Which place is cheaper, Minneapolis or Dayton?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Dayton or Minneapolis?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Dayton or Minneapolis, 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 Minneapolis?
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.
Minneapolis
Known as one of the Twin Cities with its neighbor, Saint Paul, the Minneapolis area is the second largest economic center in the Midwest, behind Chicago. Originally a city of lumber and flour milling, the city has grown to prosper in commerce, rail and trucking, health care, industry, education, publishing, milling, and food processing amongst others. In addition to housing the headquarters for five Fortune 500 Companies, Minneapolis is a city of thriving culture. From visual arts, music, and theater to sporting events and award-winning restaurants, the entertainment is never lacking.
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 $323Minneapolis $206
The average daily cost (per person) in Dayton is $323, while the average daily cost in Minneapolis is $206. 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 Minneapolis in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDayton $250Minneapolis $110
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDayton $500Minneapolis $220
Compare Hotels in Dayton and Minneapolis
Looking for a hotel in Dayton or Minneapolis? 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 Minneapolis Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dayton $25Minneapolis $43
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Minneapolis
Also for Minneapolis, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Minneapolis Airport (MSP) to Minneapolis - Arrival Private Transfer: $68
- Private Departure Transfer to Minneapolis Airport MSP: $88
- Private Arrival Transfer from Minneapolis Airport MSP: $88
- Minneapolis Airport (MSP) to Minneapolis - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $137
Is it cheaper to fly into Dayton or Minneapolis?
Prices for flights to both Minneapolis 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 $61Minneapolis $40
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 Minneapolis
For Minneapolis, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Minneapolis Food Tour - Walking: $115
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dayton -Minneapolis $27
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 Minneapolis
For Minneapolis, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Minnehaha Falls: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Minneapolis: $7.99
- Mighty Mississippi Self Guided Minneapolis Riverside Tour: $7.99
- Minneapolis River Walk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- In the Footsteps of Prince: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Downtown Minneapolis: $7.99
- Minneapolis River Walk: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- In the Footsteps of Prince: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Mighty Mississippi: A Self-Guided Riverside Walking Tour: $7.99
- Minnehaha Falls: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Minneapolis: $7.99
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Saint Paul by Operation City Quest: $10
- St. Paul Historic Cave Tour: $15
- Minnesota Twins Baseball Game Ticket at Target Field: $16
- Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Minneapolis with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDayton -Minneapolis $24
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 Minneapolis
Also in Minneapolis, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- History and 4-Bar Crawl Guided Walking Tour: $69
- All-Inclusive Minneapolis Craft Brewery Tour: $85
- 3-Hour Craft Brewery Tour: $100
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dayton and Minneapolis, we can see that Dayton is more expensive. And not only is Minneapolis much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Minneapolis would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dayton Expensive? and Is Minneapolis Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dayton or Minneapolis?
Minneapolis has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Dayton. When comparing the sizes of Dayton and Minneapolis, 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 Minneapolis?
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 Minneapolis in the Summer?
Both Minneapolis and Dayton during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Minneapolis this time of year.
In July, Dayton is generally around the same temperature as Minneapolis. Daily temperatures in Dayton average around 78°F (26°C), and Minneapolis fluctuates around 76°F (25°C).
In Minneapolis, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Dayton. In the summer, Dayton often gets less sunshine than Minneapolis. Dayton gets 298 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 357 hours of full sun.
Dayton usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Minneapolis. Dayton gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDayton 78°F (26°C)Minneapolis 76°F (25°C)
Should I visit Dayton or Minneapolis in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dayton and Minneapolis. Furthermore, many travelers come to Minneapolis for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
Dayton is a little warmer than Minneapolis in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dayton averages around 57°F (14°C) in October, and Minneapolis fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).
Dayton usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Minneapolis during autumn. Dayton gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Dayton usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. Dayton gets 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDayton 57°F (14°C)Minneapolis 52°F (11°C)
Should I visit Dayton or Minneapolis in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Dayton as well as Minneapolis. Additionally, many visitors come to Minneapolis in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Minneapolis can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Dayton. In the winter, Dayton is much warmer than Minneapolis. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dayton in January average around 30°F (-1°C), and Minneapolis averages at about 15°F (-10°C).
In the winter, Dayton often gets less sunshine than Minneapolis. Dayton gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 157 hours of full sun.
Dayton usually gets more rain in January than Minneapolis. Dayton gets 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDayton 30°F (-1°C)Minneapolis 15°F (-10°C)
Should I visit Dayton or Minneapolis in the Spring?
Both Minneapolis and Dayton are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Minneapolis for the activities around the city during these months.
In April, Dayton is generally a little warmer than Minneapolis. Daily temperatures in Dayton average around 55°F (13°C), and Minneapolis fluctuates around 49°F (10°C).
It's quite sunny in Minneapolis. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dayton. Dayton usually receives less sunshine than Minneapolis during spring. Dayton gets 215 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 244 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Dayton usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. Dayton gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDayton 55°F (13°C)Minneapolis 49°F (10°C)
Typical Weather for Minneapolis and Dayton
| Dayton | Minneapolis | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) | 15°F (-10°C) | 0.9 inches (22 mm) |
| Feb | 33°F (1°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) | 21°F (-6°C) | 0.7 inches (19 mm) |
| Mar | 44°F (7°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 34°F (1°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) |
| Apr | 55°F (13°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) | 49°F (10°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) |
| May | 65°F (18°C) | 4 inches (102 mm) | 62°F (16°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) |
| Jun | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) | 71°F (22°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Jul | 78°F (26°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) |
| Aug | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Sep | 69°F (21°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) | 64°F (18°C) | 2.2 inches (57 mm) |
| Oct | 57°F (14°C) | 2.5 inches (64 mm) | 52°F (11°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) |
| Nov | 47°F (8°C) | 3.1 inches (80 mm) | 36°F (2°C) | 1.3 inches (33 mm) |
| Dec | 35°F (2°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 21°F (-6°C) | 0.9 inches (22 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.