Which place is cheaper, Reno or Phoenix?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Phoenix or Reno?
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 Reno 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.
Phoenix
Phoenix is a laid back, sprawling, and desert city. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.
Reno
Reno is a energetic, growing, and vibrant city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.
Phoenix and Reno: Pros and Cons
Phoenix
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Good for hiking
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Less popular with backpackers
Reno
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Less popular with backpackers
Is there more to do in Phoenix or Reno?
Tourists will generally find more to do in Phoenix than Reno. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Phoenix is very popular for its hiking, while Reno attracts visitors for its nightlife. Reno is more touristy than Phoenix and is known for its casinos and nightlife scene. Phoenix is famous for its desert landscapes, high number of golf courses, and year round warm weather. It is also well known for Desert Botanical Garden.
How is Phoenix different from Reno?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Reno and Phoenix. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Phoenix or Reno?
Phoenix
Reno
You'll find a number of nice museums and attractions in both Reno and Phoenix.
If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Phoenix. You'll find art, science, and cultural museums around town. Favorites include the Heard Museum, the Phoenix Art Museum, S'edav Va'aki Museum, and the Arizona Science Museum.
Reno is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Museums in town range from art and history to local or quirky. The National Automobile Museum, the Nevada Museum of Art, Fleischmann Planetarium, and the Anthropology Museum are some of the favorites.
Is the Food Better in Phoenix or Reno? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Phoenix
Reno
Dining out at restaurants in both Phoenix and Reno can be an enjoyable experience.
Phoenix is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are many mom-and-pop shops around town that serve everything from casual meals to quality steaks. There's also a huge selection of Mexican restaurants, as well as other international options such as sushi, dim sum, and Italian.
Reno offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The food scene has been growing in recent years and you'll find plenty of casual restaurants that serve hearty and filling comfort foods.
Is Phoenix or Reno Better for Nightlife?
Phoenix
Reno
Reno is a great city for its evening party scene. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.
The nightlife in Reno has something for everybody. There's a big nightlife scene with a huge number of bars and entertainment options. There are also a growing number of breweries in town.
There's a variety of activities in the evening in Phoenix. The best nightlife scene is found in downtown and central Phoenix. There are bars, restaurants, and venues where you can catch a show. North Phoenix also has grown into a popular evening spot with cocktail bars and pubs.
Is Phoenix or Reno Better for Hiking?
Phoenix
Reno
Phoenix is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Reno is not a hiking destination.
Phoenix is a good destination for hiking. You don't have to head far out of town for impressive hiking opportunities. You'll find trails that range from easy to challenging, and many pass through other-worldly landscapes. You'll find popular trails in Usery Mountain Regional Park, Papago Park, White Tank Mountain Regional Park, South Mountain Park and many others.
Reno is not a hiking destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Phoenix or Reno?
Phoenix
Reno
If you're looking to go shopping, Phoenix and Reno both offer plenty of nice spots.
Phoenix has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are plenty of shopping centers, outlets, and malls where you'll find the standard chain stores. You'll also find farmer's markets around town.
Reno is a great destination for shopping. In addition to your standard suburban shopping malls and strip malls, there's the Midtown District, which has local retail shops and an eclectic and alternative vibe. The area has thrift shops, music vendors, and more.
Is Phoenix or Reno Better for Families?
Phoenix
Reno
Both Phoenix and Reno are nice to visit with kids.
Phoenix offers lots of family activities. Kids will love the Phoenix Zoo, the Arizona Science Center, the SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, and the Bearizona Wildlife Park. There's also a number of parks and gardens as well as a children's museum and several other interactive museums for kids.
Reno is a family-friendly place to visit. You'll find some arcades and entertainment options for kids in some of the casinos. There's also the Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum, which has kid-friendly, hands-on exhibits, and the largest zoo in Nevado, the Sierra Nevada Zoological Park.
Is Phoenix or Reno Better for Couples?
Phoenix
Reno
Both Phoenix and Reno are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.
Phoenix is a good city for couples to visit. There are many parks and gardens in town as well as beautiful hikes and outdoor activities that couples will enjoy. In the evening, there's theater, shows, and many romantic restaurants.
Reno is a nice destination for couples. There are outdoor parks and scenic walks like the Truckee River Walk or the Rancho San Rafael Regional Park. There's also several great museums and some interesting restaurants.
Is Phoenix or Reno Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Phoenix
Reno
Phoenix and Reno both offer reasonable public transit to get you around.
Public transit is mostly limited in Phoenix. There's a bus and light rail system, but you really need your own vehicle to get around.
Public transit is generally limited in Reno. There's a public bus system with routes around town.
Is Phoenix or Reno a more walkable city?
Phoenix
Reno
Phoenix and Reno are reasonable when it comes to walkability.
Phoenix is generally not a very walkable city. It's a sprawling city and the only real area that's walkable is the downtown.
Reno is generally not very walkable. While there are some reasonably walkable neighborhoods, you really need a car to get around town.
For even more information, also check out Is Phoenix Worth Visiting? and Is Reno Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Reno or Phoenix?
How long in Phoenix or Reno?
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Phoenix and Reno. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.
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How many days in Phoenix or Reno? Ideal Length of StayPhoenix 1-3Reno 1-3
One day in Phoenix or Reno?
Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Phoenix. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.
In Reno, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.
A weekend in Phoenix or Reno?
Phoenix is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
In Reno, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Reno has to offer.
Five days in Phoenix or Reno?
You'll find museums and nightlife around the laid back destination of Phoenix. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
Reno is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.
A week in Phoenix or Reno?
The laid back city of Phoenix offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Reno. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Reno. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPhoenix $238Reno $144
The average daily cost (per person) in Phoenix is $238, while the average daily cost in Reno is $144. 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 Phoenix and Reno in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPhoenix $144Reno $55
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPhoenix $288Reno $110
Compare Hotels in Phoenix and Reno
Looking for a hotel in Phoenix or Reno? 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.
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 Reno Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Phoenix $39Reno $23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phoenix
Also for Phoenix, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Luxury SUV: $103
- Private Transfer from Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Business Car: $90
- Private Transfer from Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury SUV: $103
- Private Transfer From Hotels To Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport PHX : $41
- Private Tesla Transfer from Phoenix Airport to all Hotels : $42
- One-Way Transfer Sky Harbor Airport to Phoenix: $104
- Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) to Phoenix - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $115
- Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) to Phoenix - Arrival Private Transfer: $58
- Phoenix International Airport (PHX) - Private transfer From/to Hotels: $118
- Departure Private Transfer: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury Van: $140
- Departure Private Transfer: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury SUV: $103
- Departure Private Transfer Phoenix City to Phoenix Airport PHX : $110
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Reno
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Reno:
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Car Wash$5.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reno
Also for Reno, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Reno Tahoe Airport to Heavenly Mountain - Round-Trip Transfer: $217
- Reno Tahoe Airport (RNO) to Mammoth Mountain: Arrival Transfer: $185
- Reno Tahoe Airport to Northstar/Squaw Valley - Arrival Transfer: $163
- Reno/Tahoe International Airport (RNO) to Reno – Round-Trip Private Transfer: $133
- Reno Tahoe Airport (RNO) to Heavenly Mountain - Arrival Transfer: $109
- Reno/Tahoe International Airport (RNO) to Reno – Private Arrival Transfer : $66
- Reno to Reno/Tahoe International Airport (RNO) - Departure Private Transfer: $66
Is it cheaper to fly into Phoenix or Reno?
Prices for flights to both Reno 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
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Food Meals for one dayPhoenix $52Reno $54
Typical Food Prices in Phoenix
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Phoenix:
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Nice Lunch (for 2)$36
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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: $75
- Old Town Scottsdale Food Tour: $92
- Downtown Phoenix Food Tour: $92
- Scottsdale Waterfront Food Tour: $95
- Quiche Lorraine French Cooking Class in Scottsdale: $129
Typical Food Prices in Reno
For Reno, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Dennys for Breakfast$22
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Sushi DInner (for 2)$40
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In-n-Out Burger (for 3)$19
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Phoenix $40Reno $88
Tours and Activities in Phoenix
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Phoenix.
- 1.5 Hour Stretch Limo Golf Cart Tour, Ultimate Old Town Exploration: $79
- 1/2 DAY SONORAN DESERT HIKE. Tour, Workout or Challenge Pace.: $115
- 2 Hour Scottsdale Segway Tours - Ultimate Old Town Exploration: $90
- 2 Hour Segway Tour - Sunsets, Segways & City Lights: $89
- 2-Hour Arizona Desert Guided E-Bike Tour: $135
- 2.5 Hour FAT Tire E-Bike Tour – Scottsdale Greenbelt Adventure: $119
- 3 Cities & Nature Tour. Shop, Art, History, Food. Scottsdale, Phoenix, & Tempe.: $168
- 3 Hour Guided TomCar ATV Tour in Sonoran Desert: $219
- Adventure Yoga Experience on Camelback Mountain: $75
- Apache Trail and Dolly Steamboat Van Tour: $160
- Boat Cruise in Lake Pleasant Arizona: $89
- Box Canyon ATV Tour in Florence, Arizona: $235
Tours and Activities in Reno
For Reno, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- (18+) Private 30-Minute Axe Throwing Experience Ticket: $40
- 45 Minutes Twinkle Tours in Reno: $130
- Biking Adventure Tour from Reno: $102
- Burning Man Art and Downtown Mural Private Tour: $65
- Carson City Puzzling Adventure: $35
- Downtown Reno Tour: $55
- Downtown Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Experience Raptors and Falconry in Reno: $125
- From Reno Arch to Truckee River: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Historic Donner Party, Immigrant Trail and Lake Tahoe Photo Tour from Reno: $206
- Horseback Riding Adventure from Reno: $279
- Lake Tahoe Audio Driving Tour: $14
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPhoenix $17Reno $13
Sample the Local Flavors in Phoenix
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Phoenix:
- Pedal Bar Crawl of Old Town Scottsdale: $55
- Stretch Limo Party Cart - Custom Bar Crawls, Wine Tastings, Night Clubs & More: $156
- Ghost town of Jerome, Brew and Wine Tour: $215
Sample the Local Flavors in Reno
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Reno:
- 1 Hour Distillery Tour and Tasting Flight: $25
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Phoenix and Reno, we can see that Phoenix is more expensive. And not only is Reno much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Reno would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Reno 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 Reno.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Phoenix Expensive? and Is Reno Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Phoenix or Reno?
Phoenix has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Reno. When comparing the sizes of Phoenix and Reno, 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.