A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Pittsburgh vs. Death Valley National Park for Backpackers, Attractions, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Pittsburgh or Death Valley National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Pittsburgh or Death Valley National Park, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is a under-rated, industrial, and authentic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a striking, vast, and dramatic national park. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Pittsburgh and Death Valley National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pittsburgh or Death Valley National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Pittsburgh. Although Pittsburgh and Death Valley National Park are popular destinations, Pittsburgh has more sights and attractions for tourists. Pittsburgh is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Death Valley National Park attracts visitors for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Death Valley National Park is more touristy than Pittsburgh and is popular for being the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S. Pittsburgh is famous for its many bridges, its steel industry, and being the home of "Mr. Roger's Neighborhood". It is also well known for Mount Washington.

How is Pittsburgh different from Death Valley National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Death Valley National Park and Pittsburgh. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Pittsburgh or Death Valley National Park?

Pittsburgh is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Pittsburgh specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The museums range from science and nature focused, like the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden, to quirky and artsy, like the Mattress Factory. The Warhol Museum is dedicated to the works of Andy Warhol and it's not to be missed. Also worth a visit is the Heinz History Center, Randyland, and the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History.

While most people don't head to Death Valley National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are ghost towns and visitor centers with informational exhibits, but visitors spend most of their time exploring the outdoor environment.

Is the Food Better in Pittsburgh or Death Valley National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Pittsburgh is very good for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its restaurants.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Pittsburgh area. The city is known for its working class roots, and the food is hearty and filling, which is great for those on a budget. Popular local dishes include pierogis, deli sandwiches, Pittsburgh salads (complete with French fries), and hotcakes.

Death Valley National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are restaurants at Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, and Panamint Springs, but most visitors prefer to bring their own food so that they can enjoy picnicking in a beautiful setting.

Is Pittsburgh or Death Valley National Park Better for Nightlife?

Pittsburgh is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for nightlife.

Pittsburgh offers plenty to do in the evening. There's an active music and dance scene in town. For the best bars and clubs, head to the Strip and South Side and for live entertainment and casinos check out the North Shore.

Death Valley National Park doesn't offer many options. Beyond stargazing and relaxing around a campfire, there is no real nightlife in the area.

Is Pittsburgh or Death Valley National Park Better for Resorts?

Death Valley National Park is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Pittsburgh is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Death Valley National Park as a resort destination, but it has a few places. There are historical inns and lodges in and around the park. The privately owned Inn at Death Valley is a popular option in Furnace Creek. If you stay outside the park, you can expect long drives to get most places.

Pittsburgh is not a resort destination.

Is Pittsburgh or Death Valley National Park Better for Hiking?

Death Valley National Park is great for hiking. However, Pittsburgh is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Death Valley National Park for the hiking trails. Hikes will take you past desert landscapes, through canyons, and along sand dunes. The views are spectacular and the setting is other-worldly. Hiking is best between the months of November and March, as temperatures can be high other times of the year, particularly during the summer months.

Pittsburgh is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pittsburgh or Death Valley National Park?

Pittsburgh is very good for its shopping areas. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for shopping.

Many visitors go to Pittsburgh to go shopping. You'll find local fashion boutiques and shopping centers in the city's downtown. Other great shopping neighborhoods include Shadyside, Station Square, and Fifth Avenue Place.

Shopping in Death Valley National Park can be found for those interested. There are a couple of general stores where you can pick up items that you may need.

Is Pittsburgh or Death Valley National Park Better for Families?

Death Valley National Park is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Pittsburgh is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Death Valley National Park. Kids will love hiking and exploring the vast desert. There are also ghost towns and abandoned mines that will fascinate kids and adults alike. Junior programs, operated by the National Park Service, also offer interesting and educational programming for kids.

Pittsburgh is a family-friendly place to visit. There's a surprising number of kid-friendly activities packed into this city. Check out the National Aviary or visit the popular Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium. There are also kid-focused museums and science centers as well as parks and playgrounds. Also make sure you take the cable car up Duquesne Incline or enjoy a boat ride on one of the rivers as well.

Is Pittsburgh or Death Valley National Park Better for Couples?

Death Valley National Park is great for couples. However, Pittsburgh is not a good destination for romance.

Death Valley National Park is a great national park if you're traveling as a couple. The stunning desert landscape will take your breathe away, particularly during sunrise and sunset, when the colors are dramatic and striking. In the evening, the sky fills with stars and couples can enjoy a bit of stargazing.

Pittsburgh is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are a few good date night activities like taking river cruises, enjoying dinner and show, or going to a Pirate's game.

Is Pittsburgh or Death Valley National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Death Valley National Park is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Pittsburgh is not a good destination for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Death Valley National Park, as it is a very popular national park for budget travelers. Backpackers will enjoy hiking and camping in a unique desert environment. There are several campgrounds in the area that range from primitive to developed.

Pittsburgh is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's usually overlooked by backpackers, but there is some cheap accommodation in town.

Is Pittsburgh or Death Valley National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Pittsburgh is very good for its public transit. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for times when you don't have a car.

Pittsburgh has a few public transit options. There are bus and lightrail options through the city's downtown. There's also the unique incline, which is an experience worth doing.

Public transit is quite limited in Death Valley National Park. There is no public transportation within the park.

Is Pittsburgh or Death Valley National Park a more walkable city?

Pittsburgh is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its walkability.

Pittsburgh is a somewhat walkable city. Some of the attractions are spread out, but if you're willing to do a bit of walking, it's possible to get around on foot.

Death Valley National Park is not a very walkable city. This is a huge national park that requires a car to get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Pittsburgh Worth Visiting? and Is Death Valley National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Death Valley National Park or Pittsburgh?

How long in Pittsburgh or Death Valley National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Pittsburgh or Death Valley National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Death Valley National Park due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Pittsburgh, and 2-4 days is enough time in Death Valley National Park.

Families should spend more time in Death Valley National Park than Pittsburgh. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Death Valley National Park, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pittsburgh than Death Valley National Park if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Pittsburgh.

One day in Pittsburgh or Death Valley National Park?

In Pittsburgh, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this industrial destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With around the striking national park of Death Valley National Park, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Pittsburgh or Death Valley National Park?

In Pittsburgh, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many people spend a weekend here. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

With around the destination of Death Valley National Park, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this national park.

Five days in Pittsburgh or Death Valley National Park?

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Pittsburgh. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. This city offers something for everyone.

Death Valley National Park, a popular national park, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Pittsburgh or Death Valley National Park?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Pittsburgh. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Death Valley National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pittsburgh and Death Valley National Park, we can see that Pittsburgh is more expensive. And not only is Death Valley National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Death Valley National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Death Valley National Park 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 Pittsburgh would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pittsburgh than you might in Death Valley National Park.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Pittsburgh Expensive? and Is Death Valley National Park Expensive?.