Which place is cheaper, Palm Springs or North Conway?
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 North Conway or Palm Springs?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit North Conway or Palm Springs? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: North Conway or Palm Springs?
North Conway
North Conway is a small town in New Hampshire in the Mount Washington Valley (MWV). The entire valley is a popular vacation area year-round due to the multiple ski resorts and summer activities including amusement parks, hiking, outdoor activities, and more.
Palm Springs
Palm Springs is a desert resort town located about two hours east of Los Angeles, most famously known as Hollywood's playground, where stars and starlets could escape for rest and relaxation but still be close enough to return for impromptu work.
It's no wonder that Palm Springs is increasingly popular as a weekend getaway for special occasions, and even for bachelor and bachelorette parties. Closer than the typical Las Vegas weekend for Southern California residents, Palm Springs provides a desert getaway with endless possibilities of activities, whether visitors want to gamble, shop, hike, or wander through an art gallery.
Climate in the high-desert is generally warm with highs in the 100s during the hot and dry summers, and lows in the mid 40s in the winter months, with sparse rainfall. However, if you're visiting during winter, be sure to pack versatile attire and layers as the days may be warm, but the nights in the low desert can get chilly enough to convince you to change into long pants.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.
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North Conway Prices
USA PricesPalm Springs Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNorth Conway $270Palm Springs $244
The average daily cost (per person) in North Conway is $270, while the average daily cost in Palm Springs is $244. 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 North Conway and Palm Springs in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNorth Conway $125Palm Springs $120
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNorth Conway $250Palm Springs $240
Compare Hotels in North Conway and Palm Springs
Looking for a hotel in North Conway or Palm Springs? 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: North Conway Hotel Prices and Palm Springs Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.North Conway $52Palm Springs $52
Hired Cars and Shuttles in North Conway
Also for North Conway, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Pittsburgh Airport (PIT) to Pittsburgh hotel/address - Arrival Private Transfer: $100
- Pittsburgh City to Pittsburgh Airport (PIT) - Departure Private Transfer: $100
- Pittsburgh Airport (PIT) to Pittsburgh City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $200
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Palm Springs
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Palm Springs:
- Private Airport Transfer in Palm Springs: $214
- Desert Hot Springs to Palm Springs Airport PSP Departure Transfer: $201
- Palm Springs Airport (PSP) to Desert Hot Springs Arrival Transfer: $201
- Private Transfer from PSP to Vía La Quinta, Indio, CA : $173
Is it cheaper to fly into North Conway or Palm Springs?
Prices for flights to both Palm Springs and North Conway 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 dayNorth Conway $110Palm Springs $92
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Palm Springs
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Palm Springs.
- Private Palm Springs Cooking Class with a Fun Local Chef Stephen: $199
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.North Conway $38Palm Springs $29
Tours and Activities in North Conway
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for North Conway.
- Kancamagus highway GPS Smartphone Audio Driving Tour App : $9.50
- Kancamagus Scenic Byway Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour Guide: $15
- Meet the Cider Makers with Rhythm Cidery Lincoln Tour: $40
- Meet the Winemakers - Seven Birches Winery Tour: $40
Tours and Activities in Palm Springs
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Palm Springs are as follows:
- Palm Springs Windmill Guided Tour by Golf Cart: $55
- 10+ Self-Guided Driving Tours from Las Vegas: $45
- 100+ Self-Guided Audio Tours: Driving & Walking Bundle: $100
- All-In-One California Self-Guided Driving & Walking Bundle Tour: $50
- Bombay Beach Salton Sea and Salvation Mountain Guided Art Tour: $225
- Covered Wagon Adventure & BBQ: $129
- Death Valley National Park Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15
- Drag Queen Hosted Mobile Theater Palm Springs Sightseeing Tours: $125
- Earthquake Canyon Express Downhill Bicycle Adventure: $149
- Food Adventure Game: $99
- French Bicycle Tour of Palm Springs: $152
- Golf Cart Tour in a 6 Passenger Cart in Palm Springs California: $195
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNorth Conway $33Palm Springs $13
When comparing the travel costs between North Conway and Palm Springs, we can see that North Conway 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 North Conway Expensive? and Is Palm Springs Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, North Conway or Palm Springs?
Palm Springs has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of North Conway. When comparing the sizes of North Conway and Palm Springs, 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 North Conway or Palm Springs?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit North Conway or Palm Springs in the Summer?
Both Palm Springs and North Conway during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Palm Springs for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, North Conway is generally cooler than Palm Springs. Daily temperatures in North Conway average around 69°F (20°C), and Palm Springs fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).
North Conway usually gets more rain in July than Palm Springs. North Conway gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNorth Conway 69°F (20°C)Palm Springs 73°F (23°C)
Should I visit North Conway or Palm Springs in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both North Conway and Palm Springs. Also, many visitors come to Palm Springs in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.
North Conway is much colder than Palm Springs in the autumn. The daily temperature in North Conway averages around 49°F (9°C) in October, and Palm Springs fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).
In October, North Conway usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. North Conway gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNorth Conway 49°F (9°C)Palm Springs 69°F (20°C)
Should I visit North Conway or Palm Springs in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to North Conway as well as Palm Springs. Also, most visitors come to Palm Springs for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
North Conway can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, North Conway is much colder than Palm Springs. Typically, the winter temperatures in North Conway in January average around 21°F (-6°C), and Palm Springs averages at about 57°F (14°C).
North Conway usually gets more rain in January than Palm Springs. North Conway gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 2 inches (52 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNorth Conway 21°F (-6°C)Palm Springs 57°F (14°C)
Should I visit North Conway or Palm Springs in the Spring?
Both Palm Springs and North Conway are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.
In April, North Conway is generally much colder than Palm Springs. Daily temperatures in North Conway average around 43°F (6°C), and Palm Springs fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).
In April, North Conway usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. North Conway gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.9 inches (24 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNorth Conway 43°F (6°C)Palm Springs 62°F (17°C)
Typical Weather for Palm Springs and North Conway
| North Conway | Palm Springs | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°F (-6°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) | 57°F (14°C) | 2 inches (52 mm) |
| Feb | 24°F (-5°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) | 58°F (15°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Mar | 33°F (1°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) | 59°F (15°C) | 2.2 inches (57 mm) |
| Apr | 43°F (6°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.9 inches (24 mm) |
| May | 53°F (12°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 65°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| Jun | 63°F (17°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) | 69°F (20°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Jul | 69°F (20°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 67°F (20°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 0.2 inches (4 mm) |
| Sep | 59°F (15°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 0.4 inches (9 mm) |
| Oct | 49°F (9°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) | 69°F (20°C) | 0.3 inches (7 mm) |
| Nov | 39°F (4°C) | 4.8 inches (123 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 1.5 inches (39 mm) |
| Dec | 27°F (-3°C) | 4.1 inches (103 mm) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.7 inches (42 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.