A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Seattle vs. Beaver Creek for Families, Food, Nightlife, and Hiking

Should you visit Seattle or Beaver Creek?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Seattle or Beaver Creek, 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.

Seattle

Seattle is a laid-back, bustling, and progressive city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Seattle is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include theater, nightlife, and live music. See Seattle travel costs.

Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a adventurous, charming, and active town. Other popular activities here include skiing, food, and hiking. See Beaver Creek travel costs.

Seattle and Beaver Creek: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities
  • Home to the Space Needle
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less theater options
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Seattle or Beaver Creek?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Seattle than Beaver Creek, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Seattle is better known for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, nightlife, music, beaches, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Beaver Creek is more popular for its skiing and resorts. Beaver Creek is more touristy than Seattle and is popular for its skiing and charming atmosphere Seattle is well known for its beautiful waterfront setting, diverse culinary scene, thriving art and cultural venues, and being the home of many international tech companies. Also, Seattle is famous for The Space Needle.

How is Seattle different from Beaver Creek?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Seattle or Beaver Creek Better for Skiing?

Seattle
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is renowned for snow skiing. However, Seattle is not a skiing destination.

The snow ski experience you'll have in Beaver Creek is among the best in the world. Beaver Creek Ski Resort is a top ski destination with 26 lifts and 149 different trails. It climbs to an elevation of 11,440 feet and the village is filled with ski-in/ski-out accommodation. There's also an excellent ski school.

Seattle is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Seattle or Beaver Creek?

Seattle
Beaver Creek

Seattle is a great city for its historical sights. However, Beaver Creek does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Seattle can be an interesting and educational experience. The city's most iconic landmark is the Space Needle. There's also a zoo, aquarium, and a handful of nice museums. Several favorites include the Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of History & Industry, and the Seattle Art Museum.

Beaver Creek does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Seattle or Beaver Creek Better for Theater?

Seattle
Beaver Creek

Seattle is a nice place to visit for theatre. However, Beaver Creek is not known for its theatre productions.

If you have some extra time in Seattle, take in a show. There are a handful of theaters where you can enjoy traveling Broadway shows or smaller productions.

Beaver Creek has a few theater choices. There are a couple of art galleries around town.

Is the Food Better in Seattle or Beaver Creek? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Seattle
Beaver Creek

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at superb restaurants in both Seattle and Beaver Creek.

Dining out in Seattle is an experience not to be missed. The city has many diverse dining options that make it a popular foodie destination. The seafood is world-class with many restaurants offering fresh caught salmon and oysters. There are also many great Asian restaurants with Pho, sushi, and dim sum all being popular around town. Seattle is also famous as the birthplace of Starbucks coffee, and both chain and independent coffee shops are common. Finally, make sure you check out the donuts at Pike's Place Market.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Beaver Creek. There are many great dining options where you can enjoy a meal after working up an appetite on the slopes. The cuisine has many mountain classics as well as fine dining and more casual restaurants.


Is Seattle or Beaver Creek Better for Nightlife?

Seattle
Beaver Creek

Seattle is a great city for nightlife. However, Beaver Creek is not known for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Seattle has something for everybody. The city is known for its breweries and eclectic nightlife scene. There is a thriving theater scene as well as many bars and trendy restaurants. The best neighborhoods for nightlife include Capitol Hill, Belltown, and Downtown.

Most people don't head to Beaver Creek specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. You won't find a wild nightlife scene, but most of the activities center around the Vilar Performing Arts Center.

Is Seattle or Beaver Creek Better for Music?

Seattle
Beaver Creek

Seattle is a great city for live music. However, Beaver Creek is not a live music destination.

Seattle has a thriving music scene. The city has developed its own music culture around several genres including alternative rock and grunge.

Beaver Creek is not a live music destination.

Is Seattle or Beaver Creek Better for Resorts?

Seattle
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Seattle is not a resort destination.

Beaver Creek has a few great resort options. There are many resorts in the area including the Westin and the Hyatt.

Seattle is not a resort destination.


Is Seattle or Beaver Creek Better for Beaches?

Seattle
Beaver Creek

Seattle is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Beaver Creek is not a beach destination.

Seattle has a beach worth visiting. The city is surrounded by water so there are a number of rocky and sandy beaches nearby. Some beaches are more popular with locals while others attract a large amount of tourists. Alki Beach Park, Discovery Park, and Golden Gardens Park are among the best.

Beaver Creek is not a beach destination.

Is Seattle or Beaver Creek Better for Hiking?

Seattle
Beaver Creek

Seattle and Beaver Creek are both places where visitors can find superb hiking trails.

Seattle is a popular spot for hiking. It's famously an outdoorsy city and the hiking will not disappoint. Within a half hour drive of town you'll find beautiful forests and stunning natural beauty. Head into the Cascades, to the coastal rainforests, or around Mount Rainier for all kinds of diverse landscapes. Seattle is well situated for you to experience hiking through the diverse Pacific Northwest landscapes.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Beaver Creek. The surrounding countryside is filled with trails that take you through flowered meadows, along scenic ridgelines, and to the top of dramatic peaks. During the warmer months, hiking is a wonderful way to enjoy the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Seattle or Beaver Creek?

Seattle
Beaver Creek

Both Seattle and Beaver Creek are notable shopping destinations.

Many visitors go to Seattle to go shopping. Shopping in town has an eclectic mix of high end brands, local vendors, and vintage shops. There are farmers markets as well as the famous Pike Place Market, but also major malls with all of the standard department stores.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Beaver Creek. The village has pedestrian streets that are lined with fashion boutiques, jewelry stores, sporting equipment stores, and art galleries.


Is Seattle or Beaver Creek More Beautiful?

Seattle
Beaver Creek

Seattle is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Beaver Creek is not a destination known for its beauty.

Seattle is a gorgeous place to visit. Set against the backdrop of Mt. Rainier, the city has both natural and architectural beauty. It's also beautifully situated on the water with lots of parks and vegetation throughout.

Beaver Creek is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Seattle or Beaver Creek Better for Families?

Seattle
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Beaver Creek is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. This is one of the most kid-friendly ski resorts in the country. There's a ski and snowboard school where kids can enjoy private or group lessons as well as other fun activities for kids. There are also many family-friendly restaurants in the area.

Seattle is a family-friendly city. This is an outdoor city with plenty of places where kids can run around and experience nature. There are several good museums as well as outdoor activities, parks, and a zoo. Make sure you check out the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Volunteer Park, and Artists at Play Playground.

Is Seattle or Beaver Creek Better for Couples?

Seattle
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is notable for couples. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Beaver Creek is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are romantic resorts nearby as well as great adventure sports, skiing, snowboarding, and a beautiful setting.

Seattle is a nice destination for couples. The city has a laid back vibe, a nice downtown area, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are a diversity of restaurants to enjoy and a great nightlife scene that makes for a good couple's getaway.


Is Seattle or Beaver Creek Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Seattle
Beaver Creek

Seattle is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Beaver Creek is not known for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Seattle. Although it's not the most popular city for backpackers in America, the city's chill vibe, fun breweries, and lively setting make it a great spot for young backpackers.

Beaver Creek is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't many facilities that cater to backpackers.

Is Seattle or Beaver Creek Better for Students?

Seattle
Beaver Creek

Seattle is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Beaver Creek is not popular with students.

Seattle is a great city to visit as a student. It is a major IT center with a large university, so international students will have plenty of opportunities here. It's also a vibrant city with many outdoor recreational opportunities and a fun nightlife scene.

Beaver Creek is not popular with students.

Is Seattle or Beaver Creek Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Seattle
Beaver Creek

Both Seattle and Beaver Creek offer notable public transit options.

Seattle has a few public transit options. There is a light rail system, a monorail, a street car, and buses.

Beaver Creek has some public transit options. There free transportation that's offered by Village Transportation.


Is Seattle or Beaver Creek a more walkable city?

Seattle
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Beaver Creek on foot. It's a quaint little village that is very walkable.

Seattle is very walkable. Many neighborhoods are very walkable, particularly in the downtown and major tourist areas.

For even more information, also check out Is Seattle Worth Visiting? and Is Beaver Creek Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Beaver Creek or Seattle?

How long in Seattle or Beaver Creek?

Both Seattle and Beaver Creek have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Beaver Creek than in Seattle. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Seattle, and 3-7 days is enough time in Beaver Creek.

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

Couples should spend more time in Beaver Creek than Seattle. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Beaver Creek that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Seattle than Beaver Creek 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 Seattle.


  • How many days in Seattle or Beaver Creek? Ideal Length of Stay
    Seattle 2-3 
    Beaver Creek 3-7

One day in Seattle or Beaver Creek?

Each neighborhood in Seattle has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Beaver Creek, you'll find shopping and skiing. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the skiing. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Seattle or Beaver Creek?

Seattle is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Beaver Creek, you'll find skiing and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the skiing. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.


Five days in Seattle or Beaver Creek?

You'll find shopping and museums around the progressive big city of Seattle. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Beaver Creek is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Beaver Creek has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Seattle or Beaver Creek?

Seattle is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Beaver Creek. In Beaver Creek, you'll find shopping and skiing. One reason most visitors come is for the skiing. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Beaver Creek or Seattle?

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

  • Seattle Prices
    USA Prices
    Beaver Creek Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Seattle $242
    Beaver Creek $378

The average daily cost (per person) in Seattle is $242, while the average daily cost in Beaver Creek is $378. 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 Seattle and Beaver Creek in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Seattle $120
    Beaver Creek $203
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Seattle $240
    Beaver Creek $406
Compare Hotels in Seattle and Beaver Creek

Looking for a hotel in Seattle or Beaver Creek? 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 Seattle


Hotels in Beaver Creek


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: Seattle Hotel Prices and Beaver Creek Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Seattle $30
    Beaver Creek $30
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Seattle

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Seattle:


  • Lightrail from Airport (for 2)
    $5.50
  • Roundtrip Ferry to Bainbridge Island (for 2)
    $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seattle

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seattle:

  • From Seattle Airport - Transfer to Hotel & Homes: $265
  • From Seattle Hotels - Hotel Transfer to Airport: $265
  • Seattle Tacoma Airport (SEA) to Smith Cove Terminal - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $263
  • From Seattle Hotels - Hotel Transfer to Airport: $175
  • Smith Cove Terminal to Seattle hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $171
  • Departure Private Transfer: Seattle to Seattle Airport SEA in Luxury Car: $159
  • Seattle Roundtrip Chauffeur Driven Airport Transfer: $150
  • Private Transfer from Seattle (SEA) Airport to Seattle City: $146
  • From Snoqualmie Falls and Wineries Tour w/ Transfer: $145
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Seattle APT-HTL (SEA): $143
  • SEA Airport Private Transfer to Seattle City|Hotels: $140
  • Seattle Airport Transfer Arrival & Departures (outer city): $135

Is it cheaper to fly into Seattle or Beaver Creek?

Prices for flights to both Beaver Creek and Seattle 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
    Seattle $88
    Beaver Creek $146
Typical Food Prices in Seattle

Some typical examples of dining costs in Seattle are as follows:


  • Expresso & cookie at Pier 70
    $7.00
  • Cashews at Pike Place Market
    $6.00
  • 6 Mini Donuts at Pike Place Market
    $3.25
  • Chinese Lunch in International District (for 2)
    $21
  • Breakfast at Lowel's in Pike Place Market (for 2)
    $32
  • Breakfast at French Cafe (for 2)
    $37

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seattle

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Seattle.

  • Meet Me at the Market Food Tour: $44
  • Meet Me at the Market Food Tour: $44
  • Seattle Holiday Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $65
  • Pike Place Market Chef-Guided Food Tour: $71
  • Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market: $72
  • Secret Food Tours: Seattle Pike Place Market: $73
  • Traditional Japanese Ramen Cooking Class in Seattle: $75
  • Japanese Ramen Cooking Class With Local Chef: $75
  • Street Food Tour of South Lake Union- Area of Amazon Spheres : $77
  • Festive Flavors of Pike Place Market Holiday Food Tour: $110
  • Pike Place Market Gourmet Food Tour: $115
  • Authentic Italian Cooking Class in Seattle (5-Course Meal): $129

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Seattle $16
    Beaver Creek $53

Tours and Activities in Seattle

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Seattle are as follows:

  • 2 Hour Guided Boat Tour in Gig Harbor and Narrows Bridges: $55
  • Leavenworth Exclusive Tour from Seattle: $195
  • Bainbridge Island Discovery Tour: $165
  • Bainbridge Island Electric Bike Tour: $175
  • Bainbridge Island Serenity Forest Hike & Cultural Landmarks Tour: $235
  • Bald Eagles Nesting Area Tour at Skagit River: $135
  • Beneath The Streets Underground History Tour: $29
  • Best of Seattle Small Group Walking Tour W/ Space Needle: $244
  • Boeing Factory Tour with Guided Transport from Seattle: $125
  • Chef Guided Happy Hour Tour - Cocktails, Bubbles and Bites: $140
  • Chihuly Garden and Glass in Seattle Ticket: $37
  • Christmas Lights and Snowflake Lane photo tour: $85

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Seattle $16
    Beaver Creek $35

Sample the Local Flavors in Seattle

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

  • Seattle Terrors Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $29
  • Seattle Terrors Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Woodinville's Downtown Wine Tasting Pass: $65
  • Diverse Wine Tasting Experience with Bites: $75
  • Woodinville Guided Wine Tour with Optional Tastings: $109
  • Hollywood Artisan Wine Tasting Experience: $249
  • All-inclusive Wine Tasting and Lunch Experience: $249
  • From Snoqualmie Falls & Woodinville Wine Tasting: $344


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Seattle Expensive? and Is Beaver Creek Expensive?.