Which place is cheaper, Niagara Falls or Palm Springs?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Palm Springs or Niagara Falls?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
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 Palm Springs and Niagara Falls can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Palm Springs or Niagara Falls?
Palm Springs
Palm Springs is a desert resort town located about two hours east of Los Angeles, most famously known as Hollywood's playground, where stars and starlets could escape for rest and relaxation but still be close enough to return for impromptu work.
It's no wonder that Palm Springs is increasingly popular as a weekend getaway for special occasions, and even for bachelor and bachelorette parties. Closer than the typical Las Vegas weekend for Southern California residents, Palm Springs provides a desert getaway with endless possibilities of activities, whether visitors want to gamble, shop, hike, or wander through an art gallery.
Climate in the high-desert is generally warm with highs in the 100s during the hot and dry summers, and lows in the mid 40s in the winter months, with sparse rainfall. However, if you're visiting during winter, be sure to pack versatile attire and layers as the days may be warm, but the nights in the low desert can get chilly enough to convince you to change into long pants.
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls, Ontario sits on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, across the border from Niagara Falls, New York. Together these cities have claimed themselves to be the "Honeymoon Capital of the World" a status that is probably little more than a marketing ploy. That said, Niagara Falls, Ontario, is perhaps a quainter and more natural version of its American counterpart. The town has existed as a tourist destination for hundreds of years, with its main attraction, obviously, being Niagara Falls. Today, millions of visitors come to see the falls every year. It's truly an impressive sight, and there is no shortage of entertainment options while you're in the area.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada, and The Best Camping Tours in Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPalm Springs $206Niagara Falls $122
The average daily cost (per person) in Palm Springs is $206, while the average daily cost in Niagara Falls is $122. 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 Palm Springs and Niagara Falls in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPalm Springs $120Niagara Falls $74
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPalm Springs $240Niagara Falls $148
Compare Hotels in Palm Springs and Niagara Falls
Looking for a hotel in Palm Springs or Niagara Falls? 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.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Palm Springs Hotel Prices and Niagara Falls Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Palm Springs $52Niagara Falls $16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Palm Springs
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Palm Springs:
- Desert Hot Springs to Palm Springs Airport Departure Transfer: $87
- Palm Springs Airport (PSP) to Desert Hot Springs Private Transfer: $87
- Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) to ONTARIO - Arrival Private Transfer: $105
- Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) to SANTA ANA - Arrival Private Transfer: $128
- Palm Springs Airport (PSP) to LA QUINTA/INDIO - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $129
- Palm Springs Airport PSP to Snow Summit-Arrival Private Transfer: $131
- Private Transfer from PSP to Palm Desert / Indian Wells: $135
- Palm Springs Airport (PSP) to INDIAN WELLS - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $162
- Palm Springs Airport (PSP) to LOS ANGELES - Arrival Private Transfer: $171
- Palm Springs Airport to Desert Hot Springs Round-Trip Transfer: $175
- Private Airport Transfer in Palm Springs: $195
- Palm Springs Airport to Snow Summit - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $262
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Niagara Falls
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Niagara Falls:
- Buffalo to Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) - Departure Private Transfer: $41
- Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) to Buffalo - Arrival Private Transfer: $42
- Niagara Buffalo Airport Departure: Private Transfer to Buffalo Niagara Airport: $79
- Niagara Buffalo Airport Arrival: Private Transfer to Niagara Falls Ontario: $80
- Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) to Buffalo - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $83
- Private Departure Transfer: Niagara Falls, Ontario to Buffalo Niagara International Airport: $87
- Private Arrival Transfer: Buffalo Niagara Airport to Niagara Falls, Ontario: $88
- Private Arrival Transfer from Buffalo Airport (BUF): $96
- Private Transfer: Niagara Int’l Airport (IAG) USA to Niagara Falls, ON: $97
- Shared Airport Transfer: Buffalo Niagara International Airport to Niagara Falls NY: $99
- Transfer Buffalo Niagara International Airport BUF to Niagara Falls,Canada: $103
- Private Departure Transfer to Buffalo Airport (BUF): $104
Is it cheaper to fly into Palm Springs or Niagara Falls?
Prices for flights to both Niagara Falls and Palm Springs 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
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Food Meals for one dayPalm Springs $53Niagara Falls $28
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Niagara Falls
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Niagara Falls.
- The Wing Ride: The Hidden History of Chicken Wings Food Tour: $105
- Walking Food Tour in Niagara Falls: $108
- Niagara Falls Sightseeing Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $130
- Sunset Wine Tour with Dinner Niagara On The Lake: $146
- Guided Night Tour w/ Dinner & Hotel Transfer: $149
- Light up The Falls Small Group Tour with Fallsview Dinner: $155
- Evening Lights Tour with Skylon Tower Dinner: $177
- Sunset Niagara-on-the-Lake Small Group Wine Tour with Dinner: $178
- Niagara Wine Tasting and three courses Dinner: $192
- Niagara Falls Evening Lights Tour With Skylon Tower Dinner: $192
- Night on Niagara Walking Tour with Fireworks Cruise + Dinner: $200
- Small Group Night Tour w/ Dinner & Light Show: $204
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Palm Springs $29Niagara Falls $20
Tours and Activities in Palm Springs
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Palm Springs are as follows:
- Joshua Tree National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour: $12
- Journey into Joshua Tree: Audio Tour + Free Locals Guide!: $12
- Self-Guided Audio Tour Joshua Tree: $13
- Joshua Tree National Park Self-Driving Audio Tour: $17
- Palm Springs Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
- City and Desert App-Guided Driving Tour: $17
- Death Valley National Park Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $17
- Palm Springs and Joshua Tree Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle: $25
- Private 1-Hour Archery Experience around Joshua Tree National Park.: $28
- Self-Driving Windmill Tour: $30
- Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Admission Ticket: $30
- Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour: $49
Typical Entertainment Prices in Niagara Falls
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Niagara Falls are as follows:
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Maid of the Mist$37
Tours and Activities in Niagara Falls
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Niagara Falls are as follows:
- Visit Niagara Falls with bus ticket from/to Hamilton Airport: $3.65
- Niagara Peninsula Smartphone Audio Driving Tour: $6.21
- Niagara Falls, Canada: Niagara Adventure Theater: $11
- Niagara Falls, Canada: Niagara SkyWheel Ticket: $12
- Niagara SkyWheel Admission Ticket: $13
- Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site Admission and Guided Tour: $13
- Niagara's Fury 4D Experience Entry Ticket: $14
- Niagara Falls USA Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $15
- Niagara Falls, Canada: White Water Walk Entry Ticket: $16
- Niagara Falls, Canada: Skylon Tower Observation Deck Ticket: $16
- Niagara Falls, Canada: Bird Kingdom Entry Ticket: $16
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Buffalo by Zombie Scavengers: $20
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPalm Springs $13Niagara Falls $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Niagara Falls
Also in Niagara Falls, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Niagara Wine Tour and Tastings with Included Transportation : $56
- Small Group Niagara-on-the-Lake Wine Tasting Tour: $96
- Sip, Swirl and Savour Chocolate & Wine Tour : $103
- Niagara Craft Brewery Tour Niagara Falls: $110
- 3.5 Hours NOTL E-Bike Wine Tour: $111
- Niagara All American All inclusive Boutique Wine Tour : $114
- Half Day Wine & Cheese Tour - Niagara On The Lake Wine Tour: $119
- Full-Day Group Wine Tour (with cheese and charcuterie) in Niagara-on-the-Lake: $141
- myWineCountry Experience Premium Wine Tours and Tastings: $148
- Relaxing three courses Lunch & Wine Tour through Niagara's Wine Country: $148
- Niagara-on-the-Lake Small Group Wine Tour with Picnic Lunch: $149
- Luxury Buffalo Brewery Tour: $149
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Palm Springs and Niagara Falls, we can see that Palm Springs is more expensive. And not only is Niagara Falls much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Niagara Falls would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Niagara Falls 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 Palm Springs would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Palm Springs than you might in Niagara Falls.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Palm Springs Expensive? and Is Niagara Falls Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Palm Springs or Niagara Falls?
Niagara Falls has a larger population, and is about 92% larger than the population of Palm Springs. When comparing the sizes of Palm Springs and Niagara Falls, 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 Palm Springs or Niagara Falls?
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.
Should I visit Palm Springs or Niagara Falls in the Summer?
Both Niagara Falls and Palm Springs are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Palm Springs for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Palm Springs is around the same temperature as Niagara Falls. Typically, the summer temperatures in Palm Springs in July average around 73°F (23°C), and Niagara Falls averages at about 23°C (74°F).
In July, Palm Springs usually receives less rain than Niagara Falls. Palm Springs gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPalm Springs 73°F (23°C)Niagara Falls 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Palm Springs or Niagara Falls in the Autumn?
Both Niagara Falls and Palm Springs during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Palm Springs because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.
In October, Palm Springs is generally much warmer than Niagara Falls. Daily temperatures in Palm Springs average around 69°F (20°C), and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
Palm Springs usually gets less rain in October than Niagara Falls. Palm Springs gets 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPalm Springs 69°F (20°C)Niagara Falls 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Palm Springs or Niagara Falls in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Palm Springs and Niagara Falls. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Palm Springs this time of year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Niagara Falls. Palm Springs is much warmer than Niagara Falls in the winter. The daily temperature in Palm Springs averages around 57°F (14°C) in January, and Niagara Falls fluctuates around -4°C (26°F).
In January, Palm Springs usually receives around the same amount of rain as Niagara Falls. Palm Springs gets 2 inches (52 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPalm Springs 57°F (14°C)Niagara Falls -4°C (26°F)
Should I visit Palm Springs or Niagara Falls in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Palm Springs as well as Niagara Falls.
In the spring, Palm Springs is much warmer than Niagara Falls. Typically, the spring temperatures in Palm Springs in April average around 62°F (17°C), and Niagara Falls averages at about 10°C (49°F).
Palm Springs usually gets less rain in April than Niagara Falls. Palm Springs gets 0.9 inches (24 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPalm Springs 62°F (17°C)Niagara Falls 10°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Niagara Falls and Palm Springs
| Palm Springs | Niagara Falls | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 57°F (14°C) | 2 inches (52 mm) | -4°C (26°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 58°F (15°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) | -3°C (28°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 59°F (15°C) | 2.2 inches (57 mm) | 2°C (36°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 62°F (17°C) | 0.9 inches (24 mm) | 10°C (49°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| May | 65°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) | 15°C (59°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 69°F (20°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) | 20°C (68°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 73°F (23°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) | 23°C (74°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 74°F (24°C) | 0.2 inches (4 mm) | 22°C (72°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Sep | 73°F (23°C) | 0.4 inches (9 mm) | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 69°F (20°C) | 0.3 inches (7 mm) | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 62°F (17°C) | 1.5 inches (39 mm) | 6°C (43°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | 57°F (14°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) | -0°C (31°F) | 75 mm (2.9 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.