Which place is cheaper, Maui or Tucson?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Tucson or Maui?
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 Tucson and Maui can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Tucson or Maui?
Tucson
Tucson, Arizona, is a vibrant city nestled in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, renowned for its dramatic mountain landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and sunny, dry climate. As a gateway to the American Southwest, Tucson blends a laid-back atmosphere with strong Mexican and Native American influences, creating a unique desert city experience. Its historic neighborhoods feature colorful adobe architecture, lively murals, and a thriving arts scene. Nature lovers are drawn to Tucson for its easy access to saguaro-studded national parks, hiking trails, and breathtaking sunsets. With a strong university presence, the city pulses with youthful energy, affordable entertainment, and a dynamic culinary scene. Budget travelers will appreciate Tucson’s range of low-cost attractions and accessible public spaces, making it an excellent base for exploring both city sights and the nearby wilderness. Whether you’re interested in history, outdoor adventures, or simply soaking up desert vibes, Tucson offers something for every traveler.
Maui
Who hasn't spent at least one Monday morning fantasizing about holding a mai tai on a Hawaiian beach? A trip to Maui may be just what we all have in mind, but it's so much more than a drink on a sandy towel.
At over 700 square miles, the island of Maui is the second largest of the Hawaiian islands with a small population of just over 140,000 people. The island enjoys approximately two seasons a year with a mild climate just about everywhere. Rough living, right?
Voted "Best Island in the World" by many in the travel industry, Maui is the center for whale watching, relaxing on the beach, snorkeling, and the home of a large and lush rainforest.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City.
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Tucson Prices
USA PricesMaui Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTucson $184Maui $343
The average daily cost (per person) in Tucson is $184, while the average daily cost in Maui is $343. 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 Tucson and Maui in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTucson $93Maui $141
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTucson $186Maui $282
Compare Hotels in Tucson and Maui
Looking for a hotel in Tucson or Maui? 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.
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: Tucson Hotel Prices and Maui Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tucson $27Maui $62
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Maui
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Maui:
- VIP Private Maui OGG Arrival Transfer in Black Cadillac Escalade: $259
- Shared Arrival Transfer: Maui Airport to Hotel: $16
- Private Transfer from Lahaina Cruise Port to Maui city hotels: $173
- Private Transfer from Lahaina Cruise Port to Kahului Airport(OGG): $173
- Private Transfer Kahului Airport OGG to Maui Kihei Lahaina Wailea: $42
- Private Arrival Transfer from Maui Kahului Airport OGG: $39
- Maui Kahului Airport (OGG) to Maui hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $41
- Maui Kahului Airport (OGG) to Maui hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $20
Is it cheaper to fly into Tucson or Maui?
Prices for flights to both Maui and Tucson 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
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Food Meals for one dayTucson $63Maui $162
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Maui
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Maui.
- From Ma'alaea Harbor: Sunset Dinner Cruise Aboard the Quicksilver: $140
- Ma'alaea Sunset Prime Rib or Fresh Island Fish Dinner Cruise : $150
- Premium Sunset Dinner Cruise from Ka’anapali Beach: $154
- Maui Sunset Dinner Cruise - A Hawaiian Hula Experience: $158
- South Gilligans' Island Luau with Dinner and Drinks: $166
- Authentic Hawaiian Dinner Pa'ina with Natives in Hana: $185
- Wailele Luau Including Fire and Knife Performance Plus Dinner: $219
- Haleakala Maui Sunset Twilight Tour with Dinner: $255
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tucson $16Maui $38
Tours and Activities in Maui
Here are a few actual costs in Maui for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2 Hour Maui Dolphin Watch Sightsee Raft Tour (Semi-Private): $97
- 2-Hour Ma'alaea Humpback Whale Watching Cruise for up to 6 Guests: $269
- 2.5 Hour Whale Escape Tour: $177
- 4 Dual-Zipline Mountain Adventure in Maui: $200
- 4-Hour Makena Whale Watch Tour: $135
- 9am Haleakala Guided Downhill Tour : $149
- Best of Maui Tour: Sips, Sites and Bites with Lunch: $259
- Classic Haleakala Sunrise Tour: $244
- Clear Bottom Kayak and Snorkel Tour at Turtle Town, Makena : $125
- Deluxe Road to Hana Rainforest and Waterfall Experience from Maui: $226
- Discover Lahaina: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- E-Scooter Tour At Turtle Town With Optional Photo and Video: $139
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTucson $16Maui $41
Sample the Local Flavors in Maui
Also in Maui, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Brewery and Beach Cruise in a Vintage VW Bus : $229
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tucson and Maui, we can see that Maui is more expensive. And not only is Tucson much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tucson would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tucson 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 Maui would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Maui than you might in Tucson.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tucson Expensive? and Is Maui Expensive?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.