A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Park City Utah vs. Seattle for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Park City Utah or Seattle?

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 Park City Utah and Seattle. 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.

Park City Utah

Park City Utah is a high energy, adventurous, and active town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, skiing, and nightlife.

Seattle

Seattle is a progressive, cultural, and outdoorsy city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Park City Utah and Seattle: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities
  • Home to the Space Needle
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Park City Utah or Seattle?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Seattle. Although Park City Utah and Seattle are popular destinations, Seattle has more sights and attractions for tourists. Seattle is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, music, beaches, and big city activities, while Park City Utah attracts visitors for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, shopping, and impressive beauty. Park City Utah is more touristy than Seattle and is popular for the Sundance Film Festival and world-renowned skiing and snowboarding. Seattle is famous for its beautiful waterfront setting, diverse culinary scene, thriving art and cultural venues, and being the home of many international tech companies. It is also well known for The Space Needle.

How is Park City Utah different from Seattle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Park City Utah or Seattle Better for Skiing?

Park City Utah
Seattle

Park City Utah is renowned for snow skiing. However, Seattle is not a skiing destination.

The snow ski experience you'll have in Park City Utah is among the best in the world. Two ski resorts are nearby, Park City Mountain and Deer Valley Resort. Park City Mountain is the largest resort in the United States. There are 7,300 acres that include two different base areas, 41 lifts, and 6 terrain parks. There's ski-in ski-out access from the town's Main Street, and options for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Deer Valley Resort is a ritzy and upscale option that is more glamorous and high class.

Seattle is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Park City Utah or Seattle?

Park City Utah
Seattle

Seattle is great for its historical sights. However, Park City Utah is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Seattle. The city's most iconic landmark is the Space Needle. There's also a zoo, aquarium, and a handful of nice museums. Several favorites include the Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of History & Industry, and the Seattle Art Museum.

Park City Utah offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of museums and some nice art galleries in town. There are also museums at Olympic Park.

Is Park City Utah or Seattle Better for Theater?

Park City Utah
Seattle

Seattle is a good destination for its shows and theatre. However, Park City Utah is not a theatre destination.

If you have some extra time in Seattle, take in a show. There are a handful of theaters where you can enjoy traveling Broadway shows or smaller productions.

Park City Utah is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Park City Utah or Seattle? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Park City Utah
Seattle

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Park City Utah and Seattle can be difficult as they are each great in their own way.

Park City Utah has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Park City has a wonderful food scene with many award-winning restaurants. Many restaurants offer fine dining experiences and even the more casual options are high priced with high quality dishes. You'll also find many great breakfast restaurants and cafes so you can start your day off with a filling meal.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Seattle makes for a great culinary experience. The city has many diverse dining options that make it a popular foodie destination. The seafood is world-class with many restaurants offering fresh caught salmon and oysters. There are also many great Asian restaurants with Pho, sushi, and dim sum all being popular around town. Seattle is also famous as the birthplace of Starbucks coffee, and both chain and independent coffee shops are common. Finally, make sure you check out the donuts at Pike's Place Market.


Is Park City Utah or Seattle Better for Nightlife?

Park City Utah
Seattle

Park City Utah is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Park City Utah is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. After a day on the slopes, you'll return to a vibrant nightlife scene with bars and live music. Most of the action is concentrated around Main Street and it's easy to walk to most venues, even when the weather is cold and snowy.

Seattle has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city is known for its breweries and eclectic nightlife scene. There is a thriving theater scene as well as many bars and trendy restaurants. The best neighborhoods for nightlife include Capitol Hill, Belltown, and Downtown.

Is Park City Utah or Seattle Better for Music?

Park City Utah
Seattle

Seattle is great for its music scene. However, Park City Utah is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Seattle draws a good crowd. The city has developed its own music culture around several genres including alternative rock and grunge.

Park City Utah is not a live music destination.

Is Park City Utah or Seattle Better for Resorts?

Park City Utah
Seattle

Park City Utah is notable for its resorts. However, Seattle is not a resort destination.

Park City Utah is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. You'll find most of the major chains as well as smaller and more personal hotels. Many hotels have hot tubs and pools, and many offer easy access to the ski gondola.

Seattle is not a resort destination.


Is Park City Utah or Seattle Better for Beaches?

Park City Utah
Seattle

Seattle is a good destination for the beach. However, Park City Utah is not a beach destination.

Seattle offers a nice beach destination. The city is surrounded by water so there are a number of rocky and sandy beaches nearby. Some beaches are more popular with locals while others attract a large amount of tourists. Alki Beach Park, Discovery Park, and Golden Gardens Park are among the best.

Park City Utah is not a beach destination.

Is Park City Utah or Seattle Better for Hiking?

Park City Utah
Seattle

Hiking trails can be found around both Park City Utah and Seattle, and they are great.

Many visitors go to Park City Utah for the hiking trails. If you're visiting during a warmer month, hiking is a great way to experience the area's beauty. There are more than 350 miles of hiking trails that pass through forests, canyons, creeks, and mountain ridges. You'll find options for every skill level and regardless of the hike you choose, it's sure to take your breath away.

Seattle is a popular spot for hiking. It's famously an outdoorsy city and the hiking will not disappoint. Within a half hour drive of town you'll find beautiful forests and stunning natural beauty. Head into the Cascades, to the coastal rainforests, or around Mount Rainier for all kinds of diverse landscapes. Seattle is well situated for you to experience hiking through the diverse Pacific Northwest landscapes.

Is the Shopping Better in Park City Utah or Seattle?

Park City Utah
Seattle

Park City Utah is notable for its shopping areas. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Park City Utah. Wander down the historic Main Street and enjoy shopping at the many quaint vendors and art galleries. There are also outlet malls in town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Seattle. Shopping in town has an eclectic mix of high end brands, local vendors, and vintage shops. There are farmers markets as well as the famous Pike Place Market, but also major malls with all of the standard department stores.


Is Park City Utah or Seattle Better for Families?

Park City Utah
Seattle

Park City Utah is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Park City Utah is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. There is kid-family skiing, ziplining, and alpine coasters. The free museums at Olympic Park are fun to explore as well and are filled with memorabilia from the 2002 Olympics. Additionally, there are kid-friendly restaurants and playgrounds where the little ones can run around.

Seattle is a family-friendly town. This is an outdoor city with plenty of places where kids can run around and experience nature. There are several good museums as well as outdoor activities, parks, and a zoo. Make sure you check out the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Volunteer Park, and Artists at Play Playground.

Is Park City Utah or Seattle Better for Couples?

Park City Utah
Seattle

Park City Utah is renowned for couples. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Park City Utah has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, you can enjoy the area's many great restaurants and beautiful hikes. There are romantic hotels as well as sleigh rides and evening walks that will make this an unforgettable destination.

Seattle is a nice destination for couples. The city has a laid back vibe, a nice downtown area, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are a diversity of restaurants to enjoy and a great nightlife scene that makes for a good couple's getaway.

Is Park City Utah or Seattle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Park City Utah
Seattle

For backpackers, both Park City Utah and Seattle are nice places to visit.

Plenty of backpackers visit Park City Utah. Although the town is notoriously expensive, there is a hostel in town that appeals to backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Seattle. Although it's not the most popular city for backpackers in America, the city's chill vibe, fun breweries, and lively setting make it a great spot for young backpackers.


Is Park City Utah or Seattle Better for Students?

Park City Utah
Seattle

Seattle is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Park City Utah is not popular with students.

Many students visit Seattle. It is a major IT center with a large university, so international students will have plenty of opportunities here. It's also a vibrant city with many outdoor recreational opportunities and a fun nightlife scene.

Park City Utah is not popular with students.

Is Park City Utah or Seattle Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Park City Utah
Seattle

Park City Utah is notable for its public transit. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Park City Utah offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are 13 free bus routes as well as seasonal transportation providers.

Seattle has some public transit options. There is a light rail system, a monorail, a street car, and buses.

Is Park City Utah or Seattle a more walkable city?

Park City Utah
Seattle

Park City Utah is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Park City Utah on foot. It's a very walkable town and is easy to explore on foot.

Seattle is very walkable. Many neighborhoods are very walkable, particularly in the downtown and major tourist areas.


For even more information, also check out Is Park City Utah Worth Visiting? and Is Seattle Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Seattle or Park City Utah?

How long in Park City Utah or Seattle?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Park City Utah and Seattle. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Park City Utah than in Seattle. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Park City Utah, and 2-3 days is enough time in Seattle.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Park City Utah than Seattle 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 Park City Utah.


  • How many days in Park City Utah or Seattle? Ideal Length of Stay
    Park City Utah 3-5 
    Seattle 2-3

One day in Park City Utah or Seattle?

In Park City Utah, you'll find skiing and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Because Seattle is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Park City Utah or Seattle?

In Park City Utah, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Seattle is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Park City Utah or Seattle?

Park City Utah is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Park City Utah has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Seattle. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Park City Utah or Seattle?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Park City Utah. Many people enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting Park City Utah. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the city of Seattle. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.


Which place is cheaper, Seattle or Park City Utah?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Park City Utah is $320, while the average daily cost in Seattle is $205. 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 Park City Utah and Seattle in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Park City Utah $202
    Seattle $120
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Park City Utah $404
    Seattle $240
Compare Hotels in Park City Utah and Seattle

Looking for a hotel in Park City Utah or Seattle? 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 Park City Utah


Hotels in Seattle


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: Park City Utah Hotel Prices and Seattle Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Park City Utah $72
    Seattle $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Park City Utah

Also for Park City Utah, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Departure Transfer from Park City Ski Resort to Provo Airport PVU: $33
  • Park City Hotels to Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) - Departure Private Transfer: $90
  • Canyons Village to Salt Lake Airport (SLC) - Departure Transfer: $115

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Seattle

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Seattle:


  • Lightrail from Airport (for 2)
    $5.50
  • Roundtrip Ferry to Bainbridge Island (for 2)
    $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seattle

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seattle:

  • Smith Cove Terminal: Private Transfer to Seattle hotels: $308
  • Seattle Tacoma Airport(SEA): Transfer to Smith Cove Terminal: $308
  • Seattle, WA: Seaplane transfer to Vancouver, BC: $283
  • Seattle Tacoma Airport (SEA): Private Transfer to Seattle: $265
  • Private Transfer Seattle Airport SEA to Seattle center or port by Minibus or SUV: $195
  • From Seattle Hotels - Hotel Transfer to Airport: $175
  • From Seattle Airport - Transfer to Hotel & Homes: $175
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private Vehicle Seattle Airport (SEA) -Seattle Downtown: $171
  • Seattle Tacoma Airport to Summit at Snoqualmie Arrival Transfer: $153
  • Seattle Tacoma Airport (SEA) to Smith Cove Terminal - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $149
  • Smith Cove Terminal to Seattle hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $149
  • From Snoqualmie Falls and Wineries Tour w/ Transfer: $145

Is it cheaper to fly into Park City Utah or Seattle?

Prices for flights to both Seattle and Park City Utah 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
    Park City Utah $65
    Seattle $51

Typical Food Prices in Seattle

Some typical examples of dining costs in Seattle are as follows:


  • Expresso & cookie at Pier 70
    $7.00
  • Cashews at Pike Place Market
    $6.00
  • 6 Mini Donuts at Pike Place Market
    $3.25
  • Chinese Lunch in International District (for 2)
    $21
  • Breakfast at Lowel's in Pike Place Market (for 2)
    $32
  • Breakfast at French Cafe (for 2)
    $37

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seattle

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Seattle.

  • Seattle : Fun Cooking Classes With Chef Seamus: $60
  • Secret Food Tours Seattle: $65
  • Seattle Holiday Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $65
  • Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market- 2 Hours: $67
  • Pike Place Market Chef-Guided Food Tour: $67
  • Eat Around the World Seattle Food Tour: $69
  • International District Food Tour: $69
  • Street Food Tour of South Lake Union: $75
  • Secret Food Tours: Seattle Pike Place Market: $85
  • Pike Place Market Food Tour: $99
  • Small Group Cooking Class: $138
  • Private Seattle Cooking Class with a Chef in Her Home: $198

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Park City Utah $68
    Seattle $16

Tours and Activities in Park City Utah

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Park City Utah.

  • Park City Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Privately Guided Snowshoe Experience: $108
  • Urban Art and Historical E-Bike Tour in Park City: $175
  • 2 Hours Off Road Tour in Utah: $175
  • Guided Fly Fishing Experience in Park City: $260

Tours and Activities in Seattle

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Seattle are as follows:

  • 3 Hour Seattle City Tour: $90
  • 2 Hour Seattle City Snapshots Tour: $85
  • 2 Hour Sound Tour: $98
  • 2-Hour Seattle Sailing Harbor Tour: $45
  • 3 Hours Electric Bike Tour of Seattle's Waterways, Nature and Neighborhoods: $87
  • 5-hour Seattle and Suburbs Attractions Tour: $185
  • Beneath The Streets Underground History Tour: $29
  • Best of Seattle Small Group Walking Tour W/ Space Needle: $244
  • Boeing Factory Tour with Guided Transport from Seattle: $125
  • Chef Guided Happy Hour Tour - Cocktails, Bubbles and Bites: $140
  • CitySightseeing Seattle Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Bookable Extras: $43
  • Customized Mount Rainier Tour from Seattle: $176

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Park City Utah $46
    Seattle $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Seattle

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Seattle:

  • Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $38
  • Where the Hops Grow! Yakima Brewery Tour : $40
  • Woodinville Wine Country: Downtown Wine Tasting Pass: $65
  • Woodinville Wine Country: Artisan Hill Wine Tasting Pass: $65
  • Brewery and Restaurant Tour of Historic Seattle Neighborhood: $109
  • Bon Vivant Woodinville Wine Tasting Tour : $120
  • From Snoqualmie Falls & Woodinville Wine Tasting: $262
  • Snoqualmie Falls + Wine Tasting: All-Inclusive Small-Group Tour: $263


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

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


Which is Bigger, Park City Utah or Seattle?

Seattle has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Park City Utah. When comparing the sizes of Park City Utah and Seattle, 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.