Which place is cheaper, Phoenix or Eureka Springs?
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 Eureka Springs or Phoenix?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Eureka Springs or Phoenix, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Eureka Springs or Phoenix?
Eureka Springs
Eureka Springs is a resort town in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas. It offers a variety of dining and shopping such as local crafts and art galleries. Nearby is Beaver Lake. Most of the town is a Victorian village, it has a European look and feel with Victorian cottages and homes spilling over steep winding streets.
The entire city is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is because most of the town contains old history buildings which were constructed as a result of the town's unique history. The town was founded and grew very quickly. On July 4, 1879, the town was founded, and by the end of that year reached a population of 10,000. The reason for the town's growth was the area's numerous cold water springs which at the time were thought to have medicinal healing properties. However, this claim was fairly short lived, and when the tourism boom busted, the new town full of Victorian homes was left in the Ozark wilderness without an economy. Then, few new buildings were built. Hundreds of Victorian homes have remained and been preserved ranging from tiny cottages to huge mansions. In the Spring of 2001, Eureka Springs was named one of 12 Distinctive Destinations by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Phoenix
The most populous city in the American Southwest, Phoenix is the capital city of Arizona and busiest hub of activity in the general area. Geographically it is located in the Sonoran Desert, making for long hot summers and mild winters. This climate has ensured a thriving tourism industry with plenty of attractions both in and around Phoenix.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.
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Eureka Springs Prices
USA PricesPhoenix Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayEureka Springs $155Phoenix $276
The average daily cost (per person) in Eureka Springs is $155, while the average daily cost in Phoenix is $276. 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 Eureka Springs and Phoenix in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personEureka Springs $100Phoenix $144
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomEureka Springs $200Phoenix $288
Compare Hotels in Eureka Springs and Phoenix
Looking for a hotel in Eureka Springs or Phoenix? 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: Eureka Springs Hotel Prices and Phoenix Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Eureka Springs $47Phoenix $39
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phoenix
Also for Phoenix, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Sky Harbor Airport Private Transfer: $195
- Departure Private Transfer: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury Van: $154
- Private Transfer: Phoenix Airport PHX to Scottsdale by Luxury SUV: $152
- Private Transfer: Phoenix Airport PHX to Scottsdale by Sedan Car: $125
- Private Transfer Phoenix Airport PHX to Phoenix Downtown / Hotels: $110
- One-Way Transfer Sky Harbor Airport to Phoenix: $104
- Phoenix to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) - Departure Private Transfer: $84
- Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) Private Transfer: $80
- One Way Airport Transfer Service: $68
Is it cheaper to fly into Eureka Springs or Phoenix?
Prices for flights to both Phoenix and Eureka Springs 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 dayEureka Springs $32Phoenix $90
Typical Food Prices in Phoenix
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Phoenix:
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Nice Lunch (for 2)$36
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Indian Food Dinner (for 2)$32
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phoenix
For Phoenix, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Wine Bar: $75
- Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery in Phoenix: $75
- Secret Food Tours Phoenix: $92
- Phoenix Food Tour on Trendy Roosevelt Row with 7 Food Tastings: $95
- Old Town Scottsdale Food Tour: $95
- Scottsdale Waterfront Food Tour: $95
- Scottsdale Old Town Food Tour of Hidden Gems with 6 Food Tastings: $105
- Sunset at Desert Botanical Garden: Dinner & Walking Tour : $135
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Eureka Springs -Phoenix $40
Tours and Activities in Phoenix
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Phoenix.
- Phoenix South Mountain Hiking Tour Experience: $64
- 1-2 Hour Sonoran Desert Private Guided Hiking Tour: $70
- 1.5 Hour Stretch Limo Golf Cart Tour, Ultimate Old Town Exploration: $89
- 2 Hour Private Walking Tour in the Festive of Phoenix : $261
- 2 Hour Scottsdale Segway Tours - Ultimate Old Town Exploration: $69
- 2 Hour Segway Tour - Sunsets, Segways & City Lights: $75
- 2.5 Hour FAT Tire E-Bike Tour – Scottsdale Greenbelt Adventure: $115
- 3 Hour Guided TomCar ATV Experience in Sonoran Desert: $237
- 3 Hour Sonoran Desert Private Guided Mountain Bike Tour: $135
- Ancient Ruins Tour - Guided Arizona Desert Tour by UTV: $150
- Apache Trail and Dolly Steamboat Van Tour: $160
- Apache Trail w/Dolly Steamboat Full Day Small Group Tour: $169
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayEureka Springs -Phoenix $17
Sample the Local Flavors in Phoenix
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Phoenix:
- Phoenix Bar Crawl: $15
- Pedal Bar Crawl Tour of Downtown Phoenix: $70
- Pedal Bar Crawl of Old Town Scottsdale: $70
- Stretch Limo Party Cart - Custom Bar Crawls, Wine Tastings, Night Clubs & More: $189
- Ultimate Bachelorette Party-Wine Tasting From Scottsdale/Phoenix: $200
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Eureka Springs and Phoenix, we can see that Phoenix is more expensive. And not only is Eureka Springs much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Eureka Springs would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Eureka Springs 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 Phoenix would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Phoenix than you might in Eureka Springs.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Eureka Springs Expensive? and Is Phoenix Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Eureka Springs or Phoenix?
Phoenix has a larger population, and is about 570 times larger than the population of Eureka Springs. When comparing the sizes of Eureka Springs and Phoenix, 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.
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.