A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Pocono Mountains vs. Boise for Families, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Pocono Mountains or Boise?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Pocono Mountains and Boise 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.

Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is a beautiful, magnificent, and relaxing region. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Boise

Boise is a welcoming, authentic, and friendly city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Pocono Mountains and Boise: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pocono Mountains or Boise?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Pocono Mountains. Although Pocono Mountains and Boise are both popular with visitors, Pocono Mountains has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Pocono Mountains is more popular for its skiing, food, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Boise is known for its nightlife. Pocono Mountains is more touristy than Boise and is popular for its hiking trails, boating and fishing, and small towns. It is also home to Bushkill Falls. Boise is popular for its many outdoor and recreational activities.

How is Pocono Mountains different from Boise?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Boise and Pocono Mountains. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Pocono Mountains or Boise Better for Skiing?

Pocono Mountains is an excellent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Boise is not a skiing destination.

Pocono Mountains draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. There are a number of ski resorts in the area that offer family-friendly skiing or more advanced options. Some of the most popular ski areas are Big Boulder, Blue Mountain, Camelback Mountain, and Jack Frost Mountain.

Boise is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Pocono Mountains or Boise?

Plenty of people visit the good sights and museums in both Pocono Mountains and Boise.

Pocono Mountains offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Visiting a local museum is a great way to learn about the area's history and Native American population. For a glimpse back in time, you can visit the Asa Packer Mansion, Grey Towers National Historic Landmark, or Columns Museum. The Old Jail Museum is a fascinating place to visit and even offers ghost tours. The Pocono Indian Museum and Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm are both worth a visit as well.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Boise. As the state capital, there's a nice selection of local museums around town. Favorites include the Boise Art Museum, the Basque Museum & Cultural Center, the Idaho Black History Museum, and Discovery Center.

Is the Food Better in Pocono Mountains or Boise? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Pocono Mountains is a popular place for its restaurants. However, Boise is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Pocono Mountains is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Family-friendly restaurants are common. Many serve up casual American cuisine like burgers or pasta. There are also more upscale restaurants, some with impressive views, that will elevate your culinary experience. For a local experience, find a restaurant with a seasonal menu that makes the most of the local ingredients.

Boise offers some easy restaurants to choose from. While Idaho has long been associated with the potato, the locals usually think of "finger steaks" when describing local food. These are deep-friend beef strips that are as good as they sound.

Is Pocono Mountains or Boise Better for Nightlife?

Boise is a city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Pocono Mountains is a mediocre region for its evening party scene.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Boise. In downtown Boise you'll find a selection of bars, lounges, and breweries. There's enough around town to keep the nightlife scene interesting.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Pocono Mountains. There are some resorts with casinos and bars as well as local breweries and bars. You'll also find a theater or two in the area.

Is Pocono Mountains or Boise Better for Resorts?

Pocono Mountains is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Boise is not a resort destination.

Pocono Mountains has a few great resort options. Resorts range from family-friendly to romantic. Many have indoor pools or even water parks. Some also have spas, restaurants, and plenty of amenities.

Boise is not a resort destination.

Is Pocono Mountains or Boise Better for Hiking?

Pocono Mountains is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Boise is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Pocono Mountains. There are miles of hiking trails that take you through forests or to spectacular waterfalls. Trails range from easy to challenging and each offers a great way to escape into nature. Some of the more popular trails are found in Tobyhanna State Park and Promised Land State Park. The Appalachian Trail also passes through the area.

Boise is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pocono Mountains or Boise?

Both Pocono Mountains and Boise are good shopping destinations.

Pocono Mountains offers some nice shopping areas. Head to the towns for some the best local shopping. The downtown areas in each of the major towns - Jim Thorpe, Stroudsburg, Milford, and Honesdale - have local vendors, antique shops, and the occasional flea market or farmer's market.

Boise has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find a mix of local boutiques, independent vendors, and suburban shopping centers where you'll find anything that you might need.

Is Pocono Mountains or Boise Better for Families?

Pocono Mountains is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Boise is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Pocono Mountains. There's horseback riding in the warmer seasons and kid-friendly skiing in the winter. The kids will also enjoy the hiking, ziplining, and indoor waterparks in the area. Animal farms and petting zoos are also popular, particularly with the younger kids.

Boise doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. You'll find parks, playgrounds, and the Discovery Center which will help keep kids entertained.

Is Pocono Mountains or Boise Better for Couples?

Pocono Mountains is an excellent place to visit for couples. However, Boise is lacking in options for romance.

Pocono Mountains makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Romantic resorts, cozy cabins, and luxurious spas all make this a wonderful couples destination. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the hiking and adventure sports in the area, while those looking for a more relaxed experience will appreciate the dining and cultural activities.

Boise is not the best destination for a couple to visit. Date night activities include dining at a nice restaurants and seeing a show at the theater.

Is Pocono Mountains or Boise Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pocono Mountains is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Boise is lacking in options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Pocono Mountains. There's no shortage of campgrounds, cabins, and hiking opportunities that will let backpackers enjoy a bit of nature.

Boise is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. Backpackers rarely make their way to this town.

Is Pocono Mountains or Boise Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Pocono Mountains and Boise offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Pocono Mountains. There are some bus services that run between a few towns, but they're not an efficient way to get around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Boise. There are infrequent buses around town, but visitors usually have a car to get around town efficiently.

Is Pocono Mountains or Boise a more walkable city?

Pocono Mountains and Boise both are decent when exploring on foot.

Pocono Mountains is generally not very walkable. While there are plenty of hiking trails and some walkable towns, you really need a car to explore the area.

Boise is generally not a very walkable region. There are a couple of walkable neighborhoods but, in general, the town isn't very walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Pocono Mountains Worth Visiting? and Is Boise Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Boise or Pocono Mountains?

How long in Pocono Mountains or Boise?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Pocono Mountains or Boise to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Pocono Mountains than Boise because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Pocono Mountains, and 1-2 days is enough time in Boise.

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

Couples should spend more time in Pocono Mountains than Boise. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Pocono Mountains that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pocono Mountains than Boise 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 Pocono Mountains.

One day in Pocono Mountains or Boise?

In Pocono Mountains, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this scenic destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This region offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Boise. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Pocono Mountains or Boise?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pocono Mountains. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the friendly city of Boise. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Pocono Mountains or Boise?

Pocono Mountains is a fun place to experience. In Pocono Mountains, many people enjoy the skiing and food that this destination offers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Boise is a popular choice for travelers. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

A week in Pocono Mountains or Boise?

In Pocono Mountains, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this scenic destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Boise is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Pocono Mountains Expensive? and Is Boise Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Pocono Mountains or Boise?

Boise has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Pocono Mountains. When comparing the sizes of Pocono Mountains and Boise, 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.