Which place is cheaper, Dayton or Baltimore?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Baltimore or Dayton?
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 Baltimore and Dayton can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Baltimore or Dayton?
Baltimore
Baltimore is a large, industrial city and popular tourist destination in the state of Maryland. It is about an hour outside of Washington, D.C. and is a hub of tourism and entertainment for the area. It has a vibrant nightlife, comfortable climate, and is a great place to visit when you're in the area. The city proper has a population of about 600,000 and the metropolitan area has 2.7 million. Its economy is centered around science, technology, engineering and math and it has many undergraduate and graduate schools including the world renowned Johns Hopkins University.
Dayton
Located in southwest Ohio, Dayton is known as the "Gem City." It's the original home of Orville and Wilbur Wright, the brothers who designed the first airplane. You'll also find the Dayton Aviation Heritage Park here, which is one of the only multi-site National Parks in the United States. The cities climate has four different seasons, winter, spring, summer and fall. The winter months are quite cold and you can expect a decent amount of snow in the area. Spring remains cool and there are infrequent showers. This is also the peak time for tornadoes in the area. Summer is hot and humid and can be unpleasant at times, but fall is crisp and refreshing with occasional storms and infrequent tornadoes.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBaltimore $184Dayton $323
The average daily cost (per person) in Baltimore is $184, while the average daily cost in Dayton is $323. 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 Baltimore and Dayton in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBaltimore $93Dayton $250
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBaltimore $186Dayton $500
Compare Hotels in Baltimore and Dayton
Looking for a hotel in Baltimore or Dayton? 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.
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: Baltimore Hotel Prices and Dayton Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Baltimore $21Dayton $25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Baltimore
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Baltimore:
- Oakland to San Francisco Airport (SFO)-Departure Private Transfer: $44
- Private Arrival Transfer from Baltimore Washington Airport BWI: $60
- Baltimore City to Washington City - Private Car Transfer: $63
- San Francisco Airport to Oakland: Round Trip Private Transfer: $87
- Baltimore Washington Airport (BWI) to Washington - Arrival Private Transfer: $93
- Departure Private Transfer Baltimore to Baltimore Airport BWI - Business Vehicle: $111
- BWI Airport: Transfer to Baltimore or Washington DC: $150
- Airport Transfer BWI Airport to Baltimore Downtown Area Only: $160
- Private Transfer to BWI or Washington DC/Airports: $160
- Private transfer To or Form Bethesda and Dulles International Airport: $209
- Airport Transfer Baltimore/Washington International Airport BWI to Washington,DC: $240
Is it cheaper to fly into Baltimore or Dayton?
Prices for flights to both Dayton and Baltimore 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
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Food Meals for one dayBaltimore $46Dayton $61
Typical Food Prices in Baltimore
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Baltimore:
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Seafood Dinner (for 2) in Fells Point$76
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Baltimore
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Baltimore.
- Inner Harbor Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner: $67
- Federal Hill Food Tour: $71
- Little Italy and Jonestown Food Tour: $73
- Fells Point Food Tour in Baltimore: $74
- Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $84
- Christmas Day Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $84
- Baltimore Buffet Dinner/Dance Cruise of the Inner Harbor: $119
- Baltimore Signature Dinner Cruise: $126
- Baltimore Father's Day Buffet Dinner Cruise : $126
- Baltimore 4th of July Buffet Dinner Cruise: $194
- Baltimore New Year's Eve Buffet Dinner Cruise: $251
Typical Food Prices in Dayton
Some typical examples of dining costs in Dayton are as follows:
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Noodle Company Lunch (for 2)$17
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Indian Food Dinner (for 2)$34
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Baltimore $18Dayton -
Tours and Activities in Baltimore
Here are a few actual costs in Baltimore for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Downtown Baltimore In-App Audio Tour: $9.00
- Historic & Cultural Baltimore Self-Driving Audio Guided Tour: $14
- Antietam National Battlefield Self-Guided Driving Tour: $15
- Historical Baltimore Self-Driving Sightseeing Audio Tour: $17
- Baltimore Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
- Baltimore Ghosts By US Ghost Adventures: $24
- Baltimore's Cruise ship Tour-shuttle service: $25
- Baltimore Orioles Baseball Game Ticket at Oriole Park: $27
- The Original Fells Point Ghost Walk by Baltimore Ghost Tours: $30
- Sights and Sips Private City Sightseeing Cruise: $31
- Inner Harbor Sightseeing Cruise: $31
- Baltimore Harbor Tour: $31
Tours and Activities in Dayton
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dayton are as follows:
- Daytona Beach: Guided Kayaking or Standup Paddling Tour: $65
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBaltimore $17Dayton -
Sample the Local Flavors in Baltimore
Also in Baltimore, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Original Fells Point Haunted Pub Tour by Baltimore Ghost Tours: $33
- Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
- From Patapsco Region Wine Tour with Lunch: $175
Sample the Local Flavors in Dayton
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dayton:
- Dive Bar Bus Crawl: $38
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Baltimore and Dayton, we can see that Dayton is more expensive. And not only is Baltimore much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Baltimore would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Baltimore 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 Dayton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dayton than you might in Baltimore.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Baltimore Expensive? and Is Dayton Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Baltimore or Dayton?
Baltimore has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Dayton. When comparing the sizes of Baltimore and Dayton, 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 Baltimore or Dayton?
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 Baltimore or Dayton in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Baltimore and Dayton. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Baltimore this time of year.
In the summer, Baltimore is around the same temperature as Dayton. Typically, the summer temperatures in Baltimore in July average around 78°F (25°C), and Dayton averages at about 78°F (26°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dayton this time of the year. In Baltimore, it's very sunny this time of the year. Baltimore usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dayton during summer. Baltimore gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Dayton receives 298 hours of full sun in the summer.
Baltimore gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Baltimore usually receives more rain than Dayton. Baltimore gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Dayton receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBaltimore 78°F (25°C)Dayton 78°F (26°C)
Should I visit Baltimore or Dayton in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Baltimore as well as Dayton. Many travelers come to Baltimore for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In October, Baltimore is generally around the same temperature as Dayton. Daily temperatures in Baltimore average around 57°F (14°C), and Dayton fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).
In the autumn, Baltimore often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dayton. Baltimore gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dayton receives 188 hours of full sun.
Baltimore usually gets more rain in October than Dayton. Baltimore gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Dayton receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBaltimore 57°F (14°C)Dayton 57°F (14°C)
Should I visit Baltimore or Dayton in the Winter?
Both Dayton and Baltimore are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Baltimore in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Dayton can be very cold during winter. Baltimore can get quite cold in the winter. Baltimore is much warmer than Dayton in the winter. The daily temperature in Baltimore averages around 32°F (0°C) in January, and Dayton fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).
Baltimore usually receives more sunshine than Dayton during winter. Baltimore gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Dayton receives 129 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Baltimore usually receives more rain than Dayton. Baltimore gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Dayton receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBaltimore 32°F (0°C)Dayton 30°F (-1°C)
Should I visit Baltimore or Dayton in the Spring?
Both Dayton and Baltimore during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Baltimore for the activities around the city during these months.
In the spring, Baltimore is around the same temperature as Dayton. Typically, the spring temperatures in Baltimore in April average around 54°F (12°C), and Dayton averages at about 55°F (13°C).
In Dayton, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Baltimore. In the spring, Baltimore often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dayton. Baltimore gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dayton receives 215 hours of full sun.
Baltimore usually gets less rain in April than Dayton. Baltimore gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Dayton receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBaltimore 54°F (12°C)Dayton 55°F (13°C)
Typical Weather for Dayton and Baltimore
| Baltimore | Dayton | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 32°F (0°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) |
| Feb | 35°F (2°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 33°F (1°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) |
| Mar | 45°F (7°C) | 3.7 inches (94 mm) | 44°F (7°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Apr | 54°F (12°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) | 55°F (13°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) |
| May | 64°F (18°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) | 65°F (18°C) | 4 inches (102 mm) |
| Jun | 73°F (23°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Jul | 78°F (25°C) | 4.1 inches (103 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) |
| Aug | 76°F (25°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Sep | 69°F (21°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) | 69°F (21°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) |
| Oct | 57°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.5 inches (64 mm) |
| Nov | 47°F (9°C) | 3.1 inches (80 mm) | 47°F (8°C) | 3.1 inches (80 mm) |
| Dec | 37°F (3°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 35°F (2°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.