Which place is cheaper, Boston or Dayton?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Dayton or Boston?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Dayton or Boston, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Dayton or Boston?
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.
Boston
Boston is one of the oldest and most historic cities in New England. It is also the capital of the state of Massachusetts and the largest city in the region. The city proper covers 48 square miles and has a population of more than 600,000. The Greater Boston area has 4.5 million people and is the tenth largest metropolitan area in the country.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDayton $323Boston $255
The average daily cost (per person) in Dayton is $323, while the average daily cost in Boston is $255. 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 Dayton and Boston in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDayton $250Boston $166
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDayton $500Boston $332
Compare Hotels in Dayton and Boston
Looking for a hotel in Dayton or Boston? 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: Dayton Hotel Prices and Boston Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dayton $25Boston $37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Boston
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Boston are as follows:
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Taxi$35
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Subway Daily Pass$9.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Boston
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Boston:
- Private Departure Transfer to Boston Airport BOS: $28
- Private Arrival Transfer from (BOS) Boston Airport: $28
- Boston Logan Intl Airport (BOS) to Flynn Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
- Boston Airport(BOS) to Flynn Cruiseport Boston - Arrival Transfer: $38
- Transfer in private vehicle from Boston Airport (BOS) to City Downtown: $69
- Transfer in private vehicle from Boston Downtown to Boston Airport (BOS): $69
- Boston to Boston Logan Airport (BOS) - Departure Private Transfer: $78
- Boston Logan Airport (BOS) to Boston - Arrival Private Transfer: $78
- Departure Private Transfer Boston to Boston Airport BOS Business-Luxury Vehicle: $84
- Private Transfer from Boston City Hotels to Newport Cruise Port: $87
- Private transfer: Boston to Boston Airport (BOS): $95
- Private transfer: Boston Airport (BOS) to Boston : $95
Is it cheaper to fly into Dayton or Boston?
Prices for flights to both Boston and Dayton 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 dayDayton $61Boston $49
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Boston
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Boston.
- Self Guided "The North End Pizza, Cannoli and Picnic" Solo Walking Tour : $5.50
- AM Coffee Walks with Salem Food Tours: $34
- Boston's North End Pizza & History Walking Food Tour: $49
- Pizza Beer and Paul Revere Tour: $54
- North End Pizza Tour with 3 Slices and Cannoli: $55
- North End Food Experience with Pizza, Meats & Cheese: $68
- Boston Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $70
- Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise on Boston Harbor: $77
- Ultimate Boston Food Tour: North End & Boston Public Market: $80
- Ultimate Food Tour of North End & Public Market: $80
- Boston's North End Small Group Food Tour : $81
- Union Square, Somerville Neighborhood Food Tour: $90
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dayton -Boston $33
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Boston
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Boston are as follows:
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Two Tickets to Celtics Game$101
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Duck Tour$32
Tours and Activities in Boston
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Boston are as follows:
- App Self-guided tours with Audioguide Boston: $4.27
- Self Guided Audio Tour 'Hawthorne's Haunts' Haunted Walking Tour Salem: $5.00
- Underground Railroad Audio App Self-Guided Tour: $5.00
- Self-Guided Audio Tour of Boston North End: $5.75
- Self-Guided Smartphone Ghost Walking Tour in Boston: $5.95
- Self-Guided Smartphone Ghost Walking Tour in Salem: $5.99
- Self-Guided Freedom Trail Walking Audio Tour w/ App: $5.99
- Self-Guided Boston's Beacon Hill Underground Railroad Audio Tour Walking Tour: $7.75
- Self Guided Classic Freedom Trail Location Aware (GPS) Walking Audio Tour: $7.75
- Charlestown: Bunker Hill Monument Self-Guide Walking Tour: $7.99
- Boston History and Highlights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- City History and Highlights Audio App Walking Tour: $7.99
For more ideas for your next trip, check out Free Things to Do in Boston, Must-See Monuments and Memorials In Boston, and The Best Things To Do in Boston with Kids.
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDayton -Boston $27
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Boston
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Boston:
- Haunted Pub Crawl of Historic Pubs and Taverns: $30
- Boston Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
- Salem Ghosts Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl: $34
- Boston Ghosts Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl : $34
- Salem Booze and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl by US Ghost Adventures: $35
- Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
- History Pub Crawl Tour Along the Freedom Trail: $59
- Boston Small-Group Freedom Trail History Tour Pub Crawl: $60
- Boston Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $105
- Guided Craft Brewery Tour with a Snack: $105
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dayton and Boston, we can see that Dayton is more expensive. And not only is Boston much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Boston would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Boston 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 Boston.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dayton Expensive? and Is Boston Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dayton or Boston?
Boston has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Dayton. When comparing the sizes of Dayton and Boston, 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 Dayton or Boston?
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 Dayton or Boston in the Summer?
Both Boston and Dayton are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Boston in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Dayton is a little warmer than Boston. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dayton in July average around 78°F (26°C), and Boston averages at about 73°F (23°C).
It's quite sunny in Boston. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dayton. Dayton usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Boston during summer. Dayton gets 298 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 304 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Dayton usually receives more rain than Boston. Dayton gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDayton 78°F (26°C)Boston 73°F (23°C)
Should I visit Dayton or Boston in the Autumn?
Both Boston and Dayton during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Boston for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Dayton is generally a little warmer than Boston. Daily temperatures in Dayton average around 57°F (14°C), and Boston fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).
In the autumn, Dayton often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Boston. Dayton gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 194 hours of full sun.
Dayton usually gets less rain in October than Boston. Dayton gets 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDayton 57°F (14°C)Boston 54°F (12°C)
Should I visit Dayton or Boston in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dayton and Boston. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Boston because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
The weather in Boston can be very cold. Dayton can be very cold during winter. Dayton is a little warmer than Boston in the winter. The daily temperature in Dayton averages around 30°F (-1°C) in January, and Boston fluctuates around 29°F (-2°C).
Dayton usually receives less sunshine than Boston during winter. Dayton gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Dayton usually receives less rain than Boston. Dayton gets 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDayton 30°F (-1°C)Boston 29°F (-2°C)
Should I visit Dayton or Boston in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Dayton as well as Boston. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Boston this time of year.
In the spring, Dayton is a little warmer than Boston. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dayton in April average around 55°F (13°C), and Boston averages at about 48°F (9°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Boston. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dayton this time of the year. In the spring, Dayton often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Boston. Dayton gets 215 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 225 hours of full sun.
Dayton usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Boston. Dayton gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDayton 55°F (13°C)Boston 48°F (9°C)
Typical Weather for Boston and Dayton
| Dayton | Boston | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) | 29°F (-2°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
| Feb | 33°F (1°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) | 30°F (-1°C) | 3.7 inches (94 mm) |
| Mar | 44°F (7°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 38°F (4°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) |
| Apr | 55°F (13°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) | 48°F (9°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| May | 65°F (18°C) | 4 inches (102 mm) | 58°F (15°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Jun | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) | 68°F (20°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) |
| Jul | 78°F (26°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) |
| Aug | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Sep | 69°F (21°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) | 64°F (18°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) |
| Oct | 57°F (14°C) | 2.5 inches (64 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) |
| Nov | 47°F (8°C) | 3.1 inches (80 mm) | 45°F (7°C) | 4.3 inches (108 mm) |
| Dec | 35°F (2°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 33°F (1°C) | 3.9 inches (99 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.