Which place is cheaper, Tucson or Pittsburgh?
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 Pittsburgh or Tucson?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Pittsburgh or Tucson, 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: Pittsburgh or Tucson?
Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is a city in western Pennsylvania at the junction of 3 rivers. Set between the Monongahela and Allegheny Rivers, and a mountain ridge called Mt Washington, Pittsburgh has a unique character that is evident from the moment you arrive. Juxtaposed with the rumbling freight trains and the iconic bridges are the Bladerunner-esque self-driving Uber vehicles, scanning the roads with spinning Lidar scanners. Its Gilded Age sites, including the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, the Carnegie Museum of Art, and the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, speak to its history as an early-20th-century industrial capital. In the North Shore neighborhood are the modern Andy Warhol Museum, Heinz Field football stadium, and PNC Park baseball stadium. Experiencing periods of boom and bust since its founding, the city is in a boom now, and it's a fun place to visit, with top-notch museums, great gardens and parks, and amazing food.
Tucson
Tucson, Arizona, is a vibrant city nestled in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, renowned for its dramatic mountain landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and sunny, dry climate. As a gateway to the American Southwest, Tucson blends a laid-back atmosphere with strong Mexican and Native American influences, creating a unique desert city experience. Its historic neighborhoods feature colorful adobe architecture, lively murals, and a thriving arts scene. Nature lovers are drawn to Tucson for its easy access to saguaro-studded national parks, hiking trails, and breathtaking sunsets. With a strong university presence, the city pulses with youthful energy, affordable entertainment, and a dynamic culinary scene. Budget travelers will appreciate Tucson’s range of low-cost attractions and accessible public spaces, making it an excellent base for exploring both city sights and the nearby wilderness. Whether you’re interested in history, outdoor adventures, or simply soaking up desert vibes, Tucson offers something for every traveler.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.
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Pittsburgh Prices
USA PricesTucson Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPittsburgh $220Tucson $184
The average daily cost (per person) in Pittsburgh is $220, while the average daily cost in Tucson is $184. 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 Pittsburgh and Tucson in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPittsburgh $106Tucson $93
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPittsburgh $212Tucson $186
Compare Hotels in Pittsburgh and Tucson
Looking for a hotel in Pittsburgh or Tucson? 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: Pittsburgh Hotel Prices and Tucson Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pittsburgh $22Tucson $27
Is it cheaper to fly into Pittsburgh or Tucson?
Prices for flights to both Tucson and Pittsburgh 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 dayPittsburgh $94Tucson $63
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pittsburgh
For Pittsburgh, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Handmade Sushi Cooking Class With Local Chef in Pittsburgh: $75
- Downtown Pittsburgh Hidden Eats Food Tour with 6 Food Tastings: $95
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Pittsburgh $38Tucson $16
Tours and Activities in Pittsburgh
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Pittsburgh.
- Best of the Burgh Walking Tour of Pittsburgh: $33
- Bike the Burgh Tour: $59
- Black & Ghost Tour: $33
- Black & Gold Sunset Tour: $33
- Echoes from the Iron Forge: Pittsburgh Phantoms Ghost Tour: $32
- Essential Pittsburgh Experience - The One Tour to Take: $75
- Gems of Pittsburgh Bike Tour: $59
- HOP ON-HOP OFF TOUR PASS- All Day Sightseeing Tour Pass: $50
- Holiday Lights Tour: $33
- JUST THE TOUR - Double Decker bus sightseeing tour of Pittsburgh.: $45
- Pittsburgh Historic Strip District Libation Tour: $60
- Pittsburgh Penguins Ice Hockey Game Ticket at PPG Paints Arena: $74
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPittsburgh $33Tucson $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Pittsburgh
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Pittsburgh:
- Pittsburgh Bar Hunt: Party Through Pittsburgh Bar Crawl: $13
- Wigle Whiskey Rebellion Distillery Tour: $22
- Beers in the Burgh: Pittsburgh Brewery Walk: $69
- Bikes & Brews Tour: Pittsburgh Brewery Tour: $89
- Pittsburgh Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $105
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pittsburgh and Tucson, we can see that Pittsburgh is more expensive. And not only is Tucson much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tucson would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tucson 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 Pittsburgh would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pittsburgh than you might in Tucson.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Pittsburgh Expensive? and Is Tucson Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Pittsburgh or Tucson?
Tucson has a larger population, and is about 62% larger than the population of Pittsburgh. When comparing the sizes of Pittsburgh and Tucson, 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.