A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Dallas vs. Glacier National Park for Backpackers, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Dallas or Glacier National Park?

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 Dallas and Glacier National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dallas

Dallas is a active, upscale, and chic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Dallas travel costs.

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a breathtaking, gorgeous, and stunning park. You'll find world class beauty in Glacier National Park as well. And you can't forget about the hiking. See Glacier National Park travel costs.

Dallas and Glacier National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Going-to-the-Sun Road
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping


Is there more to do in Dallas or Glacier National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dallas. Although Dallas and Glacier National Park are popular destinations, Dallas has more sights and attractions for tourists. Dallas is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Glacier National Park attracts visitors for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Glacier National Park is more touristy than Dallas and is known for its miles of hiking trails, impressive glaciers, and pristine lakes. Dallas is famous for its Tex Mex cuisine, upscale shopping venues, and cowboy culture. It is also well known for the Sixth Floor Museum.

How is Dallas different from Glacier National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Dallas or Glacier National Park?

Dallas
Glacier National Park

Dallas is notable for its sights and museums. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its museums and history.

Dallas offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Museums range from historical to art and science with some of the favorites being the Dallas Contemporary Museum, the African American Museum, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Frontiers of Flight Museum. The city is also home to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and the Nasher Sculpture Center. A must-see is the Sixth Floor Museum, which is in historic Dealey Plaza and is where Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots that killed JFK. Today there's a museum that goes over the events of that day.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Glacier National Park. There are a couple of local museums in the area, but most people head straight for the park.


Is the Food Better in Dallas or Glacier National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dallas
Glacier National Park

Dallas is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Dallas makes for a great culinary experience. There's a perfect combination of Texas cuisine and international flavors. You'll find Texas barbecue, Tex Mex, and steakhouses intermixed with Thai, Japanese, and Caribbean cuisine. There's also a great food truck scene and many local eateries.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Glacier National Park. You'll find several restaurants and cafes both within and near the park, but this is an incredibly crowded park so you'll want to make reservations well in advance.

Is Dallas or Glacier National Park Better for Nightlife?

Dallas
Glacier National Park

Dallas is notable for nightlife. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for nightlife and partying.

Dallas has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Head to East Dallas for the most active clubs with large dance floors and great music. The city also has rooftop lounges and plenty of live music as well as comedy clubs.

Glacier National Park doesn't offer many options. People visit for the scenery, not the nightlife scene.

Is Dallas or Glacier National Park Better for Resorts?

Dallas
Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is very good for its resorts. However, Dallas is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Glacier National Park makes a nice vacation spot. There are several lodges, cabins, and inns near or within the park, but reservations are recommended well in advance.

Dallas is not a resort destination.


Is Dallas or Glacier National Park Better for Hiking?

Dallas
Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Dallas is not a hiking destination.

Glacier National Park is a popular spot for hiking. There are more than 700 miles of trails in the park. For the best experience, you should purchase a permit and explore the parks backcountry. Other popular trails include Highline Trail, Grinnell Glacier Trail, and Avalanche Lake Trail. It's best to start in the early morning as this is a popular park and the trails get busier as the day progresses.

Dallas is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dallas or Glacier National Park?

Dallas
Glacier National Park

Dallas is notable for shopping. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its shopping opportunities.

Dallas is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find a very diverse shopping scene around town, with everything from quirky local vendors to upscale fashion boutiques. There are cowboy outfitters where you can get a feel for the Texas style, but there are also posh shopping centers and local flea markets.

If you're looking to go shopping, Glacier National Park has some nice offerings. There are park stores where you can pick up books, souvenirs, and gifts.

Is Dallas or Glacier National Park More Beautiful?

Dallas
Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Dallas is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Glacier National Park as well. This is one of the most stunning national parks in the United States with its many pristine lakes, striking mountain peaks, and breathtaking views.

Dallas is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Dallas or Glacier National Park Better for Families?

Dallas
Glacier National Park

Dallas is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Glacier National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Dallas is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city is filled with families, and you'll find many kid-friendly activities around town. For some outdoor time you can visit the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden or the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The Dallas Zoo is a favorite for many kids and there are also a number of kid-friendly museums around town such as the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Dallas World Aquarium.

Glacier National Park is a family-friendly city. The landscapes are spectacular, but the crowds can be intense, which means it can be hard to find places to pull over and park during the peak seasons. Keep this in mind when you're traveling with kids because you may end up spending more time in the car than you'd expected.

Is Dallas or Glacier National Park Better for Couples?

Dallas
Glacier National Park

Both Dallas and Glacier National Park are great destinations to visit as a couple.

Dallas is a very popular place to visit for couples. Head to the observation deck at Reunion Tower for spectacular views of the night skyline. The city also has many great comedy clubs and performing arts venues as well as fine dining restaurants that make for a great date night.

Glacier National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Drive along the scenic Going-to-the-Sun-Road and take in the truly breathtaking scenery. Many people consider this to be a top destination for a honeymoon and couples will appreciate the impressive hikes, dramatic waterfalls, and adventure-filled activities.

Is Dallas or Glacier National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dallas
Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is renowned for backpackers. However, Dallas is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Glacier National Park. The backcountry is truly pristine, and obtaining a Wilderness Permit and getting off-the-beaten-path will help you escape some of the crowds that the park is known for.

Dallas is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there are a couple of hostels around town, this isn't a popular destination for the backpacker crowd.


Is Dallas or Glacier National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Dallas
Glacier National Park

Dallas is a popular place for its public transit. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for times when you don't have a car.

Dallas has a few public transit options. While it's still very much a car-centered city, the public transportation system, DART, is one of the fastest growing in the country. It includes both light rail and bus service.

Public transit is mostly limited in Glacier National Park. There's a free shuttle along Going-to-the-Sun Road that's available on a first-come, first-served basis, but expect crowds. The road can get quite congested during peak times. There are also tours that take you along the road so you can enjoy the scenery without having to focus on driving.

Is Dallas or Glacier National Park a more walkable city?

Dallas
Glacier National Park

Dallas is a moderate city for its walkability. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its high level of walkability.

Dallas is generally not very walkable. The city is not particularly walkable, but there are several more walkable areas such as Ellum and Uptown.

Glacier National Park is not a very walkable city. You'll need a car to get almost anywhere in the park.

For even more information, also check out Is Dallas Worth Visiting? and Is Glacier National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Glacier National Park or Dallas?

How long in Dallas or Glacier National Park?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dallas than Glacier National Park 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 Dallas.


  • How many days in Dallas or Glacier National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Dallas 2-4 
    Glacier National Park 2-3

One day in Dallas or Glacier National Park?

In Dallas, you'll find shopping and museums. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Glacier National Park. 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.


A weekend in Dallas or Glacier National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dallas. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city. It offers something for everyone.

Glacier National Park 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.

Five days in Dallas or Glacier National Park?

Dallas is a fun place to experience. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Glacier National Park. 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.

A week in Dallas or Glacier National Park?

You'll find food and shopping around the active destination of Dallas. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the stunning destination of Glacier National Park. This park 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Glacier National Park or Dallas?

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

  • Dallas Prices
    USA Prices
    Glacier National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Dallas $166
    Glacier National Park $148

The average daily cost (per person) in Dallas is $166, while the average daily cost in Glacier National Park is $148. 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 Dallas and Glacier National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dallas $84
    Glacier National Park $56
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dallas $168
    Glacier National Park $112
Compare Hotels in Dallas and Glacier National Park

Looking for a hotel in Dallas or Glacier National Park? 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 Dallas


Hotels in Glacier National Park


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: Dallas Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dallas $28
    Glacier National Park $69

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dallas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dallas:

  • Private Departure Transfer to Dallas Fort Worth Airport DFW: $47
  • Private Arrival Transfer from DFW Airport to Dallas: $47
  • Allen or Plano to Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW) - Departure Private Transfer: $67
  • Dallas to Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW) - Departure Private Transfer: $67
  • Arrival Private Transfer Dallas Airport DAL to Dowtown Dallas by Luxury Vehicle: $83
  • Departure Private Transfer Dowtown Dallas to Dallas Airport DAL Luxury Vehicle: $83
  • Dallas to Dallas Airport (DAL) - Departure Private Transfer: $90
  • Private Transfer Fort Worth Airport DFW to Downtown Dallas by Luxury Vehicle: $92
  • Private Transfer Fort Worth Airport DFW to Downtown Fort Worth by Luxury Vehicle: $109
  • One Way DFW Airport to Hotel Private Transfer: $110
  • Private Transfer from Dallas to Dallas Airport DFW in Business Car: $119
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas in Business Car: $119

Is it cheaper to fly into Dallas or Glacier National Park?

Prices for flights to both Glacier National Park and Dallas 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
    Dallas $61
    Glacier National Park $49
Typical Food Prices in Dallas

Some typical examples of dining costs in Dallas are as follows:


  • Cowboys Stadium Tour (for 2)
    $55
  • Whataburger Lunch (family of 4)
    $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dallas

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

  • Downtown Dallas Walking Food Tour History and Cocktail Package : $25
  • Discover Downtown Dallas Food Tour with Food Tours of America: $95
  • Dallas Food Tour: 5 Epic Tastings in Deep Ellum: $99
  • Uptown Eats! Trolley Tour with Food Tours of America: $99
  • Downtown Dallas Holiday Lights Food Tour: $100
  • Dallas Secret Food Tour: $104
  • 5-course Walking Food Tour in Dallas : Cocktail package available: $109

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dallas $13
    Glacier National Park $34

Tours and Activities in Dallas

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

  • Sweet Tooth Hotel Dreamland: Immersive Art Experience: $15
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Irving by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Denton by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Plano by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Reunion Tower GeO-Deck General Admission Ticket: $21
  • Dallas Stars NHL Ice Hockey Game Ticket: $22
  • SEA LIFE Aquarium Grapevine Admission Ticket: $22
  • John F. Kennedy Trolley Tour in Dallas: $22
  • Dallas' Reunion Tower GeO-Deck Observation Ticket: $25
  • Dallas Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Sinister Strolls True Crime Walking Tour: $25
  • JFK Assassination Highlights Walking Tour: $27

Tours and Activities in Glacier National Park

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Glacier National Park are as follows:

  • Many Glacier Self-Guided Audio Tour in Glacier National Park: $9.99
  • Glacier National Park Going-to-the-Sun Road Self-Guided Tour: $9.99
  • Glacier National Park North Fork Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Glacier National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour Bundle: $16
  • Glacier National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Glacier National Park: $20
  • Self Guided Bike Tour in Glacier National Park : $65
  • Full Day Whitewater Adventure Trip with Included Lunch: $159
  • Doris Lake Hike and Pack Raft Adventure: $219
  • E Bike Tour in Glacier National Park Cammas Road: $229
  • Driving Tour West Glacier National Park (excludes Sun Road): $245
  • Driving Tour in Glacier National Park: $250

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dallas $12
    Glacier National Park $8.41

Sample the Local Flavors in Dallas

Also in Dallas, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Dallas Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • 1-Hour Distillery Tour & Tasting in Dallas: $40
  • Party Bike Pub Crawl in Deep Ellum and Downtown Dallas: $55
  • DIY Candle Making Class at a Local Brewery in Dallas: $55
  • Dallas Party Bike Pub Crawl in Deep Ellum: $55


When comparing the travel costs between Dallas and Glacier National Park, we can see that Dallas 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 Dallas Expensive? and Is Glacier National Park Expensive?.