Should you visit Joshua Tree National Park or Zion National Park?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel cost comparison between Joshua Tree National Park and Zion 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.
Zion National Park
Grab your backpack, water bottle and protein bar and prepare yourself for the most humbling and awe-inspiring sights you'll likely ever see. Zion National Park in southern Utah is a favorite for hikers, backpackers and climbers around the world. With the red and white cliffs of Zion Canyon rising high over the Virgin River, meadows of wildflowers, hanging gardens and high plateaus, you'll be hard pressed to find more breathtaking views in the US.
Which city is cheaper, Zion National Park or Joshua Tree National Park?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Joshua Tree National Park is $122, while the average daily cost in Zion National Park is $95. 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 Zion 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.
A hotel room in Zion National Park is about $96 This assumes double occupancy and modest accommodations.
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Accommodation
Hotel or hostel for one person
Joshua Tree National Park $70
Zion National Park $48
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Accommodation
Typical double-occupancy room
Joshua Tree National Park
$140
Zion National Park
$96
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.
Zion National Park food costs typically run travelers around $30 per day. Eating every meal in a nicer restaurant will drive the cost up, and grabbing fast food or casual meals will help you save money.
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.
The cost of a taxi ride in Zion National Park is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $24 per person, per day, on local transportation in Zion National Park.
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Local Transportation
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
Joshua Tree National Park $37
Zion National Park $24
Is it cheaper to fly into Joshua Tree National Park or Zion National Park?
Prices for flights to both Zion 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.
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.
Entertainment and activities in Zion National Park typically cost an average of $21 per person, per day. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
Joshua Tree National Park $22
Zion National Park $21
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 Zion National Park may vary from person to person, on average a person spends $6.62 per day on alcoholic beverages.
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Joshua Tree National Park and Zion National Park, we can see that Joshua Tree National Park is more expensive. And not only is Zion National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Zion National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zion National Park 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 Joshua Tree National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Joshua Tree National Park than you might in Zion National Park.
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