A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Salt Lake City vs. Niagara Falls for Families, Attractions, Hiking, and Couples

Should you visit Salt Lake City or Niagara Falls?

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 Niagara Falls can help you decide which place is right for you.

Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is a architectural, notable, and religious city. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Salt Lake City travel costs.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a impressive, iconic, and breathtaking city. With stunning beauty, Niagara Falls attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping. See Niagara Falls travel costs.

Salt Lake City and Niagara Falls: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Salt Lake City or Niagara Falls?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Salt Lake City than Niagara Falls, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Salt Lake City is more popular for its museums and attractions and scuba diving & snorkeling, while Niagara Falls is known for its nightlife, hiking, and impressive beauty. Niagara Falls is more touristy than Salt Lake City and is popular for the large volume of water that flows over it. Salt Lake City is popular for its religious landmarks and its large Mormon population. It is also home to Temple Square.

How is Salt Lake City different from Niagara Falls?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls?

Salt Lake City is notable for its sights and museums. However, Niagara Falls is a mediocre city for its museums and history.

Salt Lake City offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

While most people don't head to Niagara Falls specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The Niagara Falls History Museum is one of the best museums in the area. There are also more touristy museums and attractions that you can visit as well. There's also a butterfly conservancy that is worth checking out.

Is the Food Better in Salt Lake City or Niagara Falls? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Salt Lake City and Niagara Falls both to be good 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.

Niagara Falls offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. It's an iconic Canadian destination so, of course, you should try all things Canadian while you're in town. Maple syrup, poutine, butter tart, and beavertail (fried dough) are all things that should be on your list. Also make sure you sample some of the local game meat.

Is Salt Lake City or Niagara Falls Better for Nightlife?

Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls. There's a decent concentration of clubs, pubs, and bars around town that keep things fun late into the evening.

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 Niagara Falls Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Salt Lake City is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Niagara Falls is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Salt Lake City has a few good snorkeling spots. There are a number of good ski resorts nearby, making this a good base or starting point for a ski vacation.

Niagara Falls is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Salt Lake City or Niagara Falls Better for Hiking?

Niagara Falls is a very popular place for its hiking trails. Also, Salt Lake City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Niagara Falls. The nearby area is filled with hiking trails that let you escape into nature and enjoy impressive views.

Salt Lake City has hiking trails worth exploring. The city offers easy access to many diverse trails, so if you're a nature enthusiasts, you'll appreciate this destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Salt Lake City or Niagara Falls?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Salt Lake City and Niagara Falls.

Salt Lake City has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Niagara Falls is a great destination for shopping. You'll find touristy souvenir shops as well as outlets and malls nearby.

Is Salt Lake City or Niagara Falls More Beautiful?

Niagara Falls is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Salt Lake City is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Niagara Falls attracts visitors from all around. It's an impressive sight and the Canadian side offers the best views. It's definitely something you should try and see at least once.

Salt Lake City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Salt Lake City or Niagara Falls Better for Families?

Niagara Falls is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Salt Lake City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Niagara Falls is one of the most popular family destinations. The views and setting are spectacular, and kids will love the boat tours or taking a ride on the Whirlpool Aero Car. There's also an indoor waterpark, a butterfly conservatory, and plenty of nature to explore.

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 Niagara Falls Better for Couples?

Niagara Falls is a very popular place for couples. Also, Salt Lake City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Niagara Falls makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The setting has long brought to mind romance, and to this day couples still honeymoon at this iconic destination. There are boat tours, nature trails, luxury hotels, and even wineries to explore.

Salt Lake City is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Is Salt Lake City or Niagara Falls Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Niagara Falls is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Salt Lake City is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Niagara Falls is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's a hostel or two where you can stay for cheap and meet other travelers.

Salt Lake City is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels in town, but most backpackers overlook this destination or breeze through town quickly.

Is Salt Lake City or Niagara Falls Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find good public transit in both Salt Lake City and Niagara Falls.

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.

You'll find some public transit in Niagara Falls, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a bus system through town.

Is Salt Lake City or Niagara Falls a more walkable city?

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

Niagara Falls is a somewhat walkable city. Most of the attractions and close together by the falls, so it's relatively walkable.

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 Niagara Falls Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Niagara Falls or Salt Lake City?

How long in Salt Lake City or Niagara Falls?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Salt Lake City and Niagara Falls. In our opinion, Niagara Falls has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Niagara Falls than Salt Lake City. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls.

One day in Salt Lake City or Niagara Falls?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the religious 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.

In Niagara Falls, you'll find nightlife and food. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Salt Lake City or Niagara Falls?

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.

Niagara Falls is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Niagara Falls?

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 Niagara Falls. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Niagara Falls?

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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the city of Niagara Falls. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Canada, and The Best Camping Tours in Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Salt Lake City and Niagara Falls, we can see that Salt Lake City is more expensive. And not only is Niagara Falls much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Niagara Falls would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls.

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 Niagara Falls Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Salt Lake City or Niagara Falls?

Salt Lake City has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Niagara Falls. When comparing the sizes of Salt Lake City and Niagara Falls, 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.