A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Auckland vs. Washington for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Auckland or Washington?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Auckland and Washington can help you decide which place is right for you.

Auckland

Auckland is a cosmopolitan , adventurous, and adrenaline-filled city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Washington

Washington is a diverse, active, and monument-filled city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping.

Auckland and Washington: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Auckland or Washington?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Washington than Auckland. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Washington is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, music, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Auckland attracts visitors for its beaches and hiking. Auckland is famous for its waterfront setting, diverse beaches, and active and adrenaline-filled environment. Washington is famous for its reputation as the capital of the United States, but it's also known for its many monuments, memorials, and museums. It is also well known for The Washington Monument and the White House.

How is Auckland different from Washington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Auckland or Washington?

Washington is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Washington are world-renowned. The city has world class museums that are often free. The Smithsonian Museums are arguably some of the most impressive museums in the United States. The city also has a large collection of monuments that are dedicated to past presidents or historical events. Many are best experienced at night when the sun sets and the lights come on.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Auckland can be an interesting and educational experience. The waterfront is filled with sights for tourists, and many of the city's attractions are geared towards thrill seekers. The Sky Tower is a popular landmark with its Sky Walk and Sky Jump. There are also many thrilling experiences that you can have along the Harbour Bridge. For museums, head to the New Zealand Maritime Museum, the Auckland Art Gallery, or the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

Is Auckland or Washington Better for Theater?

Washington is an excellent place to visit for its theatre productions. However, Auckland is not a theatre destination.

Washington has a number of performance venues where you can see a variety of shows. Theater is popular in the city. From major theaters like the Kennedy Center and Ford's Theater, to lesser known smaller venues, there are options for everyone.

Auckland is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Auckland or Washington? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Washington is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Washington has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. This city is among the most diverse in the country, so you can find restaurants from almost any cuisine here. It's worth exploring and stepping out of your comfort zone. There are popular neighborhoods for Ethiopian, Korean, Thai, Japanese, and Chinese food, among many others.

Dining out in Auckland is an experience not to be missed. The city has a diverse selection of restaurants, but you'll also find many places that highlight local ingredients such as seafood and lamb. You'll often find the standard dishes such as fish and chips, oysters, and green-lipped mussels on the menus.

Is Auckland or Washington Better for Nightlife?

Both Auckland and Washington have very good vibes after the sun sets.

Auckland has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city has a cosmopolitan atmosphere and there are many bars and clubs that you can explore in the evening. Some of the best nightlife options are found in the vibrant Britomart precinct and around the trendy Ponsonby Road. Other popular areas include Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter.

The people in Washington know how to have a good time. Many visitors head straight to the museums and the National Mall, and don't realize what a livable and fun city this is. Some of the best nightlife is found in Dupont Circle, U Street, and even Arlington, VA. The city's young population ensures that there's never a dull moment.

Is Auckland or Washington Better for Music?

Washington is very good for its live music scene. However, Auckland is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Washington. Notable live music venues include the 9:30 Club, the Anthem, and Union Stage.

Auckland is not a live music destination.

Is Auckland or Washington Better for Beaches?

Auckland is great for its beaches. However, Washington is not a beach destination.

Auckland is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. You don't have to head too far from the city to find some impressive beaches that are diverse and beautiful. There are beaches that are secluded and private as well as more lively beaches with all of the amenities and activities that you might want.

Washington is not a beach destination.

Is Auckland or Washington Better for Hiking?

Auckland is very good for hiking. However, Washington is not a good destination for the nearby hiking options.

Many people include a hike when visiting Auckland. Locals love to get outdoors, and you'll find many local hikes in the area. There are easy paths that are family-friendly and perfect for a stroll, as well as longer stretches that present more of a challenge.

Many visitors include a hike while visiting Washington. Just outside of Washington DC you'll find plenty of places to go hiking. There's also an elaborate bike and walking trail system in the city. To enjoy a bit of nature, head to Teddy Roosevelt Island.

Is the Shopping Better in Auckland or Washington?

Shoppers can find a variety of very good stores in both Auckland and Washington.

Auckland is well-known for its shopping. The city centre is cosmopolitan and full of diverse shopping venues that sell international brands as well as local designers. Some of the most popular shopping areas are Britomart, High Street, and Queen Street.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Washington. Head to Georgetown and Dupont Circle for some of the city's best local shopping. There are name brand chains mixed in with local boutiques. You'll also find plenty of souvenir shops in the more touristy areas if you're looking to pick up some trinkets.

Is Auckland or Washington Better for Christmas?

Washington is a must-visit destination for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Auckland does not offer Christmas activities.

Known for its popular Christmas activities, Washington draws large crowds. With it's beautiful lights and holiday shows, Christmas is beautiful in the capital of the United States.

Auckland does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Auckland or Washington Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Auckland or Washington.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Auckland is very family-friendly. There's a big focus on getting kids outside in the city, so you'll find many outdoor parks and play spaces. Popular activities for families include visiting the Huia Lodge Discovery Centre, going to the Museum of Transport and Technology, and wandering through the botanical garden.

Washington is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It is a fun and educational destination where kids can explore world class museums and try unique foods from all around the world. The city has nationally recognized landmarks, monuments, and memorials and it's also home to some of the best (free) museums in the United States including the world class Smithsonian Institutions. Many schools visit Washington DC as a field trip, particularly during the Spring months, so you'll kids groups in colorful t-shirts running around the National Mall.

Is Auckland or Washington Better for Couples?

Both Auckland and Washington are very good destinations to visit as a couple.

Auckland makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many romantic restaurants in the city, as well as spas, cocktail bars, and evening venues. Couples will also enjoy one of the many thrill-seeking activities that New Zealand is famous for.

Couples visit Washington frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city lights up at night, so couples will enjoy wandering by the monuments in the evening or taking in a dinner and show. During the Spring months you'll find couples wandering through the Cherry Blossoms or along the waterfront.

Is Auckland or Washington Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Auckland is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Washington is not a good destination for backpackers.

Auckland is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Auckland is high on many backpackers' wish list, and usually they pass through the city at some point during their trip. You'll find a number of hostels in the city that are perfect for socializing and saving money.

Washington is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it is an international travel destination, the city often isn't at the top of most backpacker's lists. There are some affordable accommodation options available though if you know where to look.

Is Auckland or Washington Better for Students?

Washington is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Washington. International students come from around the world to study, learn, intern, and work in the capital of the United States. There are many internships available through the federal government as well as NGOs and nonprofits.

Auckland is a great city to visit as a student. Some of the country's best universities are found in the city, many of which are popular with international students.

Is Auckland or Washington Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Washington is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Washington has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The metro system and the bus system are reliable and efficient ways to explore the city.

You'll find some public transit in Auckland, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a mishmash of different public transit options, and trips often include a variety of modes of transport. In the city you'll find ferries, trains, and buses to help you get around.

Is Auckland or Washington a more walkable city?

Washington is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. However, Auckland is lacking in options for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Washington. Many neighborhoods around the city are easy to explore on foot. Most tourists spend a lot of time in the Mall area, which is very pedestrian friendly.

Auckland is generally not very walkable. It is a very car-centric city and it can be challenging to explore on foot alone.

For even more information, also check out Is Auckland Worth Visiting? and Is Washington Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Washington or Auckland?

How long in Auckland or Washington?

Both Auckland and Washington have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Washington than in Auckland. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Auckland, and 3-7 days is enough time in Washington.

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

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

One day in Auckland or Washington?

When visiting Auckland, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The beautiful city of Washington offers shopping and museums. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Auckland or Washington?

When visiting Auckland, people usually allow for lots of time. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Washington is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Auckland or Washington?

Auckland, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Washington is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Washington, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Auckland or Washington?

Auckland 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.

Washington is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Washington has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Auckland and Washington, we can see that Washington is more expensive. And not only is Auckland much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Auckland is in Pacific and Washington is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Auckland would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Auckland 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 Washington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Washington than you might in Auckland.

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

Which is Bigger, Auckland or Washington?

Washington has a larger population, and is about 32% larger than the population of Auckland. When comparing the sizes of Auckland and Washington, 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 Auckland or Washington?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Auckland is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Washington has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Auckland or Washington in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Auckland and Washington. The summer months attract visitors to Auckland because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Washington this time of year.

In January, Auckland is generally cooler than Washingtonin July. Daily temperatures in Auckland average around 20°C (68°F), and Washington fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Washington this time of the year. In Auckland, it's very sunny this time of the year. Auckland usually receives less sunshine than Washington during summer. Auckland gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Washington receives 278 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Auckland usually receives less rain than Washingtonin July. Auckland gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Washington receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Auckland or Washington in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Auckland as well as Washington. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Auckland this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Washington for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Auckland is around the same temperature as Washington in the autumn. The daily temperature in Auckland averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Washington fluctuates around 60°F (15°C)in October.

In the autumn, Auckland often gets less sunshine than Washingtonin October. Auckland gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Washington receives 197 hours of full sun.

Auckland usually gets more rain in April than Washingtonin October. Auckland gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Auckland or Washington in the Winter?

Both Washington and Auckland are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Auckland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Washington in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Washington can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Auckland is much warmer than Washington. Typically, the winter temperatures in Auckland in July average around 11°C (52°F), and Washington averages at about 35°F (1°C)in January.

Auckland usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Washington during winter. Auckland gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Washington receives 139 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Auckland. In July, Auckland usually receives more rain than Washingtonin January. Auckland gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Auckland or Washington in the Spring?

Both Washington and Auckland during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Auckland in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Washington for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In October, Auckland is generally around the same temperature as Washingtonin April. Daily temperatures in Auckland average around 14°C (58°F), and Washington fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

In Washington, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Auckland often gets less sunshine than Washingtonin April. Auckland gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Washington receives 228 hours of full sun.

Auckland usually gets more rain in October than Washingtonin April. Auckland gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Washington and Auckland