A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Alexandria vs. Phoenix for Attractions, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Alexandria or Phoenix?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Alexandria and Phoenix. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Alexandria

Alexandria is a charming, quaint, and historic city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Phoenix

Phoenix is a laid back, sprawling, and desert city. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping.

Alexandria and Phoenix: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Alexandria or Phoenix?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Alexandria than Phoenix. While Phoenix is larger than Alexandria, Alexandria has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Alexandria is very popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Phoenix attracts visitors for its hiking. Alexandria is more touristy than Phoenix and is known for its long-running history, beautiful architecture, and small town atmosphere. It is also well known for Mount Vernon. Phoenix is famous for its desert landscapes, high number of golf courses, and year round warm weather.

How is Alexandria different from Phoenix?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Alexandria or Phoenix?

Alexandria is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Alexandria. George Washington's Mount Vernon home is an iconic destination in Alexandria. There are also many other museums in town that focus on the region's history. The Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum and the Gadsby's Tavern Museum are both interesting. There's Gunston Hall and the Carlyle House, as well as an archeology museum and many historic landmarks around town.

Phoenix is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. You'll find art, science, and cultural museums around town. Favorites include the Heard Museum, the Phoenix Art Museum, S'edav Va'aki Museum, and the Arizona Science Museum.

Is the Food Better in Alexandria or Phoenix? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Alexandria and Phoenix can be an enjoyable experience.

Alexandria is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The food, like the city itself, reflects the area's history. There are many southern classic dishes as well as a lot of seafood. You'll find lots of local restaurants that serve high quality dishes and a quaint atmosphere.

Phoenix offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are many mom-and-pop shops around town that serve everything from casual meals to quality steaks. There's also a huge selection of Mexican restaurants, as well as other international options such as sushi, dim sum, and Italian.

Is Alexandria or Phoenix Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is nice in both Alexandria and Phoenix.

If you're looking for night time activities Alexandria has a few options to choose from. There's a great bar scene, as well as tons of restaurants that make for a relaxing night out.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Phoenix. The best nightlife scene is found in downtown and central Phoenix. There are bars, restaurants, and venues where you can catch a show. North Phoenix also has grown into a popular evening spot with cocktail bars and pubs.

Is Alexandria or Phoenix Better for its Old Town?

Alexandria is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. However, Phoenix does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Alexandria offers plenty to see. At the heart of the city is the historic old town. Its lined with townhomes that date back to the 18th century. There are many historic sights that have stories from the early days of the country. There are also cobblestone streets and a great waterfront.

Phoenix does not have a historic old town.

Is Alexandria or Phoenix Better for Hiking?

Phoenix is a good destination for hiking. However, Alexandria is not a hiking destination.

Phoenix offers some nice hiking trails. You don't have to head far out of town for impressive hiking opportunities. You'll find trails that range from easy to challenging, and many pass through other-worldly landscapes. You'll find popular trails in Usery Mountain Regional Park, Papago Park, White Tank Mountain Regional Park, South Mountain Park and many others.

Alexandria is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Alexandria or Phoenix?

Alexandria is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Alexandria. King Street is the main shopping street in town and it offers the largest concentration of independently owned boutiques in the Washington D.C. area. It's the perfectly place to spend an afternoon shopping.

Phoenix is a great destination for shopping. There are plenty of shopping centers, outlets, and malls where you'll find the standard chain stores. You'll also find farmer's markets around town.

Is Alexandria or Phoenix Better for Families?

Phoenix is a good destination for its kid-friendly activities. However, Alexandria is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Phoenix offers lots of family activities. Kids will love the Phoenix Zoo, the Arizona Science Center, the SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, and the Bearizona Wildlife Park. There's also a number of parks and gardens as well as a children's museum and several other interactive museums for kids.

Alexandria is not the most family-friendly destination. The waterfront area is nice to walk around. You can break up the history with an ice cream shop and kids will also enjoy taking a boat tour.

Is Alexandria or Phoenix Better for Couples?

Alexandria is a great city for couples. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Alexandria is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The charm of the old town makes this a quaint and romantic destination. There's a waterfront area and many historic buildings. There are also romantic restaurants and plenty of places to grab brunch.

Phoenix is a nice destination for couples. There are many parks and gardens in town as well as beautiful hikes and outdoor activities that couples will enjoy. In the evening, there's theater, shows, and many romantic restaurants.

Is Alexandria or Phoenix Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Alexandria is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Phoenix is not known for backpackers.

Alexandria is a good city to visit for backpackers. There aren't any true hostels in town, but you will find some cheap motels.

Phoenix is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel or two around town for budget travelers.

Is Alexandria or Phoenix Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Alexandria is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. However, Phoenix is not known for its public transit.

Visitors in Alexandria can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. DASH is the local bus system, but the city is also connected into the Washington DC metro system.

Public transit is generally limited in Phoenix. There's a bus and light rail system, but you really need your own vehicle to get around.

Is Alexandria or Phoenix a more walkable city?

Alexandria is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. However, Phoenix is not known for its walkability.

Alexandria is a very easy city to get around on foot. It's a very easy city to walk around, particularly in the historic heart where most tourists spend their time.

Phoenix is generally not very walkable. It's a sprawling city and the only real area that's walkable is the downtown.

For even more information, also check out Is Alexandria Worth Visiting? and Is Phoenix Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Phoenix or Alexandria?

How long in Alexandria or Phoenix?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Alexandria and Phoenix. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Alexandria than in Phoenix. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Alexandria, and 1-3 days is enough time in Phoenix.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Alexandria than Phoenix 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 Alexandria.

One day in Alexandria or Phoenix?

In Alexandria, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With museums and nightlife around the laid back city of Phoenix, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Phoenix, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Alexandria or Phoenix?

In Alexandria, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Alexandria has to offer.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Phoenix, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Alexandria or Phoenix?

Alexandria is a great place to explore. 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. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Phoenix, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Alexandria or Phoenix?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Alexandria. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Alexandria. 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.

Phoenix is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Alexandria or Phoenix?

Phoenix has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Alexandria. When comparing the sizes of Alexandria and Phoenix, 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.

When is the best time to visit Alexandria or Phoenix?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Alexandria or Phoenix in the Summer?

Both Phoenix and Alexandria are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Alexandria for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Phoenix because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

The heat can be very extreme in Phoenix. Alexandria is cooler than Phoenix in the summer. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Phoenix fluctuates around 98°F (36°C).

It's quite sunny in Phoenix. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Alexandria. Alexandria usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during summer. Alexandria gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 380 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Alexandria usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Alexandria gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Alexandria or Phoenix in the Autumn?

Both Phoenix and Alexandria during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Alexandria because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Phoenix this time of year.

In the autumn, Alexandria is much colder than Phoenix. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Alexandria in October average around 60°F (15°C), and Phoenix averages at about 79°F (26°C).

In Phoenix, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Alexandria often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Alexandria gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 305 hours of full sun.

Alexandria usually gets more rain in October than Phoenix. Alexandria gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Alexandria or Phoenix in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Alexandria and Phoenix. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Alexandria this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Phoenix for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Alexandria in the winter. In January, Alexandria is generally much colder than Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 35°F (1°C), and Phoenix fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phoenix this time of the year. Alexandria usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during winter. Alexandria gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 254 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Alexandria usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Alexandria gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Alexandria or Phoenix in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Alexandria as well as Phoenix. Many travelers come to Alexandria for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Alexandria is much colder than Phoenix in the spring. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 56°F (14°C) in April, and Phoenix fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phoenix. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Alexandria this time of the year. In the spring, Alexandria often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Alexandria gets 228 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 355 hours of full sun.

Alexandria usually gets more rain in April than Phoenix. Alexandria gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Phoenix and Alexandria