A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America New York City vs. Boise for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit New York City or Boise?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for New York City and Boise. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

New York City

New York City is a one-of-a-kind, vibrant, and energetic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Boise

Boise is a friendly, welcoming, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Is there more to do in New York City or Boise?

You'll generally find more things to do in New York City than Boise. New York City is bigger than Boise, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. New York City is more touristy than Boise and is known for its high-reaching skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, world-class theater scene, and endless energy. Also, New York City is famous for The Statue of Liberty. Boise is well known for its many outdoor and recreational activities.

How is New York City different from Boise?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Boise and New York City. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in New York City or Boise?

New York City
Boise

New York City is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. Also, Boise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, New York City has many famous sights for visitors. The sights and museums around the city are too numerous to list, but some of the most famous include the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. This is a city that is filled with iconic landmarks and you could spend weeks here and still not see it all.

Boise is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. As the state capital, there's a nice selection of local museums around town. Favorites include the Boise Art Museum, the Basque Museum & Cultural Center, the Idaho Black History Museum, and Discovery Center.


Is New York City or Boise Better for Theater?

New York City
Boise

New York City is a must-visit destination for its shows and theatre. However, Boise is not a theatre destination.

The theater and performance venues in New York City draw crowds from around the world. Visiting Broadway is a quintessential NYC experience. Whether you enjoy the theater or simply want to experience something new, seeing a Broadway show is a true bucket list activity.

Boise is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in New York City or Boise? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New York City
Boise

New York City is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. However, Boise is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, New York City is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city has a diverse variety of restaurants, with everything from local dives to Michelin star options. There are many neighborhoods that are notable for their ethnic cuisine, particularly Little Italy and Chinatown. Quintessential NYC dishes include NYC pizza, NYC hot dogs, bagels, and Chinese dim sum.

Boise offers some easy restaurants to choose from. While Idaho has long been associated with the potato, the locals usually think of "finger steaks" when describing local food. These are deep-friend beef strips that are as good as they sound.

Is New York City or Boise Better for Nightlife?

New York City
Boise

New York City is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Boise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

New York City is a world class party destination. Known as the city that never sleeps, you can be assured that NYC has some of the best nightlife in the world. There are world class bars and clubs, but also local venues that have a more relaxed atmosphere. Several famous clubs include Paul's Cocktail Lounge, Le Bain, and Avant Gardner.

Boise has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. In downtown Boise you'll find a selection of bars, lounges, and breweries. There's enough around town to keep the nightlife scene interesting.


Is New York City or Boise Better for Music?

New York City
Boise

New York City is a must-visit destination for its music scene. However, Boise is not a live music destination.

New York City has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Popular music venues include Music Hall of Williamsburg, Radio City Music Hall, Beacon Theatre, and Forest Hills Stadium.

Boise is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in New York City or Boise?

New York City
Boise

New York City is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Boise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to New York City specifically to go shopping. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Head for Fifth Avenue for high end shopping or check out any of the many street markets for local items. New York is known for its many flea markets where you can find vintage items at a good price. And if you're looking to pick up a souvenir shirt or knick knack, there are plenty of souvenir shops around town as well.

Boise is a great destination for shopping. You'll find a mix of local boutiques, independent vendors, and suburban shopping centers where you'll find anything that you might need.

Is New York City or Boise Better for Christmas?

New York City
Boise

New York City is a must-visit destination for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Boise does not offer Christmas activities.

Known for its popular Christmas activities, New York City draws large crowds. Christmas in the city is a quintessential experience. From the Christmas tree and ice skating at Rockefeller Center to seeing a live performance of the Nutcracker, everyone enjoys the holidays in New York.

Boise does not offer Christmas activities.


Is New York City or Boise Better for Christmas Markets?

New York City
Boise

New York City is an excellent place to visit for visiting Christmas markets. However, Boise does not offer Christmas markets.

Many people head to New York City to see its Christmas markets. There are a number of Christmas markets that pop up around town during the holiday season. Nothing will get you more in the holiday spirit than wandering these unique venues.

Boise does not offer Christmas markets.

Is New York City or Boise Better for Families?

New York City
Boise

New York City is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Boise is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in New York City. The city has many activities for kids of all ages including world class museums, beautifully designed playgrounds, and theater shows designed just for young ones. There are many kid-friendly restaurants as well and older kids will enjoy visiting the iconic landmarks in this world-class city.

Boise doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. You'll find parks, playgrounds, and the Discovery Center which will help keep kids entertained.

Is New York City or Boise Better for Couples?

New York City
Boise

New York City is a must-visit destination for couples. However, Boise is lacking in options for romance.

New York City makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. From a beautiful carriage ride through Central Park, to a romantic river cruise at night, there is an endless list of unique activities that couples can enjoy in the city. Whether you're interested in theater, the arts, music, or nightlife, this city has it all.

Boise is not the best destination for a couple to visit. Date night activities include dining at a nice restaurants and seeing a show at the theater.


Is New York City or Boise Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

New York City
Boise

New York City is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Boise is lacking in options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit New York City. It isn't a particularly budget-friendly destination, but it does get its share of backpackers, so you'll find a nice list of hostels and affordable hangouts that are perfect for the backpacker crowd. This is probably one of the most popular cities for backpackers in the entire United States.

Boise is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. Backpackers rarely make their way to this town.

Is New York City or Boise Better for Students?

New York City
Boise

New York City is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Boise is not popular with students.

Many students frequent New York City. The city has a diverse population, and international students will feel right at home here exploring the city. There are also plenty of major universities including NYU, Columbia University, and Cornell University.

Boise is not popular with students.

Is New York City or Boise Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

New York City
Boise

New York City is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Boise is lacking in options for its public transit.

New York City has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The city has one of the largest subway systems in the world. There's also an elaborate bus system, ferry system, and yellow taxis all around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Boise. There are infrequent buses around town, but visitors usually have a car to get around town efficiently.


Is New York City or Boise a more walkable city?

New York City
Boise

New York City is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. However, Boise is lacking in options for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in New York City. The majority of the neighborhoods in Manhattan are very walkable and easy to explore on foot. Most people prefer not to drive here as it can be overwhelming and chaotic.

Boise is generally not very walkable. There are a couple of walkable neighborhoods but, in general, the town isn't very walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is New York City Worth Visiting? and Is Boise Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Boise or New York City?

How long in New York City or Boise?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in New York City or Boise to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in New York City than Boise because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for New York City, and 1-2 days is enough time in Boise.

Families should spend more time in New York City than Boise. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in New York City, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in New York City than Boise. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in New York City that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in New York City than Boise 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 New York City.


  • How many days in New York City or Boise? Ideal Length of Stay
    New York City 3-7 
    Boise 1-2

One day in New York City or Boise?

Each neighborhood in New York City has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the friendly destination of Boise. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in New York City or Boise?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in New York City. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Boise. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.


Five days in New York City or Boise?

New York City is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in New York City has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Boise. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

A week in New York City or Boise?

Each neighborhood in New York City has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the city of Boise. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Boise or New York City?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in New York City is $326, while the average daily cost in Boise is $146. 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 New York City and Boise in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    New York City $175
    Boise $75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    New York City $350
    Boise $150
Compare Hotels in New York City and Boise

Looking for a hotel in New York City or Boise? 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.

Hotels in New York City


Hotels in Boise


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: New York City Hotel Prices and Boise Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    New York City $49
    Boise $34
Typical Local Transportation Prices in New York City

Some typical examples of transportation costs in New York City are as follows:


  • Subway
    $4.50
  • Taxi Ride
    $8.00
  • Subway
    $2.50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in New York City

Also for New York City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer in private Minivan from New York (Manhattan) Airport to City: $122
  • Skip-the-line Tickets to Bronx Zoo with Private Transfers: $410
  • Skip-the-line One World Observatory Tour with Transfers: $296
  • Skip-the-line Metropolitan Museum of Art Tour with Transfers: $276
  • Skip the line One World Observatory Private Tour with Transfers : $296
  • Private transfer: LGA Airport to New York City: $81
  • Private transfer from New York JFK Airport to New York City: $64
  • Private arrival OR departure transfer in New York (hotel OR airport pick-up): $286
  • Private Transfers between LGA Airport and New York City: $105
  • Private Transfers between EWR Airport and New York City: $140
  • Private Transfer: between Manhattan and Philadelphia: $524
  • Private Transfer: Newark Airport EWR to New York by Luxury SUV: $162

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Boise

Also for Boise, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Boise Air Terminal Airport One Way Transfer : $80

Is it cheaper to fly into New York City or Boise?

Prices for flights to both Boise and New York City 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 day
    New York City $50
    Boise $45
Typical Food Prices in New York City

For New York City, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Gelato
    $7.50
  • Snacks for Two at Yankees Game
    $34
  • Coffee
    $6.53
  • Smoothie
    $6.95

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in New York City

For New York City, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • New York, Queens Culinary Stroll : Food Tour on Foot: $23
  • New York City Pizza Crawl: Best of Manhattan route: $37
  • Lower East Side and Essex Market Multicultural Food Tour: $39
  • Half-Day Private Pizza Crawl in Manhattan: $40
  • Shared Food Tour Bohemian Greenwichvillage: $45
  • East Village Food Tour: $60
  • NYC: Greenwich Village Guided Food Tour: $63
  • Pizza Walking Tour of Downtown Brooklyn: $65
  • East Village Pizza Walk: $65
  • West Village Pizza Walk: $65
  • Greenwich Village Pizza Walk: $65
  • Downtown Brooklyn Pizza Walking Tour: $65

Typical Food Prices in Boise

For Boise, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Hotel
    $59
  • Cracker Barrel Lunch (for 4)
    $55

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    New York City $180
    Boise $30
Typical Entertainment Prices in New York City

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for New York City's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Comedy Show Tickets
    $56
  • City Map
    $8.00
  • Broadway Musical
    $111
  • Broadway Show Program
    $10
  • Magazine
    $6.99

Tours and Activities in New York City

For New York City, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2-Days Niagara Falls USA, Watkins Glen and Scenic Hotel Tour : $257
  • 3 Hour Session at Williamsburg's Adventure Park Area 53: $42
  • 9/11 Memorial Tour with Skip-the-Line Museum Ticket: $55
  • BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir and Amish FarmNHouse Tour from NY: $137
  • Classic 1-Hour Central Park Pedicab Tour : $69
  • Grand Central Terminal Walking Tour: $35
  • New York City Ghost Tour of Greenwich Village: $36
  • Official Central Park Pedicab Tours: $50
  • THE VIP CARRIAGE RIDE with photo stops (50min) ~ Skip the line : $150
  • & Juliet on Broadway Ticket : $110
  • & Juliet on Broadway Ticket with VIP Experience and Lunch: $299
  • 1 Day Tour to Philadelphia and Hershey's Chocolate World: $179

Typical Entertainment Prices in Boise

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Boise's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Edwards Boise Imax
    $27

Tours and Activities in Boise

For Boise, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • A Macabre History of Boise Walking Tour: $25
  • Boise Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • Boise Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $13
  • Boise Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $13
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game: $10
  • Hells Canyon Kirkwood Jet Boat Tour near Boise, Idaho: $218
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Boise by 3Quest Challenge: $10

For more ideas for your next trip, check out The Best Things to do in New York City with Kids, Things to Do in Central Park in NYC, and The Best Museums in New York City.


Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    New York City $29
    Boise $24

Sample the Local Flavors in New York City

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in New York City:

  • NYC West Village Pub Crawl: $19
  • NYC West Village Pub Crawl: $21
  • New York Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $34
  • NYC: Brooklyn Nightlife Pub Crawl: $34
  • NYC Pub Crawl and Rooftop Clubbing Experience: $35
  • NYC: Boos & Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $38
  • New York Rooftop Pub Crawl: $39
  • NYC: Manhattan's Only Whiskey Distillery Tour & Tasting: $42
  • Broadway Prohibition Pub Crawl: $64
  • Little Italy Prohibition Pub Crawl: $64
  • East Village Gangster Ghost Pub Crawl: $64
  • Lower East Side Prohibition Pub Crawl: $74


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between New York City and Boise, we can see that New York City is more expensive. And not only is Boise much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Boise would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Boise 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 New York City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in New York City than you might in Boise.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is New York City Expensive? and Is Boise Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, New York City or Boise?

New York City has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Boise. When comparing the sizes of New York City and Boise, 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.