A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Salt Lake City vs. Cody, Wyoming for Attractions, Families, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Salt Lake City or Cody, Wyoming?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Salt Lake City and Cody, Wyoming can help you decide which place is right for you.

Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is a religious, architectural, and notable city. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and food. See Salt Lake City travel costs.

Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming is a activity-filled, historic, and fascinating town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Cody, Wyoming travel costs.

Salt Lake City and Cody, Wyoming: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
  • Home to Temple Square
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Salt Lake City or Cody, Wyoming?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cody, Wyoming than Salt Lake City, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cody, Wyoming is better known for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, while Salt Lake City is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling. Salt Lake City is well known for its religious landmarks and its large Mormon population. Cody, Wyoming is well known for it's Wild West atmosphere and its founder, Buffalo Bill. Also, Cody, Wyoming is famous for the Buffalo Bill Center of the West.

How is Salt Lake City different from Cody, Wyoming?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cody, Wyoming and Salt Lake City. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Salt Lake City or Cody, Wyoming?

Salt Lake City
Cody, Wyoming

You'll find a number of very good museums and attractions in both Cody, Wyoming and Salt Lake City.

Many visitors head to Salt Lake City specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Many of the fascinating sights around town are influenced by the city's Mormon culture. Temple Square is a highlight for most visitors. It spans 35 acres and is beautifully landscaped with several fountains. There are also four main churches - The Temple, the Tabernacle, the Temple Annex, and Assembly Hall. The city also has several museums such as the Natural History Museum and the historic Liberty Park.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Cody, Wyoming can be an interesting and educational experience. There are some interesting local museums around town. One of the most popular is the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. There are also several gun museums like the Cody Dug Up Gun Museum and the Cody Firearms Museum. For history, check out the Museum of the Plains Indian or the Cody Heritage Museum.


Is the Food Better in Salt Lake City or Cody, Wyoming? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Salt Lake City
Cody, Wyoming

Foodies will find both Salt Lake City and Cody, Wyoming both to be notable destinations.

Salt Lake City is becoming an appealing option for foodies. In recent years the food scene has really improved and you'll find a variety of restaurants that serve everything from upscale dishes to more casual fare.

Cody, Wyoming offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Most of the restaurants offer a nod to the Wild West theme. There's a soda saloon, barbecue joints, and old fashioned saloons where you can grab a thick steak or fried green tomatoes. Many have fun decor and a family-friendly vibe that sets the atmosphere.

Is Salt Lake City or Cody, Wyoming Better for Nightlife?

Salt Lake City
Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming is very good for its evening party scene. However, Salt Lake City is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Cody, Wyoming. The nightlife scene, like everything else in town, stays true to the Wild West theme. You'll find cowboys and cowgirls on the dance floor and enjoy live music and cold drinks at the local bar.

Salt Lake City is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. Known for its large Mormon population, nightlife isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Salt Lake City. While it will likely never be a party city, there are a growing number of entertainment options around town.

Is Salt Lake City or Cody, Wyoming Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Salt Lake City
Cody, Wyoming

Salt Lake City is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Cody, Wyoming is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Salt Lake City. There are a number of good ski resorts nearby, making this a good base or starting point for a ski vacation.

Cody, Wyoming is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Salt Lake City or Cody, Wyoming Better for its Old Town?

Salt Lake City
Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Salt Lake City does not have a historic old town.

Cody, Wyoming has an old town worth visiting. The historic downtown is small, just a few blocks along Sheridan Avenue, but it's filled with personality. The buildings have local character and highlight the town's past.

Salt Lake City does not have a historic old town.

Is Salt Lake City or Cody, Wyoming Better for Hiking?

Salt Lake City
Cody, Wyoming

You'll find notable hiking in both Salt Lake City and Cody, Wyoming.

Many people include a hike when visiting Salt Lake City. The city offers easy access to many diverse trails, so if you're a nature enthusiasts, you'll appreciate this destination.

Cody, Wyoming has hiking trails worth exploring. It's not hard to get out of town and enjoy some hiking. Trails take you through the local landscapes and sometimes offer you the opportunity to see local wildlife.

Is the Shopping Better in Salt Lake City or Cody, Wyoming?

Salt Lake City
Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Salt Lake City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Cody, Wyoming. You'll find quirky shops, local vendors, and sporting equipment stores around town. Whether you want to pick up a souvenir or browse the Wild West paraphernalia, shopping is a fun activity in town.

Salt Lake City is a great destination for shopping. The city has sprawling outlet malls as well as local stores and craft shops. City Creek Center is a favorite shopping destination, but there are also several large shopping malls that are worth visiting.


Is Salt Lake City or Cody, Wyoming Better for Families?

Salt Lake City
Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Salt Lake City 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 Cody, Wyoming. It's a fun stop off for families who are visiting the national parks in the area. There are diverse activities that will give the kids a break from hiking and nature programs. Make sure you check out the Cody Nite Rodeo, the Old Trail Town, and the horseback riding. For a glimpse at what life was like back in the Wild West, check out a Wild Bunch Gunfighters Show.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Salt Lake City. There are museums that kids will enjoy like the Natural History Museum of Utah and the Leonardo Museum. There are also fun-filled activities like a visit to Lagoon Amusement Park. You can learn about history at This Is the Place Heritage Park or learn about the undersea world at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium.

Is Salt Lake City or Cody, Wyoming Better for Couples?

Salt Lake City
Cody, Wyoming

Both Salt Lake City and Cody, Wyoming are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Salt Lake City is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with beautiful gardens like Red Butte Garden. There are also nice restaurants and romantic hotels that will make this a nice place for a couple's getaway.

Cody, Wyoming is a nice destination for couples. If you don't take yourself too seriously, this is a fun town to shop, dine, and play. There's horseback riding, historical reenactments, and quirky shops. There's also the opportunity to see wildlife and chat with other travelers.

Is Salt Lake City or Cody, Wyoming Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Salt Lake City
Cody, Wyoming

Salt Lake City is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Cody, Wyoming is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Salt Lake City has some public transit options. There's a surprisingly good public transit system that includes light rail, buses, and commuter trains, but if you want to get out of town you'll need to have a car.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Cody, Wyoming. There's no real public transit through town.


Is Salt Lake City or Cody, Wyoming a more walkable city?

Salt Lake City
Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Salt Lake City is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Cody, Wyoming is a somewhat walkable town. The historic downtown can be explored on foot, but anything outside of town will require a car.

Salt Lake City is generally not very walkable. While some neighborhoods are walkable, like Temple Square, most visitors prefer to have a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Salt Lake City Worth Visiting? and Is Cody, Wyoming Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cody, Wyoming or Salt Lake City?

How long in Salt Lake City or Cody, Wyoming?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Salt Lake City and Cody, Wyoming. In our opinion, Cody, Wyoming has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Cody, Wyoming than Salt Lake City. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Salt Lake City, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cody, Wyoming.

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

Couples should spend more time in Cody, Wyoming than Salt Lake City. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cody, Wyoming that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cody, Wyoming than Salt Lake City 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 Cody, Wyoming.


  • How many days in Salt Lake City or Cody, Wyoming? Ideal Length of Stay
    Salt Lake City 2-3 
    Cody, Wyoming 1-3

One day in Salt Lake City or Cody, Wyoming?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the notable destination of Salt Lake City. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Cody, Wyoming might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Salt Lake City or Cody, Wyoming?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Salt Lake City. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Cody, Wyoming is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.


Five days in Salt Lake City or Cody, Wyoming?

Travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the architectural destination of Salt Lake City. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cody, Wyoming. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Salt Lake City or Cody, Wyoming?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the city of Salt Lake City. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Cody, Wyoming is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Cody, Wyoming or Salt Lake City?

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

  • Salt Lake City Prices
    USA Prices
    Cody, Wyoming Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Salt Lake City $282
    Cody, Wyoming $191

The average daily cost (per person) in Salt Lake City is $282, while the average daily cost in Cody, Wyoming is $191. 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 Salt Lake City and Cody, Wyoming in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Salt Lake City $119
    Cody, Wyoming $78
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Salt Lake City $238
    Cody, Wyoming $156
Compare Hotels in Salt Lake City and Cody, Wyoming

Looking for a hotel in Salt Lake City or Cody, Wyoming? 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 Salt Lake City


Hotels in Cody, Wyoming


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: Salt Lake City Hotel Prices and Cody, Wyoming Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Salt Lake City $45
    Cody, Wyoming $46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Salt Lake City

Also for Salt Lake City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Salt Lake City to Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) - Departure Private Transfer: $48
  • Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) to Salt Lake City - Arrival Private Transfer: $48
  • Private Transfer: Hotels to SLC Airport: $45
  • Private Transfer from Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) to Salt Lake City : $132
  • Private Transfer from Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) to Park City hotel or address: $286
  • Private Transfer from SLC to Park City UT : $286
  • Private Departure Transfer to Salt Lake City Airport SLC: $36

Is it cheaper to fly into Salt Lake City or Cody, Wyoming?

Prices for flights to both Cody, Wyoming and Salt Lake City 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
    Salt Lake City $86
    Cody, Wyoming $80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Salt Lake City $28
    Cody, Wyoming $33

Tours and Activities in Salt Lake City

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

  • 4-Day Yellowstone&Mount Rushmore Tour from Salt Lake City: $1,348
  • 45 Minute Great Salt Lake Boat Tour: $39
  • 8-Day Tour: LA, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone & Las Vegas: $1,399
  • Antelope Island Wildlife Expedition Great Salt Lake Adventure: $99
  • Bonneville Salt Flats Adventure: $149
  • From 6-Day Yellowstone and Grand Teton Tour: $3,884
  • From Bonneville Salt Flats Guided Tour: $149
  • From Private Goblin Valley State Park Tour: $1,475
  • From Yellowstone & Grand Teton 5-Day Tour: $1,368
  • From Salt Lake Private Experience to Bonneville Salt Flats: $179
  • Gourmet Dining Experience : $215
  • Grand Teton,Yellowstone National Park 3-Day Tour from SLC: $1,016

Tours and Activities in Cody, Wyoming

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

  • Cody Trolley Tours - Best of the West Trolley Tour: $35
  • Rock Climbing Experience: $150
  • From Cody: Full-Day Yellowstone National Park Tour: $260
  • Kicking Red Canyon Wild Mustang Bus Tour Deals 5 PM In Cody : $69
  • Kicking Red Canyon Wild Mustang Bus Tour Deals 8am Daily : $69
  • Private Guided Nature Hiking Experience in Cody Wyoming: $135
  • Red Canyon River Trip’s Extended Whitewater Adventure!: $89
  • Red Canyon River Trips 7 Mile Whitewater Adventure 3:00PM Daily!: $59
  • Red Canyon River Trips Whitewater 7 Mile Adventure 1:00PM Daily : $59
  • Red Canyon Wild Mustang Tours And Safaris In Cody Wyoming : $89
  • Red Canyon’s Best Of The Wild West Wild Mustang+Rafting Adventure: $139
  • Rock Climbing Experience in Cody, Wyoming: $165

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Salt Lake City $17
    Cody, Wyoming $18

Sample the Local Flavors in Salt Lake City

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Salt Lake City:

  • Spirits of the Wasatch Distillery Tour: $20


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Salt Lake City and Cody, Wyoming, we can see that Salt Lake City is more expensive. And not only is Cody, Wyoming much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cody, Wyoming would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cody, Wyoming 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 Salt Lake City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Salt Lake City than you might in Cody, Wyoming.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Salt Lake City Expensive? and Is Cody, Wyoming Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Salt Lake City or Cody, Wyoming?

Salt Lake City has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Cody, Wyoming. When comparing the sizes of Salt Lake City and Cody, Wyoming, 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.

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