A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Savannah vs. Salt Lake City for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Savannah or Salt Lake City?

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

Should I visit Savannah or Salt Lake City? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Savannah

Savannah is a beautiful, charming, and scenic city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is a religious, architectural, and notable city. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums.

Savannah and Salt Lake City: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Home to Temple Square
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Savannah or Salt Lake City?

Both Salt Lake City and Savannah have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Savannah is better known for its food, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Salt Lake City is more popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and hiking. Salt Lake City is more touristy than Savannah and is popular for its religious landmarks and its large Mormon population. Savannah is well known for its maritime past, its southern atmosphere, and its Historic District.

How is Savannah different from Salt Lake City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Salt Lake City and Savannah. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Savannah or Salt Lake City?

Savannah
Salt Lake City

Both Savannah and Salt Lake City have great landmarks and museums for visitors.

Savannah offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city's long history can be explored at the Savannah History Museum. With the Savannah School of Art and Design in town, you'll also find a great art culture with several museums such as the SCAD Museum of Art and the Jepson Center for the Arts. There's also the Georgia State Railroad Museum and the Sea Maritime Museum. There are several historic houses that you can visit as well, such as the Andrew Low House, the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, and Harper Fowlkes House.

Many visitors head to Salt Lake City specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Many of the fascinating sights around town are influenced by the city's Mormon culture. Temple Square is a highlight for most visitors. It spans 35 acres and is beautifully landscaped with several fountains. There are also four main churches - The Temple, the Tabernacle, the Temple Annex, and Assembly Hall. The city also has several museums such as the Natural History Museum and the historic Liberty Park.


Is the Food Better in Savannah or Salt Lake City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Savannah
Salt Lake City

Savannah is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Salt Lake City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Savannah has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Local restaurants highlight southern hospitality as well as the cuisine. You'll find many classics such as crab cakes, shrimp and grits, and fried fish. There are many restaurants in historic buildings in the Historic District, but you'll also find a number of casual eateries in other neighborhoods.

Salt Lake City offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. In recent years the food scene has really improved and you'll find a variety of restaurants that serve everything from upscale dishes to more casual fare.

Is Savannah or Salt Lake City Better for Nightlife?

Savannah
Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is a moderate city for nightlife. However, Savannah is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Most people don't head to Salt Lake City specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. Known for its large Mormon population, nightlife isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Salt Lake City. While it will likely never be a party city, there are a growing number of entertainment options around town.

Savannah is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife. Downtown Savannah and River Street are filled with bars and clubs that keep things lively when the sun goes down. During the warmer months there are outdoor venues, concerts and events, but even during the cooler seasons things stay busy.

Is Savannah or Salt Lake City Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Savannah
Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Savannah is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Salt Lake City has a few good snorkeling spots. There are a number of good ski resorts nearby, making this a good base or starting point for a ski vacation.

Savannah is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Savannah or Salt Lake City Better for Beaches?

Savannah
Salt Lake City

Savannah is very good for the beach. However, Salt Lake City is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Savannah to enjoy the beach. While Savannah doesn't actually have a beach, you can head to nearby Tybee Island for waves and sun. It's about half an hour away and the closest beaches to the city are on the island's north side.

Salt Lake City is not a beach destination.

Is Savannah or Salt Lake City Better for its Old Town?

Savannah
Salt Lake City

Savannah is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Salt Lake City does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Savannah. There's an impressive Historic District that is filled with gardens, historic buildings, cobblestone streets, and Oak-lined streets. There are wonderful hotels and traditional restaurants that offer a beautiful experience.

Salt Lake City does not have a historic old town.

Is Savannah or Salt Lake City Better for Hiking?

Savannah
Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Savannah is not a hiking destination.

Salt Lake City is a good destination for hiking. The city offers easy access to many diverse trails, so if you're a nature enthusiasts, you'll appreciate this destination.

Savannah is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Savannah or Salt Lake City?

Savannah
Salt Lake City

Savannah is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Salt Lake City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Savannah. Shopping opportunities include art galleries, trendy clothing boutiques, and larger shopping malls. Visitors can wander down the popular Broughton Street, but there's also a City Market and Starland District.

Salt Lake City is a great destination for shopping. The city has sprawling outlet malls as well as local stores and craft shops. City Creek Center is a favorite shopping destination, but there are also several large shopping malls that are worth visiting.

Is Savannah or Salt Lake City Better for Families?

Savannah
Salt Lake City

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Savannah or Salt Lake City.

Savannah is a family-friendly place to visit. There's a children's museum in town. There's also many outdoor parks and the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge. Kids will enjoy stopping for ice cream or other sweet treats, which are plentiful as well.

Salt Lake City is a family-friendly city. There are museums that kids will enjoy like the Natural History Museum of Utah and the Leonardo Museum. There are also fun-filled activities like a visit to Lagoon Amusement Park. You can learn about history at This Is the Place Heritage Park or learn about the undersea world at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium.

Is Savannah or Salt Lake City Better for Couples?

Savannah
Salt Lake City

Savannah is a very popular place for couples. Also, Salt Lake City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Savannah makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Trees with Spanish Moss as well as a charming Historic District make this a nice destination for a couple's weekend. There are parks where you can enjoy a picnic. There are also nature trails and many great southern restaurants.

Salt Lake City is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with beautiful gardens like Red Butte Garden. There are also nice restaurants and romantic hotels that will make this a nice place for a couple's getaway.


Is Savannah or Salt Lake City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Savannah
Salt Lake City

Savannah is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Salt Lake City is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Savannah is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's a hostel in town, as well as a number of cheaper motels that are a bit outside of the Historic District.

Salt Lake City is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels in town, but most backpackers overlook this destination or breeze through town quickly.

Is Savannah or Salt Lake City Better for Students?

Savannah
Salt Lake City

Savannah is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Salt Lake City is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Savannah. There are a couple of colleges in town including the Savannah College of Art and Design.

Salt Lake City is not popular with students.

Is Savannah or Salt Lake City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Savannah
Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is a popular place for its public transit. However, Savannah is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Salt Lake City has a few public transit options. There's a surprisingly good public transit system that includes light rail, buses, and commuter trains, but if you want to get out of town you'll need to have a car.

Public transit is mostly limited in Savannah. While there are some types of public transit available, the vast majority of visitors have a vehicle, which they use to get around.


Is Savannah or Salt Lake City a more walkable city?

Savannah
Salt Lake City

Savannah is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Salt Lake City is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Savannah is a very walkable destination. The Historic District is very walkable, and it makes a pleasant place to explore on foot.

Salt Lake City is generally not very walkable. While some neighborhoods are walkable, like Temple Square, most visitors prefer to have a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Savannah Worth Visiting? and Is Salt Lake City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Salt Lake City or Savannah?

How long in Savannah or Salt Lake City?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Savannah and Salt Lake City. In our opinion, Savannah has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Savannah than Salt Lake City. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Savannah, and 2-3 days is enough time in Salt Lake City.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Savannah than Salt Lake City 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 Savannah.


  • How many days in Savannah or Salt Lake City? Ideal Length of Stay
    Savannah 1-3 
    Salt Lake City 2-3

One day in Savannah or Salt Lake City?

In Savannah, you'll find food and shopping. Visiting the old town is also a must. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

The city of Salt Lake City offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Savannah or Salt Lake City?

Savannah is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Salt Lake City is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Salt Lake City, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


Five days in Savannah or Salt Lake City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Savannah. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Salt Lake City is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Savannah or Salt Lake City?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the city of Savannah. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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.

Salt Lake City is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Salt Lake City or Savannah?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Savannah is $160, while the average daily cost in Salt Lake City is $246. 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 Savannah and Salt Lake City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Savannah $84
    Salt Lake City $119
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Savannah $168
    Salt Lake City $238
Compare Hotels in Savannah and Salt Lake City

Looking for a hotel in Savannah or Salt Lake City? 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.

Hotels in Savannah


Hotels in Salt Lake City


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: Savannah Hotel Prices and Salt Lake City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Savannah $27
    Salt Lake City $45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Savannah

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Savannah:

  • One Way Private Transfer to/from Savannah Int'l: $68
  • Grave Encounters Tour with Guide and Transfers: $32
  • African American History Walking Tour w/ Transfer: $64
  • Savannah to Savannah Hilton Airport (SAV) - Departure Private Transfer: $104
  • Savannah Hilton Airport (SAV): Private Transfer to Savannah: $440
  • Private Transfer from Savannah Hilton Airport (SAV) to Savannah : $261
  • Private Transfer from Savannah Hilton Airport (SAV) to Hilton Head Island, SC: $225
  • Private Transfer from SAV to Savannah: $209
  • Private Transfer from SAV to Hilton Head Island, SC : $225
  • Private Savannah Airport to Tybee Island Transfer : $100
  • Hilton Head Island to Savannah Airport (SAV) - Private Transfer: $91

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Salt Lake City

Also for Salt Lake City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer: Salt Lake City to Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) : $109
  • Salt Lake Airport (SLC) to Canyons Village - Arrival Transfer: $116
  • Private Transfer from SLC to Salt Lake City : $122
  • Private Transfer from Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) to Salt Lake City : $122
  • Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) to Park City UT - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $184
  • Salt Lake City Airport (SLC): Transfer to Salt Lake City: $205
  • Salt Lake Airport (SLC) to Canyons Village - Round-Trip Transfer: $233
  • Private Transfer from Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) to Park City hotel or address: $265
  • Private Transfer from SLC to Park City UT : $265

Is it cheaper to fly into Savannah or Salt Lake City?

Prices for flights to both Salt Lake City and Savannah 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Savannah $58
    Salt Lake City $50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Savannah

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Savannah.

  • Grave Encounters Ghost Tour with Cellar and Dinner: $55
  • 2-Hour Southern Food Tour: $63
  • Savannah Southern Fried Expectations Walking Food Tour: $67
  • Savannah Ghost Trolley Tour with Dinner at the Pirate's House: $72
  • Savannah Riverboat Gospel Music Dinner Cruise: $76
  • Monday Gospel Dinner Cruise: $76
  • Savannah First Squares Culinary & Cultural Walking Food Tour: $82
  • Savannah's Port City Walking Food Tour: $82
  • Famous and Secret East Side/Port City Food Tour: $82
  • Private Ayurvedic Vegetarian Cooking with Ninoska in Savannah: $82
  • Dinner Detective Interactive True Crime Dinner Show in Savannah: $89
  • Private Cooking Class and Lowcountry Boil with Local Chef Clay: $89

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Salt Lake City

For Salt Lake City, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Traditional Italian Pasta Cooking Class in Salt Lake City: $55

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Savannah $17
    Salt Lake City $28
Typical Entertainment Prices in Savannah

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Savannah are as follows:


  • Pub Crawl
    $10

Tours and Activities in Savannah

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Savannah are as follows:

  • "Savannah for Morons" Comedy Trolley Tour: $59
  • 1-Hour Bonaventure Cemetery Golf Cart Guided Tour in Savannah : $30
  • 10pm Restless Souls Tour: $30
  • 2 Hour Historical Walking Tour in Savannah: $35
  • 2 Hours Dolphin Eco Tour: $42
  • 2-Hour Bonaventure Cemetery Walking Tour: $30
  • 2-Hour Savannah Sunset Riverboat Cruise: $54
  • 5 Hours Tybee Island Exclusive Bus and Bike Combo Tour: $75
  • 60-Minute Guided Segway History Tour of Savannah: $55
  • 90 Minutes Walking Tour in Savannah: $30
  • 90-Minute Savannah Riverboat Sightseeing Cruise: $41
  • Bonaventure Cemetery Dark History Experience By Junket: $30

Tours and Activities in Salt Lake City

For Salt Lake City, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Mormon History - Salt Lake Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Mormon History Salt Lake Self-Guided Audio app Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $15
  • Salt Lake City Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $15
  • Salt Lake City Haunted Old Town Tour: $23
  • Haunted Walking Tour: $24
  • Salt Lake City & La Sal: Self-Guided Walking & Driving Tour: $25
  • Salt Lake Ghosts and Hauntings Tour By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Salt Lake City Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • 45 Minute Great Salt Lake Boat Tour: $37
  • History & Culture Guided Walking Day Tour: $50
  • Salt Lake City Walking Tour: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Savannah $34
    Salt Lake City $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Savannah

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Savannah:

  • Epic Savannah Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
  • 90 Minute Historic Savannah Walking Haunted Bar Pub Crawl: $19
  • Captain Stoner's Haunted Dive Bar Crawl in Historic Savannah: $25
  • Captain Stoner's Haunted Dive Bar Crawl: $25
  • 10 to Midnight Happy Hour and Haunted Pub Crawl w/ the Captain: $27
  • Terrors, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $29
  • Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Bad Kitty Pub Crawl, Spooky Naughty Ghosts: $30
  • Savannah Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
  • Savannah Bar Crawl by the Bridge: $32
  • Late Night Savannah Haunted Pub Crawl: $33
  • Spooky Savannah Haunted Pub Crawl: $33


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Savannah Expensive? and Is Salt Lake City Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Savannah or Salt Lake City?

Salt Lake City has a larger population, and is about 35% larger than the population of Savannah. When comparing the sizes of Savannah and Salt Lake City, 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.