Which city is cheaper, Phoenix or Flagstaff?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for Arizona Flagstaff vs. Phoenix for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
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Should you visit Flagstaff or Phoenix?
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 Phoenix 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
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.
Phoenix
The most populous city in the American Southwest, Phoenix is the capital city of Arizona and busiest hub of activity in the general area. Geographically it is located in the Sonoran Desert, making for long hot summers and mild winters. This climate has ensured a thriving tourism industry with plenty of attractions both in and around Phoenix.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFlagstaff $133Phoenix $187
The average daily cost (per person) in Flagstaff is $133, while the average daily cost in Phoenix is $187. 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. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Flagstaff and Phoenix in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFlagstaff $69Phoenix $113
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFlagstaff $138Phoenix $226
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Flagstaff $30Phoenix $28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phoenix
Also for Phoenix, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport SUV Phoenix One Way Transfer Phoenix Address: $100
- Airport SUV Phoenix One Way Transfer Scottsdale Address: $121
- Airport Sedan Phoenix One Way Transfer Scottsdale Address: $91
- Airport Sedan Phoenix One Way Transfer to Phoenix Address: $91
- Airport VAN Phoenix One Way Transfer Phoenix Address: $213
- Airport VAN Phoenix One Way Transfer Scottsdale Address: $213
- Arrival Private Transfer Phoenix Airport PHX to Phoenix Business-Luxury Vehicle: $78
- Arrival Private Transfers: Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Business Car: $76
- Arrival Private Transfers: Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Luxury SUV: $96
- Arrival Private Transfers: Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Luxury Van: $96
- Departure Private Transfer to Phoenix Airport PHX by Business or Luxury Vehicle: $78
- Departure Private Transfers: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Business Car: $76
Is it cheaper to fly into Flagstaff or Phoenix?
Prices for flights to both Phoenix 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
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Food Meals for one dayFlagstaff $44Phoenix $42
Typical Food prices in Phoenix
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Phoenix:
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Nice Lunch (for 2)$36
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Indian Food Dinner (for 2)$32
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phoenix
For Phoenix, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Awesome French Crêpes Cooking Class: $65
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Flagstaff $22Phoenix $32
Tours and Activities in Flagstaff
Here are a few actual costs in Flagstaff for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Day Tour from Flagstaff: $229
- Antelope Slot Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Day Tour from Flagstaff: $236
- Comprehensive Grand Canyon Tour from Flagstaff: $186
- Dark Skies Astrophotography Tour: $50
- Flagstaff Adventure Zipline Course: $61
- Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course-Adult Course: $61
- Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course-Kids Course: $30
- From Sedona or Full-Day Monument Valley Tour: $306
- Fun Flagstaff History Segway, Bike or Walking Tour: $31
- Grand Canyon Discovery Tour: $379
- Grand Canyon Experience Tour from Flagstaff: $162
- Grand Canyon Sightseeing Tour from Flagstaff: $178
Tours and Activities in Phoenix
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Phoenix.
- Skip the Line: Heard Museum Admission Ticket: $18
- Phoenix Walking Ghost Tour: $20
- Phoenix Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
- Phoenix Zoo: One Day General Admission Ticket: $23
- RoRo Street Art Tour: $27
- Lockdown- Samurai Escape Room Experience: $28
- Phoenix Legends Bike Tour: $43
- Tabletop Adventure - Gaming in Nature: $46
- BYOB Pedal Bar Experience In Old Town Scottsdale: $53
- Private Group Sonoran Desert 1.5 Hour Hiking Adventure: $75
- Scottsdale: Half-Day Casual Bike Tour with Guide: $75
- Private Group Sonoran Desert Half Day Hiking Adventure: $95
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFlagstaff $23Phoenix $13
Sample the Local Flavors in Phoenix
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Phoenix:
- Wine Tours, Airport Transportation and more!: $100
- Custom Arizona Brewery Tour: $245
- Scottsdale: Mountain Biking and Brewery Tour: $250
- From Phoenix/Scottsdale: Sedona Hiking & Wine Tasting Tour: $275
- Private Southern Arizona Wine Tour Phoenix to Sonoita-Elgin Vineyards: $997
- Private Wine Tour from Phoenix to Sonoita-Elgin Vineyards: $1,650
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Flagstaff and Phoenix, we can see that Phoenix 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 Phoenix would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Phoenix than you might in Flagstaff.
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Budget Your Trip has average travel costs for thousands of cities around the world, all provided by other travelers. You can also register to organize your spending by category and location with graphs, maps, charts, and tables.More City Comparisons
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