Which place is cheaper, Seattle or Dayton?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Dayton or Seattle?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Dayton or Seattle, 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 Seattle?
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.
Seattle
Situated on the Puget Sound in the state of Washington, Seattle is the largest city in the United States Pacific Northwest. It's a beautiful city surrounded by the water and mountains and filled with evergreen trees. It's also the home of some famous American institutions including Starbucks Coffee, Amazon, and Microsoft. The population of almost 700,000 continues to grow. As of 2014, the city was considered the fastest growing major city in the United States. The entire metropolitan area has about 3.6 million residents, making it the 15th largest metro area in the US. The natural beauty, growing economy, and educational base give Seattle a youthful vibe that keep the city young and energetic.
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 $323Seattle $205
The average daily cost (per person) in Dayton is $323, while the average daily cost in Seattle is $205. 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 Seattle in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDayton $250Seattle $120
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDayton $500Seattle $240
Compare Hotels in Dayton and Seattle
Looking for a hotel in Dayton or Seattle? 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 Seattle Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dayton $25Seattle $30
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Seattle
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Seattle:
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Lightrail from Airport (for 2)$5.50
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Roundtrip Ferry to Bainbridge Island (for 2)$15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seattle
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seattle:
- One-Way Transfer: Cruise Piers to Airport : $28
- One-Way Transfer: SeaTac Hotels to Seattle Cruise Terminals : $33
- Private One-way Airport Transfer(Seattle Airport To/From Seattle): $57
- Seattle Tacoma Airport (SEA) to Seattle - Arrival Private Transfer: $71
- Smith Cove Terminal to Seattle Tacoma Airport (SEA) - Departure Private Transfer: $74
- Smith Cove Terminal to Seattle Airport (SEA) - Departure Transfer: $74
- Private Transfer from Seattle hotels to Smith Cove Terminal : $74
- Seattle Tacoma Airport (SEA) to Smith Cove Terminal - Arrival Private Transfer: $74
- One-Way Private Transfer from Seattle Airport: $76
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Seattle Airport (SEA)- Seattle Downtown: $86
- Arrival Private Transfer: Seattle Airport SEA to Seattle in Luxury SUV: $103
- Seattle Airport (SEA): Private Transfer to/from Downtown: $109
Is it cheaper to fly into Dayton or Seattle?
Prices for flights to both Seattle 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 $61Seattle $51
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
Typical Food Prices in Seattle
Some typical examples of dining costs in Seattle are as follows:
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Expresso & cookie at Pier 70$7.00
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Cashews at Pike Place Market$6.00
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6 Mini Donuts at Pike Place Market$3.25
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Chinese Lunch in International District (for 2)$21
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Breakfast at Lowel's in Pike Place Market (for 2)$32
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Breakfast at French Cafe (for 2)$37
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seattle
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Seattle.
- Seattle : Fun Cooking Classes With Chef Seamus: $60
- Secret Food Tours Seattle: $65
- Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market- 2 Hours: $67
- Pike Place Market Chef-Guided Food Tour: $67
- Eat Around the World Seattle Food Tour: $69
- International District Food Tour: $69
- Plant Based Food Tour in Pike Place Market: $79
- Secret Food Tours: Seattle Pike Place Market: $84
- Pike Place Market Food Tour: $99
- Small Group Cooking Class: $138
- Private Seattle Cooking Class with a Chef in Her Home: $198
- All - Inclusive Bainbridge Island Winery & Dinner Tour: $299
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dayton -Seattle $16
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 Seattle
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Seattle are as follows:
- Space Needle Park Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $7.99
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Seattle by Crazy Dash: $10
- Downtown Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $12
- Seattle Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
- Seattle Mariners Baseball Game Ticket at T Mobile Park: $17
- National Nordic Museum Entry Ticket: $20
- Smith Tower Straight Up Observatory Access Ticket: $22
- Sky View Observatory Admission Tickets: $23
- True Crime and Tragedy in Victorian Seattle Walking Tour: $23
- Terrors and Ghosts Guided Walking Tour: $26
- MoPOP Entry Ticket: $27
- Woodland Park Zoo Day Admission Ticket: $28
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDayton -Seattle $16
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 Seattle
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Seattle:
- Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $38
- Where the Hops Grow! Yakima Brewery Tour : $40
- Woodinville Wine Country: Downtown Wine Tasting Pass: $65
- Woodinville Wine Country: Artisan Hill Wine Tasting Pass: $65
- Brewery and Restaurant Tour of Historic Seattle Neighborhood: $109
- Half Day Private Woodinville Wine Tour from Seattle : $119
- From Snoqualmie Falls & Woodinville Wine Tasting: $262
- Snoqualmie Falls + Wine Tasting: All-Inclusive Small-Group Tour: $263
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dayton and Seattle, we can see that Dayton is more expensive. And not only is Seattle much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Seattle would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Seattle 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 Seattle.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dayton Expensive? and Is Seattle Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dayton or Seattle?
Seattle has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Dayton. When comparing the sizes of Dayton and Seattle, 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 Seattle?
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 Seattle in the Summer?
Both Seattle and Dayton are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Seattle this time of year.
Dayton is a little warmer than Seattle in the summer. The daily temperature in Dayton averages around 78°F (26°C) in July, and Seattle fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).
It's quite sunny in Seattle. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dayton. Dayton usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Seattle during summer. Dayton gets 298 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Dayton usually receives more rain than Seattle. Dayton gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDayton 78°F (26°C)Seattle 67°F (19°C)
Should I visit Dayton or Seattle in the Autumn?
Both Seattle and Dayton during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Seattle for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Dayton is a little warmer than Seattle. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dayton in October average around 57°F (14°C), and Seattle averages at about 54°F (12°C).
In the autumn, Dayton often gets more sunshine than Seattle. Dayton gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 143 hours of full sun.
Dayton usually gets less rain in October than Seattle. Dayton gets 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDayton 57°F (14°C)Seattle 54°F (12°C)
Should I visit Dayton or Seattle in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dayton and Seattle. Also, many visitors come to Seattle in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Dayton. In January, Dayton is generally much colder than Seattle. Daily temperatures in Dayton average around 30°F (-1°C), and Seattle fluctuates around 42°F (5°C).
Dayton usually receives more sunshine than Seattle during winter. Dayton gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 67 hours of full sun in the winter.
Seattle receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Dayton usually receives less rain than Seattle. Dayton gets 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDayton 30°F (-1°C)Seattle 42°F (5°C)
Should I visit Dayton or Seattle in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Dayton as well as Seattle. Also, most visitors come to Seattle for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.
Dayton is a little warmer than Seattle in the spring. The daily temperature in Dayton averages around 55°F (13°C) in April, and Seattle fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seattle. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dayton this time of the year. In the spring, Dayton often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Seattle. Dayton gets 215 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 212 hours of full sun.
Dayton usually gets more rain in April than Seattle. Dayton gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDayton 55°F (13°C)Seattle 51°F (11°C)
Typical Weather for Seattle and Dayton
| Dayton | Seattle | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) | 42°F (5°C) | 5.4 inches (136 mm) |
| Feb | 33°F (1°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) | 45°F (7°C) | 4 inches (102 mm) |
| Mar | 44°F (7°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 47°F (9°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) |
| Apr | 55°F (13°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) | 51°F (11°C) | 2.5 inches (64 mm) |
| May | 65°F (18°C) | 4 inches (102 mm) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.9 inches (47 mm) |
| Jun | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
| Jul | 78°F (26°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) | 67°F (19°C) | 0.9 inches (22 mm) |
| Aug | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 67°F (19°C) | 1.2 inches (31 mm) |
| Sep | 69°F (21°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Oct | 57°F (14°C) | 2.5 inches (64 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Nov | 47°F (8°C) | 3.1 inches (80 mm) | 47°F (8°C) | 5.7 inches (144 mm) |
| Dec | 35°F (2°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 42°F (6°C) | 6 inches (152 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.