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

Should you visit Dayton or Richmond?

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

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

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.

Richmond

One of the oldest American cities, Richmond was established in 1607 by English settlers led by Captain Christopher Newport and Captain John Smith. During the Civil War it existed as the capital of the Confederacy, and today it remains the capital of the U.S. state of Virginia. There are many historic sights to see and museums to explore, as well as plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.


Which place is cheaper, Richmond or Dayton?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Dayton is $323, while the average daily cost in Richmond is $161. 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 Richmond in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dayton $250
    Richmond $101
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dayton $500
    Richmond $202
Compare Hotels in Dayton and Richmond

Looking for a hotel in Dayton or Richmond? 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 Richmond


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 Richmond Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dayton $25
    Richmond $72

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Richmond

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Richmond:

  • Richmond Airport (RIC) to Richmond city - Arrival Private Transfer: $36
  • Richmond City to Richmond Airport (RIC) - Departure Private Transfer: $39
  • Richmond Airport (RIC) to Richmond City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $73

Is it cheaper to fly into Dayton or Richmond?

Prices for flights to both Richmond 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 $61
    Richmond $21
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Richmond

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Richmond.

  • The Carytown Food Tour in Richmond: $80
  • Church Hill Food Tour in Richmond, VA: $80
  • Church Hill Food Tour: $80
  • Trendy Carytown Food Tour: $80
  • Pizza & Ice Cream Tour: $80
  • Arts District Food Tour in Richmond: $85
  • Arts District Walking Food Tour: $85
  • Delicious Pizza & Ice Cream Tour of Richmond: $90

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dayton -
    Richmond $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 Richmond

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

  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Richmond by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Richmond by 3Quest Challenge: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Richmond by Crazy Dash: $10
  • Hollywood Cemetery Tour Richmond Lore and Civil War: $24
  • Church Hill Chillers Ghost Tour: $25
  • Richmond Ghosts: Sinister Scares of Shockoe Bottom Tour: $26
  • Phantoms of Franklin Walking Ghost Tour: $30
  • Court End Walking Ghost Tour: $30
  • Monroe Park Campus Walking Ghost Tour: $30
  • Downtown & Capitol Square Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $30
  • Church Hill Guided Ghost Tour: $30
  • Capitol Hill Ghost Walking Tour with A Guide: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dayton -
    Richmond -

Sample the Local Flavors in Richmond

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

  • Richmond Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl : $34
  • Richmond Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Drink Richmond Craft Brewery Crawl: $74
  • Richmond Craft Brewery Crawl By Junket: $74
  • Brewery Tour of Richmond, VA: $90


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dayton Expensive? and Is Richmond Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dayton or Richmond?

Richmond has a larger population, and is about 20% larger than the population of Dayton. When comparing the sizes of Dayton and Richmond, 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 Richmond?

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 Richmond in the Summer?

Both Richmond and Dayton are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Richmond because of the family-friendly experiences.

Dayton is around the same temperature as Richmond in the summer. The daily temperature in Dayton averages around 78°F (26°C) in July, and Richmond fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Richmond. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dayton. Dayton usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Richmond during summer. Dayton gets 298 hours of sunny skies, while Richmond receives 305 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Richmond. In July, Dayton usually receives less rain than Richmond. Dayton gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 5 inches (128 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dayton 78°F (26°C) 
    Richmond 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Dayton or Richmond in the Autumn?

Both Richmond and Dayton during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Richmond this time of year.

In the autumn, Dayton is around the same temperature as Richmond. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dayton in October average around 57°F (14°C), and Richmond averages at about 59°F (15°C).

In Richmond, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Dayton often gets less sunshine than Richmond. Dayton gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Richmond receives 221 hours of full sun.

Dayton usually gets less rain in October than Richmond. Dayton gets 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dayton 57°F (14°C) 
    Richmond 59°F (15°C)

Should I visit Dayton or Richmond in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dayton and Richmond. Also, many travelers come to Richmond for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Richmond. It's quite cold in Dayton in the winter. In January, Dayton is generally much colder than Richmond. Daily temperatures in Dayton average around 30°F (-1°C), and Richmond fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).

Dayton usually receives less sunshine than Richmond during winter. Dayton gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Richmond receives 169 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Dayton usually receives less rain than Richmond. Dayton gets 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dayton 30°F (-1°C) 
    Richmond 36°F (2°C)

Should I visit Dayton or Richmond in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dayton as well as Richmond.

Dayton is cooler than Richmond in the spring. The daily temperature in Dayton averages around 55°F (13°C) in April, and Richmond fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Richmond. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dayton this time of the year. In the spring, Dayton often gets less sunshine than Richmond. Dayton gets 215 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Richmond receives 265 hours of full sun.

Dayton usually gets more rain in April than Richmond. Dayton gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dayton 55°F (13°C) 
    Richmond 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Richmond and Dayton

Dayton Richmond
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 30°F (-1°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm) 36°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (83 mm)
Feb 33°F (1°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (80 mm)
Mar 44°F (7°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 49°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Apr 55°F (13°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 58°F (14°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
May 65°F (18°C) 4 inches (102 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3.8 inches (98 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) 78°F (26°C) 5 inches (128 mm)
Aug 76°F (25°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 77°F (25°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm)
Sep 69°F (21°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 71°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Oct 57°F (14°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Nov 47°F (8°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Dec 35°F (2°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)