Which place is cheaper, Tucson or Hershey?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Hershey or Tucson?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Hershey or Tucson? 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 Tucson?
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.
Tucson
Tucson, Arizona is the second largest city in the state and sits at an elevation of 2,400 feet. It's temperature is slightly milder than Phoenix and it is a pleasant place to visit. Most people arrive in the city by car, but Amtrak does travel through Tucson, as does Greyhound. The area is also served by the Tucson International Airport. Once in the city, you'll likely want to have access to a car, as the city is not very pedestrian friendly and public transportation is very much lacking. Many popular and beautiful sights are also outside of town in the surrounding desert, so having access to a vehicle is paramount if you hope to visit any of the places.
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 Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHershey $212Tucson $157
The average daily cost (per person) in Hershey is $212, while the average daily cost in Tucson 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 Hershey and Tucson in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHershey $114Tucson $93
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHershey $228Tucson $186
Compare Hotels in Hershey and Tucson
Looking for a hotel in Hershey or Tucson? 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 Tucson Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hershey $49Tucson $27
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Hershey or Tucson?
Prices for flights to both Tucson 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
-
Food Meals for one dayHershey $61Tucson $36
Typical Food Prices in Hershey
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hershey:
-
Frozen Hot Chocolate$4.19
-
Plain and Fancy Farm$46
-
Homemade Apple Butter$7.98
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hershey $53Tucson $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hershey
Here are a few typical costs in Hershey for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
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
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayHershey $27Tucson $16
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hershey and Tucson, we can see that Hershey is more expensive. And not only is Tucson much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tucson would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tucson 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 Tucson.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hershey Expensive? and Is Tucson Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hershey or Tucson?
Tucson has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Hershey. When comparing the sizes of Hershey and Tucson, 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.
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.