Which place is cheaper, Tucson or Raleigh?
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 Raleigh or Tucson?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Raleigh or Tucson? 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: Raleigh or Tucson?
Raleigh
Raleigh is the capital city of the state of North Carolina. The city has a population of about 450,000 and is home to many colleges and university including North Carolina State University, Shaw University, Saint Augustine's College, Meredith College and Peace University. The city has a wide range of museums, restaurants, theaters, and parks. There's also an extensive greenway system that is great for biking or running.
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 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.
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Raleigh Prices
USA PricesTucson Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRaleigh $231Tucson $184
The average daily cost (per person) in Raleigh is $231, 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 Raleigh and Tucson in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRaleigh $104Tucson $93
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRaleigh $208Tucson $186
Compare Hotels in Raleigh and Tucson
Looking for a hotel in Raleigh 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: Raleigh Hotel Prices and Tucson Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Raleigh $37Tucson $27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Raleigh
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Raleigh:
- Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) to Raleigh Arrival Private Transfer: $139
- Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) to Raleigh - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $277
- Raleigh to Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) - Departure Private Transfer: $139
- Durham to Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) - Departure Private Transfer: $134
Is it cheaper to fly into Raleigh or Tucson?
Prices for flights to both Tucson and Raleigh 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 dayRaleigh $99Tucson $63
Typical Food Prices in Raleigh
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Raleigh:
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The Pit Authentic BBQ (for 3)$84
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Raleigh
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Raleigh.
- Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Craft Beer Bar in Raleigh: $75
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Raleigh $37Tucson $16
Tours and Activities in Raleigh
Here are a few actual costs in Raleigh for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Carolina Hurricanes Ice Hockey Game Ticket at Lenovo Center: $50
- Chapel Hill Historic Churches History and Architecture Tour: $18
- Chapel Hill LGBT History Tour: $19
- Chapel Hill True Crime Walking Tour: $19
- Create Your Own Lipstick or Lip Gloss Class Experience in Raleigh: $65
- Downtown Cary Historian-Guided Tour: $19
- Durham African-American Historic Walking Tour: $18
- Durham True Crime Tour: $19
- Guided Walking Historian Tour in Downtown Durham: $19
- Historic Oakwood: History & Architecture Tour: $19
- Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Chapel Hill NC: $15
- Private Pedicab Tour of Downtown Raleigh: $65
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRaleigh $27Tucson $16
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Raleigh and Tucson, we can see that Raleigh 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 Raleigh would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Raleigh 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 Raleigh Expensive? and Is Tucson Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Raleigh or Tucson?
Tucson has a larger population, and is about 88% larger than the population of Raleigh. When comparing the sizes of Raleigh 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.