Which place is cheaper, Norfolk or Dayton?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Dayton or Norfolk?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Dayton or Norfolk, 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 Norfolk?
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.
Norfolk
The city of Norfolk in the U.S. state of Virginia is a port city holding a large Navy and shipping presence in its harbor. With a long history as a strategic military point, Norfolk is home to the largest Navy base in the world, Naval Station Norfolk. Other attractions include opportunities for dining, shopping, and entertainment as well as many parks and memorials.
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 $323Norfolk $166
The average daily cost (per person) in Dayton is $323, while the average daily cost in Norfolk is $166. 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 Norfolk in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDayton $250Norfolk $84
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDayton $500Norfolk $168
Compare Hotels in Dayton and Norfolk
Looking for a hotel in Dayton or Norfolk? 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 Norfolk Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dayton $25Norfolk $54
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Norfolk
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Norfolk:
- Bamville Transportation (Private & Airport Transfers): $275
Is it cheaper to fly into Dayton or Norfolk?
Prices for flights to both Norfolk 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 $61Norfolk $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 Norfolk
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Norfolk.
- Norfolk Buffet Dinner Cruise : $101
- Buffet Dinner Cruise: $101
- Norfolk Father's Day Buffet Dinner Cruise: $126
- Norfolk Mother's Day Signature Dinner Cruise: $140
- Norfolk 4th of July Buffet Dinner Cruise: $182
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dayton -Norfolk $14
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 Norfolk
Here are a few actual costs in Norfolk for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Norfolk with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
- Skip the Line: Virginia Living Museum Admission Ticket: $22
- Neon District Contemporary Art Walking Tour: $32
- Virginia Zoo & Battleship Wisconsin Combo Ticket: $38
- Electric Bike Rental Downtown Norfolk (self guided tour) : $60
- Elizabeth River Candlelit Buffet Lunch Cruise: $76
- Elizabeth River Sunday Buffet Brunch Cruise: $84
- Norfolk Buffet Brunch Cruise : $84
- Norfolk Father's Day Buffet Brunch Cruise: $104
- Mother's Day Signature Brunch Cruise Norfolk: $124
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDayton -Norfolk $10
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 Norfolk
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Norfolk:
- Party Bike Pub Crawl in Downtown Norfolk: $30
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dayton and Norfolk, we can see that Dayton is more expensive. And not only is Norfolk much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Norfolk would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Norfolk 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 Norfolk.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dayton Expensive? and Is Norfolk Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dayton or Norfolk?
Norfolk has a larger population, and is about 47% larger than the population of Dayton. When comparing the sizes of Dayton and Norfolk, 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 Norfolk?
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 Norfolk in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dayton and Norfolk. Also, most visitors come to Norfolk for the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Dayton is around the same temperature as Norfolk. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dayton in July average around 78°F (26°C), and Norfolk averages at about 79°F (26°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Norfolk this time of the year. In Dayton, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dayton usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Norfolk during summer. Dayton gets 298 hours of sunny skies, while Norfolk receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.
Norfolk receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Dayton usually receives less rain than Norfolk. Dayton gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDayton 78°F (26°C)Norfolk 79°F (26°C)
Should I visit Dayton or Norfolk in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Dayton as well as Norfolk. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Norfolk because of the shopping scene.
In October, Dayton is generally cooler than Norfolk. Daily temperatures in Dayton average around 57°F (14°C), and Norfolk fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Norfolk. In the autumn, Dayton often gets less sunshine than Norfolk. Dayton gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Norfolk receives 211 hours of full sun.
Dayton usually gets less rain in October than Norfolk. Dayton gets 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDayton 57°F (14°C)Norfolk 62°F (16°C)
Should I visit Dayton or Norfolk in the Winter?
Both Norfolk and Dayton are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Norfolk this time of year.
It's quite cold in Norfolk in the winter. The weather in Dayton can be very cold. Dayton is much colder than Norfolk in the winter. The daily temperature in Dayton averages around 30°F (-1°C) in January, and Norfolk fluctuates around 39°F (4°C).
Dayton usually receives less sunshine than Norfolk during winter. Dayton gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Norfolk receives 168 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Dayton usually receives less rain than Norfolk. Dayton gets 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDayton 30°F (-1°C)Norfolk 39°F (4°C)
Should I visit Dayton or Norfolk in the Spring?
Both Norfolk and Dayton during the spring are popular places to visit.
In the spring, Dayton is cooler than Norfolk. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dayton in April average around 55°F (13°C), and Norfolk averages at about 58°F (14°C).
In Norfolk, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Dayton. In the spring, Dayton often gets less sunshine than Norfolk. Dayton gets 215 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Norfolk receives 253 hours of full sun.
Dayton usually gets more rain in April than Norfolk. Dayton gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDayton 55°F (13°C)Norfolk 58°F (14°C)
Typical Weather for Norfolk and Dayton
| Dayton | Norfolk | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) | 39°F (4°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Feb | 33°F (1°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) | 41°F (5°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) |
| Mar | 44°F (7°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 49°F (10°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
| Apr | 55°F (13°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) | 58°F (14°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| May | 65°F (18°C) | 4 inches (102 mm) | 67°F (19°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Jun | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) |
| Jul | 78°F (26°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) | 79°F (26°C) | 5.7 inches (145 mm) |
| Aug | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 78°F (25°C) | 5.9 inches (150 mm) |
| Sep | 69°F (21°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) |
| Oct | 57°F (14°C) | 2.5 inches (64 mm) | 62°F (16°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) |
| Nov | 47°F (8°C) | 3.1 inches (80 mm) | 53°F (12°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) |
| Dec | 35°F (2°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 44°F (7°C) | 3.1 inches (79 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.