Which place is cheaper, Seattle or Eugene?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Eugene or Seattle?
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 Eugene and Seattle. 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.
Where Should I go: Eugene or Seattle?
Eugene
At the southern end of the Willamette Valley, Eugene is most recognized as the home of the University of Oregon. It's a smaller city with a liberal population that is generally concerned about environmental issues. A popular experience in Eugene is to go to the Saturday Market, which has been around since 1970 and is the oldest open air market in the United States.
Seattle
Situated on the Puget Sound in the state of Washington, Seattle is the largest city in the United States Pacific Northwest. It's a beautiful city surrounded by the water and mountains and filled with evergreen trees. It's also the home of some famous American institutions including Starbucks Coffee, Amazon, and Microsoft. The population of almost 700,000 continues to grow. As of 2014, the city was considered the fastest growing major city in the United States. The entire metropolitan area has about 3.6 million residents, making it the 15th largest metro area in the US. The natural beauty, growing economy, and educational base give Seattle a youthful vibe that keep the city young and energetic.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.
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Eugene Prices
USA PricesSeattle Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayEugene $190Seattle $242
The average daily cost (per person) in Eugene is $190, while the average daily cost in Seattle is $242. 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 Eugene and Seattle in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personEugene $97Seattle $120
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomEugene $194Seattle $240
Compare Hotels in Eugene and Seattle
Looking for a hotel in Eugene or Seattle? 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.
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: Eugene Hotel Prices and Seattle Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Eugene $37Seattle $30
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Seattle
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Seattle:
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Lightrail from Airport (for 2)$5.50
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Roundtrip Ferry to Bainbridge Island (for 2)$15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seattle
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seattle:
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport private transfer. Pick up: $47
- Arrival Private Transfer: Seattle Airport SEA to Seattle in Business Car: $113
- Arrival Private Transfer: Seattle Airport SEA to Seattle in Luxury Car: $160
- Arrival Private Transfer: Seattle Airport SEA to Seattle in Luxury SUV: $131
- Departure Private Transfer: Seattle to Seattle Airport SEA in Luxury Car: $160
- From Seattle Airport - Transfer to Hotel & Homes: $265
- From Seattle Hotels - Hotel Transfer to Airport: $265
- From Seattle Hotels - Hotel Transfer to Airport: $175
- From Snoqualmie Falls and Wineries Tour w/ Transfer: $145
- One - Way Transfer from Pier 66 to SeaTac international Airport : $27
- One-Way Seattle Airport Transfer Service: $27
- One-Way Transfer: Pier 91 to Airport : $28
Is it cheaper to fly into Eugene or Seattle?
Prices for flights to both Seattle and Eugene 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
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Food Meals for one dayEugene $71Seattle $88
Typical Food Prices in Eugene
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Eugene:
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Sam Bonds Food and Music (for 2)$16
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Morning Glory Cafe Breakfast (for 2)$12
Typical Food Prices in Seattle
Some typical examples of dining costs in Seattle are as follows:
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Expresso & cookie at Pier 70$7.00
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Cashews at Pike Place Market$6.00
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6 Mini Donuts at Pike Place Market$3.25
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Chinese Lunch in International District (for 2)$21
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Breakfast at Lowel's in Pike Place Market (for 2)$32
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Breakfast at French Cafe (for 2)$37
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seattle
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Seattle.
- Bite-Sized Seattle History & Food Tour: $26
- Meet Me at the Market Food Tour: $44
- Seattle Holiday Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $65
- Pike Place Market Chef-Guided Food Tour: $71
- Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market: $72
- Secret Food Tours: Seattle Pike Place Market: $73
- Japanese Ramen Cooking Class With Local Chef: $75
- Seattle Pike Market Food Tasting Tour with Secret Food Tours: $75
- Plant Based in Pike Place Food Tour (GF available): $79
- Chef Food Tour of Seattle Space Needle and Seattle Center: $85
- Festive Flavors of Pike Place Market Holiday Food Tour: $110
- Pike Place Market Gourmet Food Tour: $110
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Eugene -Seattle $16
Tours and Activities in Seattle
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Seattle are as follows:
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Everett by Operation City Quest: $10
- Seattle Audio Tour on Capital Hill Adventure: $15
- Seattle Kraken Ice Hockey Game Ticket: $19
- National Nordic Museum Entry Ticket: $20
- Skip the Line: Daily Admission at Woodland Park Zoo Ticket: $20
- Seattle City Walking Tour: Along the Waterfront: $22
- Smith Tower Observatory Admission Ticket: $22
- Seattle Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
- Smith Tower Observatory Access Ticket: $25
- Sky View Observatory at the Columbia Center Admission Tickets : $25
- Sinister Sins, Scandal, and Shadows: Seattle Ghost Tour: $27
- The Museum of Flight Entry Ticket: $29
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayEugene -Seattle $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Seattle
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Seattle:
- Seattle Bar Crawl Belltown Bar Blitz: $15
- Seattle Terrors Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
- Where the Hops Grow! Yakima Brewery Tour : $45
- Diverse Wine Tasting Experience Near Pike Place Market: $75
- Diverse Wine Tasting Experience with Bites: $75
- Woodinville Guided Wine Tour with Optional Tastings: $109
- Bainbridge Island Discovery and Wine Tour: $159
- All-inclusive Wine Tasting and Lunch Experience: $249
- From Snoqualmie Falls & Woodinville Wine Tasting: $344
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Eugene and Seattle, we can see that Seattle is more expensive. And not only is Eugene much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Eugene would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Eugene 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 Seattle would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Seattle than you might in Eugene.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Eugene Expensive? and Is Seattle Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Eugene or Seattle?
Seattle has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Eugene. When comparing the sizes of Eugene and Seattle, 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.
When is the best time to visit Eugene or Seattle?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Eugene or Seattle in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Eugene and Seattle. Furthermore, most visitors come to Seattle for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Eugene is around the same temperature as Seattle. Typically, the summer temperatures in Eugene in July average around 68°F (20°C), and Seattle averages at about 67°F (19°C).
In July, Eugene usually receives less rain than Seattle. Eugene gets 0.3 inches (8 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyEugene 68°F (20°C)Seattle 67°F (19°C)
Should I visit Eugene or Seattle in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Eugene as well as Seattle. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Seattle because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Eugene is generally around the same temperature as Seattle. Daily temperatures in Eugene average around 55°F (13°C), and Seattle fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).
Eugene receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Eugene usually gets more rain in October than Seattle. Eugene gets 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberEugene 55°F (13°C)Seattle 54°F (12°C)
Should I visit Eugene or Seattle in the Winter?
Both Seattle and Eugene are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Seattle this time of year.
Eugene is around the same temperature as Seattle in the winter. The daily temperature in Eugene averages around 41°F (5°C) in January, and Seattle fluctuates around 42°F (5°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Seattle. It's quite rainy in Eugene. In January, Eugene usually receives more rain than Seattle. Eugene gets 7.1 inches (181 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryEugene 41°F (5°C)Seattle 42°F (5°C)
Should I visit Eugene or Seattle in the Spring?
Both Seattle and Eugene during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Seattle for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Eugene is around the same temperature as Seattle. Typically, the spring temperatures in Eugene in April average around 51°F (11°C), and Seattle averages at about 51°F (11°C).
Eugene usually gets less rain in April than Seattle. Eugene gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilEugene 51°F (11°C)Seattle 51°F (11°C)
Typical Weather for Seattle and Eugene
| Eugene | Seattle | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 41°F (5°C) | 7.1 inches (181 mm) | 42°F (5°C) | 5.4 inches (136 mm) |
| Feb | 45°F (7°C) | 5.2 inches (133 mm) | 45°F (7°C) | 4 inches (102 mm) |
| Mar | 48°F (9°C) | 4.6 inches (118 mm) | 47°F (9°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) |
| Apr | 51°F (11°C) | 2.2 inches (57 mm) | 51°F (11°C) | 2.5 inches (64 mm) |
| May | 56°F (13°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.9 inches (47 mm) |
| Jun | 63°F (17°C) | 1.3 inches (34 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
| Jul | 68°F (20°C) | 0.3 inches (8 mm) | 67°F (19°C) | 0.9 inches (22 mm) |
| Aug | 68°F (20°C) | 0.4 inches (11 mm) | 67°F (19°C) | 1.2 inches (31 mm) |
| Sep | 63°F (17°C) | 1.1 inches (28 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Oct | 55°F (13°C) | 4.3 inches (109 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Nov | 47°F (8°C) | 5.9 inches (149 mm) | 47°F (8°C) | 5.7 inches (144 mm) |
| Dec | 42°F (5°C) | 6.3 inches (161 mm) | 42°F (6°C) | 6 inches (152 mm) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.