A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Hilton Head Island vs. Boise for Families, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Hilton Head Island or Boise?

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 Hilton Head Island and Boise can help you decide which place is right for you.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a relaxing, peaceful, and beautiful coastal town. Hilton Head Island offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and beaches. See Hilton Head Island travel costs.

Boise

Boise is a authentic, friendly, and welcoming city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Boise travel costs.

Hilton Head Island and Boise: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Hilton Head Island or Boise?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hilton Head Island. Although Hilton Head Island and Boise are popular destinations, Hilton Head Island has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hilton Head Island is very popular for its food, resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Boise attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and nightlife. Hilton Head Island is more touristy than Boise and is known for its long sandy beaches, many golf courses, popular tennis camps, and accessible bike trails. It is also well known for The Harbour Town Lighthouse. Boise is famous for its many outdoor and recreational activities.

How is Hilton Head Island different from Boise?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Boise and Hilton Head Island. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hilton Head Island or Boise?

Hilton Head Island
Boise

Boise is very good for its museums and history. However, Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Boise. As the state capital, there's a nice selection of local museums around town. Favorites include the Boise Art Museum, the Basque Museum & Cultural Center, the Idaho Black History Museum, and Discovery Center.

Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Hilton Head Island or Boise? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hilton Head Island
Boise

Hilton Head Island is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Boise is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Hilton Head Island has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The island has many famous restaurants but reservations during the summer are a must. Restaurants can get very crowded during peak times. For some of the best restaurants head to Shelter Cove or Harbour Town. Popular local dishes include fried seafood and oysters.

Boise offers some easy restaurants to choose from. While Idaho has long been associated with the potato, the locals usually think of "finger steaks" when describing local food. These are deep-friend beef strips that are as good as they sound.

Is Hilton Head Island or Boise Better for Nightlife?

Hilton Head Island
Boise

Boise is very good for its evening party scene. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Boise. In downtown Boise you'll find a selection of bars, lounges, and breweries. There's enough around town to keep the nightlife scene interesting.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Hilton Head Island. There are a few sports bars and comedy clubs, but nightlife isn't really a thing in Hilton Head. This is very much a family destination that shuts down with the sunset.

Is Hilton Head Island or Boise Better for Resorts?

Hilton Head Island
Boise

Hilton Head Island is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Boise is not a resort destination.

Hilton Head Island is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Most of the accommodation in the area is in the form of weekly condo rentals, which usually include a pool and outdoor space. Tennis and golf are also popular on the island so many resorts have facilities for each.

Boise is not a resort destination.


Is Hilton Head Island or Boise Better for Beaches?

Hilton Head Island
Boise

Hilton Head Island is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Boise is not a beach destination.

Hilton Head Island is considered a top beach destination. The island has nice beaches that are popular with families. They are great for swimming during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. While some beaches may get a bit crowded during peak holidays, they're usually pretty relaxed and less crowded than many nearby beaches.

Boise is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hilton Head Island or Boise?

Hilton Head Island
Boise

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Hilton Head Island and Boise.

Hilton Head Island has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The area has upscale shopping with designer names and local venues. Popular shopping areas include Shelter Cove Town Center and Harbor Town.

Boise is a great destination for shopping. You'll find a mix of local boutiques, independent vendors, and suburban shopping centers where you'll find anything that you might need.

Is Hilton Head Island or Boise More Beautiful?

Hilton Head Island
Boise

Hilton Head Island is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Boise is not a destination known for its beauty.

Hilton Head Island offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The island has many beautiful waterways that are best explored by boat or kayak. The beaches are also beautiful and striking.

Boise is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Hilton Head Island or Boise Better for Families?

Hilton Head Island
Boise

Hilton Head Island is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. However, Boise is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Hilton Head Island is a very family-friendly destination. This area is a popular family-friendly beach destination with a number of summer events for the whole family, peaceful beaches, and family-friendly restaurants throughout. Older kids will enjoy cycling around the island's many bike trails or attending a popular tennis camp.

Boise doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. You'll find parks, playgrounds, and the Discovery Center which will help keep kids entertained.

Is Hilton Head Island or Boise Better for Couples?

Hilton Head Island
Boise

Hilton Head Island is a popular place for couples. However, Boise is lacking in options for romance.

Hilton Head Island is a good coastal town for couples to visit. While the area is most popular with families, it is a fun place to explore as a couple because of the many high end restaurants and the beautiful setting. Couples can rent bikes to explore or play a friendly game of tennis.

Boise is not the best destination for a couple to visit. Date night activities include dining at a nice restaurants and seeing a show at the theater.

Is Hilton Head Island or Boise Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Hilton Head Island
Boise

Boise is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Boise. There are infrequent buses around town, but visitors usually have a car to get around town efficiently.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Hilton Head Island. You must have a car to get most places on the island, unless you bike. Rush hour during summer months can have intense traffic.


Is Hilton Head Island or Boise a more walkable city?

Hilton Head Island
Boise

Hilton Head Island and Boise are reasonable when it comes to walkability.

Hilton Head Island is generally not a very walkable coastal town. You really need a car to get around, but for those who are motivated, there is a great network of bike trails. It's mostly used for recreational purposes though.

Boise is generally not very walkable. There are a couple of walkable neighborhoods but, in general, the town isn't very walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Hilton Head Island Worth Visiting? and Is Boise Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Boise or Hilton Head Island?

How long in Hilton Head Island or Boise?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Hilton Head Island or Boise to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Hilton Head Island than Boise because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Hilton Head Island, and 1-2 days is enough time in Boise.

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

Couples should spend more time in Hilton Head Island than Boise. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Hilton Head Island that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Boise than Hilton Head Island 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 Boise.


  • How many days in Hilton Head Island or Boise? Ideal Length of Stay
    Hilton Head Island 5-7 
    Boise 1-2

One day in Hilton Head Island or Boise?

In Hilton Head Island, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this relaxing destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Boise. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Hilton Head Island or Boise?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hilton Head Island. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Boise is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the friendly city of Boise. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Boise has to offer.


Five days in Hilton Head Island or Boise?

Hilton Head Island is a fun place to experience. In Hilton Head Island, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting Boise. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days 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.

A week in Hilton Head Island or Boise?

In Hilton Head Island, many people enjoy the shopping and food that this peaceful destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Boise is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska.


Which place is cheaper, Boise or Hilton Head Island?

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

  • Hilton Head Island Prices
    USA Prices
    Boise Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Hilton Head Island $287
    Boise $179

The average daily cost (per person) in Hilton Head Island is $287, while the average daily cost in Boise is $179. 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 Hilton Head Island and Boise in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hilton Head Island $129
    Boise $75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hilton Head Island $258
    Boise $150
Compare Hotels in Hilton Head Island and Boise

Looking for a hotel in Hilton Head Island or Boise? 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 Hilton Head Island


Hotels in Boise


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: Hilton Head Island Hotel Prices and Boise Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hilton Head Island $34
    Boise $34

Is it cheaper to fly into Hilton Head Island or Boise?

Prices for flights to both Boise and Hilton Head Island 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
    Hilton Head Island $105
    Boise $78

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hilton Head Island

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

  • Hilton Head Sunset Dinner Cruise: $106
  • Sunset Dinner Cruise: $106
  • Hibachi Dinner Cruise: $117
  • Lowcountry Boil Dinner Cruise: $118
  • Sunset Hibachi Dinner Cruise : $128
  • Lowcountry Boil Dinner Cruise: $128
  • Lowcountry Boil Dinner Cruise on Hilton Head: $148

Typical Food Prices in Boise

For Boise, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Hotel
    $59
  • Cracker Barrel Lunch (for 4)
    $55

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hilton Head Island $23
    Boise $30

Tours and Activities in Hilton Head Island

For Hilton Head Island, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • #1 Historical Horse Drawn Carriage Tour: $38
  • 1 Hour Private Dolphin and Nature Tour: $300
  • 2 Hour Kayak Hilton Head Dolphin and Nature Tour: $49
  • 2-Hour Hilton Head Guided Kayak Nature Tour: $47
  • 2-Hour Private Hilton Head Dolphin Watching Cruise: $269
  • 90 Minute Hilton Head Dolphin Tour: $48
  • 90 Minute Hilton Head Dolphin and Nature Cruise: $47
  • 90 minute Hilton Head Sunset Dolphin Cruise: $55
  • 90-Minute Dolphin and Nature Tour of Hilton Head: $47
  • 90-Minute Private Dolphin Tour in Hilton Head Island : $269
  • Beaufort City Minibus Tour: $37
  • Beaufort Ghost Walking Tours : $22

Typical Entertainment Prices in Boise

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Boise's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Edwards Boise Imax
    $27

Tours and Activities in Boise

For Boise, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • A Macabre History of Boise Walking Tour: $25
  • Boise River: Guided Rafting, Swimming, and Wildlife Tour: $68
  • Boise Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $49
  • Boise Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Boise's Best Brunch Experience: $152
  • Culinary and Cultural Tour of Boise: $152
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Boise by 3Quest Challenge: $10

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hilton Head Island $26
    Boise $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Hilton Head Island

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Hilton Head Island:

  • Hilton Head's ONLY Distillery Experience: $55


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hilton Head Island Expensive? and Is Boise Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Hilton Head Island or Boise?

Boise has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Hilton Head Island. When comparing the sizes of Hilton Head Island and Boise, 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.