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

Should you visit Boone or Reno?

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 Reno can help you decide which place is right for you.

Boone

Boone is a relaxing, quaint, and picturesque town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. With stunning beauty, Boone attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, skiing, and nightlife. See Boone travel costs.

Reno

Reno is a energetic, growing, and vibrant city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Reno travel costs.

Boone and Reno: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Blue Ridge Parkway
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Boone or Reno?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Boone. Although Boone and Reno are popular destinations, Boone has more sights and attractions for tourists. Boone is more touristy than Reno and is known for its proximity to great hiking, skiing, and small town charm. It is also well known for the Blue Ridge Parkway. Reno is famous for its casinos and nightlife scene.

How is Boone different from Reno?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Boone or Reno Better for Skiing?

Boone
Reno

Boone is an excellent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Reno is not a skiing destination.

Boone draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. 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.

Reno is not a skiing destination.


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

Boone
Reno

You'll find a number of nice museums and attractions in both Reno and Boone.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Boone. 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.

Reno is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Museums in town range from art and history to local or quirky. The National Automobile Museum, the Nevada Museum of Art, Fleischmann Planetarium, and the Anthropology Museum are some of the favorites.

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

Boone
Reno

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Boone and Reno can be difficult as they are each nice in their own way.

Boone is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Reno offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The food scene has been growing in recent years and you'll find plenty of casual restaurants that serve hearty and filling comfort foods.

Is Boone or Reno Better for Nightlife?

Boone
Reno

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find great options in both Boone and Reno.

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.

Reno offers plenty to do in the evening. There's a big nightlife scene with a huge number of bars and entertainment options. There are also a growing number of breweries in town.


Is Boone or Reno Better for Hiking?

Boone
Reno

Boone is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Reno is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Boone. 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.

Reno is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Boone or Reno?

Boone
Reno

Boone is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Reno is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Boone. 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.

Reno is a great destination for shopping. In addition to your standard suburban shopping malls and strip malls, there's the Midtown District, which has local retail shops and an eclectic and alternative vibe. The area has thrift shops, music vendors, and more.

Is Boone or Reno More Beautiful?

Boone
Reno

Boone is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Reno is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Boone attracts visitors from all around. The surrounding area is filled with great natural beauty and wonderful hikes.

Reno is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Boone or Reno Better for Families?

Boone
Reno

Boone is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Reno is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Boone. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Reno. You'll find some arcades and entertainment options for kids in some of the casinos. There's also the Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum, which has kid-friendly, hands-on exhibits, and the largest zoo in Nevado, the Sierra Nevada Zoological Park.

Is Boone or Reno Better for Couples?

Boone
Reno

Boone is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Reno is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Boone makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Reno is a nice destination for couples. There are outdoor parks and scenic walks like the Truckee River Walk or the Rancho San Rafael Regional Park. There's also several great museums and some interesting restaurants.

Is Boone or Reno Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Boone
Reno

Boone is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Reno is lacking in options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Boone. 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.

Reno is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not really on the backpacker circuit so you won't find any real hostels in town.


Is Boone or Reno Better for Students?

Boone
Reno

Boone is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Reno is not popular with students.

Many students frequent 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.

Reno is not popular with students.

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

Boone
Reno

Boone and Reno both offer reasonable public transit to get you around.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Reno. There's a public bus system with routes around town.

Is Boone or Reno a more walkable city?

Boone
Reno

Boone is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Reno is lacking in options for its walkability.

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

Reno is generally not very walkable. While there are some reasonably walkable neighborhoods, you really need a car to get around town.


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

Should I spend more time in Reno or Boone?

How long in Boone or Reno?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Boone and Reno. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Boone than in Reno. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Boone, and 1-3 days is enough time in Reno.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Boone or Reno? Ideal Length of Stay
    Boone 2-4 
    Reno 1-3

One day in Boone or Reno?

Boone is a small town where visitors enjoy the skiing and nightlife. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Reno, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this vibrant destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Boone or Reno?

Boone is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Reno. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Boone or Reno?

Boone is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Reno is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Reno. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.


A week in Boone or Reno?

Because Boone is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the growing destination of Reno. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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, Reno 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
    Reno Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Boone $211
    Reno $184

The average daily cost (per person) in Boone is $211, while the average daily cost in Reno is $184. 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 Reno in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Boone $91
    Reno $55
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Boone $182
    Reno $110
Compare Hotels in Boone and Reno

Looking for a hotel in Boone or Reno? 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 Reno


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 Reno Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Boone $33
    Reno $23

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Reno

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Reno:


  • Car Wash
    $5.00

Is it cheaper to fly into Boone or Reno?

Prices for flights to both Reno 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
    Reno $94
Typical Food Prices in Boone

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


  • Restaurant Lunch for 2
    $20

Typical Food Prices in Reno

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


  • Dennys for Breakfast
    $22
  • Sushi DInner (for 2)
    $40
  • In-n-Out Burger (for 3)
    $19

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Boone $53
    Reno $88

Tours and Activities in Reno

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

  • Reno Ghost Tour: Ruin, Revenge, & Reckoning: $24
  • Axe Throwing Experience (18+) at Grand Sierra Resort: $40
  • Axe and Knife Throwing Experience: $35
  • Bowlball and Pins & Arrows Experience: $30
  • Jungle Escape Room Adventure: $30
  • Rage Room Experience: $40
  • Splatter Paint Room Experience: $45
  • The Master Escape Room Experience: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Boone $26
    Reno $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Reno

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Reno:

  • Original Brewery Tour: $94


When comparing the travel costs between Boone and Reno, we can see that Boone 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 Boone Expensive? and Is Reno Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Boone or Reno?

Reno has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Boone. When comparing the sizes of Boone and Reno, 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.