A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Florence vs. Phoenix for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Florence or Phoenix?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Florence 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.

Florence

Florence is a iconic, alluring, and historical city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Phoenix

Phoenix is a desert, laid back, and sprawling city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Florence and Phoenix: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Florence or Phoenix?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Florence than Phoenix. While Phoenix is larger than Florence, Florence has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Florence is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Phoenix is known for its hiking. Florence is more touristy than Phoenix and is known for its iconic beauty, world-renowned Renaissance art and architecture, and beautifully maintained gardens. It is also home to The Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore). Phoenix is popular for its desert landscapes, high number of golf courses, and year round warm weather.

How is Florence different from Phoenix?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Phoenix and Florence. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Florence or Phoenix?

Florence is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Florence has many famous sights for visitors. Because of it's important role in the Renaissance, the city has many world-renowned museums that you can visit. Famous sights and landmarks include the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and the Academy Gallery.

Phoenix is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. You'll find art, science, and cultural museums around town. Favorites include the Heard Museum, the Phoenix Art Museum, S'edav Va'aki Museum, and the Arizona Science Museum.

Is the Food Better in Florence or Phoenix? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Florence is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Florence have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Once you've worked up an appetite exploring museums and churches, you'll find many amazing local restaurants around town. Local dishes incorporate a lot of hearty vegetables and meats. Famous dishes include a Florentine steak dish, rabbit, and a bean bed and cabbage soup.

Phoenix offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are many mom-and-pop shops around town that serve everything from casual meals to quality steaks. There's also a huge selection of Mexican restaurants, as well as other international options such as sushi, dim sum, and Italian.

Is Florence or Phoenix Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find good options in both Florence and Phoenix.

If you're looking for night time activities Florence has a few options to choose from. You'll find the most active nightlife in the Santa Croce neighborhood. The area attracts study abroad students as well as tourists who party late into the night.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Phoenix. The best nightlife scene is found in downtown and central Phoenix. There are bars, restaurants, and venues where you can catch a show. North Phoenix also has grown into a popular evening spot with cocktail bars and pubs.

Is Florence or Phoenix Better for its Old Town?

Florence is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. However, Phoenix does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Florence offers plenty to see. The historic center of the city is where you'll find many of the most beautiful buildings, art works, and quaint streets. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was at the heart of the Renaissance period.

Phoenix does not have a historic old town.

Is Florence or Phoenix Better for Hiking?

Phoenix is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Florence is not a hiking destination.

Phoenix has hiking trails worth exploring. You don't have to head far out of town for impressive hiking opportunities. You'll find trails that range from easy to challenging, and many pass through other-worldly landscapes. You'll find popular trails in Usery Mountain Regional Park, Papago Park, White Tank Mountain Regional Park, South Mountain Park and many others.

Florence is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Florence or Phoenix?

Florence is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Florence. There are many shops in the tourist heart of the city. Most are geared specifically to tourists so you may have to search to find a more authentic shopping experience. Famous items available in the city include gold jewelry, ceramics, leather, and perfume.

Phoenix is a great destination for shopping. There are plenty of shopping centers, outlets, and malls where you'll find the standard chain stores. You'll also find farmer's markets around town.

Is Florence or Phoenix Better for Families?

Florence and Phoenix are both good destinations for the whole family.

Florence offers lots of family activities. Most famous for its art and history, the city also has a number of activities that kids will enjoy. There's a carousel and a park that are perfect to let the little ones run around. There are a few kid-friendly museums, as well as a historic city center that will mesmerize the old and young alike.

Phoenix is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the Phoenix Zoo, the Arizona Science Center, the SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, and the Bearizona Wildlife Park. There's also a number of parks and gardens as well as a children's museum and several other interactive museums for kids.

Is Florence or Phoenix Better for Couples?

Florence is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Florence is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Art and history lovers will enjoy a visit to this truly beautiful city. Couples who enjoy museums, historic buildings, and world-renowned art, will find plenty to do in this city.

Phoenix is a nice destination for couples. There are many parks and gardens in town as well as beautiful hikes and outdoor activities that couples will enjoy. In the evening, there's theater, shows, and many romantic restaurants.

Is Florence or Phoenix Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Florence is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Phoenix is not known for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Florence, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city is part of a popular route through Italy, and you'll find many backpackers and students in town. There are also many hostels, so you should have no trouble meeting other young travelers.

Phoenix is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel or two around town for budget travelers.

Is Florence or Phoenix Better for Students?

Florence is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Phoenix is not popular with students.

Florence is a very popular city for students. Many students visit this city as part of a short term study abroad program, or for the entire length of their studies. The city is beautiful, and whether your focus is art, history, or culture, this city will not disappoint.

Phoenix is not popular with students.

Is Florence or Phoenix Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Florence is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Phoenix is not known for its public transit.

While Florence offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a comprehensive bus system.

Public transit is generally limited in Phoenix. There's a bus and light rail system, but you really need your own vehicle to get around.

Is Florence or Phoenix a more walkable city?

Florence is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. However, Phoenix is not known for its walkability.

Florence is a very easy city to get around on foot. Most people explore the city on foot.

Phoenix is generally not very walkable. It's a sprawling city and the only real area that's walkable is the downtown.

For even more information, also check out Is Florence Worth Visiting? and Is Phoenix Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Phoenix or Florence?

How long in Florence or Phoenix?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Florence and Phoenix. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Florence than in Phoenix. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Florence, and 1-3 days is enough time in Phoenix.

Families should spend more time in Florence than Phoenix. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Florence, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Florence than Phoenix. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Florence that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Florence than Phoenix if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Florence.

One day in Florence or Phoenix?

In Florence, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The city of Phoenix offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Florence or Phoenix?

In Florence, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Florence has to offer.

Phoenix is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Phoenix, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Florence or Phoenix?

Florence is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Florence has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Phoenix is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Florence or Phoenix?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Florence. In Florence, you'll find museums and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Phoenix is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Florence and Phoenix, we can see that Phoenix is more expensive. And not only is Florence much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Florence is in Europe and Phoenix is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Florence would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Florence 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 Phoenix would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Phoenix than you might in Florence.

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

Which is Bigger, Florence or Phoenix?

Phoenix has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Florence. When comparing the sizes of Florence and Phoenix, 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 Florence or Phoenix?

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 Florence or Phoenix in the Summer?

Both Phoenix and Florence are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Florence this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Phoenix for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Phoenix can become quite hot in the summer. In the summer, Florence is cooler than Phoenix. Typically, the summer temperatures in Florence in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Phoenix averages at about 98°F (36°C).

It's quite sunny in Phoenix. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Florence. Florence usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during summer. Florence gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 380 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Florence usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Florence gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Florence or Phoenix in the Autumn?

Both Phoenix and Florence during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Florence for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Phoenix in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Florence is generally much colder than Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Florence average around 16°C (61°F), and Phoenix fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

In Phoenix, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Florence often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Florence gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 305 hours of full sun.

Florence usually gets more rain in October than Phoenix. Florence gets 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Florence or Phoenix in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Florence and Phoenix. Many visitors come to Florence in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Phoenix for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Florence is much colder than Phoenix in the winter. The daily temperature in Florence averages around 7°C (45°F) in January, and Phoenix fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phoenix this time of the year. Florence usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during winter. Florence gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 254 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Florence usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Florence gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Florence or Phoenix in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Florence as well as Phoenix. Most visitors come to Florence for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Florence is much colder than Phoenix. Typically, the spring temperatures in Florence in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Phoenix averages at about 74°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phoenix. In the spring, Florence often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Florence gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 355 hours of full sun.

Florence usually gets more rain in April than Phoenix. Florence gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Phoenix and Florence