Which place is cheaper, Pocono Mountains or Myrtle Beach?
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 Myrtle Beach and Pocono Mountains can help you decide which place is right for you.
Myrtle Beach is a high energy, party-filled, and busy beach city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife and beaches.
Pocono Mountains is a magnificent, relaxing, and scenic region. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and skiing.
Tourists will generally find more to do in Myrtle Beach. Although Myrtle Beach and Pocono Mountains are both popular with visitors, Myrtle Beach has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Myrtle Beach is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Pocono Mountains is known for its skiing, museums, food, resorts, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Myrtle Beach is more touristy than Pocono Mountains and is known for its party-hard atmosphere, spring break crowds, and beachfront nightlife scene. It is also home to the Myrtle Beach boardwalk. Pocono Mountains is popular for its hiking trails, boating and fishing, and small towns.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Pocono Mountains and Myrtle Beach. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Pocono Mountains is a great destination for winter skiing. However, Myrtle Beach is not a skiing destination.
Pocono Mountains is a well-known ski destination which attracts visitors from far and wide. 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.
Myrtle Beach is not a skiing destination.
Pocono Mountains is very good for its museums and landmarks. However, Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.
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.
Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.
Pocono Mountains is very good for its restaurant scene. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.
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.
Myrtle Beach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Slices of pizza and seafood buffets are the most common options in the area. There are also themed restaurants and dinner shows that make for a fun night, even if the food isn't the highest quality.
Myrtle Beach is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. However, Pocono Mountains is a mediocre region for its evening party scene.
Myrtle Beach is a world class party destination. This beach is famous for its nightlife. From all-night bars and clubs, to music concerts and outdoor venues, there's no shortage of things to do. Bachelor and Bachelorette parties and spring break crowds make this the place to be for a party.
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 resorts. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its luxury resorts.
Pocono Mountains has a few great resort options. Resorts range from family-friendly to romantic. Many have indoor pools or even water parks. Some also have spas, restaurants, and plenty of amenities.
Myrtle Beach has a few resort options worth checking out. While there are a handful of resorts in the area, like the popular Marriott Vacation Club, most hotels are crowded and lacking in space.
Myrtle Beach is notable for the beache. However, Pocono Mountains is not a beach destination.
The beaches at Myrtle Beach attract visitors from all over. Most people head to the center of town and boardwalk for the nightlife and vibrant activities more than the actual beach. The stretches north and south have nice beaches lined with hotels and resorts, and a much more family-friendly atmosphere. If you want a more relaxed beach setting without the huge crowds, check out Myrtle Beach State Park.
Pocono Mountains is not a beach destination.
Pocono Mountains is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Myrtle Beach is not a hiking destination.
You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Pocono Mountains. 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.
Myrtle Beach is not a hiking destination.
Pocono Mountains is very good for its shopping areas. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for shopping.
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.
Myrtle Beach is a good destination for shopping. The town is filled with souvenir shops, t-shirt shops, and candy vendors that make shopping entertaining.
Pocono Mountains is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.
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.
For families, Myrtle Beach is not always the best place to visit. While this area isn't generally considered a family destination, there are some newer vacation clubs and resorts that cater specifically to families and have become popular. The Marriott Vacation Club is one of the most popular with families in Myrtle Beach.
Pocono Mountains is a great destination for couples. Also, Myrtle Beach is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.
Couples visit Pocono Mountains frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.
Myrtle Beach is a nice destination for couples. The beach area isn't exactly a romantic destination but for couples who enjoy going out and having fun together, there is no shortage of night time activities.
Pocono Mountains is a great destination for backpackers. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.
Pocono Mountains is a very popular region for backpackers and budget travelers. There's no shortage of campgrounds, cabins, and hiking opportunities that will let backpackers enjoy a bit of nature.
Myrtle Beach is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The nightlife scene brings the young crowd, but this isn't exactly a backpacker destination.
Myrtle Beach is notable for students. However, Pocono Mountains is not popular with students.
Students come from all over to stay in Myrtle Beach. University students flock to the area for spring break and end of year celebrations. If you're a student during those times, this is the place to be, otherwise, the area is best avoided.
Pocono Mountains is not popular with students.
Pocono Mountains is a region with a few options for its public transit. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.
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.
Public transit is quite limited in Myrtle Beach. There are no real public transit options so you'll need a car to get around.
Myrtle Beach and Pocono Mountains both are decent when exploring on foot.
Myrtle Beach is generally not very walkable. By the Boardwalk, it's easy to walk around, but traffic can still be congested and once you're out of the main strip, a car is essential.
Pocono Mountains is generally not a very walkable beach city. 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 Myrtle Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Pocono Mountains Worth Visiting?.
Both Myrtle Beach and Pocono Mountains have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Pocono Mountains has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Pocono Mountains than Myrtle Beach. In general, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Myrtle Beach, and 3-7 days is enough time in Pocono Mountains.
Families should spend more time in Pocono Mountains than Myrtle Beach. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Pocono Mountains, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Pocono Mountains than Myrtle Beach. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Pocono Mountains that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pocono Mountains than Myrtle Beach 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 nightlife around the jam-packed destination of Myrtle Beach. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This beach city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
In Pocono Mountains, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this magnificent region offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.
You'll find nightlife around the high energy beach city of Myrtle Beach. If you have a weekend, this beach city makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.
Pocono Mountains is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.
Myrtle Beach is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.
In Pocono Mountains, many people enjoy the museums and skiing that this relaxing destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.
Myrtle Beach is a great place to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. One week is often enough time to do most activities.
Pocono Mountains is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Myrtle Beach is $173, 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 Myrtle Beach and Pocono Mountains in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Myrtle Beach 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.
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Myrtle Beach:
Prices for flights to both Pocono Mountains and Myrtle Beach 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.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Myrtle Beach:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Myrtle Beach.
Here are a few typical costs in Myrtle Beach for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
Here are a few actual costs in Myrtle Beach for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Pocono Mountains are as follows:
When comparing the travel costs between Myrtle Beach and Pocono Mountains, we can see that Pocono Mountains 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 Myrtle Beach Expensive? and Is Pocono Mountains Expensive?.
Myrtle Beach has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Pocono Mountains. When comparing the sizes of Myrtle Beach 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 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.
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Myrtle Beach and Pocono Mountains. Many travelers come to Myrtle Beach for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Pocono Mountains in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Myrtle Beach is generally a little warmer than Pocono Mountains. Daily temperatures in Myrtle Beach average around 81°F (27°C), and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pocono Mountains this time of the year. In Myrtle Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. Myrtle Beach usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pocono Mountains during summer. Myrtle Beach gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Pocono Mountains receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.
Pocono Mountains receives a lot of rain in the summer. Myrtle Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Myrtle Beach usually receives more rain than Pocono Mountains. Myrtle Beach gets 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
The autumn brings many poeple to Myrtle Beach as well as Pocono Mountains. Many visitors come to Myrtle Beach in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Pocono Mountains for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Myrtle Beach is a little warmer than Pocono Mountains in the autumn. The daily temperature in Myrtle Beach averages around 65°F (18°C) in October, and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Myrtle Beach this time of the year. In the autumn, Myrtle Beach often gets more sunshine than Pocono Mountains. Myrtle Beach gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pocono Mountains receives 168 hours of full sun.
Myrtle Beach usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Pocono Mountains. Myrtle Beach gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.
Both Pocono Mountains and Myrtle Beach are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Myrtle Beach for 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 the winter, Myrtle Beach is much warmer than Pocono Mountains. Typically, the winter temperatures in Myrtle Beach in January average around 45°F (7°C), and Pocono Mountains averages at about 28°F (-2°C).
Myrtle Beach usually receives more sunshine than Pocono Mountains during winter. Myrtle Beach gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Pocono Mountains receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Myrtle Beach usually receives more rain than Pocono Mountains. Myrtle Beach gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
Both Pocono Mountains and Myrtle Beach during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Myrtle Beach because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Pocono Mountains this time of year.
In April, Myrtle Beach is generally much warmer than Pocono Mountains. Daily temperatures in Myrtle Beach average around 62°F (17°C), and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).
In Pocono Mountains, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Myrtle Beach. In the spring, Myrtle Beach often gets more sunshine than Pocono Mountains. Myrtle Beach gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pocono Mountains receives 213 hours of full sun.
Myrtle Beach usually gets less rain in April than Pocono Mountains. Myrtle Beach gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.
Myrtle Beach | Pocono Mountains | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 45°F (7°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) | 28°F (-2°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) |
Feb | 48°F (9°C) | 3.7 inches (94 mm) | 31°F (-1°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
Mar | 55°F (13°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) | 41°F (5°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) |
Apr | 62°F (17°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 51°F (11°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) |
May | 70°F (21°C) | 4.4 inches (113 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) |
Jun | 77°F (25°C) | 6 inches (152 mm) | 71°F (22°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) |
Jul | 81°F (27°C) | 8.1 inches (207 mm) | 75°F (24°C) | 4.4 inches (111 mm) |
Aug | 80°F (26°C) | 6.9 inches (176 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 4.2 inches (106 mm) |
Sep | 75°F (24°C) | 5 inches (128 mm) | 66°F (19°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) |
Oct | 65°F (18°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 55°F (13°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
Nov | 57°F (14°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) | 45°F (7°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) |
Dec | 49°F (9°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) | 33°F (1°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) |