiking?

Flagstaff
Cody, Wyoming

Flagstaff is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. Also, Cody, Wyoming is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many people visit Flagstaff specifically for its hiking. 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.

Cody, Wyoming has hiking trails worth exploring. It's not hard to get out of town and enjoy some hiking. Trails take you through the local landscapes and sometimes offer you the opportunity to see local wildlife.

Is the Shopping Better in Flagstaff or Cody, Wyoming?

Flagstaff
Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Flagstaff is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Cody, Wyoming. You'll find quirky shops, local vendors, and sporting equipment stores around town. Whether you want to pick up a souvenir or browse the Wild West paraphernalia, shopping is a fun activity in town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Flagstaff. 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.

Is Flagstaff or Cody, Wyoming Better for Families?

Flagstaff
Cody, Wyoming

Both Flagstaff and Cody, Wyoming are superb to visit with kids.

Flagstaff is known to be 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.

Cody, Wyoming is a very family-friendly destination. It's a fun stop off for families who are visiting the national parks in the area. There are diverse activities that will give the kids a break from hiking and nature programs. Make sure you check out the Cody Nite Rodeo, the Old Trail Town, and the horseback riding. For a glimpse at what life was like back in the Wild West, check out a Wild Bunch Gunfighters Show.


Is Flagstaff or Cody, Wyoming Better for Couples?

Flagstaff
Cody, Wyoming

Both Flagstaff and Cody, Wyoming 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.

Cody, Wyoming is a nice destination for couples. If you don't take yourself too seriously, this is a fun town to shop, dine, and play. There's horseback riding, historical reenactments, and quirky shops. There's also the opportunity to see wildlife and chat with other travelers.

Is Flagstaff or Cody, Wyoming Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Flagstaff
Cody, Wyoming

Flagstaff is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cody, Wyoming is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Flagstaff is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are campgrounds nearby as well as tons of nature parks and countless hiking trails in the area.

Cody, Wyoming is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of campgrounds and cheap motels in the area.

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

Flagstaff
Cody, Wyoming

Flagstaff is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Cody, Wyoming is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Cody, Wyoming. There's no real public transit through town.


Is Flagstaff or Cody, Wyoming a more walkable city?

Flagstaff
Cody, Wyoming

Flagstaff and Cody, Wyoming 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.

Cody, Wyoming is somewhat walkable. The historic downtown can be explored on foot, but anything outside of town will require a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Cody, Wyoming or Flagstaff?

How long in Flagstaff or Cody, Wyoming?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Flagstaff and Cody, Wyoming. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Flagstaff than in Cody, Wyoming. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Flagstaff, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cody, Wyoming.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Flagstaff than Cody, Wyoming 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 Cody, Wyoming? Ideal Length of Stay
    Flagstaff 2-4 
    Cody, Wyoming 1-3

One day in Flagstaff or Cody, Wyoming?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the adventurous destination of Flagstaff. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Even though Cody, Wyoming is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cody, Wyoming has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Flagstaff or Cody, Wyoming?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Flagstaff. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Cody, Wyoming is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. 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 Cody, Wyoming?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the adventurous destination of Flagstaff. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

Cody, Wyoming is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. 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 Cody, Wyoming?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Flagstaff. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Cody, Wyoming 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, Cody, Wyoming 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 Cody, Wyoming is $157. 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 Cody, Wyoming in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Flagstaff $86
    Cody, Wyoming $78
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Flagstaff $172
    Cody, Wyoming $156
Compare Hotels in Flagstaff and Cody, Wyoming

Looking for a hotel in Flagstaff or Cody, Wyoming? 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 Cody, Wyoming


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 Cody, Wyoming Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Flagstaff $37
    Cody, Wyoming $46

Is it cheaper to fly into Flagstaff or Cody, Wyoming?

Prices for flights to both Cody, Wyoming 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
    Cody, Wyoming $47

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Flagstaff $28
    Cody, Wyoming $33

Tours and Activities in Flagstaff

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

  • 2 HR Guided Electric Bike Tour of Flagstaff and Buffalo Park: $105
  • 2 Hours Private E-Bike Tours In Northern Arizona: $75
  • Adventurers Ready To Jump Into The Void Flag Style Wanted: $35
  • All-day Grand Canyon • Indian Ruins • Volcano • Christian Tour: $199
  • Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Day Tour from Flagstaff: $299
  • Antelope Slot Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Day Tour from Flagstaff: $285
  • Arizona: Grand Canyon National Park Tour with Lunch & Pickup: $245
  • Comprehensive Grand Canyon Tour from Flagstaff w/Lunch: $208
  • Downtown Flagstaff Haunted History Tour: $28
  • Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course-Adult Course: $65
  • Flagstaff Ghosts Tour By Us Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Flagstaff Puzzling Adventure: $35

Tours and Activities in Cody, Wyoming

For Cody, Wyoming, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Cody Trolley Tours - Best of the West Trolley Tour: $34
  • Surfin In The Rockies Duckie Tours!: $40
  • Red Canyon River Trip’s all inclusive Half Day Tour! : $85
  • Red Canyon Wild Mustang Tour 5:00: $89
  • Red Canyon Mustang Tour 8am: $89
  • All-Inclusive YNP Lower Loop Tour for 55+Seniors P/U in Cody Wy : $189
  • From Cody: Full-Day Yellowstone National Park Tour: $260
  • Guided Upper Loop of Yellowstone Tour from Cody, WY: $269
  • Guided Lower Loop of Yellowstone Tour from Cody, WY: $269
  • Wild Mustang Half Day Tour - Cody Wyoming - Private: $298
  • Yellowstone Lower Loop Guided Tour from Cody, Wyoming: $298
  • Yellowstone Custom Wildlife and Nature Tour: $298

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Flagstaff $29
    Cody, Wyoming $18

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 comparing the travel costs between Flagstaff and Cody, Wyoming, we can see that Flagstaff is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Flagstaff or Cody, Wyoming?

Flagstaff has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Cody, Wyoming. When comparing the sizes of Flagstaff and Cody, Wyoming, 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.