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

Should you visit Saint Augustine or Boulder?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Augustine or Boulder, 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 notable, colonial, and historic city. Saint Augustine is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping. See Saint Augustine travel costs.

Boulder

Boulder is a biker-friendly, outdoorsy, and nature-filled city. Boulder is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, nightlife, and live music. See Boulder travel costs.

Saint Augustine and Boulder: 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
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Saint Augustine or Boulder?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Saint Augustine. Although Saint Augustine and Boulder are popular destinations, Saint Augustine has more sights and attractions for tourists. Saint Augustine is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Boulder attracts visitors for its skiing, music, and hiking. Saint Augustine is more touristy than Boulder and is popular for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States. It is also well known for the Colonial Quarter. Boulder is famous for its outdoor sports, biker-friendly downtown, vibrant downtown, and many local breweries.

How is Saint Augustine different from Boulder?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Saint Augustine or Boulder Better for Skiing?

Saint Augustine
Boulder

Boulder is a city with a few options for winter skiing. However, Saint Augustine is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Boulder to take advantage of their winter sports. The town offers access within an hour or two to several great ski resorts including Eldora Mountain, Vail, and Breckenridge.

Saint Augustine is not a skiing destination.


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

Saint Augustine
Boulder

Saint Augustine is a great city for its historical sights. However, Boulder is not known for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Saint Augustine. 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.

Boulder offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people visit Boulder for the outdoor activities more than the museums and sights. If have the time you can wander around the University of Colorado Boulder campus, visit the Museum of Boulder, or see the Leanin' Tree Museum of Western Art.

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

Saint Augustine
Boulder

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

Saint Augustine has a huge number of terrific 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Boulder area. This is an often overlooked foodie town, with great farmer's markets and restaurants to try. There are many casual places to eat as well as vegetarian and vegan friendly options everywhere.

Is Saint Augustine or Boulder Better for Nightlife?

Saint Augustine
Boulder

It's hard to distinguish whether Saint Augustine or Boulder 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 Boulder has a few options to choose from. The town has breweries, craft beer, and plenty to do in the evening. Live music is popular and many venues are smaller with a more personal atmosphere. Check out The Bitter Bar or License No. 1 for a local vibe.


Is Saint Augustine or Boulder Better for Music?

Saint Augustine
Boulder

Boulder is a nice place to visit for live music. However, Saint Augustine is not a live music destination.

The music scene helps keep Boulder active and fun. During the summer months there are often outdoor concerts. Head to Pearl Street for open air stages or see a concert at Boulder Theater.

Saint Augustine is not a live music destination.

Is Saint Augustine or Boulder Better for Beaches?

Saint Augustine
Boulder

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

Many people visit Saint Augustine for it's beautiful 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.

Boulder is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Augustine or Boulder Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine
Boulder

Saint Augustine is an unbeatable place for its old town. However, Boulder does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Saint Augustine offers plenty to see. 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.

Boulder does not have a historic old town.


Is Saint Augustine or Boulder Better for Hiking?

Saint Augustine
Boulder

Boulder 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 Boulder. There are many accessible hikes in the area that take you through the mountains, by wildflowers, or up mountain peaks. Popular hikes that are nearby include the Bear Peak Summit Hike, the trails in Eldorado Canyon State Park, and Boulder Falls.

Saint Augustine is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Augustine or Boulder?

Saint Augustine
Boulder

Saint Augustine is a great city for its shopping opportunities. Also, Boulder is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

Saint Augustine is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Boulder to go shopping. The downtown area has many local retailers where you can shop for clothing, art, or home goods. You can also pick up outdoor gear, camping equipment, and any other items you may need in town. Make sure you wander down the pedestrian-friendly Pearl Street Mall.

Is Saint Augustine or Boulder More Beautiful?

Saint Augustine
Boulder

Saint Augustine and Boulder both are comparable with their nice scenery and beauty.

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

Boulder is a beautiful place to visit, too. The city is surrounded by beautiful mountains and breathtaking landscapes. Many people move here specifically for the surrounding natural beauty.


Is Saint Augustine or Boulder Better for Families?

Saint Augustine
Boulder

Saint Augustine is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Boulder is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Saint Augustine is very family-friendly. 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.

Boulder is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has parks, playgrounds, a planetarium, and climbing gyms that are fun for kids of all ages. There are plenty places to get outdoors with hiking, kayaking, and other outdoor recreational activities. Eldorado Canyon State Park is a great place to explore as well.

Is Saint Augustine or Boulder Better for Couples?

Saint Augustine
Boulder

Saint Augustine is a great city for its romantic activities. Also, Boulder is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Saint Augustine is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Boulder is a good city for couples to visit. This is a great city for couples who love outdoor adventures, hiking, rock climbing, and cycling. You can wander down Pearl Street or go for a bike ride. There are also great restaurants where you can enjoy a meal and then head to Panorama Point to take in the view.

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

Saint Augustine
Boulder

Boulder 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 Boulder. There are a number of backcountry areas in the region that are perfect for backpackers. The city also has a young population and several affordable places to stay.

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 Boulder Better for Students?

Saint Augustine
Boulder

Boulder is a great destination for students. However, Saint Augustine is not popular with students.

Boulder is a great city to visit as a student. With the University of Colorado, Boulder in town, this city is a popular spot for students. It's an outdoor enthusiast's perfect base with many outdoor recreational activities in the area.

Saint Augustine is not popular with students.

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

Saint Augustine
Boulder

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

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 Boulder. There are buses that run around town, but you really need a car to fully experience everything that the city has to offer.

Is Saint Augustine or Boulder a more walkable city?

Saint Augustine
Boulder

Saint Augustine is a great city for its high level of walkability. Also, Boulder is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

Saint Augustine is a very walkable city. 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.

Boulder is a somewhat walkable city. The city has some nice walkable areas and it is very bike-friendly.


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

Should I spend more time in Boulder or Saint Augustine?

How long in Saint Augustine or Boulder?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint Augustine and Boulder. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Saint Augustine than in Boulder. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Augustine, and 2-3 days is enough time in Boulder.

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


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

One day in Saint Augustine or Boulder?

In Saint Augustine, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The biker-friendly destination of Boulder offers nightlife and live music. 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 Boulder?

In Saint Augustine, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

The city of Boulder offers live music and food. 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 Boulder?

Saint Augustine is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Boulder is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Boulder?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Augustine. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Saint Augustine. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Boulder. 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, Boulder 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
    Boulder Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Saint Augustine $195
    Boulder $231

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Augustine is $195, while the average daily cost in Boulder is $231. 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 Boulder in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Augustine $86
    Boulder $102
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Augustine $172
    Boulder $204
Compare Hotels in Saint Augustine and Boulder

Looking for a hotel in Saint Augustine or Boulder? 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 Boulder


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 Boulder Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Augustine $39
    Boulder $51

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Augustine or Boulder?

Prices for flights to both Boulder 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
    Boulder $94

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
  • Feast of Saint Augustine Historical Walking Food Tour: $139

Typical Food Prices in Boulder

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


  • 2 Coffees
    $8.75
  • Nice Dinner for Two
    $71

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Augustine $18
    Boulder $33

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 - Nights of Lights by Water in St. Augustine FL: $38
  • 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

Tours and Activities in Boulder

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Boulder.

  • Downtown Boulder Smartphone Guided Audio GPS Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Boulder CO: $15
  • University of Colorado Boulder Campus Adventure: $15
  • Bones, Burials, & Ballads: Boulder Ghost Tours: $24
  • Boulder Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Boulder Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Boulder Ghost Tour: $35
  • Guided Astronomy Tour: $45
  • Hoover Dam and Red Rock Canyon Combo Tour: $52
  • Boulder Flatirons Private Photo Adventure: $85
  • Boulder Joyride Guided eBike Tour: $95
  • The Boulder Joyride eBike Tour: $95

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Augustine $25
    Boulder $27

Sample the Local Flavors in Saint Augustine

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Saint Augustine:

  • The Original Haunted Pub Tour: $27
  • 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Augustine and Boulder, we can see that Boulder is more expensive. And not only is Saint Augustine much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saint Augustine would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint Augustine 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 Boulder would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boulder than you might in Saint Augustine.

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 Boulder Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Augustine or Boulder?

Boulder has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Saint Augustine. When comparing the sizes of Saint Augustine and Boulder, 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.