Should you visit Phoenix or Boise?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel cost comparison between Phoenix and Boise can help. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Phoenix
The most populous city in the American Southwest, Phoenix is the capital city of Arizona and busiest hub of activity in the general area. Geographically it is located in the Sonoran Desert, making for long hot summers and mild winters. This climate has ensured a thriving tourism industry with plenty of attractions both in and around Phoenix.
Boise
The capital of the U.S. state of Idaho, Boise is an urban center with the adventure of the outdoors just a step away. The metropolis itself has an active arts community and a lively downtown filled with shops and restaurants. Boise is a regional hub for jazz, theater, and indie music, hosting musical festivals throughout the year and several theater groups that operate in the city. There is even a Department of Arts and History that was created with the goal of promoting the arts, culture, and history of the city among its residents and visitors.
Which city is cheaper, Boise or Phoenix?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Phoenix is $187, while the average daily cost in Boise is $116. 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 city. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Phoenix and Boise in more detail.
Accommodation
Travelers usually pay around $226 for a double occupancy room in Phoenix If you want to be in a premiere location or have high end amenities, you can expect to pay a bit more.
An average hotel room with basic furnishings costs about $120 in Boise For the most convenient locations and nicer amenities you can expect to pay a bit more.
Local Transportation
Phoenix's transportation costs can vary by the type of transport chosen by visitors. Naturally, taxis and private drivers cost much more than public transportation options. On average, visitors spend $28 per person, per day on transportation in Phoenix.
Boise's transportation costs can vary by the type of transport chosen by visitors. Naturally, taxis and private drivers cost much more than public transportation options. On average, visitors spend $27 per person, per day on transportation in Boise.
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phoenix
Also for Phoenix, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
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Transfer from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport to Phoenix:
$56
-
Sedan Airport One Way Transfer Phoenix to Flagstaff, Prescott, Sedona or Tucson:
$309
-
SUV Airport One Way Transfer Phoenix to Flagstaff, Prescott, Sedona, or Tucson:
$334
-
Private Transfer: Phoenix to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX):
$622
-
Private Transfer: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) to Phoenix:
$622
-
Private Phoenix Transfer: Hotel to Airport:
$114
-
Private Phoenix Transfer: Airport to Hotel:
$114
-
Private Phoenix International Airport Transfer to Pittsburgh:
$48
-
Private Departure Transfer to Phoenix Airport (PHX):
$26
-
Private Arrival Transfer from Phoenix Airport (PHX):
$26
-
Private Transfer to/from Phoenix Airport (PHX):
$128
-
Phoenix to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) - Departure Private Transfer:
$60
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 Phoenix or Boise?
Prices for flights to both Boise and Phoenix 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
In Phoenix travelers spend around $42 a day on food. You can save money by choosing casual restaurants or food stalls, or you can spend plenty more by dining in nicer restaurants at every meal.
Boise food costs typically run travelers around $36 per day. Eating every meal in a nicer restaurant will drive the cost up, and grabbing fast food or casual meals will help you save money.
-
Food
Meals for one day
Phoenix $42
Boise $36
Typical Food prices in Phoenix
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Phoenix:
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phoenix
For Phoenix, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
-
Awesome French Crêpes Cooking Class:
$65
Typical Food prices in Boise
For Boise, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Boise
For Boise, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
-
Vegan Food Tour Experience in Boise:
$91
Entertainment
Sightseeing, admission tickets, things to do, and other entertainment expenses in Phoenix can vary widely by price. On average, visitors spend around $32 per person, per day on entertainment and sightseeing here.
Sightseeing, admission tickets, things to do, and other entertainment expenses in Boise can vary widely by price. On average, visitors spend around $24 per person, per day on entertainment and sightseeing here.
Tours and Activities in Phoenix
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Phoenix.
-
2-Day Grand Canyon Tour from Phoenix:
$539
-
3-Day Sedona and Grand Canyon Rail Experience:
$820
-
4 Person Guided U Drive Jeep Experience:
$650
-
A Day In The Old West Adventure including Horseback Ride and Cowboy Lunch:
$325
-
ATV Rentals and Tours:
$350
-
Apache Trail Full Day Small Group Tour:
$149
-
Apache Trail and Dolly Steamboat Tour:
$129
-
Awesome Instagram Tour of Phoenix:
$150
-
BYOB Pedal Bar Experience In Old Town Scottsdale:
$53
-
Biplane - 30 Minute Scenic Sightseeing Tour in Phoenix:
$250
-
Christmas | Holiday Lights ISM Zoomtown Lights 2 Hour Tour:
$320
-
Christmas | Holiday light Illuminations Symphony of lights only 2 hour Tours:
$320
Typical Entertainment prices in Boise
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Boise's activities, tours, and tickets:
Tours and Activities in Boise
For Boise, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
-
Boise Booze and Bites Cocktail Tour:
$91
-
Boise Scavenger Hunt Adventure:
$21
-
Culinary and Cultural Tour of Boise:
$81
-
Sunday Brunch Tour in Downtown Boise:
$77
Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages can often be a significant portion of a traveler's budget, and the costs can vary greatly from person to person. In Phoenix, the average amount that a visitor spends on alcoholic beverages per day is $13.
Typically, people visiting Boise spend on average $19 on alcoholic beverages per person, per day.
Sample the Local Flavors in Phoenix
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Phoenix:
-
Wine Tours, Airport Transportation and more!:
$100
-
Custom Arizona Brewery Tour:
$245
-
Scottsdale: Mountain Biking and Brewery Tour:
$250
-
From Phoenix/Scottsdale: Sedona Hiking & Wine Tasting Tour:
$275
-
Private Southern Arizona Wine Tour Phoenix to Sonoita-Elgin Vineyards:
$997
-
Private Wine Tour from Phoenix to Sonoita-Elgin Vineyards:
$1,650
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Phoenix and Boise, we can see that Phoenix 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 Phoenix would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Phoenix than you might in Boise.
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