A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Dayton vs. Phoenix for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Dayton or Phoenix?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Dayton or Phoenix, 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 Phoenix?

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.

Phoenix

The most populous city in the American Southwest, Phoenix is the capital city of Arizona and busiest hub of activity in the general area. Geographically it is located in the Sonoran Desert, making for long hot summers and mild winters. This climate has ensured a thriving tourism industry with plenty of attractions both in and around Phoenix.

Which city is cheaper, Phoenix or Dayton?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Dayton is $259, while the average daily cost in Phoenix is $187. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Dayton and Phoenix in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dayton $200
    Phoenix $113
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dayton $400
    Phoenix $226
Compare Hotels in Dayton and Phoenix

Looking for a hotel in Dayton or Phoenix? 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.

Hotels in Dayton


Hotels in Phoenix


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 Phoenix Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dayton $20
    Phoenix $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dayton

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dayton:

  • James M. Cox Dayton Airport (DAY) to Dayton - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $266
  • James M. Cox Dayton Airport (DAY) to Dayton - Departure Private Transfer: $133
  • James M. Cox Dayton Airport (DAY) to Dayton - Arrival Private Transfer: $133

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phoenix

Also for Phoenix, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Arrival Transfer from Phoenix Airport (PHX): $26
  • Private Departure Transfer to Phoenix Airport (PHX): $26
  • Private Phoenix International Airport Transfer to Pittsburgh: $48
  • Transfer from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport to Phoenix: $56
  • Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) to Phoenix - Arrival Private Transfer: $60
  • Phoenix to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) - Departure Private Transfer: $60
  • Arrival Private Transfers: Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Business Car: $76
  • Departure Private Transfers: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Business Car: $76
  • Departure Private Transfer to Phoenix Airport PHX by Business or Luxury Vehicle: $78
  • Arrival Private Transfer Phoenix Airport PHX to Phoenix Business-Luxury Vehicle: $78
  • Airport Sedan Phoenix One Way Transfer to Phoenix Address: $91
  • Airport Sedan Phoenix One Way Transfer Scottsdale Address: $91

Is it cheaper to fly into Dayton or Phoenix?

Prices for flights to both Phoenix 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Dayton $49
    Phoenix $42
Typical Food prices in Dayton

Some typical examples of dining costs in Dayton are as follows:


  • Noodle Company Lunch (for 2)
    $17
  • Indian Food Dinner (for 2)
    $34

Typical Food prices in Phoenix

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Phoenix:


  • Nice Lunch (for 2)
    $36
  • Indian Food Dinner (for 2)
    $32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phoenix

For Phoenix, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Awesome French Crêpes Cooking Class: $65

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dayton -
    Phoenix $32

Tours and Activities in Dayton

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dayton are as follows:

  • Daytona Beach: Daytona 500 NASCAR Race Ticket: $249

Tours and Activities in Phoenix

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Phoenix.

  • Skip the Line: Heard Museum Admission Ticket: $18
  • Phoenix Walking Ghost Tour: $20
  • Phoenix Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • Phoenix Zoo: One Day General Admission Ticket: $23
  • RoRo Street Art Tour: $27
  • Lockdown- Samurai Escape Room Experience: $28
  • Phoenix Legends Bike Tour: $43
  • Tabletop Adventure - Gaming in Nature: $46
  • BYOB Pedal Bar Experience In Old Town Scottsdale: $53
  • Private Group Sonoran Desert 1.5 Hour Hiking Adventure: $75
  • Scottsdale: Half-Day Casual Bike Tour with Guide: $75
  • Private Group Sonoran Desert Half Day Hiking Adventure: $95

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dayton -
    Phoenix $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Phoenix

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Phoenix:

  • Wine Tours, Airport Transportation and more!: $100
  • Custom Arizona Brewery Tour: $245
  • Scottsdale: Mountain Biking and Brewery Tour: $250
  • From Phoenix/Scottsdale: Sedona Hiking & Wine Tasting Tour: $275
  • Private Southern Arizona Wine Tour Phoenix to Sonoita-Elgin Vineyards: $997
  • Private Wine Tour from Phoenix to Sonoita-Elgin Vineyards: $1,650

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dayton and Phoenix, we can see that Dayton is more expensive. And not only is Phoenix much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Phoenix would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Phoenix 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 Phoenix.


When is the best time to visit Dayton or Phoenix?

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 Phoenix in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Dayton as well as Phoenix.

The heat can be very extreme in Phoenix. Dayton is cooler than Phoenix in the summer. The temperature in Dayton is usually 78°F (26°C) in July, and Phoenix stays around 98°F (36°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phoenix. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dayton this time of the year. In the summer, Dayton often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Dayton gets 298 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 380 hours of full sun.

Dayton usually gets more rain in July than Phoenix. Dayton gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dayton 78°F (26°C) 
    Phoenix 98°F (36°C)

Should I visit Dayton or Phoenix in the Autumn?

Both Phoenix and Dayton are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.

In the autumn, Dayton is much colder than Phoenix. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dayton in October are around 57°F (14°C), and Phoenix is about 79°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Phoenix. Dayton usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during autumn. Dayton gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 305 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Dayton usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Dayton gets 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dayton 57°F (14°C) 
    Phoenix 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Dayton or Phoenix in the Winter?

Both Phoenix and Dayton during the winter are popular places to visit.

Dayton can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Dayton is generally much colder than Phoenix. Temperatures in Dayton average around 30°F (-1°C), and Phoenix stays around 58°F (14°C).

In Phoenix, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Dayton often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Dayton gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 254 hours of full sun.

Dayton usually gets more rain in January than Phoenix. Dayton gets 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dayton 30°F (-1°C) 
    Phoenix 58°F (14°C)

Should I visit Dayton or Phoenix in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dayton and Phoenix.

Dayton is much colder than Phoenix in the spring. The temperature in Dayton is usually 55°F (13°C) in April, and Phoenix stays around 74°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phoenix this time of the year. In Dayton, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dayton usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during spring. Dayton gets 215 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 355 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Dayton usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Dayton gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dayton 55°F (13°C) 
    Phoenix 74°F (23°C)

Typical Weather for Phoenix and Dayton

Dayton Phoenix
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 30°F (-1°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm) 58°F (14°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Feb 33°F (1°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Mar 44°F (7°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Apr 55°F (13°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 74°F (23°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm)
May 65°F (18°C) 4 inches (102 mm) 83°F (28°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jun 74°F (23°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 92°F (34°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 78°F (26°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 98°F (36°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
Aug 76°F (25°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 96°F (35°C) 0.9 inches (24 mm)
Sep 69°F (21°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 90°F (32°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Oct 57°F (14°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm) 79°F (26°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Nov 47°F (8°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
Dec 35°F (2°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 58°F (15°C) 1 inches (25 mm)


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Dayton vs. Phoenix Travel Comparison

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