Is Sedona expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Sedona is expensive, even by US standards: hotels cost more than in Flagstaff or Phoenix suburbs, and taxes, resort fees and tips add a lot to every bill. Expect about US$150 a day per person on a tight budget, about US$310 mid-range and US$620 or more for comfort. Rooms, dining out and tours take most of the money; the hiking is nearly free.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | US$70 | US$130 | US$300 |
| Food & drink | US$45 | US$80 | US$140 |
| Sights & tickets | US$10 | US$60 | US$120 |
| Local transport | US$25 | US$40 | US$60 |
| Per person, per day | US$150 | US$310 | US$620 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Sedona day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Breakfast | about US$15–25 |
| Lunch | US$15–25 |
| Dinner with a drink, per person | US$40–70, plus an 18–20% tip |
| Red Rock Pass for trailhead parking | about US$5 a day or US$15 a week |
| Sedona Shuttle to busy trailheads | free |
| Jeep tour, about 2 hours | roughly US$100–160 per person |
| Slide Rock State Park, summer | around US$20–30 per vehicle |
| West Fork Trail parking | about US$12 per vehicle |
| Mid-range hotel in West Sedona | US$200–320 a night |
| Luxury resort | US$450–1,000 a night |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Accommodation is the biggest cost: motels in Cottonwood or around the Village of Oak Creek cost about US$120–180 a night, mid-range hotels in West Sedona and Uptown US$200–350, and canyon resorts US$450–1,000. Hotels add sales and lodging taxes of roughly 13–14%, and many resorts also charge a daily resort fee. Food is the next big expense: dinner with a drink is US$40–70 per person before an 18–20% tip. A rental car is close to essential, and tours such as jeep trips cost US$100–160 per person. The hikes themselves cost only a Red Rock Pass or a parking fee.
When it is cheaper
Winter (December to February, except holidays) and the hot summer months usually have lower hotel rates than spring and autumn, which are the busiest seasons. Weekdays are cheaper than weekends throughout the year.
How to spend less
- Stay in Cottonwood, 20–25 minutes away, where motels are much cheaper than in Sedona itself.
- Use the free Sedona Shuttle to the busiest trailheads instead of paying for parking or tours.
- Buy a weekly Red Rock Pass (about US$15), or bring an America the Beautiful pass if you have one.
- Shop at supermarkets in West Sedona for picnic lunches before hikes.
- Ask about resort fees before booking, and compare the total price including taxes.
- Hike to viewpoints such as Airport Mesa and Bell Rock for free instead of taking paid tours.
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Common questions
Is Sedona expensive?
Yes. Expect about US$150 a day on a budget, about US$310 mid-range and US$620 or more for comfort.
Why are hotels in Sedona so expensive?
Demand is high, and taxes of roughly 13–14% plus resort fees are added. Cottonwood, 20–25 minutes away, is cheaper.
How much is a Red Rock Pass?
About US$5 a day or US$15 a week. An America the Beautiful pass is also accepted.