Should you visit Phoenix or Boulder?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel cost comparison between Phoenix and Boulder 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.
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 $114, 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. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Phoenix and Boulder in more detail.
Accommodation
Travelers usually pay around $92 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.
For a normal double-occupancy room in Boulder, $164 is the average cost for a hotel room. Also in Boulder, the typical price for a place to stay for one person is $82, such as in a hostel.
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.
In Boulder travelers spend around $43 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.
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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:
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phoenix
For Phoenix, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
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Awesome French Crêpes Cooking Class:
$65
Typical Food prices in Boulder
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Boulder:
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2 Coffees
$8.75
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Nice Dinner for Two
$71
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 $16 per person, per day on transportation in Phoenix.
Public transportation tends to be much less expensive in Boulder than paying for a taxi or private car service, as is expected. Typically, people spend $41 on transportation in Boulder on average per day.
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phoenix
Also for Phoenix, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
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Private Transfer: Phoenix to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX):
$622
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Private Transfer: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) to Phoenix:
$622
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SUV Airport One Way Transfer Phoenix to Flagstaff, Prescott, Sedona, or Tucson:
$334
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Sedan Airport One Way Transfer Phoenix to Flagstaff, Prescott, Sedona or Tucson:
$309
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Airport VAN Phoenix One Way Transfer Scottsdale Address:
$213
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Airport VAN Phoenix One Way Transfer Phoenix Address:
$213
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Phoenix Round Trip Private Airport-Hotel Transfer:
$176
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Phoenix Airport Transfers : Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury Van:
$131
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Phoenix Airport Transfers : Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Luxury Van:
$131
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Airport SUV Phoenix One Way Transfer Scottsdale Address:
$121
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Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) to Phoenix - Round-Trip Private Transfer:
$119
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Private Phoenix Transfer: Hotel to Airport:
$114
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.
Entertainment
Sightseeing, admission tickets, things to do, and other entertainment expenses in Phoenix can vary widely by price. On average, visitors spend around $29 per person, per day on entertainment and sightseeing here.
Sightseeing expenses in Boulder, including the cost of admission tickets for day tours, museums, and attractions, usually cost an average of $26 per day, per person.
Tours and Activities in Phoenix
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Phoenix.
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2-Day Grand Canyon Tour from Phoenix:
$539
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3-Day Sedona and Grand Canyon Rail Experience:
$820
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4 Person Guided U Drive Jeep Experience:
$650
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A Day In The Old West Adventure including Horseback Ride and Cowboy Lunch:
$325
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ATV Rentals and Tours:
$350
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Apache Trail Full Day Small Group Tour:
$139
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Apache Trail Small Group Tour with Canyon Lake Cruise:
$165
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Apache Trail and Dolly Steamboat Tour:
$129
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Awesome Instagram Tour of Phoenix:
$150
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BYOB Pedal Bar Experience In Old Town Scottsdale:
$53
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Biplane - 30 Minute Scenic Sightseeing Tour in Phoenix:
$250
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Christmas | Holiday Lights ISM Zoomtown Lights 2 Hour Tour:
$320
Tours and Activities in Boulder
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Boulder.
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A natural healing experience in a private epsom salt bath.:
$16
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Amazing Boulder Scavenger Hunt Adventure:
$44
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Astronomy Tour:
$41
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Best of Boulder E-Bike Tour:
$104
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Boulder Backroads: E-Bike Dirt Road Tour:
$200
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Denver: 8-Hour Private Tour of Rocky Mountain National Park:
$609
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Downtown An audio tour around this weird and beautiful town:
$5.00
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Electric Cruiser Fat Tire Bike Tour - Best of Boulder:
$97
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Half-Day eBike Mural Tour in Boulder:
$90
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High-Vibes Foodie Tour:
$106
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Hiking Adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park from Boulder:
$173
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Holistic & Medicinal Tour:
$42
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.
Alcoholic beverages can often be a significant portion of a traveler's budget, and the costs can vary greatly from person to person. In Boulder, the average amount that a visitor spends on alcoholic beverages per day is $22.
Sample the Local Flavors in Phoenix
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Phoenix:
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Wine Tours, Airport Transportation and more!:
$100
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Custom Arizona Brewery Tour:
$245
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Private Southern Arizona Wine Tour Phoenix to Sonoita-Elgin Vineyards:
$997
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Private Wine Tour from Phoenix to Sonoita-Elgin Vineyards:
$1,650
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Phoenix and Boulder, we can see that Boulder is more expensive. And not only is Phoenix much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Phoenix would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Phoenix 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 Boulder would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boulder than you might in Phoenix.
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