A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Dallas vs. New York City for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Dallas or New York City?

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 Dallas and New York City can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dallas

Dallas is a active, upscale, and chic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

New York City

New York City is a cosmopolitan, one-of-a-kind, and vibrant city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.

Dallas and New York City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dallas or New York City?

Tourists will generally find more to do in New York City than Dallas. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. New York City is more touristy than Dallas and is popular for its high-reaching skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, world-class theater scene, and endless energy. It is also well known for The Statue of Liberty. Dallas is famous for its Tex Mex cuisine, upscale shopping venues, and cowboy culture.

How is Dallas different from New York City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Dallas or New York City?

New York City is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Dallas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in New York City are among the most recognizable in the world. The sights and museums around the city are too numerous to list, but some of the most famous include the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. This is a city that is filled with iconic landmarks and you could spend weeks here and still not see it all.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Dallas can be an interesting and educational experience. Museums range from historical to art and science with some of the favorites being the Dallas Contemporary Museum, the African American Museum, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Frontiers of Flight Museum. The city is also home to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and the Nasher Sculpture Center. A must-see is the Sixth Floor Museum, which is in historic Dealey Plaza and is where Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots that killed JFK. Today there's a museum that goes over the events of that day.

Is Dallas or New York City Better for Theater?

New York City is renowned for its theatre productions. However, Dallas is not a theatre destination.

The theater scene in New York City is world-class. Visiting Broadway is a quintessential NYC experience. Whether you enjoy the theater or simply want to experience something new, seeing a Broadway show is a true bucket list activity.

Dallas is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Dallas or New York City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New York City is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Dallas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

New York City has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city has a diverse variety of restaurants, with everything from local dives to Michelin star options. There are many neighborhoods that are notable for their ethnic cuisine, particularly Little Italy and Chinatown. Quintessential NYC dishes include NYC pizza, NYC hot dogs, bagels, and Chinese dim sum.

Dallas has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a perfect combination of Texas cuisine and international flavors. You'll find Texas barbecue, Tex Mex, and steakhouses intermixed with Thai, Japanese, and Caribbean cuisine. There's also a great food truck scene and many local eateries.

Is Dallas or New York City Better for Nightlife?

New York City is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Dallas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

New York City is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. Known as the city that never sleeps, you can be assured that NYC has some of the best nightlife in the world. There are world class bars and clubs, but also local venues that have a more relaxed atmosphere. Several famous clubs include Paul's Cocktail Lounge, Le Bain, and Avant Gardner.

Dallas has a large number of nightlife venues. Head to East Dallas for the most active clubs with large dance floors and great music. The city also has rooftop lounges and plenty of live music as well as comedy clubs.

Is Dallas or New York City Better for Music?

New York City is renowned for its live music scene. However, Dallas is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in New York City Popular music venues include Music Hall of Williamsburg, Radio City Music Hall, Beacon Theatre, and Forest Hills Stadium.

Dallas is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dallas or New York City?

New York City is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Dallas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in New York City make it a world-class shopping destination. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Head for Fifth Avenue for high end shopping or check out any of the many street markets for local items. New York is known for its many flea markets where you can find vintage items at a good price. And if you're looking to pick up a souvenir shirt or knick knack, there are plenty of souvenir shops around town as well.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Dallas. You'll find a very diverse shopping scene around town, with everything from quirky local vendors to upscale fashion boutiques. There are cowboy outfitters where you can get a feel for the Texas style, but there are also posh shopping centers and local flea markets.

Is Dallas or New York City Better for Christmas?

New York City is renowned for its Christmas activities. However, Dallas does not offer Christmas activities.

New York City is a world class destination during the Christmas season. Christmas in the city is a quintessential experience. From the Christmas tree and ice skating at Rockefeller Center to seeing a live performance of the Nutcracker, everyone enjoys the holidays in New York.

Dallas does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Dallas or New York City Better for Christmas Markets?

New York City is a well-known place for its Christmas markets. However, Dallas does not offer Christmas markets.

New York City has a lively atmosphere around its Christmas markets. There are a number of Christmas markets that pop up around town during the holiday season. Nothing will get you more in the holiday spirit than wandering these unique venues.

Dallas does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Dallas or New York City Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Dallas or New York City.

Dallas is a very kid-friendly city. The city is filled with families, and you'll find many kid-friendly activities around town. For some outdoor time you can visit the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden or the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The Dallas Zoo is a favorite for many kids and there are also a number of kid-friendly museums around town such as the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Dallas World Aquarium.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in New York City. The city has many activities for kids of all ages including world class museums, beautifully designed playgrounds, and theater shows designed just for young ones. There are many kid-friendly restaurants as well and older kids will enjoy visiting the iconic landmarks in this world-class city.

Is Dallas or New York City Better for Couples?

New York City is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Dallas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, New York City has plenty to offer. From a beautiful carriage ride through Central Park, to a romantic river cruise at night, there is an endless list of unique activities that couples can enjoy in the city. Whether you're interested in theater, the arts, music, or nightlife, this city has it all.

Dallas makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Head to the observation deck at Reunion Tower for spectacular views of the night skyline. The city also has many great comedy clubs and performing arts venues as well as fine dining restaurants that make for a great date night.

Is Dallas or New York City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

New York City is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Dallas is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

New York City is a great city to visit for backpackers. It isn't a particularly budget-friendly destination, but it does get its share of backpackers, so you'll find a nice list of hostels and affordable hangouts that are perfect for the backpacker crowd. This is probably one of the most popular cities for backpackers in the entire United States.

Dallas is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there are a couple of hostels around town, this isn't a popular destination for the backpacker crowd.

Is Dallas or New York City Better for Students?

New York City is renowned for students. However, Dallas is not a good city for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over the world to visit New York City. The city has a diverse population, and international students will feel right at home here exploring the city. There are also plenty of major universities including NYU, Columbia University, and Cornell University.

Dallas is a decent spot for students. There are a couple of universities and colleges in the area that keep things interesting for students.

Is Dallas or New York City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

New York City is renowned for its public transit. Also, Dallas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

New York City has a great public transit system. The city has one of the largest subway systems in the world. There's also an elaborate bus system, ferry system, and yellow taxis all around town.

Dallas has some public transit options. While it's still very much a car-centered city, the public transportation system, DART, is one of the fastest growing in the country. It includes both light rail and bus service.

Is Dallas or New York City a more walkable city?

New York City is renowned for its high level of walkability. However, Dallas is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around New York City on foot. The majority of the neighborhoods in Manhattan are very walkable and easy to explore on foot. Most people prefer not to drive here as it can be overwhelming and chaotic.

Dallas is generally not a very walkable city. The city is not particularly walkable, but there are several more walkable areas such as Ellum and Uptown.

For even more information, also check out Is Dallas Worth Visiting? and Is New York City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in New York City or Dallas?

How long in Dallas or New York City?

Both Dallas and New York City have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in New York City than in Dallas. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Dallas, and 3-7 days is enough time in New York City.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in New York City than Dallas 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 New York City.

One day in Dallas or New York City?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the chic destination of Dallas. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

New York City is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Dallas or New York City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dallas. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

New York City is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Dallas or New York City?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the active destination of Dallas. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in New York City. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Dallas or New York City?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Dallas. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

New York City is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Dallas or New York City?

New York City has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Dallas. When comparing the sizes of Dallas and New York City, 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 Dallas or New York City?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Dallas or New York City in the Summer?

Both New York City and Dallas during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Dallas in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to New York City for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Dallas is generally a little warmer than New York City. Daily temperatures in Dallas average around 88°F (31°C), and New York City fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

New York City gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dallas usually gets less rain in July than New York City. Dallas gets 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dallas or New York City in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dallas and New York City. Most visitors come to Dallas for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to New York City because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Dallas is a little warmer than New York City in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dallas averages around 69°F (21°C) in October, and New York City fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In October, Dallas usually receives more rain than New York City. Dallas gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dallas or New York City in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dallas as well as New York City. The winter months attract visitors to Dallas because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to New York City this time of year.

It's quite cold in New York City in the winter. In the winter, Dallas is much warmer than New York City. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dallas in January average around 46°F (8°C), and New York City averages at about 31°F (-1°C).

Dallas usually gets less rain in January than New York City. Dallas gets 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dallas or New York City in the Spring?

Both New York City and Dallas are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city are the main draw to Dallas this time of year. Also, many travelers come to New York City for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Dallas is generally much warmer than New York City. Daily temperatures in Dallas average around 68°F (20°C), and New York City fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

In April, Dallas usually receives around the same amount of rain as New York City. Dallas gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 3.8 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for New York City and Dallas