A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Yosemite National Park vs. Albuquerque for Hiking, Backpackers, Food, and Families

Should you visit Yosemite National Park or Albuquerque?

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

Should I visit Yosemite National Park or Albuquerque? 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.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is a stunning, breathtaking, and popular national park. Many visitors also come to Yosemite National Park because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include hiking. See Yosemite National Park travel costs.

Albuquerque

Albuquerque is a historic, traditional, and cosmopolitan town. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Albuquerque travel costs.

Yosemite National Park and Albuquerque: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to El Capitan
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less hiking options
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Yosemite National Park or Albuquerque?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Albuquerque than Yosemite National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Albuquerque is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Yosemite National Park is more popular for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Yosemite National Park is more touristy than Albuquerque and is popular for its stunning hikes, giant Sequoias, breathtaking vistas, and the granite cliffs of Half Dome. Albuquerque is well known for its adobe architecture, artisan shops, fascinating cultural venues, and surrounding desert landscapes. Also, Albuquerque is famous for The Old Town.

How is Yosemite National Park different from Albuquerque?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Albuquerque and Yosemite National Park. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Yosemite National Park or Albuquerque?

Yosemite National Park
Albuquerque

Albuquerque is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Yosemite National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Albuquerque offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The old town has a lot of history including the San Felipe de Neri Church. Also worth visiting is the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Unser Racing Museum, and the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science.

Yosemite National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Yosemite National Park or Albuquerque? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Yosemite National Park
Albuquerque

Albuquerque is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Yosemite National Park is not a good national park for its restaurants.

Dining out in Albuquerque is an experience not to be missed. The city's local cuisine combines Native American and Spanish flavors to make a variety of unique specialties. You should try the green chili stew, breakfast burrito, sopaipillas, and blue corn pancakes.

Yosemite National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are a few varied restaurants in the park that offer casual food or packaged meals that you can take away. The food is generally expensive and not always the best, so you'll likely enjoy packing your own picnic food to enjoy within the park.

Is Yosemite National Park or Albuquerque Better for Nightlife?

Yosemite National Park
Albuquerque

Albuquerque is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Yosemite National Park is not a good national park for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Albuquerque. Head downtown and to the Nob Hill neighborhood for wine bars, breweries, and billiard halls. These areas have the best nightlife scene and they're also compact enough to explore on foot.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Yosemite National Park. There are some bars near the park that make a nice spot to grab a drink.

Is Yosemite National Park or Albuquerque Better for Resorts?

Yosemite National Park
Albuquerque

Yosemite National Park is a great national park for its luxury resorts. However, Albuquerque is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Yosemite National Park to choose from. There are several grand hotels and lodges within the park. Reservations are a must, especially if you're traveling during peak seasons.

Albuquerque is not a resort destination.


Is Yosemite National Park or Albuquerque Better for its Old Town?

Yosemite National Park
Albuquerque

Albuquerque is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Yosemite National Park does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Albuquerque is revered around the world. There is a wonderful old town where the city's first neighborhood was established. It dates back to the early 1700's and has its roots in Spanish colonial history. The area has many adobe houses, great local restaurants, and artisan shops.

Yosemite National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Yosemite National Park or Albuquerque Better for Hiking?

Yosemite National Park
Albuquerque

Yosemite National Park is a must-visit destination for hiking. Also, Albuquerque is not as popular, but is still a nice town for the nearby hiking options.

Yosemite National Park is well-known for its hiking and trekking. This park has many famous hikes that take you by Half Dome, near Yosemite Falls, and through breathtaking landscapes. Popular hikes in the area include Mist Trail to Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall and Mirror Lake Trail.

Albuquerque is a good destination for hiking. The desert landscape is varied and beautiful. Popular trails in the area include Tree Spring Trail, Birdhouse Ridge, and West Ridge.

Is the Shopping Better in Yosemite National Park or Albuquerque?

Yosemite National Park
Albuquerque

Albuquerque is a well-known place for its shopping areas. However, Yosemite National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Albuquerque. The city's old town has many cultural artisan shops where you can buy local items. It's a fun and unique shopping experience, and though it sometimes feels a bit touristy, there are many local shops that offer an authentic experience.

Yosemite National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Yosemite National Park or Albuquerque More Beautiful?

Yosemite National Park
Albuquerque

Yosemite National Park is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Albuquerque is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Yosemite National Park because of it's amazing beauty. This park has a sense of natural beauty that's hard to find anywhere else in the world. The breathtaking landscapes, surreal waterfalls, and stunning granite rock formations are unlike any other park or setting.

Albuquerque is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Yosemite National Park or Albuquerque Better for Families?

Yosemite National Park
Albuquerque

Yosemite National Park is a great national park for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Albuquerque is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

Yosemite National Park is a very family-friendly destination. This park has many hikes, climbs, and activities that kids of all ages can enjoy. When the weather's warm the kids will enjoy getting wet in Merced River. They'll also be impressed by the giant sequoias and the beautiful waterfalls. In the evening the staff host ranger programs that are fun and educational for everyone. The park also has kid-friendly camping and lodges.

Albuquerque is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of nature centers as well as the Albuquerque BioPark Zoo. Outside of town there are many parks and natural areas to explore.

Is Yosemite National Park or Albuquerque Better for Couples?

Yosemite National Park
Albuquerque

With fun activities for couples, both Yosemite National Park and Albuquerque make for a superb place to visit.

Yosemite National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy nature, rock climbing, hiking, and being outside will enjoy a visit to this park. There is an endless supply of romantic views and fun-filled activities that are perfect for avid hikers or those looking for a more relaxing travel experience.

Albuquerque makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Surrounded by natural beauty, and filled with culture and charm, this city makes a great romantic getaway. It's particularly wonderful during the famous International Balloon Fiesta.


Is Yosemite National Park or Albuquerque Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Yosemite National Park
Albuquerque

Yosemite National Park is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Albuquerque is not known for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Yosemite National Park. Campgrounds and back country trails make this area a backpacker's paradise.

Albuquerque is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are campgrounds around that offer affordable and fun places to stay, but in general this town isn't particularly backpacker friendly.

Is Yosemite National Park or Albuquerque Better for Students?

Yosemite National Park
Albuquerque

Albuquerque is a popular place for students. However, Yosemite National Park is not popular with students.

Albuquerque is a good town to visit for students. It offers a unique cultural environment that students can appreciate. There are also many outdoor recreational opportunities.

Yosemite National Park is not popular with students.

Is Yosemite National Park or Albuquerque Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Yosemite National Park
Albuquerque

Yosemite National Park is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Albuquerque is not known for its public transit.

While Yosemite National Park offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a free bus service that travels around Yosemite Valley.

Public transit is generally limited in Albuquerque. ABQ Ride is the bus system around town, but most visitors prefer to have their own car.


Is Yosemite National Park or Albuquerque a more walkable city?

Yosemite National Park
Albuquerque

Albuquerque is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Yosemite National Park is not a good national park for its walkability.

Albuquerque is a somewhat walkable town. Walkable areas include the old town, the area around the University of New Mexico, and the uptown area.

Yosemite National Park is generally not a very walkable national park. The park is large and a car is necessary to reach many places within the park.

For even more information, also check out Is Yosemite National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Albuquerque Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Albuquerque or Yosemite National Park?

How long in Yosemite National Park or Albuquerque?

It's fun to spend time in either Yosemite National Park or Albuquerque. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Yosemite National Park due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Yosemite National Park, and 2-4 days is enough time in Albuquerque.

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

Couples should spend more time in Albuquerque than Yosemite National Park. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Albuquerque that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Albuquerque than Yosemite National Park 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 Albuquerque.


  • How many days in Yosemite National Park or Albuquerque? Ideal Length of Stay
    Yosemite National Park 3-7 
    Albuquerque 2-4

One day in Yosemite National Park or Albuquerque?

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the stunning national park of Yosemite National Park. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the hiking. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The town of Albuquerque offers museums and nightlife. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Yosemite National Park or Albuquerque?

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the world-famous destination of Yosemite National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This national park offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

The traditional destination of Albuquerque offers nightlife and food. This town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend a weekend here. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.


Five days in Yosemite National Park or Albuquerque?

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the world-famous national park of Yosemite National Park. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Albuquerque. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Yosemite National Park or Albuquerque?

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the destination of Yosemite National Park. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people visit for the hiking. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this national park.

Albuquerque is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Albuquerque. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Albuquerque or Yosemite National Park?

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

  • Yosemite National Park Prices
    USA Prices
    Albuquerque Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Yosemite National Park $158
    Albuquerque $165

The average daily cost (per person) in Yosemite National Park is $158, while the average daily cost in Albuquerque is $165. 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 Yosemite National Park and Albuquerque in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Yosemite National Park $64
    Albuquerque $69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Yosemite National Park $128
    Albuquerque $138
Compare Hotels in Yosemite National Park and Albuquerque

Looking for a hotel in Yosemite National Park or Albuquerque? 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 Yosemite National Park


Hotels in Albuquerque


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: Yosemite National Park Hotel Prices and Albuquerque Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Yosemite National Park $41
    Albuquerque $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Albuquerque

Also for Albuquerque, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Departure Transfer To Albuquerque Airport ABQ: $40
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Albuquerque Airport (ABQ): $40
  • Albuquerque Airport (ABQ) to Albuquerque - Arrival Private Transfer: $45
  • Albuquerque to Albuquerque Airport (ABQ) - Departure Private Transfer: $45
  • Albuquerque Airport (ABQ) to Albuquerque - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $91
  • Albuquerque International Sunport Private Transfer: $196
  • Balloon Fiesta Albuquerque 2024 transfers: $625

Is it cheaper to fly into Yosemite National Park or Albuquerque?

Prices for flights to both Albuquerque and Yosemite National Park 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
    Yosemite National Park $69
    Albuquerque $71

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Albuquerque

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

  • Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Show - Albuquerque, NM: $80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Yosemite National Park $19
    Albuquerque $24

Tours and Activities in Yosemite National Park

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Yosemite National Park are as follows:

  • Big Trees Hike & Riverside Cookout Adventure: $180
  • Private Yosemite Tour Indulging in Nature, Flavors, and History: $30
  • Private Yosemite Valley Tour & Roosevelt Cookout: $270
  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Yosemite: $20
  • Semi Private Yosemite Tour with Ahwahnee Lunch and Hotel Pickup: $250
  • The Evolution of Yosemite 3 Hour Hiking Tour: $140
  • The Evolution of Yosemite 3 Hour Walking Tour: $140
  • Yosemite Family Explorers - Customizable Private Tour: $299
  • Yosemite Family Explorers: Customizable Private Tour: $399
  • Yosemite Highlights Small Group Tour: $210
  • Yosemite National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour: $17
  • Yosemite Team Building Adventure Hike: $293

Tours and Activities in Albuquerque

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

  • Historic Old Town Albuquerque smart phone App/Audio Walking Tour: $7.95
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Albuquerque by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Albuquerque by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Turquoise Museum Admission Ticket: $20
  • Albuquerque Desert Shadows Rising Ghost Tour: $24
  • Albuquerque Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Albuquerque Desert Shadows Rising Ghost Tour: $26
  • 12pm Old Town History, Legends & Lore Tour: $32
  • The Ghost Tour of Old Town - New Mexico's oldest Ghost Walk - Since 2001: $32
  • 12pm - Public High Noon History, Legends & Lore Tour - Guided Old Town Stroll: $35
  • 10pm Late Night RATED "R" Ghost Tour Ages 18+: $38
  • Duke City Pedaler: Beverage Tour to Old Town/Sawmill Albuquerque : $40

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Yosemite National Park $11
    Albuquerque $20


When comparing the travel costs between Yosemite National Park and Albuquerque, we can see that Albuquerque 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 Yosemite National Park Expensive? and Is Albuquerque Expensive?.