Should you visit Phoenix or Columbia River Gorge?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel cost comparison between Phoenix and Columbia River Gorge 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.
Columbia River Gorge
Columbia River Gorge is a popular destination in the Cascade Mountains in the Pacific Northwest. The region's close proximity to Portland, which is just 30 minutes away, makes it a popular weekend destination.
The gorge is formed by the Columbia River, with an 80 mile stretch designated as a National Scenic Area. The area has many beautiful cliffs with a number of tall waterfalls and its protected status means that most new development must occur within one of the already established towns.
Which city is cheaper, Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge is $143. 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 Columbia River Gorge 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.
A hotel room in Columbia River Gorge is about $142 This assumes double occupancy and modest accommodations.
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Accommodation
Hotel or hostel for one person
Phoenix $46
Columbia River Gorge $71
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Accommodation
Typical double-occupancy room
Phoenix
$92
Columbia River Gorge
$142
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.
The average traveler spends about $37 per day in Columbia River Gorge for food, but obviously this is dependent on the type of restaurant and the amount of food ordered. To save money you can grab a lighter lunch or dinner, or you can try fast food or street food.
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Food
Meals for one day
Phoenix $42
Columbia River Gorge $37
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
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.
The cost of a taxi ride in Columbia River Gorge is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $62 per person, per day, on local transportation in Columbia River Gorge.
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phoenix
Also for Phoenix, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
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Private Arrival Transfer from Phoenix Airport (PHX):
$26
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Private Departure Transfer to Phoenix Airport (PHX):
$26
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Private Phoenix International Airport Transfer to Pittsburgh:
$48
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Transfer from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport to Phoenix:
$56
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Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) to Phoenix - Arrival Private Transfer:
$60
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Phoenix to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) - Departure Private Transfer:
$60
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Arrival Private Transfers: Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Business Car:
$76
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Departure Private Transfers: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Business Car:
$76
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Departure Private Transfer to Phoenix Airport PHX by Business or Luxury Vehicle:
$78
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Arrival Private Transfer Phoenix Airport PHX to Phoenix Business-Luxury Vehicle:
$78
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Airport Sedan Phoenix One Way Transfer Scottsdale Address:
$91
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Airport Sedan Phoenix One Way Transfer to Phoenix Address:
$91
Is it cheaper to fly into Phoenix or Columbia River Gorge?
Prices for flights to both Columbia River Gorge 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.
Entertainment and activities in Columbia River Gorge typically cost an average of $16 per person, per day. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
Tours and Activities in Phoenix
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Phoenix.
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Skip the Line: Heard Museum Admission Ticket:
$18
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Phoenix Walking Ghost Tour:
$20
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Phoenix Scavenger Hunt Adventure:
$21
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RoRo Street Art Tour:
$27
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Lockdown- Samurai Escape Room Experience:
$28
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Phoenix Legends Bike Tour:
$43
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Urban Adventure Quest Scavenger Hunt in Phoenix:
$44
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Tabletop Adventure - Gaming in Nature:
$46
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BYOB Pedal Bar Experience In Old Town Scottsdale:
$53
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Scottsdale: Half-Day Casual Bike Tour with Guide:
$56
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Scottsdale: Half-Day Road Bike Tour:
$60
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Scottsdale: Half-Day Sonoran Desert Hiking Tour:
$60
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.
The average person spends about $9.49 on alcoholic beverages in Columbia River Gorge per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
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 Columbia River Gorge, we can see that Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Columbia River Gorge than you might in Phoenix.
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