Should you visit Joshua Tree National Park or Yellowstone National Park?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel cost comparison between Joshua Tree National Park and Yellowstone National Park can help. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Joshua Tree National Park
California's high desert has a unique landscape and has become synonymous with Joshua Tree, located in southeastern California. Joshua Tree National Park gained its namesake from its spiky, evergreen, and unusually shaped trees native to the Mojave Desert area, which only grow in arid soils on plains, slopes and mesas. Legend has it that Mormons in the 19th century came across the trees and thought they resembled Joshua from the Bible, with outstretched arms, beckoning them to the promised land. Well, they do kind of look like people.
Yellowstone National Park
The world's first national park, Yellowstone National Park was established in 1872. The area is famous for its many geysers, hot springs, and thermal areas. It also has a wide diversity of wildlife and stunning beauty, making it one of the most impressive places you can visit in the United States. The national park takes up an area of about 3,472 square miles and is mostly located within the state of Wyoming. It also touches the states of Idaho and Montana.
Which city is cheaper, Yellowstone National Park or Joshua Tree National Park?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Average Daily Cost
Per person, per day
Joshua Tree National Park
$122
Yellowstone National Park
$118
The average daily cost (per person) in Joshua Tree National Park is $122, while the average daily cost in Yellowstone National Park is $118. 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. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Joshua Tree National Park and Yellowstone National Park in more detail.
Accommodation
Travelers usually pay around $140 for a double occupancy room in Joshua Tree National Park If you want to be in a premiere location or have high end amenities, you can expect to pay a bit more.
If you're traveling alone, you may be able to find a budget hotel or hostel for around $59. But for two people in a standard two-person hotel room in Yellowstone National Park the cost is $118 on average.
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Accommodation
Hotel or hostel for one person
Joshua Tree National Park $70
Yellowstone National Park $59
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Accommodation
Typical double-occupancy room
Joshua Tree National Park
$140
Yellowstone National Park
$118
Local Transportation
Joshua Tree National Park's transportation costs can vary by the type of transport chosen by visitors. Naturally, taxis and private drivers cost much more than public transportation options. On average, visitors spend $37 per person, per day on transportation in Joshua Tree National Park.
While taxis and private drivers typically cost much more than public transportation, people usually spend around $30 per day to get around in Yellowstone National Park.
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Local Transportation
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
Joshua Tree National Park $37
Yellowstone National Park $30
Is it cheaper to fly into Joshua Tree National Park or Yellowstone National Park?
Prices for flights to both Yellowstone National Park and Joshua Tree National Park 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
The price of a meal in Joshua Tree National Park can vary widely. However, the average price for food per day is $28 per person, and a typical meal will cost around $11 based on the spending of previous visitors. Less expensive dining options can be found by eating street food or at fast food restaurants.
While meal prices in Yellowstone National Park can vary, the average travelers spends about $37 per day on food. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out, an average meal in Yellowstone National Park should cost around $15 per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Yellowstone National Park is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.
Entertainment
Sightseeing, admission tickets, things to do, and other entertainment expenses in Joshua Tree National Park can vary widely by price. On average, visitors spend around $22 per person, per day on entertainment and sightseeing here.
Activities, things to do, and other forms of entertainment usually cost around $27 per person, per day in Yellowstone National Park. This cost includes the price of admission tickets to attractions and museums as well as daily tours.
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Entertainment
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
Joshua Tree National Park $22
Yellowstone National Park $27
Tours and Activities in Joshua Tree National Park
For Joshua Tree National Park, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
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Self-Driving Audio Tour:
$10
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Earthquake Canyon Express Downhill Bicycle Adventure:
$120
Tours and Activities in Yellowstone National Park
Here are a few actual costs in Yellowstone National Park for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
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E-Bike Tours in Yellowstone National Park:
$175
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From Gardiner: Yellowstone Wildlife Watching Tour with Meals:
$1,056
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From Jackson: Yellowstone Day Tour Including Entrance Fee:
$315
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From West Yellowstone: Lower Loop Active Van Tour:
$275
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Jackson: Yellowstone Small-Group Tour with Picnic Lunch:
$299
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Lamar Valley Safari Hiking Tour with Lunch:
$150
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Lamar Valley: Safari Hiking Tour with Lunch:
$175
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Private Yellowstone Geology Tour with Wildlife, Hiking, and Geysers and Lunch:
$1,450
Alcohol
Typically, people visiting Joshua Tree National Park spend on average $3.94 on alcoholic beverages per person, per day.
While the amount that someone spends on alcohol while visiting Yellowstone National Park may vary from person to person, on average a person spends $16 per day on alcoholic beverages.
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Alcohol
Drinks for one day
Joshua Tree National Park $3.94
Yellowstone National Park $16
When comparing the travel costs between Joshua Tree National Park and Yellowstone National Park, we can see that Joshua Tree National Park 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.
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