A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Phoenix vs. Boulder for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Phoenix or Boulder?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Phoenix and Boulder can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Phoenix or Boulder?

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.

Boulder

Boulder is located on the edge of the Rocky Mountains in the state of Colorado. As home to the University of Colorado at Boulder, it's a college town with a liberal vibe and progressive values. In recent years, Boulder's economy has received a boost from the tech industry, which has grown rapidly in the area.

Boulder is also a great city to visit. It's surrounded by a beautiful mountain setting and there are countless outdoor sporting activities that you can enjoy. One unique aspect of Boulder is its role as home to many serious athletes who come here to train in the area's top facilities and programs.

Boulder's climate is similar to most of Colorado. It's a dry city with plenty of sunshine. Winters can vary dramatically from mild to incredibly cold and snowfall averages 44 inches a season. Summers are warm and dry with temperatures climbing above 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the warmest months.

Which city is cheaper, Boulder 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 Boulder is $153. 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. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Phoenix and Boulder in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Phoenix $113
    Boulder $82
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Phoenix $226
    Boulder $164
Compare Hotels in Phoenix and Boulder

Looking for a hotel in Phoenix or Boulder? 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 Phoenix


Hotels in Boulder


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: Phoenix Hotel Prices and Boulder Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Phoenix $28
    Boulder $41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phoenix

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

  • Private Transfer: Phoenix to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX): $622
  • Private Transfer: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) to Phoenix: $622
  • SUV Airport One Way Transfer Phoenix to Flagstaff, Prescott, Sedona, or Tucson: $334
  • Sedan Airport One Way Transfer Phoenix to Flagstaff, Prescott, Sedona or Tucson: $309
  • Airport VAN Phoenix One Way Transfer Scottsdale Address: $213
  • Airport VAN Phoenix One Way Transfer Phoenix Address: $213
  • Phoenix Round Trip Private Airport-Hotel Transfer: $176
  • Phoenix Airport Transfers : Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Luxury Van: $131
  • Phoenix Airport Transfers : Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury Van: $131
  • Private Transfer to/from Phoenix Airport (PHX): $128
  • Airport SUV Phoenix One Way Transfer Scottsdale Address: $121
  • Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) to Phoenix - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $119

Is it cheaper to fly into Phoenix or Boulder?

Prices for flights to both Boulder 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Phoenix $42
    Boulder $43
Typical Food prices in Phoenix

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Phoenix:


  • Nice Lunch (for 2)
    $36
  • Indian Food Dinner (for 2)
    $32

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 Boulder

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Boulder:


  • 2 Coffees
    $8.75
  • Nice Dinner for Two
    $71

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Phoenix $32
    Boulder $26

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

Tours and Activities in Boulder

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Boulder.

  • A natural healing experience in a private epsom salt bath.: $16
  • Amazing Boulder Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
  • Astronomy Tour: $41
  • Best of Boulder E-Bike Tour: $104
  • Boulder Backroads: E-Bike Dirt Road Tour: $200
  • Denver/Rocky Mountain National Park Tour: $139
  • Downtown An audio tour around this weird and beautiful town: $5.00
  • Electric Cruiser Fat Tire Bike Tour - Best of Boulder: $97
  • Half-Day eBike Mural Tour in Boulder: $90
  • High-Vibes Foodie Tour: $106
  • Hiking Adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park from Boulder: $173
  • Holistic & Medicinal Tour: $42

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Phoenix $13
    Boulder $22

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

About these numbers

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

Budget Your Trip

Budget Your Trip has average travel costs for thousands of cities around the world, all provided by other travelers. You can also register to organize your spending by category and location with graphs, maps, charts, and tables.
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Phoenix vs. Boulder Travel Comparison

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