A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Augustine vs. Boise for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Saint Augustine or Boise?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Augustine or Boise, 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.

Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine is a colonial, historic, and notable city. Saint Augustine offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums. See Saint Augustine travel costs.

Boise

Boise is a friendly, welcoming, and authentic city. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Boise travel costs.

Saint Augustine and Boise: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Saint Augustine or Boise?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Saint Augustine than Boise, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Saint Augustine is more touristy than Boise and is popular for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States. Also, Saint Augustine is famous for the Colonial Quarter. Boise is well known for its many outdoor and recreational activities.

How is Saint Augustine different from Boise?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Augustine or Boise?

Saint Augustine
Boise

Saint Augustine is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Boise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Saint Augustine offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. It's history is brought to life with many monuments and museums. The Lightner Museum, the Old Jail Museum, the Lincolnville Museum, and Castillo De San Marcos are among the city's most notable sights. Also worth a visit is the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum.

Boise is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.


Is the Food Better in Saint Augustine or Boise? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Augustine
Boise

Saint Augustine is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Boise is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Saint Augustine has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The food scene is influenced by the long history of the city. You'll find flavors that are influenced by Spanish, African, and Native American cultures. There are several popular dishes around town such as fried shrimp, clam chowder, and shrimp and grits.

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 Saint Augustine or Boise Better for Nightlife?

Saint Augustine
Boise

It's hard to distinguish whether Saint Augustine or Boise has a better nightlife scene.

Saint Augustine has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are wineries, pubs, live music venues, and a number of activities that take advantage of the outdoor setting.

If you're looking for night time activities Boise has a few options to choose from. In downtown Boise you'll find a selection of bars, lounges, and breweries. There's enough around town to keep the nightlife scene interesting.

Is Saint Augustine or Boise Better for Beaches?

Saint Augustine
Boise

Saint Augustine is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Boise is not a beach destination.

Saint Augustine is considered a top beach destination. Head to the beach to relax and swim. There are miles of sandy beach nearby, with some of the most popular being Ponte Vedra Beach, known for its golf courses, Vilano Beach, with its charming atmosphere, and the scenic Anastasia State Park.

Boise is not a beach destination.


Is Saint Augustine or Boise Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine
Boise

Saint Augustine is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. However, Boise does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Saint Augustine can be explored in its historical center. As the longest running, continuously occupied city in the United States, the Historic Downtown is at the heart of the city. It's filled with quaint restaurants, historic hotels, and charming streets. You can take carriage rides or wander through the historic sites. Many of the buildings date back to the 1700s and offer a glimpse into Florida's past.

Boise does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Augustine or Boise?

Saint Augustine
Boise

Saint Augustine is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Boise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Saint Augustine. The Historic Downtown has unique art galleries and boutiques. St. George Street is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir and Aviles Street is the oldest street in the United States. It's also filled with artisan boutiques. Plaza de la Constitución is known for its long running public market and it often has live entertainment.

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 Saint Augustine or Boise More Beautiful?

Saint Augustine
Boise

Saint Augustine is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Boise is not a destination known for its beauty.

Saint Augustine offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Colonial architecture and a charming atmosphere give this historic town a unique beauty.

Boise is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Saint Augustine or Boise Better for Families?

Saint Augustine
Boise

Saint Augustine is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Boise is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Saint Augustine. Kids will love the Alligator Farm but there's also a surprisingly fascinating archaeological park - The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. The Colonial Quarter is fun for all ages as well, as is a visit to Fort Castillo De San Marcos. If you have some time, head outside of town to the Marineland Dolphin Adventure, which is well worth the trip.

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 Saint Augustine or Boise Better for Couples?

Saint Augustine
Boise

Saint Augustine is an excellent place to visit for couples. However, Boise is lacking in options for romance.

Saint Augustine makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The Ancient City has a charm that is unique in Florida. There is beautiful architecture and a historical atmosphere that is romantic and genuine. You can enjoy a carriage ride and then sample some local cuisine before heading to the beach.

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 Saint Augustine or Boise Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Saint Augustine
Boise

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Saint Augustine and Boise.

Public transit is generally limited in Saint Augustine. The Old Town Trolley travels through the historic center. There's also a bus service through the region, but you really need a private vehicle to explore everything.

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


Is Saint Augustine or Boise a more walkable city?

Saint Augustine
Boise

Saint Augustine is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Boise is lacking in options for its walkability.

Saint Augustine is a very walkable destination. It's one of the more walkable cities in the area. Downtown, Uptown, and even near the beach have accessible areas with sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly zones.

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 Saint Augustine Worth Visiting? and Is Boise Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Boise or Saint Augustine?

How long in Saint Augustine or Boise?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Saint Augustine or Boise to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Saint Augustine than Boise because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Augustine, and 1-2 days is enough time in Boise.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Augustine than Boise 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 Saint Augustine.


  • How many days in Saint Augustine or Boise? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Augustine 3-4 
    Boise 1-2

One day in Saint Augustine or Boise?

In Saint Augustine, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this colonial destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city 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.

The friendly destination of Boise offers shopping and museums. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Saint Augustine or Boise?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Augustine. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

The city of Boise offers museums and nightlife. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.


Five days in Saint Augustine or Boise?

Saint Augustine is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Saint Augustine. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Boise is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Saint Augustine or Boise?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Saint Augustine. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Boise. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, and The Best Camping Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Boise or Saint Augustine?

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

  • Saint Augustine Prices
    USA Prices
    Boise Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Saint Augustine $195
    Boise $179

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Augustine is $195, 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 Saint Augustine and Boise in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Augustine $86
    Boise $75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Augustine $172
    Boise $150
Compare Hotels in Saint Augustine and Boise

Looking for a hotel in Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine


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: Saint Augustine Hotel Prices and Boise Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Augustine $39
    Boise $34

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Augustine or Boise?

Prices for flights to both Boise and Saint Augustine 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
    Saint Augustine $85
    Boise $78

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Augustine

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Saint Augustine.

  • Cooking Class/Dinner W/ Celebrity French Chef OR Private Chef Ser: $115
  • St. Augustine Historical FOOD Tour on Electric Cart with Pick Up : $129
  • The Ghoulish Gourmet Haunted Food Tour: $129
  • Feast of Saint Augustine Historical Walking Food Tour: $139

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.
    Saint Augustine $18
    Boise $30

Tours and Activities in Saint Augustine

Here are a few actual costs in Saint Augustine for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • St. Augustine Ghost Tour on Premium Golf Cart with PiCk Up : $39
  • 1 Hour Historical Tour of Saint Augustine Florida & FREE Parking: $36
  • 1 Hour Private Historical Tour of Saint Augustine, Florida : $250
  • : Step back in time with pastime private historical tours: $38
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour of St Augustine's Twisted History: $15
  • Adventure Boat Tours - Sunset Water Tour in St. Augustine: $40
  • Airboat Adventure in Saint Augustine with a Guide: $80
  • America‘s Oldest City: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of St Augustine: $20
  • Blood On The Cobblestones True Crime Tour of St Augustine: $35
  • Booze and Boos Haunted St. Augustine Ghost Walking Tour: $34
  • Bourbon and Whiskey History Tour in St Augustine : $209
  • Castillo after Dark 1 Hour Guided Exterior Tour: $25

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:

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Augustine $25
    Boise $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Saint Augustine

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Saint Augustine:

  • St. Augustine's Booze & Boos Haunted Pub Crawl: $36
  • Wine Tasting Cruise in St. Augustine : $49
  • Toast of St. Augustine Walking Pub Crawl - drinks included: $63
  • Mobile Wine Tasting and Food Pairing Tour St. Augustine: $129


When comparing the travel costs between Saint Augustine and Boise, we can see that Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine Expensive? and Is Boise Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Augustine or Boise?

Boise has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Saint Augustine. When comparing the sizes of Saint Augustine 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.