Which place is cheaper, Philadelphia or Fort Lauderdale?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Fort Lauderdale and Philadelphia. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Fort Lauderdale is a spirited, luxury, and high energy coastal city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and food.
Philadelphia is a diverse, historic, and cultural city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.
Tourists will generally find more to do in Philadelphia than Fort Lauderdale. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Philadelphia is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, music, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Fort Lauderdale attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Fort Lauderdale is more touristy than Philadelphia and is popular for its canals, beaches, walkable waterfront, and luxury resorts. Philadelphia is famous for its diverse population, large number of universities, great restaurant and market scene, and its role in American history. It is also well known for The Liberty Bell.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Philadelphia and Fort Lauderdale. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Philadelphia is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.
Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Philadelphia that are not to be missed. The city has a rich history with a number of museums and monuments. Popular sites around the city include the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the National Museum of Jewish American History.
Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.
Philadelphia is a great destination for theatre. However, Fort Lauderdale is not a theatre destination.
Philadelphia offers many theater and performance venues for visitors. There are major Broadway shows as well as smaller venues. Head to The Avenue of the Arts along Broad Street for a popular stretch of theaters.
Fort Lauderdale is not a theatre destination.
Philadelphia is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Fort Lauderdale is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.
With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Philadelphia makes for a great culinary experience. It has grown into a well-recognized food destination. It's diversity of cultures and residents have influenced the restaurant scene and you'll find many great places to dine covering a number of international flavors. The city is famous for its Philly cheesesteak and roast pork sandwich. You can also grab some local favorites at Reading Terminal Market.
Fort Lauderdale has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Seafood is the obvious option with popular dishes being fish tacos, sea bass, and scallop risotto. There are many waterfront restaurants or you could head to Las Olas Boulevard, which has many bistros, cafes, and restaurants.
It's hard to distinguish whether Fort Lauderdale or Philadelphia has a better nightlife scene.
The people in Fort Lauderdale know how to have a good time. Trendy and upscale partying is the name of the game in this Florida city. Most people head to the beach, Las Olas Blvd, River Front and The New Hard Rock Seminole Hotel Complex for the best bars and clubs. You'll find the most activity around the weekends, but there really is something going on any night of the week.
The nightlife in Philadelphia has something for everybody. The city's nightlife scene carries late into the evening with many rooftop and outdoor beer gardens. Most of the clubs and bars are found in the downtown area and you'll find places to dance, listen to live music, or sip a trendy cocktails.
Philadelphia is a great destination for live music. However, Fort Lauderdale is not a live music destination.
Philadelphia has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. The city's diverse music scene includes jazz, rock, and hip hop.
Fort Lauderdale is not a live music destination.
Fort Lauderdale is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Philadelphia is not a resort destination.
Fort Lauderdale offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Luxury beachfront resorts are plentiful in the area. Several of the most impressive include the Ritz-Carlton, W Fort Lauderdale, and the Dalmar. Most resorts have a beachfront pool, hot tubs, and depending on the resort, a kid's club.
Philadelphia is not a resort destination.
Fort Lauderdale is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Philadelphia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Fort Lauderdale has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Although the snorkeling doesn't compare to what you'll find further south around the Florida Keys, there are some great places to pull your mask and fins out in the area. Popular snorkeling spots nearby include the Vista Park Reef, Pompano Beach, and Hollywood North Beach Park.
Philadelphia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Fort Lauderdale is a must-visit destination for the beache. However, Philadelphia is not a beach destination.
The beaches in Fort Lauderdale are among the best in the world. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches, a fun boardwalk, and impressive views, the beaches here are among the best in the area. They are surprisingly walkable and, while there can be crowds, there's still a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere.
Philadelphia is not a beach destination.
Philadelphia is a good destination for its historic old town. However, Fort Lauderdale does not have a historic old town.
Many visitors go to Philadelphia to see the historical old town. The Old City has a number of Colonial-era sites including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House.
Fort Lauderdale does not have a historic old town.
Philadelphia is a great destination for shopping. Also, Fort Lauderdale is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.
Philadelphia is an extremely popular place for shoppers. With all items tax-free, this city is a great place to shop. It has many boutique shops as well as name brand stores and shopping areas. For a local vibe, head to Reading Terminal Market.
Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Fort Lauderdale. For interesting local boutiques head to Las Olas Boulevard and for name brand stores you'll want to visit Sawgrass Mills Mall.
Philadelphia is a great destination for its Christmas activities. However, Fort Lauderdale does not offer Christmas activities.
Visitors come from all around to experience the Christmas activities in Philadelphia. There are a number of holiday events, light shows, and festivals during the holiday season.
Fort Lauderdale does not offer Christmas activities.
Philadelphia is a good destination for its Christmas markets. However, Fort Lauderdale does not offer Christmas markets.
Visiting the Christmas markets is popular in Philadelphia. The city has its own German style Christmas market at Love Park and City Hall. It hosts over 80 vendors.
Fort Lauderdale does not offer Christmas markets.
Both Fort Lauderdale and Philadelphia are great family-friendly destinations.
Fort Lauderdale is a very family-friendly place to visit. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches and a number of kid-oriented activities, the kids will love it here. Fun activities include Bluefoot Pirate Adventures, Butterfly World, and Funderdome. On sunny days there are many outdoor recreation areas and when the weather isn't cooperating, there are hands-on museums.
Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Philadelphia is very family-friendly. The city has many museums and a fascinating history that is interesting to kids and adults alike. Popular activities include a zoo and Sesame Place. Kids also love the hands-on Please Touch Museum.
Fort Lauderdale is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.
Fort Lauderdale has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Fine dining, beautiful beaches, and great shopping make for a great romantic getaway. Couples and honeymooners love relaxing at the beaches in Fort Lauderdale. A sunset walk on the beach and a stay at a romantic resort will make for an unforgettable trip.
Philadelphia is a good coastal city for couples to visit. Like many large cities, it is a fun place to explore in the evening as a couple. This is also a great foodie destination with great markets, food trucks, and diverse restaurants that reflect the city's diverse population.
Philadelphia is a good destination for backpackers. However, Fort Lauderdale is not a backpacker-friendly destination.
Plenty of backpackers visit Philadelphia. There are a few good hostels for backpackers and budget travelers to choose from.
Fort Lauderdale is not a backpacker-friendly destination.
Philadelphia is a great destination for students. However, Fort Lauderdale is not popular with students.
Many students visit Philadelphia. With its many universities and diverse population, this city is a great place for international students.
Fort Lauderdale is not popular with students.
Philadelphia is a great destination for its public transit. However, Fort Lauderdale is a coastal city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.
Visitors to Philadelphia can move around easily with public transportation. The system includes a subway, trolleys, buses, and a commuter rail.
Public transit is mostly limited in Fort Lauderdale. Transportation options include a water taxi and the Sun Trolley Hop-on Bus.
Philadelphia is a must-visit destination for its walkability. Also, Fort Lauderdale is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.
Getting around Philadelphia on foot is easy. The Old City is particularly walkable, as is Avenue of the Arts, and Rittenhouse Square.
Fort Lauderdale is a very walkable coastal city. It is one of the most walkable Florida communities with a boardwalk and several pedestrian areas that are fun to wander around.
For even more information, also check out Is Fort Lauderdale Worth Visiting? and Is Philadelphia Worth Visiting?.
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Fort Lauderdale and Philadelphia. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than in Philadelphia. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Fort Lauderdale, and 2-3 days is enough time in Philadelphia.
Families should spend more time in Philadelphia than Fort Lauderdale. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Philadelphia, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Philadelphia than Fort Lauderdale. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Philadelphia that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Philadelphia than Fort Lauderdale 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 Philadelphia.
In Fort Lauderdale, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this high energy coastal city offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.
Philadelphia is a big city with plenty to do. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.
Fort Lauderdale is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.
Philadelphia is a big city with plenty to do. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.
In Fort Lauderdale, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this bustling destination offers. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Lots of people come for the beaches. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.
Philadelphia is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.
Fort Lauderdale is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Philadelphia. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Fort Lauderdale is $182, while the average daily cost in Philadelphia is $188. 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 Fort Lauderdale and Philadelphia in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Fort Lauderdale or Philadelphia? 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.
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Fort Lauderdale:
Also for Philadelphia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Philadelphia and Fort Lauderdale 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.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Fort Lauderdale:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Fort Lauderdale.
For Philadelphia, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
For Philadelphia, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Here are a few actual costs in Fort Lauderdale for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Philadelphia's activities, tours, and tickets:
For Philadelphia, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Fort Lauderdale are as follows:
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Fort Lauderdale:
Also in Philadelphia, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
When comparing the travel costs between Fort Lauderdale and Philadelphia, we can see that Philadelphia is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Fort Lauderdale Expensive? and Is Philadelphia Expensive?.
Philadelphia has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Fort Lauderdale. When comparing the sizes of Fort Lauderdale and Philadelphia, 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.
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.
The summer brings many poeple to Fort Lauderdale as well as Philadelphia. Many visitors come to Fort Lauderdale in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Philadelphia for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Fort Lauderdale is a little warmer than Philadelphia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Fort Lauderdale in July average around 83°F (28°C), and Philadelphia averages at about 77°F (25°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Philadelphia. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fort Lauderdale this time of the year. In the summer, Fort Lauderdale often gets more sunshine than Philadelphia. Fort Lauderdale gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 273 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Philadelphia. Fort Lauderdale receives a lot of rain in the summer. Fort Lauderdale usually gets more rain in July than Philadelphia. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.
Both Philadelphia and Fort Lauderdale are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Fort Lauderdale for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Philadelphia because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Fort Lauderdale is generally much warmer than Philadelphia. Daily temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 78°F (26°C), and Philadelphia fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).
It's quite sunny in Philadelphia. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale usually receives more sunshine than Philadelphia during autumn. Fort Lauderdale gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Philadelphia receives 202 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Fort Lauderdale. In October, Fort Lauderdale usually receives more rain than Philadelphia. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
Both Philadelphia and Fort Lauderdale during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Fort Lauderdale because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Philadelphia this time of year.
It's quite cold in Philadelphia in the winter. Fort Lauderdale is much warmer than Philadelphia in the winter. The daily temperature in Fort Lauderdale averages around 67°F (20°C) in January, and Philadelphia fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).
It's quite sunny in Fort Lauderdale. In the winter, Fort Lauderdale often gets more sunshine than Philadelphia. Fort Lauderdale gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 152 hours of full sun.
Fort Lauderdale usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Philadelphia. Fort Lauderdale gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Fort Lauderdale and Philadelphia. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Fort Lauderdale this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Philadelphia for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Fort Lauderdale is much warmer than Philadelphia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Fort Lauderdale in April average around 75°F (24°C), and Philadelphia averages at about 52°F (11°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Philadelphia this time of the year. In Fort Lauderdale, it's very sunny this time of the year. Fort Lauderdale usually receives more sunshine than Philadelphia during spring. Fort Lauderdale gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Philadelphia receives 216 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Fort Lauderdale usually receives more rain than Philadelphia. Fort Lauderdale gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
Fort Lauderdale | Philadelphia | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 67°F (20°C) | 2.2 inches (55 mm) | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
Feb | 68°F (20°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) | 33°F (1°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) |
Mar | 72°F (22°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) | 42°F (6°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
Apr | 75°F (24°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) | 52°F (11°C) | 2.8 inches (70 mm) |
May | 79°F (26°C) | 6.4 inches (162 mm) | 63°F (17°C) | 2.8 inches (70 mm) |
Jun | 81°F (27°C) | 9.4 inches (238 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
Jul | 83°F (28°C) | 5.9 inches (149 mm) | 77°F (25°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
Aug | 83°F (28°C) | 7.5 inches (191 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) |
Sep | 82°F (28°C) | 7.6 inches (194 mm) | 68°F (20°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
Oct | 78°F (26°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) | 56°F (14°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) |
Nov | 73°F (23°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 46°F (8°C) | 2.5 inches (64 mm) |
Dec | 69°F (21°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) | 36°F (2°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |