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

Should you visit Saint Augustine or Boone?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Augustine or Boone, 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Saint Augustine travel costs.

Boone

Boone is a quaint, picturesque, and charming town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. Boone is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and food. See Boone travel costs.

Saint Augustine and Boone: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Blue Ridge Parkway


Is there more to do in Saint Augustine or Boone?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Saint Augustine than Boone, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Saint Augustine is better known for its museums and attractions, food, beaches, and historical sights, while Boone is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Saint Augustine is well known for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States. Also, Saint Augustine is famous for the Colonial Quarter. Boone is well known for its proximity to great hiking, skiing, and small town charm.

How is Saint Augustine different from Boone?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Saint Augustine or Boone Better for Skiing?

Saint Augustine
Boone

Boone is a great destination for winter skiing. However, Saint Augustine is not a skiing destination.

Boone is an extremely popular place for snow skiing and other winter sports. It's a very popular ski destination in North Carolina. There are family-friendly slopes as well as more challenging options. Head to the popular Appalachian Ski Mountain, nearby Beech Mountain, or Sugar Mountain for some of the area's best skiing.

Saint Augustine is not a skiing destination.


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

Saint Augustine
Boone

Saint Augustine is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Boone is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Saint Augustine specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Boone is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Most people spend the majority of their time exploring the natural beauty, but there are also several small local museums such as the Banner House Museum.

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

Saint Augustine
Boone

Saint Augustine is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Boone is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Boone offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find farm to table restaurants, local cafes, and all of the standard chain restaurants nearby. Check for a High Country Grown certification if you want to prioritize locally sourced ingredients.

Is Saint Augustine or Boone Better for Nightlife?

Saint Augustine
Boone

Boone is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Boone know how to have a good time. It's a small town, but there are local breweries and a great nightlife scene that is, in large part, influenced by the large student population.

If you're looking for night time activities Saint Augustine has a few options to choose from. There are wineries, pubs, live music venues, and a number of activities that take advantage of the outdoor setting.


Is Saint Augustine or Boone Better for Beaches?

Saint Augustine
Boone

Saint Augustine is a great city for the beach. However, Boone is not a beach destination.

Saint Augustine is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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.

Boone is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Augustine or Boone Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine
Boone

Saint Augustine is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Boone does not have a historic old town.

Saint Augustine offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Boone does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint Augustine or Boone Better for Hiking?

Saint Augustine
Boone

Boone is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Saint Augustine is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Boone. The area is filled with wonderful hikes, particularly around Grandfather Mountain and along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The famed Appalachian Trail passes through the area as well. Many hikes take you through beautiful forests, passed dramatic waterfalls, and to breathtaking viewpoints.

Saint Augustine is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Saint Augustine or Boone?

Saint Augustine
Boone

Shopping is a popular activity in both Boone and Saint Augustine.

Saint Augustine is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Boone is well-known for its shopping. Wander along King Street for some of the town's best shopping. There are independent vendors and antique shops that are fun to pop into. The town is also known for its farmer's markets.

Is Saint Augustine or Boone More Beautiful?

Saint Augustine
Boone

Boone is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

Boone is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The surrounding area is filled with great natural beauty and wonderful hikes.

Saint Augustine is a beautiful place to visit, too. Colonial architecture and a charming atmosphere give this historic town a unique beauty.

Is Saint Augustine or Boone Better for Families?

Saint Augustine
Boone

Saint Augustine and Boone are both excellent destinations for the whole family.

Saint Augustine is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Boone is very family-friendly. Near town you'll find kid-friendly hikes, such as Linville Falls. There are also several places where kids can go ziplining or rock climbing. Parks and outdoor activities are abundant and the whole family will enjoy the setting.


Is Saint Augustine or Boone Better for Couples?

Saint Augustine
Boone

Saint Augustine and Boone are both excellent to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Saint Augustine frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Boone is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The charming town has a romantic setting with local restaurants, beautiful hikes, and plenty of shopping. Couples enjoy staying at bed and breakfasts and enjoying the quaint atmosphere.

Is Saint Augustine or Boone Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Saint Augustine
Boone

Boone is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Saint Augustine is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Boone. While there aren't many hostels in the area, there are plenty of campgrounds. The nearby Appalachian State University also ensures that there are plenty of fun activities for young visitors.

Saint Augustine is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a hostel in town as well as a couple of affordable inns.

Is Saint Augustine or Boone Better for Students?

Saint Augustine
Boone

Boone is very popular for students. However, Saint Augustine is not popular with students.

Boone is a great destination for students. This mountain town offers a great setting for students who enjoy hiking and skiing. Appalachian State University is a fun college with plenty of activities going on.

Saint Augustine is not popular with students.


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

Saint Augustine
Boone

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

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 Boone. You really need a car to make the most of your time.

Is Saint Augustine or Boone a more walkable city?

Saint Augustine
Boone

Saint Augustine and Boone both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Saint Augustine is very walkable. 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.

Boone is a very walkable city. Head to King Street for the best shopping and the most pedestrian-friendly part of town.

For even more information, also check out Is Saint Augustine Worth Visiting? and Is Boone Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Boone or Saint Augustine?

How long in Saint Augustine or Boone?

It's fun to spend time in either Saint Augustine or Boone. In our opinion, Boone has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Boone than Saint Augustine. In general, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Augustine, and 2-4 days is enough time in Boone.

Families should spend more time in Saint Augustine than Boone. 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 Boone. 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 Boone than Saint Augustine 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 Boone.


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

One day in Saint Augustine or Boone?

In Saint Augustine, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this notable 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.

Boone is a small town with plenty to do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.


A weekend in Saint Augustine or Boone?

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.

Boone might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Boone?

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.

Boone is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Saint Augustine or Boone?

You'll find food and shopping around the colonial 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.

Since Boone is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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, Boone 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
    Boone Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Saint Augustine $195
    Boone $211

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Augustine is $195, while the average daily cost in Boone is $211. 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 Boone in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Augustine $86
    Boone $91
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Augustine $172
    Boone $182
Compare Hotels in Saint Augustine and Boone

Looking for a hotel in Saint Augustine or Boone? 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 Boone


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 Boone Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Augustine $39
    Boone $33

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Augustine or Boone?

Prices for flights to both Boone 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
    Boone $91

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 Boone

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Boone:


  • Restaurant Lunch for 2
    $20

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Augustine $18
    Boone $53

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Augustine $25
    Boone $26

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 Boone, we can see that Boone 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 Boone Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Augustine or Boone?

Boone has a larger population, and is about 7% larger than the population of Saint Augustine. When comparing the sizes of Saint Augustine and Boone, 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.