Which place is cheaper, Dallas or Dayton?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Dayton or Dallas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Dayton or Dallas, 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 Dallas?
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.
Dallas
Located in the north central part of the state, Dallas is a prominent city in Texas and is one of the most populated metropolitan areas in the United States of America. The business reputation of Dallas rose from its historical status as the center for cotton and oil industries. It was also positioned among numerous railroads.
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 $323Dallas $141
The average daily cost (per person) in Dayton is $323, while the average daily cost in Dallas is $141. 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 Dallas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDayton $250Dallas $84
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDayton $500Dallas $168
Compare Hotels in Dayton and Dallas
Looking for a hotel in Dayton or Dallas? 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 Dallas Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dayton $25Dallas $28
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Dayton or Dallas?
Prices for flights to both Dallas 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 $61Dallas $35
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
Typical Food Prices in Dallas
Some typical examples of dining costs in Dallas are as follows:
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Cowboys Stadium Tour (for 2)$55
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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: $96
- Secret Food Tour of Dallas with Private Tour Option: $99
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dayton -Dallas $13
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
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
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Denton by Zombie Scavengers: $20
- The Assassination of John F. Kennedy Experience: $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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDayton -Dallas $12
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 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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dayton and Dallas, we can see that Dayton 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 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 Dallas.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dayton Expensive? and Is Dallas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dayton or Dallas?
Dallas has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Dayton. When comparing the sizes of Dayton and Dallas, 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 Dallas?
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 Dallas in the Summer?
Both Dallas and Dayton are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Dallas because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Dayton is generally cooler than Dallas. Daily temperatures in Dayton average around 78°F (26°C), and Dallas fluctuates around 88°F (31°C).
It's quite sunny in Dallas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dayton. Dayton usually receives less sunshine than Dallas during summer. Dayton gets 298 hours of sunny skies, while Dallas receives 337 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Dayton usually receives more rain than Dallas. Dayton gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDayton 78°F (26°C)Dallas 88°F (31°C)
Should I visit Dayton or Dallas in the Autumn?
Both Dallas and Dayton during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Dallas this time of year.
Dayton is cooler than Dallas in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dayton averages around 57°F (14°C) in October, and Dallas fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).
In Dallas, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Dayton often gets less sunshine than Dallas. Dayton gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dallas receives 222 hours of full sun.
Dayton usually gets less rain in October than Dallas. Dayton gets 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDayton 57°F (14°C)Dallas 69°F (21°C)
Should I visit Dayton or Dallas in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dayton and Dallas. Furthermore, many travelers come to Dallas for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Dayton in the winter. In the winter, Dayton is much colder than Dallas. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dayton in January average around 30°F (-1°C), and Dallas averages at about 46°F (8°C).
Dayton usually receives less sunshine than Dallas during winter. Dayton gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Dallas receives 183 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Dayton usually receives more rain than Dallas. Dayton gets 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDayton 30°F (-1°C)Dallas 46°F (8°C)
Should I visit Dayton or Dallas in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Dayton as well as Dallas. Additionally, many visitors come to Dallas in the spring for the activities around the city.
In April, Dayton is generally much colder than Dallas. Daily temperatures in Dayton average around 55°F (13°C), and Dallas fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dallas. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dayton this time of the year. In the spring, Dayton often gets less sunshine than Dallas. Dayton gets 215 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dallas receives 251 hours of full sun.
Dayton usually gets less rain in April than Dallas. Dayton gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDayton 55°F (13°C)Dallas 68°F (20°C)
Typical Weather for Dallas and Dayton
| Dayton | Dallas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) | 46°F (8°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) |
| Feb | 33°F (1°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) | 51°F (10°C) | 2.3 inches (59 mm) |
| Mar | 44°F (7°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 60°F (15°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Apr | 55°F (13°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) | 68°F (20°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
| May | 65°F (18°C) | 4 inches (102 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 5 inches (128 mm) |
| Jun | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) | 83°F (29°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| Jul | 78°F (26°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) | 88°F (31°C) | 2.4 inches (60 mm) |
| Aug | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 87°F (31°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Sep | 69°F (21°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) | 80°F (27°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) |
| Oct | 57°F (14°C) | 2.5 inches (64 mm) | 69°F (21°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
| Nov | 47°F (8°C) | 3.1 inches (80 mm) | 59°F (15°C) | 2.4 inches (60 mm) |
| Dec | 35°F (2°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 50°F (10°C) | 1.9 inches (48 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.