Comparison · Boston vs New York City · United States
Boston vs New York City
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Ian Howard, CC BY 2.5
Quick answer
Choose Boston for Freedom Trail and American Revolution history; choose New York City for Statue of Liberty and Central Park. Boston is generally less expensive, and the two are about 306 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 306 km
- Less expensive
- Boston
- Best time for Boston
- May–June and September–October
- Best time for New York City
- April–June and September–October
Side by side
| Boston | New York City | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | United States | United States |
| Known for | Freedom Trail, American Revolution history and Clam chowder | Statue of Liberty, Central Park and Broadway |
| Best time to visit | May–June and September–October | April–June and September–October |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 5 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $260–$420 | $300–$500 |
| Cost level | Expensive | Very expensive |
| Warmest month | July, 28°C (82°F) | July, 29°C (84°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 3°C (37°F) | January, 4°C (39°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 8 | 8 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 5 |
| Beaches | Revere Beach | Coney Island and Brighton Beach |
| Airports | BOS, PVD, MHT | JFK, EWR, LGA |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Boston for…
Freedom Trail and American Revolution history. Boston is one of the oldest cities in the US and one of the most walkable: the 4-km Freedom Trail links sixteen Revolutionary-era sites from Boston Common to Bunker Hill, and most central neighbourhoods are within a 30-minute walk of each other. Visitors…
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Choose New York City for…
Statue of Liberty and Central Park. New York's five boroughs hold more than eight million people, but most visitors focus on Manhattan, a long island of skyscrapers with Central Park in the middle, and the parts of Brooklyn just across the East River. The grid of avenues and numbered streets…
Top sights compared
| # | Boston | New York City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Freedom Trail | Central Park |
| 2 | Boston Common and Public Garden | Metropolitan Museum of Art |
| 3 | Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market | Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island |
| 4 | Museum of Fine Arts | Empire State Building |
| 5 | Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum | Top of the Rock |
Food compared
| Boston | New York City |
|---|---|
| New England clam chowder | New York pizza slice |
| Lobster roll | Bagel with lox |
| Fried clams | Pastrami on rye |
| Oysters | Hot dog |
Which is cheaper?
Boston is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $260–$420 per person there, against $300–$500 in New York City (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Boston on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Boston and New York City are about 306 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 4 days in Boston and 5 in New York City.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Boston or New York City cheaper?
Boston is usually less expensive: about $260–$420 a day mid-range against $300–$500 (estimates).
+Is Boston or New York City better for a first trip?
Pick Boston for Freedom Trail and American Revolution history, or New York City for Statue of Liberty and Central Park.
+How far is Boston from New York City?
About 306 km in a straight line.