A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Boca Raton vs. Philadelphia for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Boca Raton or Philadelphia?

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 Boca Raton and Philadelphia. 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.

Boca Raton

Boca Raton is a posh, outdoorsy, and relaxed coastal city. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia is a cultural, diverse, and historic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Boca Raton and Philadelphia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Boca Raton or Philadelphia?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Philadelphia than Boca Raton, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Philadelphia is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, music, historical sights, christmas markets, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Boca Raton is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Boca Raton is popular for its golf courses, outdoor recreational activities, and safe atmosphere. Philadelphia is popular for its diverse population, large number of universities, great restaurant and market scene, and its role in American history. It is also home to The Liberty Bell.

How is Boca Raton different from Philadelphia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Boca Raton or Philadelphia?

Philadelphia is a world-class destination for its historical sights. Also, Boca Raton is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Philadelphia has many famous sights for visitors. The city has a rich history with a number of museums and monuments. Popular sites around the city include the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the National Museum of Jewish American History.

Boca Raton offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. While most visitors focus on the beaches and outdoor activities in the area, there are also a surprising number of museums that you can visit. On a rainy day head to the Boca Raton Museum of Art or the Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum. Sports enthusiasts will like the Sports Immortals Museum and kids will want to check out the Children's Science Explorium.

Is Boca Raton or Philadelphia Better for Theater?

Philadelphia is great for its shows and theatre. However, Boca Raton is not a theatre destination.

Philadelphia offers many theater and performance venues for visitors. There are major Broadway shows as well as smaller venues. Head to The Avenue of the Arts along Broad Street for a popular stretch of theaters.

Boca Raton is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Boca Raton or Philadelphia? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Boca Raton and Philadelphia both to be great destinations.

Boca Raton has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find a mix of local and international flavors with both casual and upscale dining available. Reservations are recommended, particularly on weekend nights. For the health-conscious, there's also a nice selection of healthy eateries to choose from.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Philadelphia makes for a great culinary experience. It has grown into a well-recognized food destination. It's diversity of cultures and residents have influenced the restaurant scene and you'll find many great places to dine covering a number of international flavors. The city is famous for its Philly cheesesteak and roast pork sandwich. You can also grab some local favorites at Reading Terminal Market.

Is Boca Raton or Philadelphia Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is great in both Boca Raton and Philadelphia.

Many people head to Boca Raton for the nightlife scene. You'll find plenty of upscale wine bars, cocktail bars, and live music venues that will keep you entertained late into the evening.

Philadelphia has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city's nightlife scene carries late into the evening with many rooftop and outdoor beer gardens. Most of the clubs and bars are found in the downtown area and you'll find places to dance, listen to live music, or sip a trendy cocktails.

Is Boca Raton or Philadelphia Better for Music?

Philadelphia is great for its music scene. However, Boca Raton is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Philadelphia draws a good crowd. The city's diverse music scene includes jazz, rock, and hip hop.

Boca Raton is not a live music destination.

Is Boca Raton or Philadelphia Better for Resorts?

Boca Raton is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Philadelphia is not a resort destination.

Boca Raton is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. You'll find many luxury beachside resorts that offer all of the amenities, from access to golf course to family-friendly kids clubs.

Philadelphia is not a resort destination.

Is Boca Raton or Philadelphia Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Boca Raton is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Philadelphia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Boca Raton has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Head to the "Aqua Zoo", which is just to the south of Boca Inlet to see stingrays, groupers, and moray eels. Red Reef Park offers excellent snorkeling as well.

Philadelphia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Boca Raton or Philadelphia Better for Beaches?

Boca Raton is a must-visit destination for the beache. However, Philadelphia is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Boca Raton are among the best in the world. There's a two mile stretch of beautiful sandy beaches that are all monitored by lifeguards. The beaches offer all of the facilities that you might need such as picnic areas, restrooms, and showers. Many beaches are part of park land and some offer nice snorkeling. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Spanish River Park, Bark Park Dog Beach, Red Reef Beach, and South Beach Park.

Philadelphia is not a beach destination.

Is Boca Raton or Philadelphia Better for its Old Town?

Philadelphia is a good destination for its historic old town charm. However, Boca Raton does not have a historic old town.

Philadelphia has an old town worth visiting. The Old City has a number of Colonial-era sites including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House.

Boca Raton does not have a historic old town.

Is Boca Raton or Philadelphia Better for Hiking?

Boca Raton is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Philadelphia is not a hiking destination.

Boca Raton has hiking trails worth exploring. There's a surprising number of nature parks in the area that have hiking trails, nature walks, and beach paths that are fun to explore.

Philadelphia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Boca Raton or Philadelphia?

If you're looking to go shopping, Boca Raton and Philadelphia both offer plenty of great spots.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Boca Raton. It's an upscale area, and you'll find no shortage of luxury shopping around town. Popular areas for shopping include Downtown Boca, Mizner Park, and the Town Center at Boca Raton.

Philadelphia is an extremely popular place for shoppers. With all items tax-free, this city is a great place to shop. It has many boutique shops as well as name brand stores and shopping areas. For a local vibe, head to Reading Terminal Market.

Is Boca Raton or Philadelphia Better for Christmas?

Philadelphia is great for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Boca Raton does not offer Christmas activities.

Philadelphia is a very popular destination during Christmas. There are a number of holiday events, light shows, and festivals during the holiday season.

Boca Raton does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Boca Raton or Philadelphia Better for Christmas Markets?

Philadelphia is a good destination for visiting Christmas markets. However, Boca Raton does not offer Christmas markets.

Visiting the Christmas markets is popular in Philadelphia. The city has its own German style Christmas market at Love Park and City Hall. It hosts over 80 vendors.

Boca Raton does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Boca Raton or Philadelphia Better for Families?

Both Boca Raton and Philadelphia are great family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Boca Raton. It's an upscale area with a family-friendly atmosphere and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Many of the hotels have kids clubs that will keep the young ones entertained. The area also has nature centers, children's museums, and waterparks that will ensure everyone stays entertained.

Philadelphia is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has many museums and a fascinating history that is interesting to kids and adults alike. Popular activities include a zoo and Sesame Place. Kids also love the hands-on Please Touch Museum.

Is Boca Raton or Philadelphia Better for Couples?

Boca Raton is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Boca Raton makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There's an upscale vibe with plenty of nature trails and nice beaches. Many of the hotels offer a touch of luxury that honeymooning couples will appreciate. You can also head to the downtown area for music, events, and museums.

Philadelphia is a good coastal city for couples to visit. Like many large cities, it is a fun place to explore in the evening as a couple. This is also a great foodie destination with great markets, food trucks, and diverse restaurants that reflect the city's diverse population.

Is Boca Raton or Philadelphia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Philadelphia is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Boca Raton is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Philadelphia. There are a few good hostels for backpackers and budget travelers to choose from.

Boca Raton is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's known for its upscale luxury, and you won't find much in the form of hostels or backpacker-friendly accommodation.

Is Boca Raton or Philadelphia Better for Students?

Philadelphia is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Boca Raton is not popular with students.

Many students visit Philadelphia. With its many universities and diverse population, this city is a great place for international students.

Boca Raton is not popular with students.

Is Boca Raton or Philadelphia Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Philadelphia is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Boca Raton is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Philadelphia. The system includes a subway, trolleys, buses, and a commuter rail.

Boca Raton has a few public transit options. The Downtowner is a fleet of free, oversized golf cars that shuttle visitors around town, passing by many top sites such as Mizner Park, Red Reef Park, and the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. There's also a public bus system, Palm Tran, that offers service around town.

Is Boca Raton or Philadelphia a more walkable city?

Philadelphia is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Boca Raton is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its walkability.

Philadelphia is a very easy city to get around on foot. The Old City is particularly walkable, as is Avenue of the Arts, and Rittenhouse Square.

Boca Raton is somewhat walkable. There are some communities within the city that are more walkable than others, particularly East Boca Raton, Royal Palm Place, and Mizner Park. There are also many pedestrian and bike paths around town. Even so, you really must have a car to explore the area in depth.

For even more information, also check out Is Boca Raton Worth Visiting? and Is Philadelphia Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Philadelphia or Boca Raton?

How long in Boca Raton or Philadelphia?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Boca Raton and Philadelphia. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Boca Raton than in Philadelphia. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Boca Raton, and 2-3 days is enough time in Philadelphia.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Philadelphia than Boca Raton 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 Philadelphia.

One day in Boca Raton or Philadelphia?

In Boca Raton, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this posh coastal city offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

When visiting Philadelphia, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Boca Raton or Philadelphia?

Boca Raton is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

When visiting Philadelphia, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Boca Raton or Philadelphia?

In Boca Raton, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this outdoorsy destination offers. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Lots of people come for the beaches. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Philadelphia, 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 Boca Raton or Philadelphia?

Boca Raton is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Philadelphia is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. 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 Boca Raton and Philadelphia, we can see that Boca Raton is more expensive. And not only is Philadelphia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Philadelphia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Philadelphia 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 Boca Raton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boca Raton than you might in Philadelphia.

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

Which is Bigger, Boca Raton or Philadelphia?

Philadelphia has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Boca Raton. When comparing the sizes of Boca Raton and Philadelphia, 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 Boca Raton or Philadelphia?

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 Boca Raton or Philadelphia in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Boca Raton and Philadelphia. Many visitors come to Boca Raton in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Philadelphia for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Boca Raton is generally a little warmer than Philadelphia. Daily temperatures in Boca Raton average around 82°F (28°C), and Philadelphia fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Philadelphia this time of the year. In Boca Raton, it's very sunny this time of the year. Boca Raton usually receives more sunshine than Philadelphia during summer. Boca Raton gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Philadelphia receives 273 hours of full sun in the summer.

Philadelphia receives a lot of rain in the summer. Boca Raton gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Boca Raton usually receives more rain than Philadelphia. Boca Raton gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Philadelphia in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Boca Raton as well as Philadelphia. Most visitors come to Boca Raton for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Philadelphia because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Boca Raton is much warmer than Philadelphia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Boca Raton averages around 78°F (25°C) in October, and Philadelphia fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Philadelphia. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Boca Raton this time of the year. In the autumn, Boca Raton often gets more sunshine than Philadelphia. Boca Raton gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 202 hours of full sun.

Boca Raton receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Boca Raton usually gets more rain in October than Philadelphia. Boca Raton gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Boca Raton.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Philadelphia in the Winter?

Both Philadelphia and Boca Raton are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Boca Raton because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Philadelphia this time of year.

It's quite cold in Philadelphia in the winter. In the winter, Boca Raton is much warmer than Philadelphia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Boca Raton in January average around 65°F (19°C), and Philadelphia averages at about 30°F (-1°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Boca Raton. Boca Raton usually receives more sunshine than Philadelphia during winter. Boca Raton gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Philadelphia receives 152 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Boca Raton usually receives more rain than Philadelphia. Boca Raton gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Philadelphia in the Spring?

Both Philadelphia and Boca Raton during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches are the main draw to Boca Raton this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Philadelphia for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Boca Raton is generally much warmer than Philadelphia. Daily temperatures in Boca Raton average around 74°F (23°C), and Philadelphia fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

In Philadelphia, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Boca Raton. In the spring, Boca Raton often gets more sunshine than Philadelphia. Boca Raton gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 216 hours of full sun.

Boca Raton usually gets more rain in April than Philadelphia. Boca Raton gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Boca Raton is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Philadelphia and Boca Raton