Which place is cheaper, Galveston or Dayton?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Dayton or Galveston?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Dayton or Galveston, 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 Galveston?
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.
Galveston
Located on Galveston Island off the Texas Gulf Coast, Galveston is a popular destination for Texans and a departure point for cruise ships. It also makes a great beach destination for anyone looking to enjoy a week or weekend.
Galveston is a popular destination during the summer months, but the warm climate makes it comfortable year round. Even during the winter months you can enjoy mild temperatures, although on occasion it can have a cold spell.
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 $323Galveston $183
The average daily cost (per person) in Dayton is $323, while the average daily cost in Galveston is $183. 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 Galveston in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDayton $250Galveston $81
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDayton $500Galveston $162
Compare Hotels in Dayton and Galveston
Looking for a hotel in Dayton or Galveston? 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 Galveston Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dayton $25Galveston $35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Galveston
Also for Galveston, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Galveston Port to William Hobby Airport Departure Transfer: $167
- Private Departure Transfer from Galveston Port to HOU Airport: $168
- Private Departure Transfer from Galveston to HOU Airport: $168
- Private Transfer from Port of Galveston to Houston Airport (HOU): $168
- Galveston to Houston George Bush Airport (IAH) Private Transfer: $192
- Privat Transfer from Galveston Port to Houston Airport (IAH): $193
Is it cheaper to fly into Dayton or Galveston?
Prices for flights to both Galveston 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 $61Galveston $52
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 Galveston
For Galveston, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Taste of the Strand Food Tour on Galveston Island: $105
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dayton -Galveston $15
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 Galveston
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Galveston.
- Self-Guided Ghost Tour on the Galveston Strand: $6.75
- Luggage Storage in Cruise Terminal: $8.65
- Unique Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt Experience in League City: $10
- Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt Adventure in League City : $10
- Al's Authentic Paranormal Excursion Tour: $15
- Pirates! Legends of the Gulf Coast Museum Ticket: $15
- Galveston Island Ghost Tour: $16
- Tour Galveston's 1895 Moody Mansion: $18
- Spooky Strand Ghost Tour: $20
- Galveston Haunted Tour with Ghost Hunting Equipment: $20
- Galveston Island Red Light District Tour: $20
- Historic Galveston Red Light District Tour: $20
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDayton -Galveston $37
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 Galveston
Also in Galveston, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Galveston Island Brewing Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting : $10
- Historical Walking Tour and Pub Crawl: $20
- Happy Hour Pub Crawl: $25
- Galveston's Best Pub Crawl: $25
- Galveston Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
- Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dayton and Galveston, we can see that Dayton is more expensive. And not only is Galveston much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Galveston would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Galveston 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 Galveston.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dayton Expensive? and Is Galveston Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dayton or Galveston?
Dayton has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Galveston. When comparing the sizes of Dayton and Galveston, 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 Galveston?
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 Dayton or Galveston in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Dayton as well as Galveston. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Galveston because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Dayton is generally cooler than Galveston. Daily temperatures in Dayton average around 78°F (26°C), and Galveston fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).
Dayton usually gets more rain in July than Galveston. Dayton gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDayton 78°F (26°C)Galveston 84°F (29°C)
Should I visit Dayton or Galveston in the Autumn?
Both Galveston and Dayton are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Galveston this time of year.
Dayton is much colder than Galveston in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dayton averages around 57°F (14°C) in October, and Galveston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).
In October, Dayton usually receives more rain than Galveston. Dayton gets 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDayton 57°F (14°C)Galveston 71°F (22°C)
Should I visit Dayton or Galveston in the Winter?
Both Galveston and Dayton during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Galveston 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 Galveston. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dayton in January average around 30°F (-1°C), and Galveston averages at about 52°F (11°C).
Dayton usually gets less rain in January than Galveston. Dayton gets 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDayton 30°F (-1°C)Galveston 52°F (11°C)
Should I visit Dayton or Galveston in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dayton and Galveston. Also, many visitors come to Galveston in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm.
In April, Dayton is generally much colder than Galveston. Daily temperatures in Dayton average around 55°F (13°C), and Galveston fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).
In April, Dayton usually receives more rain than Galveston. Dayton gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDayton 55°F (13°C)Galveston 70°F (21°C)
Typical Weather for Galveston and Dayton
| Dayton | Galveston | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) | 52°F (11°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Feb | 33°F (1°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) | 55°F (13°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) |
| Mar | 44°F (7°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 63°F (17°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Apr | 55°F (13°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) | 70°F (21°C) | 2.4 inches (60 mm) |
| May | 65°F (18°C) | 4 inches (102 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Jun | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) | 81°F (27°C) | 4.3 inches (108 mm) |
| Jul | 78°F (26°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) | 84°F (29°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) |
| Aug | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 83°F (29°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Sep | 69°F (21°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) | 80°F (27°C) | 5.6 inches (141 mm) |
| Oct | 57°F (14°C) | 2.5 inches (64 mm) | 71°F (22°C) | 2.3 inches (59 mm) |
| Nov | 47°F (8°C) | 3.1 inches (80 mm) | 63°F (17°C) | 3.2 inches (81 mm) |
| Dec | 35°F (2°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 55°F (13°C) | 3.3 inches (84 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.