A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Santa Fe vs. Park City Utah for Skiing, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Santa Fe or Park City Utah?

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 Santa Fe and Park City Utah can help you decide which place is right for you.

Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a charming, artsy, and cultural historic town. Santa Fe offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the museums, skiing, and live music. See Santa Fe travel costs.

Park City Utah

Park City Utah is a high energy, adventurous, and active town. With stunning beauty, Park City Utah attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and skiing. See Park City Utah travel costs.

Santa Fe and Park City Utah: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for skiing
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Santa Fe or Park City Utah?

Both Park City Utah and Santa Fe have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Santa Fe is very popular for its museums and attractions, music, historical sights, and quaint atmosphere, while Park City Utah attracts visitors for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Park City Utah is more touristy than Santa Fe and is known for the Sundance Film Festival and world-renowned skiing and snowboarding. Santa Fe is famous for its strong arts scene, its Pueblo-style architecture, and its unique local cuisine.

How is Santa Fe different from Park City Utah?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Park City Utah and Santa Fe. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Santa Fe or Park City Utah Better for Skiing?

Santa Fe
Park City Utah

Park City Utah is an unbeatable place for skiing. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town for snow skiing.

Park City Utah is among the world's best ski destinations. Two ski resorts are nearby, Park City Mountain and Deer Valley Resort. Park City Mountain is the largest resort in the United States. There are 7,300 acres that include two different base areas, 41 lifts, and 6 terrain parks. There's ski-in ski-out access from the town's Main Street, and options for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Deer Valley Resort is a ritzy and upscale option that is more glamorous and high class.

Santa Fe is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. There are a few good ski resorts not far from Santa Fe. Popular options include Taos Ski Valley, Ski Santa Fe, Pajarito Mountain Ski Area, and Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Santa Fe or Park City Utah?

Santa Fe
Park City Utah

Santa Fe is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Park City Utah is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Santa Fe. Head to the Museum of New Mexico Complex, which has four museums that give a great overview of the history of the area. Also make sure you visit the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi and the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum.

Park City Utah offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of museums and some nice art galleries in town. There are also museums at Olympic Park.

Is the Food Better in Santa Fe or Park City Utah? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Santa Fe
Park City Utah

Dining out at restaurants in both Santa Fe and Park City Utah can be an enjoyable experience.

Santa Fe has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are many local restaurants that use regional ingredients and offer great flavors. There are also cafes and bistros where you can enjoy breakfast or brunch. Local dishes include sopaipillas made with Native American fry bread, slow-cooked beans, and anything made with red and green chili peppers.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Park City Utah makes for a great culinary experience. Park City has a wonderful food scene with many award-winning restaurants. Many restaurants offer fine dining experiences and even the more casual options are high priced with high quality dishes. You'll also find many great breakfast restaurants and cafes so you can start your day off with a filling meal.

Is Santa Fe or Park City Utah Better for Nightlife?

Santa Fe
Park City Utah

Park City Utah is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. However, Santa Fe is not known for nightlife.

The nightlife in Park City Utah is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. After a day on the slopes, you'll return to a vibrant nightlife scene with bars and live music. Most of the action is concentrated around Main Street and it's easy to walk to most venues, even when the weather is cold and snowy.

Most people don't head to Santa Fe specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. While most of the town quiets down at night, the city has a few areas that stay active late into the night. Live music is popular and diverse. It often includes different genres such as the blues, country, salsa or bluegrass.


Is Santa Fe or Park City Utah Better for Music?

Santa Fe
Park City Utah

Santa Fe is a good destination for its music scene. However, Park City Utah is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Santa Fe. The town has an eclectic music scene that includes a mix of the blues, country, Latin American music, and bluegrass.

Park City Utah is not a live music destination.

Is Santa Fe or Park City Utah Better for Resorts?

Santa Fe
Park City Utah

Park City Utah is a great town for its luxury resorts. However, Santa Fe is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Park City Utah. You'll find most of the major chains as well as smaller and more personal hotels. Many hotels have hot tubs and pools, and many offer easy access to the ski gondola.

Santa Fe is not a resort destination.

Is Santa Fe or Park City Utah Better for its Old Town?

Santa Fe
Park City Utah

Santa Fe is great for its historic old town charm. However, Park City Utah does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Santa Fe. As the 2nd oldest city in the United States, the old town historic district is filled with charm. The Pueblo-style buildings are brightly colored and there are churches throughout.

Park City Utah does not have a historic old town.


Is Santa Fe or Park City Utah Better for Hiking?

Santa Fe
Park City Utah

Park City Utah is a great town for hiking. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Park City Utah for the hiking trails. If you're visiting during a warmer month, hiking is a great way to experience the area's beauty. There are more than 350 miles of hiking trails that pass through forests, canyons, creeks, and mountain ridges. You'll find options for every skill level and regardless of the hike you choose, it's sure to take your breath away.

Santa Fe has hiking trails worth exploring. Because it's located right by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, there are many beautiful hikes right outside of town. Popular trails include the Picacho Peak Trail and the Nambe Lake Trail. Bandelier National also has many places to hike.

Is the Shopping Better in Santa Fe or Park City Utah?

Santa Fe
Park City Utah

If you're looking to go shopping, Santa Fe and Park City Utah both offer plenty of high quality spots.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Santa Fe. There are many unique shops and art galleries that feature local artists and craftsmen.

Park City Utah is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Wander down the historic Main Street and enjoy shopping at the many quaint vendors and art galleries. There are also outlet malls in town.

Is Santa Fe or Park City Utah More Beautiful?

Santa Fe
Park City Utah

Park City Utah is a great town for its scenery and beauty. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town for its scenery and beauty.

With stunning beauty, Park City Utah attracts visitors from all around. It's surrounded by the Rocky Mountains and is a charming and beautiful mountain town.

Santa Fe is a gorgeous place to visit. This cultural city has a unique beauty that is hard to find anywhere else.


Is Santa Fe or Park City Utah Better for Families?

Santa Fe
Park City Utah

Park City Utah is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town for its family-friendly activities.

Park City Utah is one of the most popular family destinations. There is kid-family skiing, ziplining, and alpine coasters. The free museums at Olympic Park are fun to explore as well and are filled with memorabilia from the 2002 Olympics. Additionally, there are kid-friendly restaurants and playgrounds where the little ones can run around.

Santa Fe is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a few kids' museums in Santa Fe including the Santa Fe Children's Museum and the Meow Wolf Art Complex. Kids also enjoy the botanical gardens at Museum Hill and Bandelier National Monument just outside of the city.

Is Santa Fe or Park City Utah Better for Couples?

Santa Fe
Park City Utah

Park City Utah is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Park City Utah has plenty to offer. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, you can enjoy the area's many great restaurants and beautiful hikes. There are romantic hotels as well as sleigh rides and evening walks that will make this an unforgettable destination.

Santa Fe is a nice destination for couples. There are many romantic inns around town, each with a lot of character. The town also has a lot of atmosphere that makes for a romantic getaway.

Is Santa Fe or Park City Utah Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santa Fe
Park City Utah

Park City Utah is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Santa Fe is not known for backpackers.

Park City Utah is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Although the town is notoriously expensive, there is a hostel in town that appeals to backpackers.

Santa Fe is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a hostel in town as well as several campgrounds.


Is Santa Fe or Park City Utah Better for Students?

Santa Fe
Park City Utah

Santa Fe is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Park City Utah is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Santa Fe. There are a few colleges and universities in town and students will appreciate the reasonable cost of living and outdoor activities nearby.

Park City Utah is not popular with students.

Is Santa Fe or Park City Utah Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Santa Fe
Park City Utah

Park City Utah is a great town for times when you don't have a car. However, Santa Fe is not known for its public transit.

Park City Utah offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are 13 free bus routes as well as seasonal transportation providers.

Public transit is generally limited in Santa Fe. There is a bus system - the Santa Fe Trails Bus Service.

Is Santa Fe or Park City Utah a more walkable city?

Santa Fe
Park City Utah

Park City Utah is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town for its walkability.

Park City Utah is a very easy town to get around on foot. It's a very walkable town and is easy to explore on foot.

Santa Fe is very walkable. The historic district is walkable and it's easy to visit most of the tourist sights in this area on foot.


For even more information, also check out Is Santa Fe Worth Visiting? and Is Park City Utah Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Park City Utah or Santa Fe?

How long in Santa Fe or Park City Utah?

In either Santa Fe or Park City Utah, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Park City Utah has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Park City Utah than Santa Fe. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Santa Fe, and 3-5 days is enough time in Park City Utah.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Park City Utah than Santa Fe 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 Park City Utah.


  • How many days in Santa Fe or Park City Utah? Ideal Length of Stay
    Santa Fe 2-5 
    Park City Utah 3-5

One day in Santa Fe or Park City Utah?

In Santa Fe, you'll find skiing and live music. Visiting the old town is also a must. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The beautiful town of Park City Utah offers nightlife and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Santa Fe or Park City Utah?

Santa Fe is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Park City Utah is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Santa Fe or Park City Utah?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santa Fe. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

Park City Utah is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Park City Utah, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


A week in Santa Fe or Park City Utah?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic town of Santa Fe. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Park City Utah is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Park City Utah or Santa Fe?

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

  • Santa Fe Prices
    USA Prices
    Park City Utah Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Santa Fe $190
    Park City Utah $368

The average daily cost (per person) in Santa Fe is $190, while the average daily cost in Park City Utah is $368. 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 Santa Fe and Park City Utah in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Santa Fe $81
    Park City Utah $202
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Santa Fe $162
    Park City Utah $404
Compare Hotels in Santa Fe and Park City Utah

Looking for a hotel in Santa Fe or Park City Utah? 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 Santa Fe


Hotels in Park City Utah


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: Santa Fe Hotel Prices and Park City Utah Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Santa Fe $61
    Park City Utah $72

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santa Fe

Also for Santa Fe, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • New Mexico: Private Transfer from Santa Fe Regional Airport: $196

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Park City Utah

Also for Park City Utah, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Canyons Village to Salt Lake Airport (SLC) - Departure Transfer: $217
  • Departure Transfer from Park City Ski Resort to Provo Airport PVU: $176

Is it cheaper to fly into Santa Fe or Park City Utah?

Prices for flights to both Park City Utah and Santa Fe 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
    Santa Fe $75
    Park City Utah $113

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santa Fe

For Santa Fe, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • New Mexican Flavors Food Tour of the Santa Fe Plaza: $187
  • Wander New Mexico Food Tour - Downtown Plaza 'Sip & Savor': $209
  • Santa Fe Farmers Market & Railyard Food Tour: $213
  • Savor Wine Pairing Dinner: $234
  • Downtown Plaza "Sip and Savor" Half-day Food Tour: $239

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Santa Fe $17
    Park City Utah $68

Tours and Activities in Santa Fe

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

  • 2 Hour Pottery Experience (Wheel or Hand-Building): $160
  • Allan Houser Sculpture Garden and Studio Tour: $35
  • Downtown Santa Fe Walking Wine, History, & Tapas Tour: $249
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Santa Fe NM: $15
  • Plaza Sip, Savor, & History Walking Tour in Santa Fe: $189
  • Private 2.5h Walking Tour to Discover Santa Fe: $185
  • Private Festive Tour of Santa Fe’s Christmas Highlights: $349
  • Private Walking Tour of Santa Fe’s Historic Sites: $866
  • Railyard Sip, Savor, & History Walking Tour in Santa Fe: $159
  • Santa Fe Architectural Walking Tour: $136
  • Santa Fe Art and History Small Group Bike Tour: $135
  • Santa Fe Botanical Garden General Admission Ticket : $17

Tours and Activities in Park City Utah

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Park City Utah.

  • Ebike Adventure with Sitemap : $125
  • Gourmet Dining Experience: $215
  • Guided Fly Fishing Experience in Park City: $260
  • Guided Urban Art and Historical E-Bike Tour in Park City: $175
  • Park City Food and Cultural Walking Tour: $150
  • Park City Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Privately Guided Snowshoe Experience: $118

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Santa Fe $9.68
    Park City Utah $46

Sample the Local Flavors in Santa Fe

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Santa Fe:

  • Tumbleroot Brewery and Distillery Tour and Tasting: $18
  • Architectural Walking Tour & Wine Tasting: $135
  • Join in Wine Tours: $145


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Santa Fe Expensive? and Is Park City Utah Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Santa Fe or Park City Utah?

Santa Fe has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Park City Utah. When comparing the sizes of Santa Fe and Park City Utah, 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.