Which place is cheaper, Pocono Mountains or Galveston?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Galveston and Pocono Mountains can help you decide which place is right for you.
Galveston is a charming, coastal, and historic town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.
Pocono Mountains is a relaxing, scenic, and beautiful region. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and skiing.
Visitors will usually find more to do in Galveston than Pocono Mountains, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Galveston is better known for its museums, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, and small town charm, while Pocono Mountains is more popular for its skiing, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Galveston is well known for its long history that is centered around the shipping industry and hurricanes. Also, Galveston is famous for Pleasure Pier. Pocono Mountains is well known for its hiking trails, boating and fishing, and small towns.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Pocono Mountains and Galveston. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Pocono Mountains is great for skiing. However, Galveston is not a skiing destination.
Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Pocono Mountains. There are a number of ski resorts in the area that offer family-friendly skiing or more advanced options. Some of the most popular ski areas are Big Boulder, Blue Mountain, Camelback Mountain, and Jack Frost Mountain.
Galveston is not a skiing destination.
Galveston is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Pocono Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its museums and history.
You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Galveston. With its long history and Victorian homes, there are a number of museums around town. A favorite mansion is the 1892 Bishop's Palace. There's also the Galveston Railroad Museum and the Galveston Arts Center.
If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Pocono Mountains. Visiting a local museum is a great way to learn about the area's history and Native American population. For a glimpse back in time, you can visit the Asa Packer Mansion, Grey Towers National Historic Landmark, or Columns Museum. The Old Jail Museum is a fascinating place to visit and even offers ghost tours. The Pocono Indian Museum and Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm are both worth a visit as well.
Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Galveston and Pocono Mountains can be difficult as they are each notable in their own way.
Galveston has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's a great mix of seafood and Texas favorites. Seafood-lovers will enjoy the oysters, crab cakes, and po boys while land-lovers will like the brisket, Tex Mex, and Texas chili.
There are many up and coming restaurants in the Pocono Mountains area. Family-friendly restaurants are common. Many serve up casual American cuisine like burgers or pasta. There are also more upscale restaurants, some with impressive views, that will elevate your culinary experience. For a local experience, find a restaurant with a seasonal menu that makes the most of the local ingredients.
Galveston is notable for nightlife and partying. However, Pocono Mountains is a mediocre region for its evening party scene.
Galveston has plenty to do after the sun goes down. There's a bit of a party town vibe in the evenings. Head to Pleasure Pier for rides and entertainment. The town also has taverns, lounges, and bars that you can check out.
Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Pocono Mountains. There are some resorts with casinos and bars as well as local breweries and bars. You'll also find a theater or two in the area.
Pocono Mountains is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Galveston is not a resort destination.
With a selection of resorts, Pocono Mountains makes a nice vacation spot. Resorts range from family-friendly to romantic. Many have indoor pools or even water parks. Some also have spas, restaurants, and plenty of amenities.
Galveston is not a resort destination.
Galveston is a town with good options for the beache. However, Pocono Mountains is not a beach destination.
Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Galveston. There are miles of beaches that spread out from town. Some of the best include Babe's Beach, Stewart Beach, and Crystal Beach. Because of the proximity to the Mississippi River, the water can be a bit murky, but the beaches are still fun.
Pocono Mountains is not a beach destination.
Galveston is a town with good options for its old town. However, Pocono Mountains does not have a historic old town.
Many people head to Galveston to see the old town. The East End Historic District is filled with historic mansions with beautiful porches. It's possible to take a tour or you could explore independently.
Pocono Mountains does not have a historic old town.
Pocono Mountains is great for hiking. However, Galveston is not a hiking destination.
Many visitors go to Pocono Mountains for the hiking trails. There are miles of hiking trails that take you through forests or to spectacular waterfalls. Trails range from easy to challenging and each offers a great way to escape into nature. Some of the more popular trails are found in Tobyhanna State Park and Promised Land State Park. The Appalachian Trail also passes through the area.
Galveston is not a hiking destination.
If you're looking to go shopping, Galveston and Pocono Mountains both offer plenty of notable spots.
Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Galveston. There are plenty of places to pick up souvenirs like shell jewelry or t-shirts. There are also more eclectic shops as well as shopping centers and malls.
Many visitors go to Pocono Mountains to go shopping. Head to the towns for some the best local shopping. The downtown areas in each of the major towns - Jim Thorpe, Stroudsburg, Milford, and Honesdale - have local vendors, antique shops, and the occasional flea market or farmer's market.
You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Galveston or Pocono Mountains.
Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Galveston is very family-friendly. Head to Pier 21 where you'll find museums, harbor tours, and other kid-friendly activities. The city also offers a number of pirate-themed activities that kids enjoy as well as spooky ghost tours. For a bit of a thrill you can check out the rides at Galveston Pleasure Pier. And, of course, there are the beaches.
Pocono Mountains is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There's horseback riding in the warmer seasons and kid-friendly skiing in the winter. The kids will also enjoy the hiking, ziplining, and indoor waterparks in the area. Animal farms and petting zoos are also popular, particularly with the younger kids.
Both Galveston and Pocono Mountains are superb destinations to visit as a couple.
Galveston is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. The Historic District is the perfect place to enjoy a nice meal and soak up the charm. The area's beaches and parks also offer a bit of romance and there are plenty of outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, or swimming.
Pocono Mountains is a very popular place to visit for couples. Romantic resorts, cozy cabins, and luxurious spas all make this a wonderful couples destination. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the hiking and adventure sports in the area, while those looking for a more relaxed experience will appreciate the dining and cultural activities.
Pocono Mountains is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Galveston is not a good destination for backpackers.
Many backpackers visit Pocono Mountains. There's no shortage of campgrounds, cabins, and hiking opportunities that will let backpackers enjoy a bit of nature.
Galveston is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The beaches are great, but most backpackers don't think to visit Galveston.
Galveston and Pocono Mountains both offer respectable public transit to get you around.
Public transit is mostly limited in Galveston. While there are buses and trolley buses, a car is the best way to get around with the greatest flexibility and convenience.
Public transit is generally limited in Pocono Mountains. There are some bus services that run between a few towns, but they're not an efficient way to get around.
Galveston is a town with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Pocono Mountains is a mediocre region for its ease of walking around.
Galveston is a somewhat walkable place. There are some walkable areas such as the Historic District.
Pocono Mountains is generally not a very walkable town. While there are plenty of hiking trails and some walkable towns, you really need a car to explore the area.
For even more information, also check out Is Galveston Worth Visiting? and Is Pocono Mountains Worth Visiting?.
Both Galveston and Pocono Mountains have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Pocono Mountains than in Galveston. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Galveston, and 3-7 days is enough time in Pocono Mountains.
Families should spend more time in Galveston than Pocono Mountains. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Galveston, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Galveston than Pocono Mountains. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Galveston that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pocono Mountains than Galveston 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 Pocono Mountains.
You'll find food and shopping around the coastal destination of Galveston. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.
You'll find shopping and museums around the region of Pocono Mountains. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.
You'll find shopping and museums around the historic town of Galveston. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.
You'll find museums and skiing around the scenic destination of Pocono Mountains. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This region offers a variety of activities to choose from.
Galveston is a popular choice for travelers. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.
You'll find skiing and food around the beautiful region of Pocono Mountains. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this region makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this region has to offer.
Galveston is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.
Pocono Mountains is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Pocono Mountains, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Galveston is $183, while the average daily cost in Pocono Mountains is $174. 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 Galveston and Pocono Mountains in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Galveston or Pocono Mountains? 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.
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.
Also for Galveston, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Pocono Mountains and Galveston 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.
For Galveston, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Galveston.
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Pocono Mountains are as follows:
Also in Galveston, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
When comparing the travel costs between Galveston and Pocono Mountains, we can see that Galveston 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 Galveston Expensive? and Is Pocono Mountains Expensive?.
Galveston has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Pocono Mountains. When comparing the sizes of Galveston and Pocono Mountains, 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.
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Both Pocono Mountains and Galveston during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Galveston for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Pocono Mountains in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
Galveston is a little warmer than Pocono Mountains in the summer. The daily temperature in Galveston averages around 84°F (29°C) in July, and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).
Pocono Mountains gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Galveston usually gets less rain in July than Pocono Mountains. Galveston gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain this time of the year.
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Galveston and Pocono Mountains. Many visitors come to Galveston in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, most visitors come to Pocono Mountains for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Galveston is much warmer than Pocono Mountains. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Galveston in October average around 71°F (22°C), and Pocono Mountains averages at about 55°F (13°C).
In October, Galveston usually receives less rain than Pocono Mountains. Galveston gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
The winter brings many poeple to Galveston as well as Pocono Mountains. Most visitors come to Galveston for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Pocono Mountains because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Pocono Mountains can be very cold. In January, Galveston is generally much warmer than Pocono Mountains. Daily temperatures in Galveston average around 52°F (11°C), and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).
Galveston usually gets less rain in January than Pocono Mountains. Galveston gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.
Both Pocono Mountains and Galveston are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Galveston because of the beaches and the small town charm. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Pocono Mountains this time of year.
Galveston is much warmer than Pocono Mountains in the spring. The daily temperature in Galveston averages around 70°F (21°C) in April, and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).
In April, Galveston usually receives less rain than Pocono Mountains. Galveston gets 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
Galveston | Pocono Mountains | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 52°F (11°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 28°F (-2°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) |
Feb | 55°F (13°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) | 31°F (-1°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
Mar | 63°F (17°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) | 41°F (5°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) |
Apr | 70°F (21°C) | 2.4 inches (60 mm) | 51°F (11°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) |
May | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) |
Jun | 81°F (27°C) | 4.3 inches (108 mm) | 71°F (22°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) |
Jul | 84°F (29°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) | 75°F (24°C) | 4.4 inches (111 mm) |
Aug | 83°F (29°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 4.2 inches (106 mm) |
Sep | 80°F (27°C) | 5.6 inches (141 mm) | 66°F (19°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) |
Oct | 71°F (22°C) | 2.3 inches (59 mm) | 55°F (13°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
Nov | 63°F (17°C) | 3.2 inches (81 mm) | 45°F (7°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) |
Dec | 55°F (13°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) | 33°F (1°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) |