A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Sun Valley vs. Cody, Wyoming for Families, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Sun Valley or Cody, Wyoming?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Sun Valley and Cody, Wyoming. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Sun Valley

Sun Valley is a adventurous, outdoorsy, and active town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and skiing.

Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming is a historic, fascinating, and activity-filled town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping.

Sun Valley and Cody, Wyoming: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sun Valley or Cody, Wyoming?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sun Valley. Although Sun Valley and Cody, Wyoming are both popular with visitors, Sun Valley has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Sun Valley is more popular for its skiing, food, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Cody, Wyoming is known for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm. Sun Valley is popular for its ski resorts as well as being the home of Ernest Hemingway. It is also home to Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Cody, Wyoming is popular for it's Wild West atmosphere and its founder, Buffalo Bill.

How is Sun Valley different from Cody, Wyoming?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Sun Valley or Cody, Wyoming Better for Skiing?

Sun Valley is a world-class destination for skiing and snowboarding. However, Cody, Wyoming is not a skiing destination.

Sun Valley is among the world's best ski destinations. There are plenty of slopes that are accessible by lift as well as backcountry terrain for those who are more adventurous. The ski areas include Bald Mountain, which is next to Ketchum, and Dollar Mountain, by Sun Valley. Bald Mountain is best for advanced skiers and Dollar Mountain has options for beginners and intermediates.

Cody, Wyoming is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Sun Valley or Cody, Wyoming?

Cody, Wyoming is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Sun Valley is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Cody, Wyoming. There are some interesting local museums around town. One of the most popular is the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. There are also several gun museums like the Cody Dug Up Gun Museum and the Cody Firearms Museum. For history, check out the Museum of the Plains Indian or the Cody Heritage Museum.

While most people don't head to Sun Valley specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Museums in the area include the Sun Valley Museum of Art and the Wood River Museum of History and Culture.

Is the Food Better in Sun Valley or Cody, Wyoming? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sun Valley is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Cody, Wyoming is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Sun Valley. Many restaurants pride themselves in using local, organic, and sustainable ingredients. You'll find everything from cafes and bakeries to sushi, pizza, and Mediterranean.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Cody, Wyoming. Most of the restaurants offer a nod to the Wild West theme. There's a soda saloon, barbecue joints, and old fashioned saloons where you can grab a thick steak or fried green tomatoes. Many have fun decor and a family-friendly vibe that sets the atmosphere.

Is Sun Valley or Cody, Wyoming Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Sun Valley or Cody, Wyoming has a better nightlife scene.

Sun Valley has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It's a low key town with relaxing bars and breweries where you can enjoy a cold drink after a day on the slopes. It's not a party town that's high energy, but there are plenty of places where you can hang out in a mellow setting.

If you're looking for night time activities Cody, Wyoming has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene, like everything else in town, stays true to the Wild West theme. You'll find cowboys and cowgirls on the dance floor and enjoy live music and cold drinks at the local bar.

Is Sun Valley or Cody, Wyoming Better for Resorts?

Sun Valley is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Cody, Wyoming is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Sun Valley. The most popular place to stay is Sun Valley Lodge, but there are also other small lodges and hotels in the area.

Cody, Wyoming is not a resort destination.

Is Sun Valley or Cody, Wyoming Better for its Old Town?

Cody, Wyoming is a good destination for its historic old town. However, Sun Valley does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Cody, Wyoming to see the historical old town. The historic downtown is small, just a few blocks along Sheridan Avenue, but it's filled with personality. The buildings have local character and highlight the town's past.

Sun Valley does not have a historic old town.

Is Sun Valley or Cody, Wyoming Better for Hiking?

Sun Valley is a very popular place for its hiking trails. Also, Cody, Wyoming is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Sun Valley. During the warmer months you'll enjoy miles of hiking trails in the area that take you by fields of wildflowers and to scenic mountain overlooks. White Cloud Trails is a relatively easy 4 mile trail that many visitors enjoy. Baker Lake and Taylor Canyon are also nice options.

Cody, Wyoming has hiking trails worth exploring. It's not hard to get out of town and enjoy some hiking. Trails take you through the local landscapes and sometimes offer you the opportunity to see local wildlife.

Is the Shopping Better in Sun Valley or Cody, Wyoming?

Cody, Wyoming is a great destination for shopping. Also, Sun Valley is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Cody, Wyoming is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find quirky shops, local vendors, and sporting equipment stores around town. Whether you want to pick up a souvenir or browse the Wild West paraphernalia, shopping is a fun activity in town.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Sun Valley. While most visitors spend their time adventuring outdoors, there are also plenty of shopping options in the area. Whether you need to pick up hiking or ski gear, or you want to browse some local boutiques, you'll find shops that meet your need.

Is Sun Valley or Cody, Wyoming Better for Families?

Sun Valley is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cody, Wyoming is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Sun Valley is one of the most popular family destinations. During the winter months there's skiing, ice skating, and other winter activities. During the warmer months families will enjoy riding the Roundhouse Express Gondola, hiking through the mountains, or horseback riding.

Cody, Wyoming is a very kid-friendly town. It's a fun stop off for families who are visiting the national parks in the area. There are diverse activities that will give the kids a break from hiking and nature programs. Make sure you check out the Cody Nite Rodeo, the Old Trail Town, and the horseback riding. For a glimpse at what life was like back in the Wild West, check out a Wild Bunch Gunfighters Show.

Is Sun Valley or Cody, Wyoming Better for Couples?

Sun Valley is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Cody, Wyoming is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Sun Valley has plenty to offer. Couples who enjoy winter sports and outdoor activities will love a romantic getaway to the area. There's also a charming downtown area that has great restaurants. In the surrounding countryside there's plenty of spectacular hikes that couples will enjoy as well.

Cody, Wyoming makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. If you don't take yourself too seriously, this is a fun town to shop, dine, and play. There's horseback riding, historical reenactments, and quirky shops. There's also the opportunity to see wildlife and chat with other travelers.

Is Sun Valley or Cody, Wyoming Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sun Valley is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cody, Wyoming is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Sun Valley is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a couple of hostels in the area and plenty of activities that appeal to the backpacker crowd.

Cody, Wyoming is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of campgrounds and cheap motels in the area.

Is Sun Valley or Cody, Wyoming Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sun Valley is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Cody, Wyoming is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit in Sun Valley is fairly effecient and thorough. There are free shuttle buses that run through Wood River Valley including connections between the Village and Dollar and Bald Mountains. It's also connected to Ketchum and Elkhorn Springs.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Cody, Wyoming. There's no real public transit through town.

Is Sun Valley or Cody, Wyoming a more walkable city?

Sun Valley is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Cody, Wyoming is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Sun Valley. It's easy to walk to almost anything you need if you stay at a conveniently located hotel.

Cody, Wyoming is a somewhat walkable place. The historic downtown can be explored on foot, but anything outside of town will require a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Sun Valley Worth Visiting? and Is Cody, Wyoming Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cody, Wyoming or Sun Valley?

How long in Sun Valley or Cody, Wyoming?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Sun Valley and Cody, Wyoming. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sun Valley than in Cody, Wyoming. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Sun Valley, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cody, Wyoming.

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

Couples should spend more time in Sun Valley than Cody, Wyoming. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Sun Valley that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sun Valley than Cody, Wyoming 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 Sun Valley.

One day in Sun Valley or Cody, Wyoming?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Sun Valley. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Don't miss the skiing, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Cody, Wyoming might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cody, Wyoming, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Sun Valley or Cody, Wyoming?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sun Valley. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the skiing, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Even though Cody, Wyoming is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Sun Valley or Cody, Wyoming?

Many travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the adventurous destination of Sun Valley. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Cody, Wyoming, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. 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 Sun Valley or Cody, Wyoming?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful town of Sun Valley. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Cody, Wyoming 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 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 Sun Valley and Cody, Wyoming, we can see that Sun Valley is more expensive. And not only is Cody, Wyoming much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cody, Wyoming would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cody, Wyoming 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 Sun Valley would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sun Valley than you might in Cody, Wyoming.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sun Valley Expensive? and Is Cody, Wyoming Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Sun Valley or Cody, Wyoming?

Cody, Wyoming has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Sun Valley. When comparing the sizes of Sun Valley and Cody, Wyoming, 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.