A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Boulder vs. Cody, Wyoming for Attractions, Hiking, Families, and Food

Should you visit Boulder 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 Boulder 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.

Boulder

Boulder is a biker-friendly, outdoorsy, and nature-filled city. Boulder is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Boulder travel costs.

Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming is a fascinating, activity-filled, and historic town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and shopping. See Cody, Wyoming travel costs.

Boulder and Cody, Wyoming: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Boulder or Cody, Wyoming?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cody, Wyoming. Although Boulder and Cody, Wyoming are popular destinations, Cody, Wyoming has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cody, Wyoming is very popular for its museums and attractions, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, while Boulder attracts visitors for its skiing, music, hiking, and impressive beauty. Cody, Wyoming is more touristy than Boulder and is known for it's Wild West atmosphere and its founder, Buffalo Bill. It is also well known for the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. Boulder is famous for its outdoor sports, biker-friendly downtown, vibrant downtown, and many local breweries.

How is Boulder different from Cody, Wyoming?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Boulder or Cody, Wyoming Better for Skiing?

Boulder
Cody, Wyoming

Boulder is a decent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Cody, Wyoming is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Boulder to take advantage of their winter sports. The town offers access within an hour or two to several great ski resorts including Eldora Mountain, Vail, and Breckenridge.

Cody, Wyoming is not a skiing destination.


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

Boulder
Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming is a great town for its historical sights. However, Boulder is not known for its sights and museums.

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.

Boulder offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people visit Boulder for the outdoor activities more than the museums and sights. If have the time you can wander around the University of Colorado Boulder campus, visit the Museum of Boulder, or see the Leanin' Tree Museum of Western Art.

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

Boulder
Cody, Wyoming

Dining out at restaurants in both Boulder and Cody, Wyoming can be an enjoyable experience.

Boulder has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. This is an often overlooked foodie town, with great farmer's markets and restaurants to try. There are many casual places to eat as well as vegetarian and vegan friendly options everywhere.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Cody, Wyoming area. 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 Boulder or Cody, Wyoming Better for Nightlife?

Boulder
Cody, Wyoming

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find nice options in both Boulder and Cody, Wyoming.

If you're looking for night time activities Boulder has a few options to choose from. The town has breweries, craft beer, and plenty to do in the evening. Live music is popular and many venues are smaller with a more personal atmosphere. Check out The Bitter Bar or License No. 1 for a local vibe.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Cody, Wyoming. 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 Boulder or Cody, Wyoming Better for Music?

Boulder
Cody, Wyoming

Boulder is very good for live music. However, Cody, Wyoming is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Boulder. During the summer months there are often outdoor concerts. Head to Pearl Street for open air stages or see a concert at Boulder Theater.

Cody, Wyoming is not a live music destination.

Is Boulder or Cody, Wyoming Better for its Old Town?

Boulder
Cody, Wyoming

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Cody, Wyoming. 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.

Boulder does not have a historic old town.

Is Boulder or Cody, Wyoming Better for Hiking?

Boulder
Cody, Wyoming

Boulder 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 Boulder. There are many accessible hikes in the area that take you through the mountains, by wildflowers, or up mountain peaks. Popular hikes that are nearby include the Bear Peak Summit Hike, the trails in Eldorado Canyon State Park, and Boulder Falls.

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 Boulder or Cody, Wyoming?

Boulder
Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming is a great town for its shopping opportunities. Also, Boulder is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

Cody, Wyoming is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Boulder to go shopping. The downtown area has many local retailers where you can shop for clothing, art, or home goods. You can also pick up outdoor gear, camping equipment, and any other items you may need in town. Make sure you wander down the pedestrian-friendly Pearl Street Mall.

Is Boulder or Cody, Wyoming More Beautiful?

Boulder
Cody, Wyoming

Boulder is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Cody, Wyoming is not a destination known for its beauty.

Boulder is a gorgeous place to visit. The city is surrounded by beautiful mountains and breathtaking landscapes. Many people move here specifically for the surrounding natural beauty.

Cody, Wyoming is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Boulder or Cody, Wyoming Better for Families?

Boulder
Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming is a great town for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Boulder is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Cody, Wyoming is very family-friendly. 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.

Boulder is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has parks, playgrounds, a planetarium, and climbing gyms that are fun for kids of all ages. There are plenty places to get outdoors with hiking, kayaking, and other outdoor recreational activities. Eldorado Canyon State Park is a great place to explore as well.


Is Boulder or Cody, Wyoming Better for Couples?

Boulder
Cody, Wyoming

Boulder and Cody, Wyoming both nice destinations for a couple.

Boulder makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This is a great city for couples who love outdoor adventures, hiking, rock climbing, and cycling. You can wander down Pearl Street or go for a bike ride. There are also great restaurants where you can enjoy a meal and then head to Panorama Point to take in the view.

Cody, Wyoming is a good city for couples to visit. 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 Boulder or Cody, Wyoming Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Boulder
Cody, Wyoming

Boulder is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cody, Wyoming is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Boulder is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of backcountry areas in the region that are perfect for backpackers. The city also has a young population and several affordable places to stay.

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 Boulder or Cody, Wyoming Better for Students?

Boulder
Cody, Wyoming

Boulder is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Cody, Wyoming is not popular with students.

Boulder is very popular with students. With the University of Colorado, Boulder in town, this city is a popular spot for students. It's an outdoor enthusiast's perfect base with many outdoor recreational activities in the area.

Cody, Wyoming is not popular with students.


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

Boulder
Cody, Wyoming

Boulder is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Cody, Wyoming is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Boulder. There are buses that run around town, but you really need a car to fully experience everything that the city has to offer.

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

Is Boulder or Cody, Wyoming a more walkable city?

Boulder
Cody, Wyoming

Boulder and Cody, Wyoming are nice when it comes to walkability.

Boulder is a somewhat walkable place. The city has some nice walkable areas and it is very bike-friendly.

Cody, Wyoming is a somewhat walkable city. 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 Boulder Worth Visiting? and Is Cody, Wyoming Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cody, Wyoming or Boulder?

How long in Boulder or Cody, Wyoming?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Boulder and Cody, Wyoming. In our opinion, Boulder has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Boulder than Cody, Wyoming. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Boulder, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cody, Wyoming.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Boulder 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 Boulder.


  • How many days in Boulder or Cody, Wyoming? Ideal Length of Stay
    Boulder 2-3 
    Cody, Wyoming 1-3

One day in Boulder or Cody, Wyoming?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the biker-friendly destination of Boulder. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 is a small town with plenty to do. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.


A weekend in Boulder or Cody, Wyoming?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Boulder. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Cody, Wyoming might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cody, Wyoming has to offer.

Five days in Boulder or Cody, Wyoming?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the biker-friendly destination of Boulder. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

Cody, Wyoming is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Boulder or Cody, Wyoming?

You'll find live music and food around the city of Boulder. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cody, Wyoming. Since Cody, Wyoming is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Cody, Wyoming or Boulder?

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

  • Boulder Prices
    USA Prices
    Cody, Wyoming Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Boulder $231
    Cody, Wyoming $191

The average daily cost (per person) in Boulder is $231, while the average daily cost in Cody, Wyoming is $191. 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 Boulder and Cody, Wyoming in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Boulder $102
    Cody, Wyoming $78
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Boulder $204
    Cody, Wyoming $156
Compare Hotels in Boulder and Cody, Wyoming

Looking for a hotel in Boulder or Cody, Wyoming? 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 Boulder


Hotels in Cody, Wyoming


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: Boulder Hotel Prices and Cody, Wyoming Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Boulder $51
    Cody, Wyoming $46

Is it cheaper to fly into Boulder or Cody, Wyoming?

Prices for flights to both Cody, Wyoming and Boulder 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
    Boulder $94
    Cody, Wyoming $80
Typical Food Prices in Boulder

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


  • 2 Coffees
    $8.75
  • Nice Dinner for Two
    $71

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Boulder $33
    Cody, Wyoming $33

Tours and Activities in Boulder

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

  • E-Bike Guided Tour in Boulder, Colorado: $100
  • "Boulder Peaks & Wilderness Tours: Mallory Cave Trail": $300
  • Best Family Small-Group E-Bike Guided Tour in Boulder, Colorado: $105
  • Best of Boulder E-Bike Tour: $104
  • Bones, Burials, & Ballads: Boulder Ghost Tours: $24
  • Boulder Art and Nature E-Bike Tour: $95
  • Boulder Backroads: E-Bike Dirt Road Tour: $250
  • Boulder City: Hemenway Park Guided Tour: $150
  • Boulder Flatirons Private Photo Adventure: $85
  • Boulder Ghost Tour: $35
  • Boulder Joyride Guided eBike Tour: $95
  • Boulder Puzzling Adventure: $35

Tours and Activities in Cody, Wyoming

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

  • Cody Trolley Tours - Best of the West Trolley Tour: $35
  • Rock Climbing Experience: $150
  • From Cody: Full-Day Yellowstone National Park Tour: $260
  • Kicking Red Canyon Wild Mustang Bus Tour Deals 5 PM In Cody : $69
  • Kicking Red Canyon Wild Mustang Bus Tour Deals 8am Daily : $69
  • Private Guided Nature Hiking Experience in Cody Wyoming: $135
  • Red Canyon River Trip’s Extended Whitewater Adventure!: $89
  • Red Canyon River Trips 7 Mile Whitewater Adventure 3:00PM Daily!: $59
  • Red Canyon River Trips Whitewater 7 Mile Adventure 1:00PM Daily : $59
  • Red Canyon Wild Mustang Tours And Safaris In Cody Wyoming : $89
  • Red Canyon’s Best Of The Wild West Wild Mustang+Rafting Adventure: $139
  • Rock Climbing Experience in Cody, Wyoming: $165

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Boulder $27
    Cody, Wyoming $18


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


Which is Bigger, Boulder or Cody, Wyoming?

Boulder has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Cody, Wyoming. When comparing the sizes of Boulder 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.