A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Boone vs. Boston for Attractions, Families, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Boone or Boston?

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 Boone and Boston can help you decide which place is right for you.

Boone

Boone is a charming, relaxing, and quaint town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. Boone is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and food. See Boone travel costs.

Boston

Boston is a proud, loyal, and historic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Boston offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music. See Boston travel costs.

Boone and Boston: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Blue Ridge Parkway
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Known for Christmas markets
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities
  • Home to the Freedom Trail


Is there more to do in Boone or Boston?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Boston than Boone, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Boston is better known for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, food, music, beaches, historical sights, christmas markets, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Boone is more popular for its skiing, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Boone is well known for its proximity to great hiking, skiing, and small town charm. Boston is well known for its enthusiastic sports fans, influential history, beautiful parks, and world-class universities. Also, Boston is famous for The Freedom Trail.

How is Boone different from Boston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Boone or Boston Better for Skiing?

Boone
Boston

Boone is notable for snow skiing. However, Boston is not a skiing destination.

Boone is an extremely popular place for snow skiing and other winter sports. It's a very popular ski destination in North Carolina. There are family-friendly slopes as well as more challenging options. Head to the popular Appalachian Ski Mountain, nearby Beech Mountain, or Sugar Mountain for some of the area's best skiing.

Boston is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Boone or Boston?

Boone
Boston

Boston is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. Also, Boone is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Boston has many famous sights for visitors. The city itself feels like a living museum. It is famous for Faneuil Hall, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabelle Stewart Gardner Museum, the USS Constitution, as well as the many sites along the Freedom Trail. There are also many museums on the campuses of the world renowned universities in the city.

Boone is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Most people spend the majority of their time exploring the natural beauty, but there are also several small local museums such as the Banner House Museum.

Is Boone or Boston Better for Theater?

Boone
Boston

Boston is a great city for its shows and theatre. However, Boone is not a theatre destination.

Boston has a number of performance venues where you can see a variety of shows. The city has many historic, beautifully restored theaters where you can enjoy a show. Head to the theater district for some of the most famous venues.

Boone is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Boone or Boston? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Boone
Boston

Boston is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Boone is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Boston has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are many local dishes that utilize fresh caught seafood and comfort food flavors. The cuisine also takes advantage of the city's Italian and Irish populations. Famous local foods include New England Clam Chowder, lobster rolls, and baked beans. You'll find hearty sandwiches and filling meals that warm your soul.

Boone offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find farm to table restaurants, local cafes, and all of the standard chain restaurants nearby. Check for a High Country Grown certification if you want to prioritize locally sourced ingredients.


Is Boone or Boston Better for Nightlife?

Boone
Boston

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find high quality options in both Boone and Boston.

The nightlife in Boone has something for everybody. It's a small town, but there are local breweries and a great nightlife scene that is, in large part, influenced by the large student population.

Boston offers plenty to do in the evening. The city is known for its breweries, craft beer, and vibrant university neighborhoods. It also hosts regular outdoor movies and world class sporting events. The nightlife scene is varied, with some areas catering to the student population and other areas focused on the professional or sport-loving crowds.

Is Boone or Boston Better for Music?

Boone
Boston

Boston is very good for its music scene. However, Boone is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Boston. Popular music venues include Lizard Lounge, Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, and The Middle East.

Boone is not a live music destination.

Is Boone or Boston Better for Beaches?

Boone
Boston

Boston is adequate for the beach. However, Boone is not a beach destination.

The beach in Boston is worth checking out. There are a few urban beaches in the greater Boston area that you can explore on a nice day.

Boone is not a beach destination.


Is Boone or Boston Better for its Old Town?

Boone
Boston

Boston is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Boone does not have a historic old town.

Boston offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Boston is famous for its Freedom Trail, which takes visitors around the city's rich history. The oldest parts of the city are known as Boston Proper and include the neighborhoods of Beacon Hill, Historic Downtown, the North End, and the West End.

Boone does not have a historic old town.

Is Boone or Boston Better for Hiking?

Boone
Boston

Boone is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Boston is not a hiking destination.

Boone is a popular spot for hiking. The area is filled with wonderful hikes, particularly around Grandfather Mountain and along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The famed Appalachian Trail passes through the area as well. Many hikes take you through beautiful forests, passed dramatic waterfalls, and to breathtaking viewpoints.

Boston is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Boone or Boston?

Boone
Boston

Boone is notable for shopping. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Boone is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Wander along King Street for some of the town's best shopping. There are independent vendors and antique shops that are fun to pop into. The town is also known for its farmer's markets.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Boston. Head to Back Bay for some of the best high end shops. There are luxury brands and boutique venues that sell local art or crafts.


Is Boone or Boston More Beautiful?

Boone
Boston

Boone is notable for its scenery and beauty. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its scenery and beauty.

Boone is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The surrounding area is filled with great natural beauty and wonderful hikes.

Boston is a beautiful place to visit, too. The history, architecture, and world renowned university campuses all give this city its unique beauty.

Is Boone or Boston Better for Families?

Boone
Boston

Boston is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Boone is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

Boston is one of the most popular family destinations. It's filled with history, but there are also many activities for kids who need a break from all of the historical stuff. Popular activities for all ages include the Museum of Science, the New England Aquarium, and exploring the waterfront, gardens, and parks around town.

Boone is a very family-friendly place to visit. Near town you'll find kid-friendly hikes, such as Linville Falls. There are also several places where kids can go ziplining or rock climbing. Parks and outdoor activities are abundant and the whole family will enjoy the setting.

Is Boone or Boston Better for Couples?

Boone
Boston

Boone is notable for romance. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Boone is a very popular place to visit for couples. The charming town has a romantic setting with local restaurants, beautiful hikes, and plenty of shopping. Couples enjoy staying at bed and breakfasts and enjoying the quaint atmosphere.

Boston makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy history will enjoy exploring the city. Take a swan boat ride in the Public Garden and wander the unique route along the Freedom Trail. There are also many sporting and entertainment options around town.


Is Boone or Boston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Boone
Boston

For backpackers, both Boone and Boston are notable places to visit.

Boone is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While there aren't many hostels in the area, there are plenty of campgrounds. The nearby Appalachian State University also ensures that there are plenty of fun activities for young visitors.

It's common for backpackers to visit Boston. Like most larger American cities, the city has a handful of hostels to choose from.

Is Boone or Boston Better for Students?

Boone
Boston

For students, both Boone and Boston are first-rate places to visit.

Students come from all over the world to visit Boone. This mountain town offers a great setting for students who enjoy hiking and skiing. Appalachian State University is a fun college with plenty of activities going on.

Boston is a great destination for students. It is a city of students, with a number of world renowned universities located here including Harvard University, Boston College, and MIT. Many neighborhoods are filled with students and there are many student-centered activities around town including festivals and an active nightlife scene.

Is Boone or Boston Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Boone
Boston

Boston is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Boone is not known for its public transit.

Public transit in Boston is top-notch. There's the T, which is the subway, as well as a trolley, bus, and water transportation system.

Public transit is generally limited in Boone. You really need a car to make the most of your time.


Is Boone or Boston a more walkable city?

Boone
Boston

Boston is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Boone is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

Boston is a very easy city to get around on foot. The many parks and compact neighborhoods are best explored on foot.

Boone is very walkable. Head to King Street for the best shopping and the most pedestrian-friendly part of town.

For even more information, also check out Is Boone Worth Visiting? and Is Boston Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Boston or Boone?

How long in Boone or Boston?

In either Boone or Boston, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Boston than Boone because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Boone, and 3-5 days is enough time in Boston.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Boston than Boone 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 Boston.


  • How many days in Boone or Boston? Ideal Length of Stay
    Boone 2-4 
    Boston 3-5

One day in Boone or Boston?

Boone might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Each neighborhood in Boston has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the museums. This city 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.

A weekend in Boone or Boston?

Boone is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Boston. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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.


Five days in Boone or Boston?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Boone. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Boston is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Boston has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Lots of people come for the museums. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Boone or Boston?

Boone is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find shopping and museums around the classic big city of Boston. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


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 Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Boston or Boone?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Boone Prices
    USA Prices
    Boston Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Boone $211
    Boston $291

The average daily cost (per person) in Boone is $211, while the average daily cost in Boston is $291. 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 Boone and Boston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Boone $91
    Boston $166
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Boone $182
    Boston $332
Compare Hotels in Boone and Boston

Looking for a hotel in Boone or Boston? 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 Boone


Hotels in Boston


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: Boone Hotel Prices and Boston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Boone $33
    Boston $37

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Boston

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


  • Taxi
    $35
  • Subway Daily Pass
    $9.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Boston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Boston:

  • Round trip Airport Transfer: Boston Logan to Downton Boston : $300
  • Private Transfer from Boston Airport to Providence RI: $294
  • Flynn Cruise port Boston to Boston hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $245
  • Private Luxury Airport Transfer from Boston Logan (BOS): $200
  • Private arrival OR departure transfer in Boston (hotel OR airport pick-up): $196
  • Private Transfer from Boston Logan Airport (BOS) to Newport Port: $192
  • Private Transfer from Newport Port to Boston Logan Airport (BOS) : $192
  • Private Transfer from Boston City Hotels to Newport Cruise Port: $192
  • Private Transfer from Newport Cruise Port to Boston city hotels: $192
  • Private Transfer in Boston (BOS) Airport/Home/Hotel/Work : $190
  • Boston Logan Airport (BOS) to Flynn Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $190
  • Boston Airport (BOS): Transfer to Flynn Cruise Port Boston: $184

Is it cheaper to fly into Boone or Boston?

Prices for flights to both Boston and Boone 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
    Boone $91
    Boston $86
Typical Food Prices in Boone

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


  • Restaurant Lunch for 2
    $20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Boston

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

  • Self Guided "The North End Pizza, Cannoli and Picnic" Solo Walking Tour : $5.50
  • Morning Walks with Salem Food Tours: $34
  • Boston Freedom Trail History and Food Tour: $39
  • Freedom Trail History and Food Tour: $39
  • Pizza Beer and Paul Revere Tour: $65
  • Boston Pizza Lovers Food & History Walking Food Tour: $69
  • North End Pizza Walking Tour with 3 Slices & Cannoli: $69
  • 2-Hour Pasta Making Cooking Class With Local Chef in Boston: $75
  • North End Food Experience with Pizza, Meats & Cheese: $75
  • Pizza, Beer, and Paul Revere Tour: $75
  • City Cruises Harbor Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise: $89
  • Boston’s Politically Incorrect North End Food tour: $98

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Boone $53
    Boston $33

Typical Entertainment Prices in Boston

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


  • Two Tickets to Celtics Game
    $101
  • Duck Tour
    $32

Tours and Activities in Boston

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

  • Boston Massachusetts Private Photography Tour: $130
  • Freedom Trail Walking Tour: $26
  • Salem Witch Tour: $80
  • "Ghosts of Boston" Walking Ghost Tour: $30
  • "Witch Trials" Walking Tour in Salem: $30
  • 1 Hour Boston Segway Tour: $69
  • 1 If By Land Walking Tours: $45
  • 1 or 2 Day Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour of Boston With *20+ Stops: $48
  • 1692 Salem Day Tour: $35
  • 1692 Salem Night Walking Tour: $35
  • 2 Hour Boston Historical and Heritage Walking Tour: $5.00
  • 2-Day Niagara Falls USA Tour from Boston: $49

For more ideas for your next trip, check out Free Things to Do in Boston, Must-See Monuments and Memorials In Boston, and The Best Things To Do in Boston with Kids.


Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Boone $26
    Boston $27

Sample the Local Flavors in Boston

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Boston:

  • Boston Bar Crawl Back Bay Beat Bar Craw: $15
  • Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl: $29
  • Boston Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Haunted Pub Crawl of Historic Pubs and Taverns: $35
  • 2 Hour Historic Pub Crawl in Boston: $35
  • Salem Booze and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl by US Ghost Adventures: $36
  • Boston Ghosts Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl : $36
  • History Pub Crawl Tour Along the Freedom Trail: $56
  • Boston Freedom Trail History Pub Crawl Small-Group Tour: $60
  • Freedom Trail History Tour and Brewery Taste: $71
  • Sushi Making Class at a Local Brewery in Boston: $75
  • Sushi Making Class at a Local Distillery in Boston: $75


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

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


Which is Bigger, Boone or Boston?

Boston has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Boone. When comparing the sizes of Boone and Boston, 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.