A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Dallas vs. Richmond for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Dallas or Richmond?

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 Richmond can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dallas

Dallas is a chic, active, and upscale city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Richmond

Richmond is a growing, friendly, and historical city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Dallas and Richmond: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Dallas or Richmond?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dallas than Richmond, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Richmond is more touristy than Dallas and is known for its cultural and historical sights. Dallas is popular for its Tex Mex cuisine, upscale shopping venues, and cowboy culture. It is also home to the Sixth Floor Museum.

How is Dallas different from Richmond?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Richmond 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 Richmond?

Dallas
Richmond

Plenty of people visit the very good sights and museums in both Dallas and Richmond.

Many visitors head to Dallas specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Richmond can be an interesting and educational experience. The city has a long history which you can learn about at one of the many museums. There's the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, and the Black History Museum. There are also landmarks and historical homes.


Is the Food Better in Dallas or Richmond? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dallas
Richmond

Dallas is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Richmond is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Dallas is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Richmond. The food scene has been growing around town, and there are food halls and local restaurants that serve diverse and interesting dishes. You'll find Indian, Asian, and European restaurants in addition to local classics.

Is Dallas or Richmond Better for Nightlife?

Dallas
Richmond

Dallas is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Richmond is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Dallas has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Richmond. You'll find diverse bars and clubs around town. Pubs are usually laid back with a relaxed atmosphere. You'll also find live music that includes bluegrass, country, and jazz.

Is the Shopping Better in Dallas or Richmond?

Dallas
Richmond

Dallas is notable for its shopping areas. Also, Richmond is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Richmond. You'll find shopping malls and shopping centers around town, but there are also eclectic shopping streets and boutique outlets.


Is Dallas or Richmond Better for Families?

Dallas
Richmond

Dallas is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Richmond is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Dallas is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Richmond is a family-friendly city. The Children's Museum of Richmond offers hands-on exhibits that will keep young ones entertained. Another fun option is the Science Museum of Virginia. The city also has parks and outdoor places to explore as well as playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants.

Is Dallas or Richmond Better for Couples?

Dallas
Richmond

Dallas is notable for couples. Also, Richmond is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Dallas is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Richmond is a nice destination for couples. Kayaking or tubing on the James River is a great activity for couples. There are also museums and many restaurants that are perfect for a date night.

Is Dallas or Richmond Better for Students?

Dallas
Richmond

Richmond is very good for students. However, Dallas is not a good city for its student-friendly activities.

Richmond is a good city to visit for students. There are a couple of colleges and universities in town such as Virginia Commonwealth 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 Richmond Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Dallas
Richmond

Dallas is very good for its public transit. However, Richmond is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

Dallas has a few 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Richmond. There are buses around town, but the availability and reliability is limited.

Is Dallas or Richmond a more walkable city?

Dallas
Richmond

Richmond is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Dallas is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

Richmond is a somewhat walkable place. There are some walkable neighborhoods such as the Fan and Museum District, but most people prefer to get around by car.

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 Richmond Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Richmond or Dallas?

How long in Dallas or Richmond?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Dallas or Richmond to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Dallas than Richmond because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Dallas, and 1-2 days is enough time in Richmond.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dallas than Richmond 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 Dallas.


  • How many days in Dallas or Richmond? Ideal Length of Stay
    Dallas 2-4 
    Richmond 1-2

One day in Dallas or Richmond?

The city of Dallas offers food and shopping. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Richmond. One day is often enough time to do most activities.


A weekend in Dallas or Richmond?

Dallas is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Dallas, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Richmond is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Dallas or Richmond?

Dallas is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Richmond. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Dallas or Richmond?

Dallas is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical destination of Richmond. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


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.


Which place is cheaper, Richmond or Dallas?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Dallas is $141, while the average daily cost in Richmond is $161. 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 Dallas and Richmond in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dallas $84
    Richmond $101
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dallas $168
    Richmond $202
Compare Hotels in Dallas and Richmond

Looking for a hotel in Dallas or Richmond? 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.

Hotels in Dallas


Hotels in Richmond


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: Dallas Hotel Prices and Richmond Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dallas $28
    Richmond $72

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dallas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dallas:

  • Private Departure Transfer to Dallas Fort Worth Airport DFW: $40
  • Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL) to Dallas - Arrival Private Transfer: $41
  • Dallas to Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL) - Departure Private Transfer: $41
  • Transfer private executive car from Dallas Airport (DFW)- City Center: $60
  • Transfer executive private car from Dallas City Center - Dallas Airport (DFW): $60
  • Allen or Plano to Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW) - Departure Private Transfer: $61
  • Transfer in executive private car from Dallas City Center - Dallas Airport (DAL): $71
  • Departure Private Transfer Dowtown Dallas to Dallas Airport DAL Luxury Vehicle: $83
  • Arrival Private Transfer Dallas Airport DAL to Dowtown Dallas by Luxury Vehicle: $83
  • Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL) to Dallas - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $83
  • Private Transfer Downtown Dallas to Fort Worth Airport DFW Luxury Vehicle: $92
  • Private Transfer from Dallas to Dallas Airport DFW in Business Car: $100

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Richmond

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Richmond:

  • Richmond Airport (RIC) to Richmond city - Arrival Private Transfer: $36
  • Richmond City to Richmond Airport (RIC) - Departure Private Transfer: $38
  • Richmond Airport (RIC) to Richmond City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $72

Is it cheaper to fly into Dallas or Richmond?

Prices for flights to both Richmond and Dallas 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Dallas $35
    Richmond $21
Typical Food Prices in Dallas

Some typical examples of dining costs in Dallas are as follows:


  • Cowboys Stadium Tour (for 2)
    $55
  • Whataburger Lunch (family of 4)
    $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dallas

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Dallas.

  • West Village Happy Hour Food Tour: $39
  • Deep Ellum Foodie Lovers Tour with Food Tours of America: $85
  • Dallas Secret Food Tour: $97
  • Secret Food Tour of Dallas with Private Tour Option: $99

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Richmond

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Richmond.

  • The Carytown Food Tour in Richmond: $80
  • Church Hill Food Tour in Richmond, VA: $80
  • Church Hill Food Tour: $80
  • Trendy Carytown Food Tour: $80
  • Pizza & Ice Cream Tour: $80
  • Arts District Food Tour in Richmond: $85
  • Arts District Walking Food Tour: $85
  • Delicious Pizza & Ice Cream Tour of Richmond: $90

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dallas $13
    Richmond $13

Tours and Activities in Dallas

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dallas are as follows:

  • Historic Downtown Audio Self-Guided Walking Tour: $6.50
  • Historic Dallas Downtown Solo Self Guided Walking Tour : $7.75
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure City Game on Your Phone: $10
  • Dallas in Wonderland: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Must-See Landmarks & Attractions Self-Guided Tour: $13
  • JFK Assassination Walking Tour (Self-Guided): $16
  • The Assassination of John F. Kennedy Experience: $20
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Denton by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Texas Rangers Baseball Game Ticket at Globe Life Field: $21
  • John F. Kennedy Trolley Tour in Dallas: $22
  • Dallas' Reunion Tower GeO-Deck Observation Ticket: $25
  • Historic West End Ghost Walking Tour: $26

Tours and Activities in Richmond

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Richmond are as follows:

  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Richmond by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Richmond by 3Quest Challenge: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Richmond by Crazy Dash: $10
  • Hollywood Cemetery Tour Richmond Lore and Civil War: $24
  • Church Hill Chillers Ghost Tour: $25
  • Richmond Ghosts: Sinister Scares of Shockoe Bottom Tour: $26
  • Shockoe Bottom Ghost Walking Tour: $30
  • Phantoms of Franklin Walking Ghost Tour: $30
  • Court End Walking Ghost Tour: $30
  • Monroe Park Campus Walking Ghost Tour: $30
  • Church Hill Guided Ghost Tour: $30
  • Downtown & Capitol Square Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dallas $12
    Richmond -

Sample the Local Flavors in Dallas

Also in Dallas, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Party Bike Pub Crawl in Deep Ellum and Downtown Dallas: $55
  • Dallas Party Bike Pub Crawl in Deep Ellum: $55

Sample the Local Flavors in Richmond

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Richmond:

  • Richmond Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl : $34
  • Richmond Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Drink Richmond Craft Brewery Crawl: $74
  • Richmond Craft Brewery Crawl By Junket: $74
  • Brewery Tour of Richmond, VA: $90


When comparing the travel costs between Dallas and Richmond, we can see that Richmond is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Dallas or Richmond?

Dallas has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Richmond. When comparing the sizes of Dallas and Richmond, 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 Richmond?

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 Dallas or Richmond in the Summer?

Both Richmond and Dallas are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Dallas because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Richmond this time of year.

In the summer, Dallas is a little warmer than Richmond. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dallas in July average around 88°F (31°C), and Richmond averages at about 78°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Richmond. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dallas. Dallas usually receives more sunshine than Richmond during summer. Dallas gets 337 hours of sunny skies, while Richmond receives 305 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Richmond. In July, Dallas usually receives less rain than Richmond. Dallas gets 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 5 inches (128 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dallas 88°F (31°C) 
    Richmond 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Dallas or Richmond in the Autumn?

Both Richmond and Dallas during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Dallas this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Richmond for the shopping scene.

In October, Dallas is generally a little warmer than Richmond. Daily temperatures in Dallas average around 69°F (21°C), and Richmond fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

In Richmond, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Dallas. In the autumn, Dallas often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Richmond. Dallas gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Richmond receives 221 hours of full sun.

Dallas usually gets more rain in October than Richmond. Dallas gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dallas 69°F (21°C) 
    Richmond 59°F (15°C)

Should I visit Dallas or Richmond in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dallas and Richmond. Many travelers come to Dallas for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Richmond in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Richmond can get quite cold in the winter. Dallas is much warmer than Richmond in the winter. The daily temperature in Dallas averages around 46°F (8°C) in January, and Richmond fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).

Dallas usually receives more sunshine than Richmond during winter. Dallas gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Richmond receives 169 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Dallas usually receives less rain than Richmond. Dallas gets 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dallas 46°F (8°C) 
    Richmond 36°F (2°C)

Should I visit Dallas or Richmond in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dallas as well as Richmond. Many visitors come to Dallas in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Dallas is a little warmer than Richmond. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dallas in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Richmond averages at about 58°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Richmond. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dallas this time of the year. In the spring, Dallas often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Richmond. Dallas gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Richmond receives 265 hours of full sun.

Dallas usually gets more rain in April than Richmond. Dallas gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dallas 68°F (20°C) 
    Richmond 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Richmond and Dallas

Dallas Richmond
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 46°F (8°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 36°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (83 mm)
Feb 51°F (10°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (80 mm)
Mar 60°F (15°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 49°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 58°F (14°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
May 76°F (24°C) 5 inches (128 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3.8 inches (98 mm)
Jun 83°F (29°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 88°F (31°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm) 78°F (26°C) 5 inches (128 mm)
Aug 87°F (31°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 77°F (25°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm)
Sep 80°F (27°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 71°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Oct 69°F (21°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Nov 59°F (15°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Dec 50°F (10°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)