A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Washington vs. Boise for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Washington or Boise?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Washington and Boise can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Washington or Boise?

Washington

Washington, DC is the capital city of the United States of America. It is also a city rich in history and culture. The city dates back to 1791 when the states of Maryland and Virginia donated the land to create the capital. In 1846, Congress returned the land that was ceded by Virginia and in 1871 it created a single municipal government with the remaining area. Today, Washington, DC has a population of over 600,000 people. The metropolitan area includes suburbs in Maryland and Virginia and has a population of about 5.8 million.

Boise

The capital of the U.S. state of Idaho, Boise is an urban center with the adventure of the outdoors just a step away. The metropolis itself has an active arts community and a lively downtown filled with shops and restaurants. Boise is a regional hub for jazz, theater, and indie music, hosting musical festivals throughout the year and several theater groups that operate in the city. There is even a Department of Arts and History that was created with the goal of promoting the arts, culture, and history of the city among its residents and visitors.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Boise or Washington?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Washington is $198, while the average daily cost in Boise is $146. 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 Washington and Boise in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Washington $113
    Boise $75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Washington $226
    Boise $150
Compare Hotels in Washington and Boise

Looking for a hotel in Washington or Boise? 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 Washington


Hotels in Boise


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: Washington Hotel Prices and Boise Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Washington $47
    Boise $34
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Washington

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Washington are as follows:


  • Metro Day Pass
    $9.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Washington

Also for Washington, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • private Ronald Reagan, Washington National Airport transfer: $150
  • Washington, DC: Airport Transfer to/from DCA or IAD: $350
  • Washington to Washington Airport (IAD) Departure Private Transfer: $65
  • Washington to Newark Airport Departure Private Transfer: $189
  • Washington to NY Kennedy Airport(JFK)- Departure Private Transfer: $201
  • Washington to Baltimore Washington Airport (BWI) - Departure Private Transfer: $68
  • Washington to Baltimore Airport (BWI) Departure Private Transfer: $76
  • Washington R. Reagan Airport (DCA): Transfer to Washington: $176
  • Washington DC: Private Transfer to Airports or Baltimore: $160
  • Washington DC: DCA Private Transfer from/to Downtown: $110
  • Washington DC: Bus transfer from/to Philadelphia: $5.74
  • Washington City to Philadelphia City - Private Car Transfer: $137

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Boise

Also for Boise, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Boise Air Terminal Airport One Way Transfer : $80

Is it cheaper to fly into Washington or Boise?

Prices for flights to both Boise and Washington 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
    Washington $38
    Boise $45
Typical Food Prices in Washington

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Washington:


  • Water
    $2.00
  • Snacks on Monuments Tour
    $6.15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Washington

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

  • Washington DC: Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise on the Spirit: $60
  • Washington DC Holiday Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $65
  • Small-Group Capitol Hill Walking Food Tour: $75
  • Washington D.C.: Georgetown Guided Secret Food Tour: $98
  • Washington, DC: African American History Tour with Dinner: $108
  • Washington DC Signature Dinner Cruise: $121
  • Washington,DC: Union Market Private Food Tour: $125
  • Washington D.C.: Taste of Georgetown Walking Food Tour: $129
  • Washington DC:Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise on the Odyssey: $140
  • Washington DC: Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $140
  • Washington DC: Personalized & Private Food Tour with a Local: $152
  • Washington DC Father's Day Buffet Dinner Cruise: $161

Typical Food Prices in Boise

For Boise, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Hotel
    $59
  • Cracker Barrel Lunch (for 4)
    $55

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Washington $24
    Boise $30

Tours and Activities in Washington

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Washington.

  • "Secrets & Scandals of Capitol Hill" Guided Evening Walking Tour: $20
  • 1.5 Hour Arlington Cemetery Guided Walking Tour with Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: $40
  • 2 For 1! DC Highlights & Arlington Cemetery Tour Bundle: $84
  • 2 Hour Guided Bike Tour of Capitol Hill: $55
  • 2-Hour African American Heritage Tour in Washington DC: $25
  • 2-Hour National Mall Walking Tour from Washington DC: $25
  • A Self-Guided Tour of Washington DC's Monumental Marvels: $25
  • African American History Private Tour w/ Museum Entry: $350
  • African American History Tour with Museum Admission: $89
  • America’s Main Street and White House – Full-Day Tour: $741
  • Arlington Cemetery & Changing of the Guard Exclusive Guided Tour : $101
  • Arlington Cemetery Guided Afternoon Walking Tour: $50

Typical Entertainment Prices in Boise

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Boise's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Edwards Boise Imax
    $27

Tours and Activities in Boise

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

  • Boise Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • Boise Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $14
  • Boise Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $13
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game: $10
  • Hells Canyon Kirkwood Jet Boat Tour near Boise, Idaho: $218
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Boise by 3Quest Challenge: $10

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Washington $19
    Boise $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Washington

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Washington:

  • Epic Washington DC Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
  • Washington DC: Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Washington, D.C.: History Tour Pub Crawl: $59
  • DC Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $105
  • DC: Guided Craft Brewery Tours with a Snack: $105
  • Private Washington DC Virginia Winery Wine Tasting Tour -Spirited: $255


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Washington and Boise, we can see that Washington 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 Washington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Washington 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 Washington Expensive? and Is Boise Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Washington or Boise?

Washington has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Boise. When comparing the sizes of Washington 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.