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

Should you visit New York City or Pocono Mountains?

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 Pocono Mountains. 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 cosmopolitan, one-of-a-kind, and vibrant city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.

Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is a beautiful, magnificent, and relaxing region. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping.

New York City and Pocono Mountains: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in New York City or Pocono Mountains?

Travelers will usually find more to do in New York City. Although New York City and Pocono Mountains are popular destinations, New York City has more sights and attractions for tourists. New York City is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Pocono Mountains attracts visitors for its skiing, resorts, and hiking. New York City is more touristy than Pocono Mountains and is popular for its high-reaching skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, world-class theater scene, and endless energy. It is also well known for The Statue of Liberty. Pocono Mountains is famous for its hiking trails, boating and fishing, and small towns.

How is New York City different from Pocono Mountains?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is New York City or Pocono Mountains Better for Skiing?

Pocono Mountains is an excellent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, New York City is not a skiing destination.

Pocono Mountains offers world-class skiing that is fun for everyone. 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.

New York City is not a skiing destination.

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

New York City is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. Also, Pocono Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in New York City are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

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.

Is New York City or Pocono Mountains Better for Theater?

New York City is a must-visit destination for its theatre productions. However, Pocono Mountains is not a theatre destination.

Visitors will find world class theater shows, plays, and musicals in New York City that are not to be missed. 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.

Pocono Mountains is not a theatre destination.

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

New York City is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Pocono Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in New York City have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Pocono Mountains is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Is New York City or Pocono Mountains Better for Nightlife?

New York City is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. However, Pocono Mountains is a mediocre region for its evening party scene.

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.

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.

Is New York City or Pocono Mountains Better for Music?

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

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in New York City Popular music venues include Music Hall of Williamsburg, Radio City Music Hall, Beacon Theatre, and Forest Hills Stadium.

Pocono Mountains is not a live music destination.

Is New York City or Pocono Mountains Better for Resorts?

Pocono Mountains is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, New York City is not a resort destination.

Pocono Mountains has a handful of resorts to choose from. Resorts range from family-friendly to romantic. Many have indoor pools or even water parks. Some also have spas, restaurants, and plenty of amenities.

New York City is not a resort destination.

Is New York City or Pocono Mountains Better for Hiking?

Pocono Mountains is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, New York City is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

New York City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in New York City or Pocono Mountains?

New York City is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Pocono Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in New York City make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Pocono Mountains has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Is New York City or Pocono Mountains Better for Christmas?

New York City is a must-visit destination for its Christmas activities. However, Pocono Mountains does not offer Christmas activities.

New York City is a fantastic destination at Christmas. 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.

Pocono Mountains does not offer Christmas activities.

Is New York City or Pocono Mountains Better for Christmas Markets?

New York City is notable for its Christmas markets. However, Pocono Mountains 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.

Pocono Mountains does not offer Christmas markets.

Is New York City or Pocono Mountains Better for Families?

Both New York City and Pocono Mountains are very good family-friendly destinations.

New York City is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Pocono Mountains is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Is New York City or Pocono Mountains Better for Couples?

New York City is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Pocono Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for couples.

New York City is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Pocono Mountains makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

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

New York City and Pocono Mountains are both very good destinations for backpackers.

New York City is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Pocono Mountains is a great city to visit for backpackers. There's no shortage of campgrounds, cabins, and hiking opportunities that will let backpackers enjoy a bit of nature.

Is New York City or Pocono Mountains Better for Students?

New York City is a must-visit destination for students. However, Pocono Mountains is not popular with students.

New York City is a very popular city for students. 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.

Pocono Mountains is not popular with students.

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

New York City is a must-visit destination for its public transit. However, Pocono Mountains is a mediocre region for times when you don't have a car.

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 mostly 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.

Is New York City or Pocono Mountains a more walkable city?

New York City is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. However, Pocono Mountains is a mediocre region for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around New York City on foot. 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.

Pocono Mountains is generally not a very walkable 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 New York City Worth Visiting? and Is Pocono Mountains Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pocono Mountains or New York City?

How long in New York City or Pocono Mountains?

Both New York City and Pocono Mountains have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, New York City has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in New York City than Pocono Mountains. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in New York City than Pocono Mountains. 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 Pocono Mountains. 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 Pocono Mountains 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.

One day in New York City or Pocono Mountains?

People visit New York City because there is so much to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the relaxing destination of Pocono Mountains. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in New York City or Pocono Mountains?

People visit New York City because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pocono Mountains. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Five days in New York City or Pocono Mountains?

New York City is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the skiing and food when visiting the scenic destination of Pocono Mountains. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This region offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A week in New York City or Pocono Mountains?

New York City is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the region of Pocono Mountains. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. 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.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between New York City and Pocono Mountains, we can see that New York City is more expensive. And not only is Pocono Mountains much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pocono Mountains would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains.

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 Pocono Mountains Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, New York City or Pocono Mountains?

New York City has a larger population, and is about 2620 times larger than the population of Pocono Mountains. When comparing the sizes of New York City 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.

When is the best time to visit New York City or Pocono Mountains?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit New York City or Pocono Mountains in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to New York City as well as Pocono Mountains. Most visitors come to New York City for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Pocono Mountains because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, New York City is around the same temperature as Pocono Mountains. Typically, the summer temperatures in New York City in July average around 77°F (25°C), and Pocono Mountains averages at about 75°F (24°C).

It's quite rainy in Pocono Mountains. New York City receives a lot of rain in the summer. New York City usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Pocono Mountains. New York City gets 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New York City or Pocono Mountains in the Autumn?

Both Pocono Mountains and New York City are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to New York City because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Pocono Mountains this time of year.

In October, New York City is generally a little warmer than Pocono Mountains. Daily temperatures in New York City average around 57°F (14°C), and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

In October, New York City usually receives more rain than Pocono Mountains. New York City gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit New York City or Pocono Mountains in the Winter?

Both Pocono Mountains and New York City during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to New York City this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pocono Mountains for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Pocono Mountains. It's quite cold in New York City in the winter. New York City is much warmer than Pocono Mountains in the winter. The daily temperature in New York City averages around 31°F (-1°C) in January, and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

New York City usually gets more rain in January than Pocono Mountains. New York City gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New York City or Pocono Mountains in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both New York City and Pocono Mountains. Many travelers come to New York City for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Pocono Mountains in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, New York City is around the same temperature as Pocono Mountains. Typically, the spring temperatures in New York City in April average around 52°F (11°C), and Pocono Mountains averages at about 51°F (11°C).

In April, New York City usually receives around the same amount of rain as Pocono Mountains. New York City gets 3.8 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Pocono Mountains and New York City