A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sedona vs. Niagara Falls for Families, Couples, Food, and Hiking

Should you visit Sedona or Niagara Falls?

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

Should I visit Sedona or Niagara Falls? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Sedona

Sedona is a desert, dramatic, and scenic town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty in Sedona as well. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Sedona travel costs.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a breathtaking, impressive, and iconic city. The beauty of Niagara Falls is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Niagara Falls travel costs.

Sedona and Niagara Falls: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for shopping


Is there more to do in Sedona or Niagara Falls?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Sedona than Niagara Falls, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Niagara Falls is more touristy than Sedona and is popular for the large volume of water that flows over it. Sedona is well known for its stargazing, desert setting, and yoga retreats. Also, Sedona is famous for Red Rock Crossing Park.

How is Sedona different from Niagara Falls?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Sedona or Niagara Falls?

Sedona
Niagara Falls

Sedona is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Niagara Falls is a mediocre city for its museums and history.

Sedona offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The Sedona Heritage Museum offers a glimpse into the history and culture of the area. There are also many galleries around town.

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 Sedona or Niagara Falls? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sedona
Niagara Falls

Sedona is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Sedona. It's grown into a foodie destination with local restaurants that pride themselves on using local ingredients. Mexican food is common but you'll also find cafes, classic American food, and other international options.

Niagara Falls is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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 Sedona or Niagara Falls Better for Nightlife?

Sedona
Niagara Falls

The vibe at night is notable in both Sedona and Niagara Falls.

If you're looking for night time activities Sedona has a few options to choose from. There are bars, live music venues, and even a casino in town. Breweries are popular and there are also upscale wine bars.

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

Is Sedona or Niagara Falls Better for Resorts?

Sedona
Niagara Falls

Sedona is notable for its resorts. However, Niagara Falls is not a resort destination.

Sedona is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Upscale resorts with spas, pools, and other amenities offer the perfect backdrop for a desert vacation.

Niagara Falls is not a resort destination.


Is Sedona or Niagara Falls Better for its Old Town?

Sedona
Niagara Falls

Sedona is a popular place for its old town. However, Niagara Falls does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Sedona to see the old town. Traditional architecture and historic charm give downtown Sedona a lot of character.

Niagara Falls does not have a historic old town.

Is Sedona or Niagara Falls Better for Hiking?

Sedona
Niagara Falls

If you're looking to go hiking, Sedona and Niagara Falls both have high quality trails.

Many visitors go to Sedona for the hiking trails. It's red rock cliffs offer the perfect setting for dramatic hikes and breathtaking views. The colors are most impressive at sunrise and sunset and some of the most famous landmarks include Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock and Boynton Canyon.

Niagara Falls is a popular spot for hiking. The nearby area is filled with hiking trails that let you escape into nature and enjoy impressive views.

Is the Shopping Better in Sedona or Niagara Falls?

Sedona
Niagara Falls

Sedona is an amazing town to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Sedona make it a world-class shopping destination. It's filled with local artisan shops and art galleries that highlight the region's beauty. Head to Uptown Sedona for some of the best boutiques. You should also check out the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village, the Sedona Art Center, and Hozho Distinctive Shops and Galleries.

Niagara Falls has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find touristy souvenir shops as well as outlets and malls nearby.


Is Sedona or Niagara Falls More Beautiful?

Sedona
Niagara Falls

Sedona is an amazing town to visit for its scenery and beauty. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Sedona as well. The surrounded countryside is filled with dramatic desert landscapes and striking red cliffs.

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.

Is Sedona or Niagara Falls Better for Families?

Sedona
Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Sedona is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Niagara Falls is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Sedona is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are impressive parks and fun outdoor activities for the whole family. Head to Slide Rock State Park where your kids can enjoy a natural waterslide. There's also the Out of Africa Wildlife Zoo as well as a canyon railroad.

Is Sedona or Niagara Falls Better for Couples?

Sedona
Niagara Falls

Sedona is an amazing town to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Sedona makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Stargazing in the evening or picnicking in a park during the day. There are countless romantic activities that couples can enjoy. The area is filled with striking natural beauty that is at its best during sunset. Couples will also enjoy fine dining and a variety of outdoor activities.

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.


Is Sedona or Niagara Falls Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sedona
Niagara Falls

For backpackers, both Sedona and Niagara Falls are notable places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Sedona. You'll find campgrounds, RV parks, and motels in the area, but no real hostels.

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.

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

Sedona
Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Sedona is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Niagara Falls offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system through town.

Public transit is generally limited in Sedona. Verde Shuttle offers shuttle routes through town.

Is Sedona or Niagara Falls a more walkable city?

Sedona
Niagara Falls

Sedona and Niagara Falls are notable when it comes to walkability.

Sedona is a somewhat walkable place. If you stay in Uptown Sedona, then the area is walkable, but if you're planning to stay further away then you'll need to have a car.

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


For even more information, also check out Is Sedona Worth Visiting? and Is Niagara Falls Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Niagara Falls or Sedona?

How long in Sedona or Niagara Falls?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Sedona and Niagara Falls. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sedona than in Niagara Falls. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Sedona, and 2-3 days is enough time in Niagara Falls.

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

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


  • How many days in Sedona or Niagara Falls? Ideal Length of Stay
    Sedona 3-5 
    Niagara Falls 2-3

One day in Sedona or Niagara Falls?

Even though Sedona is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Niagara Falls. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Sedona or Niagara Falls?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sedona. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Niagara Falls is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Sedona or Niagara Falls?

Sedona is a small town with plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Niagara Falls. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A week in Sedona or Niagara Falls?

Sedona is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 food and shopping when visiting the impressive destination of Niagara Falls. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada, and The Best Camping Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Niagara Falls or Sedona?

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

  • Sedona Prices
    USA Prices
    Niagara Falls Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Sedona $200
    Niagara Falls $149

The average daily cost (per person) in Sedona is $200, while the average daily cost in Niagara Falls is $149. 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 Sedona and Niagara Falls in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sedona $93
    Niagara Falls $76
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sedona $186
    Niagara Falls $152
Compare Hotels in Sedona and Niagara Falls

Looking for a hotel in Sedona or Niagara Falls? 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 Sedona


Hotels in Niagara Falls


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: Sedona Hotel Prices and Niagara Falls Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sedona $40
    Niagara Falls $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Niagara Falls

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Niagara Falls:

  • Niagara Falls South Airport Private Transfer to Pearson: $1,851
  • Niagara Falls South Airport Private Transfer to Hamilton: $360
  • Fixed Price :- Private Transfers Niagara falls Hotel OR Pearson Toronto Airport : $293
  • Niagara Falls to Pearson Toronto Airport Private Transfer: $276
  • Round-Trip Private-Safe Transfer Between Buffalo Airport & Niagara Falls Canada: $257
  • ROUNDTRIP Ground Transfer Buffalo Niagara Int Airport (BUF)-Niagara Falls Canada: $202
  • Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) to Buffalo - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $179
  • Transfer Niagara Falls, Canada to Toronto, Canada (Downtown): $177
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Buffalo Niagara International Airport to Niagara Falls, New York: $138
  • Private-Safe Transfer from Niagara Falls, Canada to Buffalo Intl, Airport (BUF): $110
  • Private Transfer from Buffalo Intl, Airport (BUF) to Niagara Falls Canada: $110
  • Transfer Niagara-on-the-Lake,Canada to Buffalo Niagara Int Airport (BUF): $106

Is it cheaper to fly into Sedona or Niagara Falls?

Prices for flights to both Niagara Falls and Sedona 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
    Sedona $83
    Niagara Falls $53

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sedona

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

  • The VIP Experience, Chuck Wagon Dinner and Show Tickets: $135
  • Sedona/Flagstaff: Grand Canyon Day Trip with Dinner & Sunset: $252

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Niagara Falls

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

  • The Wing Ride: The Hidden History of Chicken Wings Food Tour: $105
  • Guided Night Tour w/ Dinner & Hotel Transfer: $139
  • Niagara-on-the-Lake: Sunset Wine Tour with Dinner: $162
  • Sunset Niagara-on-the-Lake Small Group Wine Tour with Dinner: $177
  • Night Tour w/ 3 Course Dinner & Light Show: $193
  • Night Tour with Fireworks Boat Ride & Dinner: $197
  • Night on Niagara Walking Tour with Fireworks Cruise + Dinner: $197
  • Niagara Falls USA Night, Lights & Dinner : $199
  • Niagara Falls Canada: Premium Night Tour with Boat & Dinner: $215
  • Niagara Falls Premium Night Tour: Fireworks Boat Cruise & Dinner: $242
  • Day & Night Tour with Boat Ride and Dinner: $279
  • Niagara-on-the-Lake Private Wine and Dinner Tour in Private SUV: $287

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sedona $19
    Niagara Falls $19
Typical Entertainment Prices in Sedona

For Sedona, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Red Rock Fantasy Light Show (for 2)
    $10

Tours and Activities in Sedona

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

  • Sedona & Red Rock State Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Sedona, Arizona Self-Guided Audio Tour: $16
  • Grand Canyon and Sedona Self-Guided Driving Tour Bundle: $22
  • Jerome Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Sedona Boynton Canyon Trolley Tour: $26
  • From Boynton Canyon Trolley Tour: $28
  • Out of Africa Wildlife Park Admission Ticket: $43
  • Cemetery Ghost Adventure Cottonwood, Az: $45
  • Hi-Points Van Tour: $50
  • Sedona Aura Cleansing Tour: $55
  • Sightseeing Highlights Tour of Sedona: $63
  • The Magic of Sedona Highlights Tour: $63

Typical Entertainment Prices in Niagara Falls

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Niagara Falls are as follows:


  • Maid of the Mist
    $37

Tours and Activities in Niagara Falls

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

  • Fireworks & Falls Glow Walking Tour Canada + Skylon Tower : $48
  • Historic Walking Private Tour at Niagara Falls: $35
  • Private Custom Niagara Falls, Canada Winery Tour from Buffalo,NY: $293
  • "Niagara Virtual" Parasailing Adventure in VR!: $26
  • 1 Hour Private Vineyard Dome Experience in Niagara-on-the-Lake: $44
  • 3-Hour 30-Minute Private Guided Tour in Niagara Falls: $145
  • 4 hr Summer Fun Tour - Niagara Falls Canada: $142
  • 4-Hour Niagara Falls Boat Tour w/ Maple & Chocolate Tastings: $80
  • Afternoon Wine, Beer & Charcuterie Tour: $132
  • All American Tour : $99
  • All Attractions Niagara Falls American Tour with Boat Much More: $120
  • All Inclusive Niagara Falls USA Tour W/Boat Ride,Cave & Much MORE: $130

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sedona $13
    Niagara Falls $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Sedona

Also in Sedona, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Bliss - Sedona’s Most Luxurious Wine Tour - Lunch Included!: $115
  • Sedona-Jerome Scenic Vortex, Wine Tasting Grand Tour. See It All!: $199
  • 4 Hours Private Wine Tour in Sedona: $205
  • The Classic Sedona Wine Tour: $219
  • Voted Best in Sedona-Private Wine Tour of Vortex, Wine & Shopping: $225
  • Private Wine Tour in Sedona, Arizona: $275

Sample the Local Flavors in Niagara Falls

Also in Niagara Falls, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Summer Sips - Private Outdoor Wine Tasting Experience: $22
  • Black Glass Wine Tasting: $23
  • Niagara's Decadent Sparkling and Icewine Tasting: $23
  • Niagara Wine Tour and Tastings with Included Transportation : $59
  • Public Niagara Wine Tour with Transportation: $61
  • Half-Day Niagara Micro Brewery Tour: $111
  • Half Day Wine & Cheese Tour - Niagara On The Lake Wine Tour: $118
  • Beer and Wine Tour in Niagara-on-the-Lake: $119
  • Niagara Craft Brewery Tour Niagara Falls: $122
  • Vine and Dine Bicycle Wine Tour with Lunch : $125
  • Vintage Wine Tour In Niagara County USA: $139
  • Relaxing three courses Lunch & Wine Tour through Niagara's Wine Country: $147


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sedona and Niagara Falls, we can see that Sedona 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 Sedona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sedona 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 Sedona Expensive? and Is Niagara Falls Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Sedona or Niagara Falls?

Niagara Falls has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Sedona. When comparing the sizes of Sedona 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.