A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Vail vs. Salt Lake City for Families, Couples, Nightlife, and Hiking

Should you visit Vail or Salt Lake City?

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

Should I visit Vail or Salt Lake City? 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.

Vail

Vail is a resort-filled, charming, and picturesque ski town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, Vail attracts visitors from all around. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the shopping, skiing, and nightlife. See Vail travel costs.

Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is a architectural, notable, and religious city. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Salt Lake City travel costs.

Vail and Salt Lake City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vail or Salt Lake City?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Vail. Although Vail and Salt Lake City are both popular with visitors, Vail has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Vail is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, music, resorts, hiking, shopping, christmas markets, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Salt Lake City is known for its museums and attractions and scuba diving & snorkeling. Vail is more touristy than Salt Lake City and is known for its world-class skiing, charming mountain town atmosphere, and adventurous outdoor activities. It is also home to The Vail Ski Resort. Salt Lake City is popular for its religious landmarks and its large Mormon population.

How is Vail different from Salt Lake City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Salt Lake City and Vail. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Vail or Salt Lake City Better for Skiing?

Vail is a world-class destination for skiing and snowboarding. However, Salt Lake City is not a skiing destination.

Vail is among the world's best ski destinations. This ski town has produced its share of Olympians. Vail is the third largest ski resort in the US and it has 31 lifts and 195 runs. There are five different bowls that offer beautiful views.

Salt Lake City is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Vail or Salt Lake City?

Salt Lake City is a great city for its historical sights. However, Vail does not have museums and landmarks.

Salt Lake City offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Many of the fascinating sights around town are influenced by the city's Mormon culture. Temple Square is a highlight for most visitors. It spans 35 acres and is beautifully landscaped with several fountains. There are also four main churches - The Temple, the Tabernacle, the Temple Annex, and Assembly Hall. The city also has several museums such as the Natural History Museum and the historic Liberty Park.

Vail does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Vail or Salt Lake City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Vail and Salt Lake City offer a number of good restaurants to choose from.

Vail has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The town has a diverse sampling of restaurants that include different ethnic options as well as taverns with comfort food. It's easy to find mountain-friendly restaurants where you can refuel during your ski vacation.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Salt Lake City area. In recent years the food scene has really improved and you'll find a variety of restaurants that serve everything from upscale dishes to more casual fare.

Is Vail or Salt Lake City Better for Nightlife?

Vail is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Salt Lake City is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Vail has a large number of nightlife venues. Happy Hours start early, and then the partying can go late into the night. There are bars, lounges, breweries and live music that keep the atmosphere light and offer entertainment after your long day on the slopes. Do keep in mind that many places close or dramatically reduce their hours during the off-peak fall and spring months.

Salt Lake City is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. Known for its large Mormon population, nightlife isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Salt Lake City. While it will likely never be a party city, there are a growing number of entertainment options around town.

Is Vail or Salt Lake City Better for Music?

Vail is very good for its music scene. However, Salt Lake City is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Vail. You can often find live music at Shakedown Bar, Bridge Street Bar, and the Red Lion.

Salt Lake City is not a live music destination.

Is Vail or Salt Lake City Better for Resorts?

Vail is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Salt Lake City is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Vail. Designed as a resort town, Vail offers great accommodation. Nice resorts include Four Seasons Resort and Residences, the Ritz Carlton Club, and the Grand Hyatt.

Salt Lake City is not a resort destination.

Is Vail or Salt Lake City Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Salt Lake City is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Vail is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Salt Lake City has a few good snorkeling spots. There are a number of good ski resorts nearby, making this a good base or starting point for a ski vacation.

Vail is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Vail or Salt Lake City Better for Hiking?

Vail is a very popular place for its hiking trails. Also, Salt Lake City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Vail. During the warmer months, this resort town is surrounded by world-class hiking trails. You can enjoy the wildflowers, search for wildlife, or take in the sweeping mountain views. Popular hikes near Vail include Booth Falls, Davos Trail, and Shrine Ridge.

Salt Lake City has hiking trails worth exploring. The city offers easy access to many diverse trails, so if you're a nature enthusiasts, you'll appreciate this destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Vail or Salt Lake City?

Vail is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Salt Lake City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Vail. The cobblestone streets are lined with boutiques and ski shops that sell everything from evening dresses to outdoor gear. It's easy to pop into the many shops around downtown Vail and find anything you might need.

Salt Lake City is a great destination for shopping. The city has sprawling outlet malls as well as local stores and craft shops. City Creek Center is a favorite shopping destination, but there are also several large shopping malls that are worth visiting.

Is Vail or Salt Lake City More Beautiful?

Vail is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Salt Lake City is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Vail attracts visitors from all around. It is a beautiful town that has stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Salt Lake City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Vail or Salt Lake City Better for Families?

Vail is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Salt Lake City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Vail is one of the most popular family destinations. With its world class skiing, rock climbing, ice skating, and ice cream, kids love this ski resort. The resort town has two terrain parks - Golden Peak and Avanti. Avanti is perfect for kids. It has small jumps, wide rails, and kid-friendly amenities. Golden Peak is designed for more advanced athletes. Vail also has nice beginner slopes that are great for kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Salt Lake City. There are museums that kids will enjoy like the Natural History Museum of Utah and the Leonardo Museum. There are also fun-filled activities like a visit to Lagoon Amusement Park. You can learn about history at This Is the Place Heritage Park or learn about the undersea world at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium.

Is Vail or Salt Lake City Better for Couples?

Vail is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Salt Lake City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Vail has plenty to offer. Couples who enjoy skiing and outdoor adventure will appreciate everything that this ski town has to offer. There are nice restaurants, beautiful gardens, and plenty of romantic activities to choose from.

Salt Lake City is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with beautiful gardens like Red Butte Garden. There are also nice restaurants and romantic hotels that will make this a nice place for a couple's getaway.

Is Vail or Salt Lake City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vail is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Salt Lake City is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Vail is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. This ski town isn't completely closed off to budget travelers as there are a couple of hostels around town.

Salt Lake City is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels in town, but most backpackers overlook this destination or breeze through town quickly.

Is Vail or Salt Lake City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Vail and Salt Lake City both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Vail offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a free bus service through the area.

Salt Lake City has a few public transit options. There's a surprisingly good public transit system that includes light rail, buses, and commuter trains, but if you want to get out of town you'll need to have a car.

Is Vail or Salt Lake City a more walkable city?

Vail is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. However, Salt Lake City is lacking in good options for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Vail. The main downtown is pedestrian-only and perfect for popping in shops and restaurants.

Salt Lake City is generally not very walkable. While some neighborhoods are walkable, like Temple Square, most visitors prefer to have a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Vail Worth Visiting? and Is Salt Lake City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Salt Lake City or Vail?

How long in Vail or Salt Lake City?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Vail and Salt Lake City. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Vail than in Salt Lake City. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Vail, and 2-3 days is enough time in Salt Lake City.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Vail than Salt Lake City 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 Vail.

One day in Vail or Salt Lake City?

Vail might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Salt Lake City. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Vail or Salt Lake City?

Vail is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Salt Lake City is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Vail or Salt Lake City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vail. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the skiing. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

You'll find museums and food around the religious destination of Salt Lake City. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Vail or Salt Lake City?

Vail is a small town with plenty to do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. One reason most visitors come is for the skiing. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.

The notable city of Salt Lake City offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Vail Expensive? and Is Salt Lake City Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Vail or Salt Lake City?

Salt Lake City has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Vail. When comparing the sizes of Vail and Salt Lake City, 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.