A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Shenandoah National Park vs. Niagara Falls for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Shenandoah National Park or Niagara Falls?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Shenandoah National Park and Niagara Falls 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.

Where Should I go: Shenandoah National Park or Niagara Falls?

Shenandoah National Park

One of the most visited destinations in the eastern part of the United States, Shenandoah National Park attracts over a million people each year for its beautiful mountain scenery, abundant wildlife, and vibrant colors in the autumn months. Established in 1935, it is the largest fully protected area in the mid-Appalachian region.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls, Ontario sits on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, across the border from Niagara Falls, New York. Together these cities have claimed themselves to be the "Honeymoon Capital of the World" a status that is probably little more than a marketing ploy. That said, Niagara Falls, Ontario, is perhaps a quainter and more natural version of its American counterpart. The town has existed as a tourist destination for hundreds of years, with its main attraction, obviously, being Niagara Falls. Today, millions of visitors come to see the falls every year. It's truly an impressive sight, and there is no shortage of entertainment options while you're in the area.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada, and The Best Camping Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Niagara Falls or Shenandoah National Park?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Shenandoah National Park is $125, while the average daily cost in Niagara Falls is $122. 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 Shenandoah National Park and Niagara Falls in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Shenandoah National Park $53
    Niagara Falls $74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Shenandoah National Park $106
    Niagara Falls $148
Compare Hotels in Shenandoah National Park and Niagara Falls

Looking for a hotel in Shenandoah National Park or Niagara Falls? 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 Shenandoah National Park


Hotels in Niagara Falls


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: Niagara Falls Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Shenandoah National Park $70
    Niagara Falls $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Niagara Falls

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Niagara Falls:

  • Buffalo Niagara Airport to Holiday Valley - Round-Trip Transfer: $263
  • Round-Trip Private-Safe Transfer Between Buffalo Airport & Niagara Falls Canada: $262
  • ROUNDTRIP Ground Transfer Buffalo Niagara Int Airport (BUF)-Niagara Falls Canada: $207
  • Private Half Day Niagara Wine Tour Visit with Transfer Included: $200
  • Private Transfer: Niagara Falls, ON to Toronto downtown: $197
  • Departure Private Transfer: Niagara Falls to Toronto Airport YYZ in Luxury SUV: $195
  • Private Transfer: Niagara Int’l Airport (IAG) USA to Niagara Falls, ON: $194
  • Transfer Niagara Falls, Canada to Toronto, Canada (Downtown): $178
  • Transfer Niagara-on-the-Lake Canada to Toronto Pearson International Airport YYZ: $160
  • Transfer Niagara Falls, Canada to Toronto Pearson International Airport YYZ: $160
  • Transfer in Private Minivan from Niagara Falls Ontario to Toronto (YYZ) Airport: $159
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Buffalo Niagara International Airport to Niagara Falls, New York: $138

Is it cheaper to fly into Shenandoah National Park or Niagara Falls?

Prices for flights to both Niagara Falls and Shenandoah National Park 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
    Shenandoah National Park $28
    Niagara Falls $28

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Niagara Falls

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

  • The Wing Ride: The Hidden History of Chicken Wings Food Tour: $105
  • Walking Food Tour in Niagara Falls: $108
  • Niagara Falls Sightseeing Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $130
  • Sunset Wine Tour with Dinner Niagara On The Lake: $146
  • Guided Night Tour w/ Dinner & Hotel Transfer: $149
  • Light up The Falls Small Group Tour with Fallsview Dinner: $155
  • Evening Lights Tour with Skylon Tower Dinner: $177
  • Sunset Niagara-on-the-Lake Small Group Wine Tour with Dinner: $178
  • Niagara Wine Tasting and three courses Dinner: $192
  • Niagara Falls Evening Lights Tour With Skylon Tower Dinner: $192
  • Night on Niagara Walking Tour with Fireworks Cruise + Dinner: $200
  • Small Group Night Tour w/ Dinner & Light Show: $204

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Shenandoah National Park $34
    Niagara Falls $20

Typical Entertainment Prices in Niagara Falls

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


  • Maid of the Mist
    $37

Tours and Activities in Niagara Falls

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

  • Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds Made in America Tour: $92
  • Niagara Falls USA Winter Tour Cave, Tower, winery & Much More : $90
  • Private Custom Niagara Falls, Canada Winery Tour from Buffalo,NY: $298
  • 1 Hour Private Vineyard Dome Experience in Niagara-on-the-Lake: $45
  • 30 Minute Niagara Falls Airplane Tour: $156
  • 45 Minutes Whirlpool Tour in Niagara Falls: $32
  • 7 Hour Niagara Falls USA Tour from Buffalo: $269
  • All American Tour : $99
  • All Attractions Niagara Falls American Tour with Boat Much More: $120
  • All Inclusive Niagara Falls USA Tour W/Boat Ride,Cave & Much MORE: $126
  • All Niagara Falls USA Tour Maid of Mist Boat & So Much More : $130
  • All inclusive Niagara Evening Light Show, Boat Ride & Cave Tour: $140

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Shenandoah National Park $7.14
    Niagara Falls $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Niagara Falls

Also in Niagara Falls, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Niagara Wine Tour and Tastings with Included Transportation : $56
  • Small Group Niagara-on-the-Lake Wine Tasting Tour: $96
  • Sip, Swirl and Savour Chocolate & Wine Tour : $103
  • Niagara Craft Brewery Tour Niagara Falls: $110
  • 3.5 Hours NOTL E-Bike Wine Tour: $111
  • Niagara All American All inclusive Boutique Wine Tour : $114
  • Half Day Wine & Cheese Tour - Niagara On The Lake Wine Tour: $119
  • Full-Day Group Wine Tour (with cheese and charcuterie) in Niagara-on-the-Lake: $141
  • myWineCountry Experience Premium Wine Tours and Tastings: $148
  • Relaxing three courses Lunch & Wine Tour through Niagara's Wine Country: $148
  • Niagara-on-the-Lake Small Group Wine Tour with Picnic Lunch: $149
  • Luxury Buffalo Brewery Tour: $149


When comparing the travel costs between Shenandoah National Park and Niagara Falls, we can see that Shenandoah National Park is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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



When is the best time to visit Shenandoah National Park or Niagara Falls?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Shenandoah National Park or Niagara Falls in the Summer?

Both Niagara Falls and Shenandoah National Park during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Shenandoah National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Shenandoah National Park is generally around the same temperature as Niagara Falls. Daily temperatures in Shenandoah National Park average around 77°F (25°C), and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

Shenandoah National Park usually gets more rain in July than Niagara Falls. Shenandoah National Park gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Shenandoah National Park 77°F (25°C) 
    Niagara Falls 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Shenandoah National Park or Niagara Falls in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Shenandoah National Park and Niagara Falls. Many visitors come to Shenandoah National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Shenandoah National Park is a little warmer than Niagara Falls in the autumn. The daily temperature in Shenandoah National Park averages around 56°F (13°C) in October, and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In October, Shenandoah National Park usually receives more rain than Niagara Falls. Shenandoah National Park gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Shenandoah National Park 56°F (13°C) 
    Niagara Falls 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Shenandoah National Park or Niagara Falls in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Shenandoah National Park as well as Niagara Falls. Most visitors come to Shenandoah National Park for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

The weather in Niagara Falls can be very cold. Shenandoah National Park can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Shenandoah National Park is much warmer than Niagara Falls. Typically, the winter temperatures in Shenandoah National Park in January average around 32°F (-0°C), and Niagara Falls averages at about -4°C (26°F).

Shenandoah National Park usually gets more rain in January than Niagara Falls. Shenandoah National Park gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Shenandoah National Park 32°F (-0°C) 
    Niagara Falls -4°C (26°F)

Should I visit Shenandoah National Park or Niagara Falls in the Spring?

Both Niagara Falls and Shenandoah National Park are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Shenandoah National Park because of the natural beauty.

In April, Shenandoah National Park is generally a little warmer than Niagara Falls. Daily temperatures in Shenandoah National Park average around 54°F (12°C), and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In April, Shenandoah National Park usually receives more rain than Niagara Falls. Shenandoah National Park gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Shenandoah National Park 54°F (12°C) 
    Niagara Falls 10°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Niagara Falls and Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park Niagara Falls
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 32°F (-0°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) -4°C (26°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Feb 35°F (1°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) -3°C (28°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 2°C (36°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 54°F (12°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 10°C (49°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
May 63°F (17°C) 4 inches (102 mm) 15°C (59°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 20°C (68°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 77°F (25°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 23°C (74°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 75°F (24°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 22°C (72°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 68°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 56°F (13°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 6°C (43°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 36°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) -0°C (31°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)