A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Reno vs. Yellowstone National Park for Backpackers, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Reno or Yellowstone National Park?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Reno or Yellowstone National Park? 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.

Reno

Reno is a energetic, growing, and vibrant city. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Reno travel costs.

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is a immense, unique, and stunning national park. Yellowstone National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking. See Yellowstone National Park travel costs.

Reno and Yellowstone National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Old Faithful
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Reno or Yellowstone National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Yellowstone National Park. Although Reno and Yellowstone National Park are popular destinations, Yellowstone National Park has more sights and attractions for tourists. Yellowstone National Park is very popular for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Reno attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping. Yellowstone National Park is more touristy than Reno and is popular for its iconic geysers, breathtaking waterfalls, world-class hikes, and diverse wildlife. It is also well known for Old Faithful. Reno is famous for its casinos and nightlife scene.

How is Reno different from Yellowstone National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Yellowstone National Park and Reno. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Reno or Yellowstone National Park?

Reno
Yellowstone National Park

Reno is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Yellowstone National Park 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 Reno. Museums in town range from art and history to local or quirky. The National Automobile Museum, the Nevada Museum of Art, Fleischmann Planetarium, and the Anthropology Museum are some of the favorites.

Yellowstone National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Reno or Yellowstone National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Reno
Yellowstone National Park

Reno is a popular place for its restaurant scene. However, Yellowstone National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Reno area. The food scene has been growing in recent years and you'll find plenty of casual restaurants that serve hearty and filling comfort foods.

Yellowstone National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. This is a large park and there are a number of dining options available both inside and just outside of the park. Many places are seasonal so your options will be highest during the summer months. Like most national park venues, prices can be high and the quality is variable. It's recommended that you pack your own food and plan to picnic.

Is Reno or Yellowstone National Park Better for Nightlife?

Reno
Yellowstone National Park

Reno is well known for its evening party scene. However, Yellowstone National Park is not particularly known for nightlife.

Reno is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There's a big nightlife scene with a huge number of bars and entertainment options. There are also a growing number of breweries in town.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Yellowstone National Park Things quiet down quickly at night and you won't find many places to go in the evening.

Is Reno or Yellowstone National Park Better for Resorts?

Reno
Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Reno is not a resort destination.

Yellowstone National Park is known as a popular and fun resort destination. It is a large national park, and there are several impressive lodges nearby. Reservations are recommended well in advance. Within the park, Old Faithful Inn, Roosevelt Lodge, Lake Yellowstone Hotel, and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel are all nice options.

Reno is not a resort destination.


Is Reno or Yellowstone National Park Better for Hiking?

Reno
Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is renowned for its hiking trails. However, Reno is not a hiking destination.

People visit Yellowstone National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The park is huge, and there are countless hikes throughout. From short strolls to lengthy endeavors, there really is something for everyone. If you want to see the geysers, some of the best hikes are Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail, the Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful Observation Point Loop, and the Lone Star Geyser Trail. For waterfalls you can check out Brink of the Lower Falls Trail, the North Rim Trail, and Fairy Falls Trail.

Reno is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Reno or Yellowstone National Park?

Reno
Yellowstone National Park

Reno is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Yellowstone National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to Reno to go shopping. In addition to your standard suburban shopping malls and strip malls, there's the Midtown District, which has local retail shops and an eclectic and alternative vibe. The area has thrift shops, music vendors, and more.

Yellowstone National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Reno or Yellowstone National Park More Beautiful?

Reno
Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Reno is not a destination known for its beauty.

Yellowstone National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. With its spectacular geysers, colorful springs, and unique wildlife, the park really is a beautiful place to visit.

Reno is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Reno or Yellowstone National Park Better for Families?

Reno
Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Reno is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Yellowstone National Park. Kids who enjoy the outdoors and exploring new environments will appreciate a visit to this park. The geysers are fascinating for everyone and the waterfalls are breathtaking. There are ranger shows and other activities that are great for kids as well. Make sure you stop by the Visitor's Centers.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Reno. You'll find some arcades and entertainment options for kids in some of the casinos. There's also the Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum, which has kid-friendly, hands-on exhibits, and the largest zoo in Nevado, the Sierra Nevada Zoological Park.

Is Reno or Yellowstone National Park Better for Couples?

Reno
Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Reno is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Yellowstone National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This park is a beautiful and romantic destination for couples who enjoy the outdoors. There are world-renowned hikes and breathtaking views. There are also lodges in the area that make for a romantic stay.

Reno is a nice destination for couples. There are outdoor parks and scenic walks like the Truckee River Walk or the Rancho San Rafael Regional Park. There's also several great museums and some interesting restaurants.

Is Reno or Yellowstone National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Reno
Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Reno is lacking in options for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Yellowstone National Park, as it is a very popular national park for budget travelers. Backpackers will appreciate the campgrounds and affordable facilities that are found around the park. Reservations are recommended well in advance, particularly if you're hoping to stay inside the park.

Reno is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not really on the backpacker circuit so you won't find any real hostels in town.


Is Reno or Yellowstone National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Reno
Yellowstone National Park

Reno is a city with a few options for its public transit. However, Yellowstone National Park is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Reno. There's a public bus system with routes around town.

Public transit is quite limited in Yellowstone National Park. There is no public transportation service available in the park. There are private tour options available.

Is Reno or Yellowstone National Park a more walkable city?

Reno
Yellowstone National Park

Reno is a city with a few options for its ease of walking around. However, Yellowstone National Park is not particularly known for its walkability.

Reno is generally not very walkable. While there are some reasonably walkable neighborhoods, you really need a car to get around town.

Yellowstone National Park is not a very walkable city. This is among the largest national parks and a car is an absolute must if you hope to experience the different landscapes.

For even more information, also check out Is Reno Worth Visiting? and Is Yellowstone National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Yellowstone National Park or Reno?

How long in Reno or Yellowstone National Park?

Both Reno and Yellowstone National Park have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Yellowstone National Park than in Reno. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Reno, and 5-7 days is enough time in Yellowstone National Park.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Reno than Yellowstone National Park 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 Reno.


  • How many days in Reno or Yellowstone National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Reno 1-3 
    Yellowstone National Park 5-7

One day in Reno or Yellowstone National Park?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the energetic city of Reno. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the destination of Yellowstone National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.


A weekend in Reno or Yellowstone National Park?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Reno. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Yellowstone National Park is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Reno or Yellowstone National Park?

Reno is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. It offers something for everyone.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the vast destination of Yellowstone National Park. This national park offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Reno or Yellowstone National Park?

Reno is a popular choice for travelers. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the world-famous national park of Yellowstone National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Yellowstone National Park or Reno?

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

  • Reno Prices
    USA Prices
    Yellowstone National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Reno $184
    Yellowstone National Park $181

The average daily cost (per person) in Reno is $184, while the average daily cost in Yellowstone National Park is $181. 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 Reno and Yellowstone National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Reno $55
    Yellowstone National Park $74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Reno $110
    Yellowstone National Park $148
Compare Hotels in Reno and Yellowstone National Park

Looking for a hotel in Reno or Yellowstone National Park? 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 Reno


Hotels in Yellowstone National Park


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: Reno Hotel Prices and Yellowstone National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Reno $23
    Yellowstone National Park $37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Reno

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Reno:


  • Car Wash
    $5.00

Is it cheaper to fly into Reno or Yellowstone National Park?

Prices for flights to both Yellowstone National Park and Reno 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
    Reno $94
    Yellowstone National Park $80
Typical Food Prices in Reno

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


  • Dennys for Breakfast
    $22
  • Sushi DInner (for 2)
    $40
  • In-n-Out Burger (for 3)
    $19

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Reno $88
    Yellowstone National Park $34

Tours and Activities in Reno

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

  • Reno Ghost Tour: Ruin, Revenge, & Reckoning: $24
  • Jungle Escape Room Adventure: $30
  • The Master Escape Room Experience: $30
  • Bowlball and Pins & Arrows Experience: $30
  • Axe and Knife Throwing Experience: $35
  • Axe Throwing Experience (18+) at Grand Sierra Resort: $40
  • Rage Room Experience: $40
  • Splatter Paint Room Experience: $45

Tours and Activities in Yellowstone National Park

Here are a few actual costs in Yellowstone National Park for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 6-Mile Geyser Hiking Tour in Yellowstone with Lunch: $182
  • E-Bike Tours in Yellowstone National Park: $250
  • Early Morning Guided Kayak Tour: $125
  • Full-Day Guided Yellowstone Day Tour: $299
  • Grand Teton and Yellowstone Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle: $35
  • Lake Yellowstone Half Day Kayak Tours Past Geothermal Features : $120
  • Lamar Valley Safari Hiking Tour with Lunch: $182
  • Salt Lake City: Yellowstone 4-day Tour with Airport Pickup: $918
  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Yellowstone National Park: $20
  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Yellowstone and Grand Teton: $33
  • Small-Group Sunset Kayaking Tour on Lake Yellowstone : $125
  • Ultimate Audio Tours: Yellowstone, Glacier, Grand Teton & Banff: $36

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Reno $13
    Yellowstone National Park $19

Sample the Local Flavors in Reno

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Reno:

  • Original Brewery Tour: $94


When comparing the travel costs between Reno and Yellowstone National Park, we can see that Reno 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 Reno Expensive? and Is Yellowstone National Park Expensive?.


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