Which place is cheaper, Yellowstone National Park 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 Yellowstone National Park?
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 Yellowstone National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Tucson or Yellowstone National Park?
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.
Yellowstone National Park
The world's first national park, Yellowstone National Park was established in 1872. The area is famous for its many geysers, hot springs, and thermal areas. It also has a wide diversity of wildlife and stunning beauty, making it one of the most impressive places you can visit in the United States. The national park takes up an area of about 3,472 square miles and is mostly located within the state of Wyoming. It also touches the states of Idaho and Montana.
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 PricesYellowstone National Park Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTucson $184Yellowstone National Park $181
The average daily cost (per person) in Tucson is $184, while the average daily cost in Yellowstone National Park is $181. 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 Yellowstone National Park in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTucson $93Yellowstone National Park $74
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTucson $186Yellowstone National Park $148
Compare Hotels in Tucson and Yellowstone National Park
Looking for a hotel in Tucson or Yellowstone National Park? 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 Yellowstone National Park Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tucson $27Yellowstone National Park $37
Is it cheaper to fly into Tucson or Yellowstone National Park?
Prices for flights to both Yellowstone National Park 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 $63Yellowstone National Park $80
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tucson $16Yellowstone National Park $34
Tours and Activities in Yellowstone National Park
Here are a few actual costs in Yellowstone National Park for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 6-Mile Geyser Hiking Tour in Yellowstone with Lunch: $182
- E-Bike Tours in Yellowstone National Park: $250
- Early Morning Guided Kayak Tour: $125
- Full-Day Guided Yellowstone Day Tour: $299
- Grand Teton and Yellowstone Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle: $35
- Lake Yellowstone Half Day Kayak Tours Past Geothermal Features : $120
- Lamar Valley Safari Hiking Tour with Lunch: $182
- Salt Lake City: Yellowstone 4-day Tour with Airport Pickup: $918
- Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Yellowstone National Park: $20
- Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Yellowstone and Grand Teton: $33
- Small-Group Sunset Kayaking Tour on Lake Yellowstone : $125
- Ultimate Audio Tours: Yellowstone, Glacier, Grand Teton & Banff: $36
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTucson $16Yellowstone National Park $19
When comparing the travel costs between Tucson and Yellowstone National Park, we can see that Tucson is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tucson Expensive? and Is Yellowstone National Park 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.