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

Should you visit Cody, Wyoming or Hilo?

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 Cody, Wyoming and Hilo can help you decide which place is right for you.

Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming is a activity-filled, historic, and fascinating town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Cody, Wyoming travel costs.

Hilo

Hilo is a laid back, mellow, and friendly town. Hilo is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and museums. See Hilo travel costs.

Cody, Wyoming and Hilo: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less hiking options
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping


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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hilo than Cody, Wyoming, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hilo is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Cody, Wyoming is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm. Cody, Wyoming is well known for it's Wild West atmosphere and its founder, Buffalo Bill. Hilo is well known for its nearby rainforests, waterfalls, and green gardens. Also, Hilo is famous for Akaka Falls State Park.

How is Cody, Wyoming different from Hilo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cody, Wyoming
Hilo

Cody, Wyoming is a great town for its historical sights. Also, Hilo is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

Cody, Wyoming offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Hilo is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Top museums in and around town include the Lyman Museum, the Pacific Tsunami Museum, Imiloa Astronomy Center, and Mokupapapa Discovery Center.


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

Cody, Wyoming
Hilo

Hilo is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Cody, Wyoming is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Hilo. This is the largest city on the island and you'll find a restaurant scene that caters to both locals and tourists. There are a number of local dishes that you can try such as Pla Rad Prik (a Thai fish dish), mushroom pot pie, and crab and avocado melt.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Cody, Wyoming. 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 Cody, Wyoming or Hilo Better for Nightlife?

Cody, Wyoming
Hilo

Cody, Wyoming is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Hilo is not known for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Cody, Wyoming has a few options to choose from. 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.

Most people don't head to Hilo specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a town that goes to bed early, but there are some local bars that have a chill and relaxing atmosphere.

Is Cody, Wyoming or Hilo Better for Resorts?

Cody, Wyoming
Hilo

Hilo is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Cody, Wyoming is not a resort destination.

Hilo has a few resort options worth checking out. You'll find more hotels than resorts in town.

Cody, Wyoming is not a resort destination.


Is Cody, Wyoming or Hilo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cody, Wyoming
Hilo

Hilo is a decent place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Cody, Wyoming is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Hilo. Richardsons Ocean Park is the best snorkeling spot nearby but, in general, the water near town has poor visibility because of the frequent rain.

Cody, Wyoming is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cody, Wyoming or Hilo Better for Beaches?

Cody, Wyoming
Hilo

Hilo is very good for its beaches. However, Cody, Wyoming is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Hilo to enjoy the beach. The town isn't really known for its beaches but there are some decent options if you want to stay nearby and hit the coastline. Beaches in the area include Coconut Island, Reeds Bay Beach Park, and Onekahakaha Beach Park.

Cody, Wyoming is not a beach destination.

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

Cody, Wyoming
Hilo

Cody, Wyoming is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Hilo does not have a historic old town.

Cody, Wyoming has an old town worth visiting. 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.

Hilo does not have a historic old town.


Is Cody, Wyoming or Hilo Better for Hiking?

Cody, Wyoming
Hilo

Hilo is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. Also, Cody, Wyoming is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many people visit Hilo specifically for its hiking. You'll find incredible hikes in the area to many impressive waterfalls. There are also coastal trails and hikes to spectacular viewpoints.

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 Cody, Wyoming or Hilo?

Cody, Wyoming
Hilo

Cody, Wyoming is a great town for its shopping areas. However, Hilo is not known for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Cody, Wyoming. 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.

Hilo is a good destination for shopping. You can pick up anything you need in town, just head to Hilo Shopping Center.

Is Cody, Wyoming or Hilo More Beautiful?

Cody, Wyoming
Hilo

Hilo is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Cody, Wyoming is not a destination known for its beauty.

Hilo is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This side of the island is filled with beautiful waterfalls, lush rainforests, and tropical gardens.

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


Is Cody, Wyoming or Hilo Better for Families?

Cody, Wyoming
Hilo

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Cody, Wyoming or Hilo.

Cody, Wyoming is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Hilo is a very kid-friendly town. The town has an authentic and unpretentious vibe that is fun for families. There are low key beaches, farmer's markets, local museums, and nearby hiking. If you want to stay away from the larger resorts and see a more local side to Hawaii, then this is a great option.

Is Cody, Wyoming or Hilo Better for Couples?

Cody, Wyoming
Hilo

Hilo is a very popular place for romance. Also, Cody, Wyoming is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Hilo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy visiting Liliuokalani Gardens, taking sunset cruises, and sampling the local cuisine. The town also makes a good base for hiking and exploring the beaches on the island.

Cody, Wyoming makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Cody, Wyoming or Hilo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cody, Wyoming
Hilo

Hilo is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cody, Wyoming is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Hilo is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The town has several local hostels that many backpackers prefer for their authentic and mellow atmospheres.

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

Cody, Wyoming
Hilo

Hilo 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 Hilo. The Hele-On is a bus service that connects Hilo to Kona with north and south routes.

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

Is Cody, Wyoming or Hilo a more walkable city?

Cody, Wyoming
Hilo

Cody, Wyoming and Hilo are notable when it comes to walkability.

Cody, Wyoming is somewhat walkable. The historic downtown can be explored on foot, but anything outside of town will require a car.

Hilo is a somewhat walkable place. The downtown is a nice place to take a stroll, but if you want to get out of town, and you really should, then you'll need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Cody, Wyoming Worth Visiting? and Is Hilo Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Cody, Wyoming or Hilo?

Both Cody, Wyoming and Hilo have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Hilo than in Cody, Wyoming. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cody, Wyoming, and 3-7 days is enough time in Hilo.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Cody, Wyoming or Hilo? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cody, Wyoming 1-3 
    Hilo 3-7

One day in Cody, Wyoming or Hilo?

Cody, Wyoming is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the laid back destination of Hilo. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. 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.


A weekend in Cody, Wyoming or Hilo?

Cody, Wyoming is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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 Hilo. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Five days in Cody, Wyoming or Hilo?

Cody, Wyoming is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Hilo. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A week in Cody, Wyoming or Hilo?

Because Cody, Wyoming is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the beautiful town of Hilo. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


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, Hilo or Cody, Wyoming?

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

  • Cody, Wyoming Prices
    USA Prices
    Hilo Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Cody, Wyoming $191
    Hilo $222

The average daily cost (per person) in Cody, Wyoming is $191, while the average daily cost in Hilo is $222. 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 Cody, Wyoming and Hilo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cody, Wyoming $78
    Hilo $71
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cody, Wyoming $156
    Hilo $142
Compare Hotels in Cody, Wyoming and Hilo

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


Hotels in Hilo


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: Cody, Wyoming Hotel Prices and Hilo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cody, Wyoming $46
    Hilo $25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hilo

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

  • Your Island Welcome: Private KOA Airport Transfers: $40
  • Waikoloa beach hotels to Kona Intl. Airport (KOA) - Departure Private Transfer: $49
  • Private Transfer from to Kona Airport (KOA) to Hilo Cruise Port: $203
  • Private Transfer from Kona Airport (KOA) to Kailua Kona Port: $97
  • Private Transfer from Kailua Kona Port to Kona Airport (KOA): $97
  • Private Transfer from Hilo Cruise Port to Kona city hotels: $202
  • Private Transfer From Kona International Airport to Hotels in Waikoloa & Waimea : $95
  • Private Transfer From Hotels in Waikoloa & Waimea to Kona International Airport: $85
  • Private Transfer From Hotels in Kailua-Kona to Kona International Airport: $70
  • Private Departure Transfer: Big Island Hotels to Kona International Airport: $204
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Kona International Airport to Big Island Hotels: $204
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Keahole Kona Airport KOA: $72

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

Prices for flights to both Hilo and Cody, Wyoming 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
    Cody, Wyoming $80
    Hilo $121

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hilo

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

  • Farm to Table Cooking Class at Kulaniapia Falls: $169
  • Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay: $189
  • Farm-to-Table Chef's Dinner at Kulaniapia Falls: $249

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cody, Wyoming $33
    Hilo $32

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

Tours and Activities in Hilo

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

  • Akaka Falls Tour - Volcanoes National Park and Hilo Discovery: $179
  • 10 Bar Hawaiian Craft Chocolate Tasting Experience : $75
  • 2-Hour Hilo Ghost Walks Tour: $59
  • 3.5 Hour Kailua-Kona Ocean Kayak and Snorkel Tour: $99
  • 9-Line Waterfall Zipline Experience on the Big Island: $253
  • Big Island - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Driving Tour: $23
  • Big Island ATV Tour at Ohana Ranch: $159
  • Big Island Family Off Road Farm Adventure: $129
  • Big Island Farms Tour in Hawaii: $33
  • Big Island Hawaii Volcano Day tour from Oahu and Hotel PU: $545
  • Big Island Hawaii: Craft Chocolate Tasting and Farm Tour: $131
  • Big Island Kohala Coast Self-Guided Audio Tour: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cody, Wyoming $18
    Hilo $10


When comparing the travel costs between Cody, Wyoming and Hilo, we can see that Hilo 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 Cody, Wyoming Expensive? and Is Hilo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cody, Wyoming or Hilo?

Hilo has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Cody, Wyoming. When comparing the sizes of Cody, Wyoming and Hilo, 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.