A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Chimney Rock and Lake Lure vs. Albuquerque for Attractions, Food, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Albuquerque?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Albuquerque can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a beautiful, peaceful, and active recreation area. Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include hiking. See Chimney Rock and Lake Lure travel costs.

Albuquerque

Albuquerque is a historic, traditional, and cosmopolitan town. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and hiking. See Albuquerque travel costs.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Albuquerque: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Albuquerque?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Albuquerque than Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Albuquerque is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is more touristy than Albuquerque and is popular for its beautiful views and fun outdoor activities. Albuquerque is well known for its adobe architecture, artisan shops, fascinating cultural venues, and surrounding desert landscapes. Also, Albuquerque is famous for The Old Town.

How is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure different from Albuquerque?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Albuquerque and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Albuquerque?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Albuquerque

Albuquerque is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Albuquerque. The old town has a lot of history including the San Felipe de Neri Church. Also worth visiting is the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Unser Racing Museum, and the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science.

While most people don't head to Chimney Rock and Lake Lure specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There's a museum in Chimney Rock State Park, but most visitors spend their time taking advantage of the outdoor activities.


Is the Food Better in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Albuquerque? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Albuquerque

Albuquerque is a great destination for its restaurant scene. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Albuquerque is an experience not to be missed. The city's local cuisine combines Native American and Spanish flavors to make a variety of unique specialties. You should try the green chili stew, breakfast burrito, sopaipillas, and blue corn pancakes.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Within Chimney Rock Park there's a deli and a cafe. Nearby you'll also find casual eateries with pizza or classic American dishes.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Albuquerque Better for Nightlife?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Albuquerque

Albuquerque is a town with good options for its evening party scene. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for nightlife.

Albuquerque has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head downtown and to the Nob Hill neighborhood for wine bars, breweries, and billiard halls. These areas have the best nightlife scene and they're also compact enough to explore on foot.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Most people head into nearby Asheville for the best nightlife.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Albuquerque Better for its Old Town?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Albuquerque

Albuquerque is an amazing town to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure does not have a historic old town.

Albuquerque offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. There is a wonderful old town where the city's first neighborhood was established. It dates back to the early 1700's and has its roots in Spanish colonial history. The area has many adobe houses, great local restaurants, and artisan shops.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure does not have a historic old town.


Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Albuquerque Better for Hiking?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Albuquerque

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a great recreation area for hiking. Also, Albuquerque is not as popular, but is still a nice town for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Chimney Rock and Lake Lure for the hiking trails. One of the most popular trails in Chimney Rock State Park is The Exclamation Point Trail , which leads to many viewpoints. During the summer and fall seasons the trail can get very crowded. The obvious highlight in the park is Chimney Rock, which is a rock outcropping that offers spectacular views.

Albuquerque is a good destination for hiking. The desert landscape is varied and beautiful. Popular trails in the area include Tree Spring Trail, Birdhouse Ridge, and West Ridge.

Is the Shopping Better in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Albuquerque?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Albuquerque

Albuquerque is a great destination for its shopping areas. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Albuquerque. The city's old town has many cultural artisan shops where you can buy local items. It's a fun and unique shopping experience, and though it sometimes feels a bit touristy, there are many local shops that offer an authentic experience.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a good destination for shopping. You'll find the standard shopping centers in the area, but for the best shopping, head over to Asheville.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Albuquerque More Beautiful?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Albuquerque

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Albuquerque is not a destination known for its beauty.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a gorgeous place to visit. From the top of Chimney Rock there's an impressive view point. The area is also filled with natural beauty and peaceful settings.

Albuquerque is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Albuquerque Better for Families?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Albuquerque

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a great recreation area for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Albuquerque is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a very family-friendly destination. There are plenty of outdoor activities in the area. Head to sliding rock for a fun afternoon. There's also tubing, kayaking, and river rafting nearby. Horseback riding is a fun way to explore a trail, or simply hiking on one of the many paths in the area. You'll also find ziplining and plenty of water activities at the lake.

Albuquerque is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of nature centers as well as the Albuquerque BioPark Zoo. Outside of town there are many parks and natural areas to explore.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Albuquerque Better for Couples?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Albuquerque

Both Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Albuquerque are very good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Couples visit Chimney Rock and Lake Lure frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are romantic hotels as well as bed and breakfasts that make for a romantic retreat. Couples who enjoy beautiful outdoor settings and fun adventures will enjoy a weekend trip to the area. There are also local restaurants and a few wineries to explore.

Albuquerque is a great recreation area if you're traveling as a couple. Surrounded by natural beauty, and filled with culture and charm, this city makes a great romantic getaway. It's particularly wonderful during the famous International Balloon Fiesta.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Albuquerque Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Albuquerque

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a great recreation area for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Albuquerque is not known for backpackers.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are several great campgrounds and plenty of hiking trails that make this a nice budget or backpacker getaway.

Albuquerque is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are campgrounds around that offer affordable and fun places to stay, but in general this town isn't particularly backpacker friendly.


Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Albuquerque Better for Students?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Albuquerque

Albuquerque is a town with good options for students. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not popular with students.

Albuquerque is popular with students. It offers a unique cultural environment that students can appreciate. There are also many outdoor recreational opportunities.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not popular with students.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Albuquerque Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Albuquerque

Albuquerque is a town with a few options for its public transit. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Albuquerque. ABQ Ride is the bus system around town, but most visitors prefer to have their own car.

Public transit is quite limited in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. There is limited public transit in the area.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Albuquerque a more walkable city?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Albuquerque

Albuquerque is a town with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for its walkability.

Albuquerque is a somewhat walkable town. Walkable areas include the old town, the area around the University of New Mexico, and the uptown area.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a very walkable recreation area. The trails and parks in the region are spread out and require a car to access.


For even more information, also check out Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Worth Visiting? and Is Albuquerque Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Albuquerque or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

How long in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Albuquerque?

It's fun to spend time in either Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Albuquerque. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Albuquerque due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, and 2-4 days is enough time in Albuquerque.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Albuquerque than Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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 Albuquerque.


  • How many days in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Albuquerque? Ideal Length of Stay
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 1-3 
    Albuquerque 2-4

One day in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Albuquerque?

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the beautiful recreation area of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this recreation area has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Albuquerque, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this traditional destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Albuquerque?

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the active destination of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This recreation area offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Albuquerque, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many people spend a weekend here. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Albuquerque?

The beautiful recreation area of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure offers . 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Albuquerque. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. This town offers something for everyone.


A week in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Albuquerque?

Many people enjoy the when visiting Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the town of Albuquerque. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Albuquerque or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

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

  • Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Prices
    USA Prices
    Albuquerque Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $234
    Albuquerque $165

The average daily cost (per person) in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is $234, while the average daily cost in Albuquerque is $165. 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Albuquerque in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $117
    Albuquerque $69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $234
    Albuquerque $138
Compare Hotels in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Albuquerque

Looking for a hotel in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Albuquerque? 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure


Hotels in Albuquerque


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: Albuquerque Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $35
    Albuquerque $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Albuquerque

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

  • Albuquerque Airport (ABQ) to Albuquerque - Arrival Private Transfer: $45
  • Albuquerque Airport (ABQ) to Albuquerque - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $91
  • Albuquerque International Sunport Private Transfer: $196
  • Albuquerque to Albuquerque Airport (ABQ) - Departure Private Transfer: $45
  • Balloon Fiesta Albuquerque 2024 transfers: $625
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Albuquerque Airport (ABQ): $40
  • Private Departure Transfer To Albuquerque Airport ABQ: $40

Is it cheaper to fly into Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Albuquerque?

Prices for flights to both Albuquerque and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $91
    Albuquerque $71

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Albuquerque

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

  • Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Show - Albuquerque, NM: $80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $34
    Albuquerque $24

Tours and Activities in Albuquerque

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

  • Historic Old Town Albuquerque smart phone App/Audio Walking Tour: $7.95
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Albuquerque by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Albuquerque by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Turquoise Museum Admission Ticket: $20
  • Albuquerque Desert Shadows Rising Ghost Tour: $24
  • Albuquerque Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Albuquerque Desert Shadows Rising Ghost Tour: $26
  • 12pm Old Town History, Legends & Lore Tour: $32
  • The Ghost Tour of Old Town - New Mexico's oldest Ghost Walk - Since 2001: $32
  • 12pm - Public High Noon History, Legends & Lore Tour - Guided Old Town Stroll: $35
  • 10pm Late Night RATED "R" Ghost Tour Ages 18+: $38
  • Duke City Pedaler: Beverage Tour to Old Town/Sawmill Albuquerque : $40

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $21
    Albuquerque $20


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Expensive? and Is Albuquerque Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Albuquerque?

Albuquerque has a larger population, and is about 2940 times larger than the population of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. When comparing the sizes of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Albuquerque, 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.