Which place is cheaper, Niagara Falls or Hershey?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Hershey or Niagara Falls?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Hershey or Niagara Falls? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Hershey or Niagara Falls?
Hershey
Often called "Chocolatetown, USA" and "The Sweetest Place on Earth," Hershey, Pennsylvania is most known for being home to the famous Hershey's chocolates. The Hershey Company was founded in 1894 by Milton S. Hershey, and has grown to sell products in over sixty countries worldwide. Before the town was named Hershey, it was called Derry Church and was the hometown of the chocolatier. While there are now manufacturing plants in many locations, Hershey, PA, remains the location that draws the crowds. It is the place where the Hershey Company originated and is home to attractions like Hershey Park, Hershey Gardens, and Hershey's Chocolate World.
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls, Ontario sits on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, across the border from Niagara Falls, New York. Together these cities have claimed themselves to be the "Honeymoon Capital of the World" a status that is probably little more than a marketing ploy. That said, Niagara Falls, Ontario, is perhaps a quainter and more natural version of its American counterpart. The town has existed as a tourist destination for hundreds of years, with its main attraction, obviously, being Niagara Falls. Today, millions of visitors come to see the falls every year. It's truly an impressive sight, and there is no shortage of entertainment options while you're in the area.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada, and The Best Camping Tours in Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHershey $212Niagara Falls $122
The average daily cost (per person) in Hershey is $212, while the average daily cost in Niagara Falls is $122. 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 Hershey and Niagara Falls in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHershey $114Niagara Falls $74
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHershey $228Niagara Falls $148
Compare Hotels in Hershey and Niagara Falls
Looking for a hotel in Hershey or Niagara Falls? 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.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Hershey Hotel Prices and Niagara Falls Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hershey $49Niagara Falls $16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hershey
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hershey:
- Private transfer from MDT airport to Harrisburg, Lancaster, York, Hershey: $150
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Niagara Falls
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Niagara Falls:
- Private Departure Transfer to Buffalo Airport (BUF): $104
- Private Transfer: Niagara Falls, ON to Pearson Int’l Airport (YYZ): $134
- Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) to Buffalo - Arrival Private Transfer: $42
- Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) to Buffalo - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $83
- Buffalo Niagara Airport to Holiday Valley - Round-Trip Transfer: $263
- Buffalo Niagara Airport(BUF) to Holiday Valley - Arrival Transfer: $131
- Buffalo to Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) - Departure Private Transfer: $41
- Departure Private Transfer: Niagara Falls to Toronto Airport YYZ in Luxury SUV: $195
- Niagara Buffalo Airport Arrival: Private Transfer to Niagara Falls Ontario: $80
- Niagara Buffalo Airport Departure: Private Transfer to Buffalo Niagara Airport: $79
- Private Arrival Transfer from Buffalo Airport (BUF): $96
- Private Arrival Transfer: Buffalo Niagara Airport to Niagara Falls, Ontario: $88
Is it cheaper to fly into Hershey or Niagara Falls?
Prices for flights to both Niagara Falls and Hershey 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 dayHershey $61Niagara Falls $28
Typical Food Prices in Hershey
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hershey:
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Frozen Hot Chocolate$4.19
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Plain and Fancy Farm$46
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Homemade Apple Butter$7.98
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Niagara Falls
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Niagara Falls.
- The Wing Ride: The Hidden History of Chicken Wings Food Tour: $105
- Walking Food Tour in Niagara Falls: $108
- Niagara Falls Sightseeing Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $130
- Sunset Wine Tour with Dinner Niagara On The Lake: $146
- Guided Night Tour w/ Dinner & Hotel Transfer: $149
- Light up The Falls Small Group Tour with Fallsview Dinner: $155
- Evening Lights Tour with Skylon Tower Dinner: $177
- Sunset Niagara-on-the-Lake Small Group Wine Tour with Dinner: $178
- Niagara Wine Tasting and three courses Dinner: $192
- Niagara Falls Evening Lights Tour With Skylon Tower Dinner: $192
- Night on Niagara Walking Tour with Fireworks Cruise + Dinner: $200
- Small Group Night Tour w/ Dinner & Light Show: $204
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hershey $53Niagara Falls $20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hershey
Here are a few typical costs in Hershey for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Hershey Chocolate World (for 3)$75
Tours and Activities in Hershey
Here are a few actual costs in Hershey for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Skip the Line: AACA Museum Admission Ticket: $25
Typical Entertainment Prices in Niagara Falls
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Niagara Falls are as follows:
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Maid of the Mist$37
Tours and Activities in Niagara Falls
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Niagara Falls are as follows:
- Visit Niagara Falls with bus ticket from/to Hamilton Airport: $3.65
- Niagara Peninsula Smartphone Audio Driving Tour: $6.21
- Niagara Falls, Canada: Niagara Adventure Theater: $11
- Niagara Falls, Canada: Niagara SkyWheel Ticket: $12
- Niagara SkyWheel Admission Ticket: $13
- Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site Admission and Guided Tour: $13
- Niagara's Fury 4D Experience Entry Ticket: $14
- Niagara Falls USA Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $15
- Niagara Falls, Canada: White Water Walk Entry Ticket: $16
- Niagara Falls, Canada: Skylon Tower Observation Deck Ticket: $16
- Niagara Falls, Canada: Bird Kingdom Entry Ticket: $16
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Buffalo by Zombie Scavengers: $20
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHershey $27Niagara Falls $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Niagara Falls
Also in Niagara Falls, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Niagara Wine Tour and Tastings with Included Transportation : $56
- Small Group Niagara-on-the-Lake Wine Tasting Tour: $96
- Sip, Swirl and Savour Chocolate & Wine Tour : $103
- Niagara Craft Brewery Tour Niagara Falls: $110
- 3.5 Hours NOTL E-Bike Wine Tour: $111
- Niagara All American All inclusive Boutique Wine Tour : $114
- Half Day Wine & Cheese Tour - Niagara On The Lake Wine Tour: $119
- Full-Day Group Wine Tour (with cheese and charcuterie) in Niagara-on-the-Lake: $141
- myWineCountry Experience Premium Wine Tours and Tastings: $148
- Relaxing three courses Lunch & Wine Tour through Niagara's Wine Country: $148
- Niagara-on-the-Lake Small Group Wine Tour with Picnic Lunch: $149
- Luxury Buffalo Brewery Tour: $149
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hershey and Niagara Falls, we can see that Hershey is more expensive. And not only is Niagara Falls much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Niagara Falls would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Niagara Falls 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 Hershey would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hershey than you might in Niagara Falls.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hershey Expensive? and Is Niagara Falls Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hershey or Niagara Falls?
Niagara Falls has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Hershey. When comparing the sizes of Hershey and Niagara Falls, 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.
When is the best time to visit Hershey or Niagara Falls?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Hershey or Niagara Falls in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hershey and Niagara Falls. The summer months attract visitors to Hershey because of the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Hershey is around the same temperature as Niagara Falls. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hershey in July average around 77°F (25°C), and Niagara Falls averages at about 23°C (74°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Niagara Falls this time of the year. In Hershey, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hershey usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Niagara Falls during summer. Hershey gets 310 hours of sunny skies, while Niagara Falls receives 306 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Hershey usually receives more rain than Niagara Falls. Hershey gets 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHershey 77°F (25°C)Niagara Falls 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Hershey or Niagara Falls in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Hershey as well as Niagara Falls. The shopping scene are the main draw to Hershey this time of year.
In October, Hershey is generally around the same temperature as Niagara Falls. Daily temperatures in Hershey average around 56°F (13°C), and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In the autumn, Hershey often gets more sunshine than Niagara Falls. Hershey gets 194 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Niagara Falls receives 148 hours of full sun.
Hershey usually gets more rain in October than Niagara Falls. Hershey gets 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHershey 56°F (13°C)Niagara Falls 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Hershey or Niagara Falls in the Winter?
Both Niagara Falls and Hershey are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Hershey for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Niagara Falls can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Hershey. Hershey is much warmer than Niagara Falls in the winter. The daily temperature in Hershey averages around 30°F (-1°C) in January, and Niagara Falls fluctuates around -4°C (26°F).
Hershey usually receives more sunshine than Niagara Falls during winter. Hershey gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Niagara Falls receives 89 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Hershey usually receives more rain than Niagara Falls. Hershey gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHershey 30°F (-1°C)Niagara Falls -4°C (26°F)
Should I visit Hershey or Niagara Falls in the Spring?
Both Niagara Falls and Hershey during the spring are popular places to visit.
In the spring, Hershey is a little warmer than Niagara Falls. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hershey in April average around 53°F (12°C), and Niagara Falls averages at about 10°C (49°F).
In Niagara Falls, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hershey. In the spring, Hershey often gets more sunshine than Niagara Falls. Hershey gets 237 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Niagara Falls receives 203 hours of full sun.
Hershey usually gets more rain in April than Niagara Falls. Hershey gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHershey 53°F (12°C)Niagara Falls 10°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Niagara Falls and Hershey
| Hershey | Niagara Falls | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) | -4°C (26°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 33°F (0°C) | 2.9 inches (75 mm) | -3°C (28°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 42°F (6°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 2°C (36°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 53°F (12°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 10°C (49°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| May | 63°F (17°C) | 4.3 inches (108 mm) | 15°C (59°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 72°F (22°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) | 20°C (68°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 77°F (25°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) | 23°C (74°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 75°F (24°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) | 22°C (72°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Sep | 68°F (20°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 56°F (13°C) | 2.9 inches (75 mm) | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 46°F (8°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) | 6°C (43°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | 35°F (2°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | -0°C (31°F) | 75 mm (2.9 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.