Which place is cheaper, Zion 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 Zion 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 Zion National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Tucson or Zion 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.
Zion National Park
Grab your backpack, water bottle and protein bar and prepare yourself for the most humbling and awe-inspiring sights you'll likely ever see. Zion National Park in southern Utah is a favorite for hikers, backpackers and climbers around the world. With the red and white cliffs of Zion Canyon rising high over the Virgin River, meadows of wildflowers, hanging gardens and high plateaus, you'll be hard pressed to find more breathtaking views in the US.
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 PricesZion National Park Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTucson $184Zion National Park $146
The average daily cost (per person) in Tucson is $184, while the average daily cost in Zion National Park is $146. 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 Zion National Park in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTucson $93Zion National Park $60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTucson $186Zion National Park $120
Compare Hotels in Tucson and Zion National Park
Looking for a hotel in Tucson or Zion 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 Zion National Park Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tucson $27Zion National Park $30
Is it cheaper to fly into Tucson or Zion National Park?
Prices for flights to both Zion 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 $63Zion National Park $64
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tucson $16Zion National Park $26
Tours and Activities in Zion National Park
Here are a few actual costs in Zion National Park for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Private Sunset Guided Tour to Great Chamber by Four-Wheel Drive: $125
- Slot Canyon Tour & Sandboarding UTV Adventure: $129
- 2-Hour Private Light Painting Experience on the Sand Dunes: $299
- 3 Hour Guided E Bike Tour in Zion National Park : $125
- Award Winning UTV Slot Canyon Tour: $105
- Coral Pink Sand Dunes Ride Climb and Rappel Adventure: $139
- East Zion 2.5 Hour Slot Canyon Canyoneering UTV Tour: $119
- East Zion 4 Hour Slot Canyon Canyoneering UTV Tour: $174
- East Zion Brushy Cove Jeep Tour: $117
- East Zion Canyoneering: Elkheart Canyon & UTV Tour: $201
- East Zion Crimson Canyon Hike & UTV Adventure: $130
- East Zion Dark Sky Stargazing Tour: $22
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTucson $16Zion National Park $8.28
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tucson and Zion National Park, we can see that Tucson is more expensive. And not only is Zion National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Zion National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zion National Park 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 Tucson would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tucson than you might in Zion National Park.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tucson Expensive? and Is Zion 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.