A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Fort Lauderdale vs. Philadelphia for Couples, Nightlife, Families, and Food

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Should you visit Fort Lauderdale or Philadelphia?

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

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

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

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.

Fort Lauderdale and Philadelphia: Pros and Cons

Fort Lauderdale
Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Philadelphia
Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Big city activities
Cons
  • Less popular with couples


How is Fort Lauderdale different from Philadelphia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Philadelphia Better for Food?

Fort Lauderdale
Philadelphia

Both Fort Lauderdale and Philadelphia offer a number of unique restaurants to choose from.

Fort Lauderdale offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Seafood is the obvious option with popular dishes being fish tacos, sea bass, and scallop risotto.

Philadelphia has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city is famous for its Philly cheesesteak and roast pork sandwich. You can also grab some local favorites at Reading Terminal Market.


Is Fort Lauderdale or Philadelphia Better for Nightlife?

Fort Lauderdale
Philadelphia

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. 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.

The nightlife in Philadelphia has something for everybody. The city's nightlife scene carries late into the night with many rooftop and outdoor beer gardens.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Philadelphia Better for Shopping?

Fort Lauderdale
Philadelphia

Shopping is a popular activity in both Philadelphia and Fort Lauderdale.

Fort Lauderdale is a great destination for shopping. For interesting local boutiques head to Las Olas Boulevard and for name brand stores you'll want to visit Sawgrass Mills Mall.

Philadelphia is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Philadelphia Better for Families?

Fort Lauderdale
Philadelphia

Both Fort Lauderdale and Philadelphia are 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 be entertained. Fun activities include Bluefoot Pirate Adventures, Butterfly World, and Funderdome.

Philadelphia offers lots of family activities. Popular activities include a zoo and Sesame Place. Kids also love the hands-on Please Touch Museum.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Philadelphia Better for Couples?

Fort Lauderdale
Philadelphia

Fort Lauderdale offers a wider variety of romantic activities for couples than Philadelphia.

Fort Lauderdale is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Fine dining, beautiful beaches, and great shopping make for a great romantic getaway. Couples and honeymooners love relaxing at the beaches in Fort Lauderdale.

Philadelphia makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Like many large cities, this city is a fun place to explore in the evening as a couple.


Is Fort Lauderdale or Philadelphia a more walkable city?

Fort Lauderdale
Philadelphia

Fort Lauderdale and Philadelphia both are comparable when exploring on foot.

Fort Lauderdale is very walkable. It is one of the most walkable Florida communities with a boardwalk and several pedestrian areas that are fun to wander around.

Philadelphia is a very easy coastal city to get around on foot. The Old City is particularly walkable, as is Avenue of the Arts, and Rittenhouse Square.

Should I spend more time in Philadelphia or Fort Lauderdale?

How long in Fort Lauderdale or Philadelphia?

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 Philadelphia.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Fort Lauderdale is 3-7 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Philadelphia is 2-3 days.


  • How many days in Fort Lauderdale or Philadelphia? Ideal Length of Stay
    Fort Lauderdale 3-7 
    Philadelphia 2-3

One day in Fort Lauderdale or Philadelphia?

In Fort Lauderdale, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this spirited 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. 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.

A weekend in Fort Lauderdale or Philadelphia?

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.

Five days in Fort Lauderdale or Philadelphia?

In Fort Lauderdale, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this scenic 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. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.


A week in Fort Lauderdale or Philadelphia?

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.

Which city is cheaper, Philadelphia or Fort Lauderdale?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Fort Lauderdale is $146, while the average daily cost in Philadelphia is $151. 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 Fort Lauderdale and Philadelphia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Fort Lauderdale $77
    Philadelphia $95
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Fort Lauderdale $154
    Philadelphia $190
Compare Hotels in Fort Lauderdale and Philadelphia

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.

Hotels in Fort Lauderdale


Hotels in Philadelphia


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: Fort Lauderdale Hotel Prices and Philadelphia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Fort Lauderdale $41
    Philadelphia $22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fort Lauderdale

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Fort Lauderdale:

  • Transfer in executive car from Fort Lauderdale Airport(FLL) to Miami downtown: $64
  • Transfer in Executive Private Vehicle from Fort Lauderdale City to Airport: $57
  • Transfer in Executive Private Vehicle from Fort Lauderdale Airport to City: $57
  • Transfer from Port Everglades to Miami International Airport: $130
  • Transfer from Port Everglades to Miami Beach: $130
  • Transfer from Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International to Fort Lauderdale: $100
  • Transfer from Fort Lauderdale Airport to Port Of Miami: $125
  • Transfer from Fort Lauderdale Airport to Orlando: $750
  • Transfer from Fort Lauderdale Airport to Miami Beach: $130
  • Transfer from Fort Lauderdale Airport to Miami: $130
  • Transfer From Fort Lauderdale to Airport/Port: $25
  • Round-Trip Transfer in Executive Private Car from-to Airport in Fort Lauderdale: $113

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Philadelphia

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

  • Arrival Private Transfer Philadelphia Airport PHL to Philadelphia City by SUV: $124
  • Arrival Private Transfer Philadelphia Airport PHL to Philadelphia by Limousine: $117
  • Arrival Private Transfer Philadelphia Airport PHL to Philadelphia by Minibus: $204
  • Arrival Private Transfer Philadelphia Airport PHL to Philadelphia by Minivan: $123
  • Arrival Private Transfer Philadelphia Airport PHL to Philadelphia by Sedan: $68
  • Arrival Private Transfer Philadelphia Train Station to Philadelphia by SUV: $124
  • Arrival Private Transfer Philadelphia Train Station to Philadelphia by Sedan: $68
  • Departure Private Transfer Philadelphia City to Philadelphia Airport PHL by SUV: $124
  • Departure Private Transfer Philadelphia to Philadelphia Airport PHL by Limousine: $117
  • Departure Private Transfer Philadelphia to Philadelphia Airport PHL by Minibus: $204
  • Departure Private Transfer Philadelphia to Philadelphia Airport PHL by Minivan: $123
  • Departure Private Transfer Philadelphia to Philadelphia Airport PHL by Sedan: $68

Is it cheaper to fly into Fort Lauderdale or Philadelphia?

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.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Fort Lauderdale $39
    Philadelphia $39
Typical Food prices in Fort Lauderdale

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Fort Lauderdale:


  • Quick Lunch
    $12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Fort Lauderdale

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

  • All You Can Eat BBQ Dinner and Show at Tropical Isle with Sightseeing Cruise: $60

Typical Food prices in Philadelphia

For Philadelphia, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Casual Lunch (for 3)
    $27

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Philadelphia

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

  • Flavors of Philly Food Tour: $44
  • Decadent Gourmet Food Tour: $44
  • Flavors of Philly Food Tour: $52
  • Highlights of East Passyunk Food Tour: $54
  • South Philly Italian Family Dinner Tour: $75
  • Historic Food Tour: $78
  • Private Tour: Secret Food Tours Philadelphia: $90
  • Spirit of Philadelphia Dinner Cruise with Buffet: $107
  • Secret Food Tours Philadelphia w/ Private Tour Option: $193

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Fort Lauderdale $12
    Philadelphia $22

Tours and Activities in Fort Lauderdale

Here are a few actual costs in Fort Lauderdale for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1 Hour Central Park Guided Electric Bike Tour: $49
  • 1-Hour Bike Tour of Hugh Taylor Birch State Park: $47
  • 1-Hour Interactive Pirate Adventure Cruise in Fort Lauderdale (Family-Friendly): $23
  • 2 Hour Fort Lauderdale Guided Electric Bike Tour: $60
  • 2 Hour Venice Of America Jet Ski Adventure & Exploration Tour of Fort Lauderdale: $225
  • 3 Hour All Inclusive 007 Millionaires Row Jet Ski Adventure Fort Lauderdale: $307
  • 5-Day Miami+Key West+Palm Beach+Fort Lauderdale Tour (Miami Departure)(MIA5-A): $579
  • 90-Minute Narrated Sightseeing Cruises: $23
  • 90-Minute Snorkel & Seabob Underwater Guided Reef Tour in Fort Lauderdale: $139
  • Airport to Cruise Shuttle Private Group Transportation: $580
  • Beach Cruiser Bike Rentals in Fort Lauderdale: $11
  • Champagne Sunset Cruise Ft. Lauderdale: $58

Typical Entertainment prices in Philadelphia

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Philadelphia's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Big Bus Tour (family of 3)
    $99

Tours and Activities in Philadelphia

For Philadelphia, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Philadelphia's Lost Waterfront: Explore the historic city on an audio tour: $5.00
  • Art and Controversy: An audio tour of Philadelphia's most infamous art scandals: $5.00
  • Ultimate Philadelphia Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
  • Philadelphia Architecture: Discover Every American Style on a GPS Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Philadelphia Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Penn Museum Admission Ticket: $18
  • Philadelphia Walking Ghost Tour: $20
  • Franklin's Footsteps Walking Tour: $20
  • Skip the Line: Museum of the American Revolution Admission Ticket: $21
  • Philadelphia Historical Independence Walking Tour: $21
  • Philadelphia Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour: $23
  • The Franklin Institute Admission Ticket: $23

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Fort Lauderdale $27
    Philadelphia $17
Typical Alcohol prices in Fort Lauderdale

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Fort Lauderdale are as follows:


  • Beer
    $7.30

Sample the Local Flavors in Fort Lauderdale

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Fort Lauderdale:

  • Party Bike Bar Crawl: $59

Sample the Local Flavors in Philadelphia

Also in Philadelphia, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Haunted Pub Crawl: $45
  • Philadelphia Prohibition Pub Crawl: $45
  • Charleston: Haunted Bar Crawl with Tarot Reading: $64
  • Sip of Philly Brewery Tour: $79

About these numbers

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.


When is the best time to visit Fort Lauderdale or Philadelphia?

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 Fort Lauderdale or Philadelphia in the Summer?

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 are around 83°F (28°C), and Philadelphia is 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.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Fort Lauderdale 83°F (28°C) 
    Philadelphia 77°F (25°C)

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Philadelphia in the Autumn?

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. Temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 78°F (26°C), and Philadelphia stays 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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Fort Lauderdale 78°F (26°C) 
    Philadelphia 56°F (14°C)

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Philadelphia in the Winter?

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 temperature in Fort Lauderdale is usually 67°F (20°C) in January, and Philadelphia stays 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.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Fort Lauderdale 67°F (20°C) 
    Philadelphia 30°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Philadelphia in the Spring?

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 are around 75°F (24°C), and Philadelphia is 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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Fort Lauderdale 75°F (24°C) 
    Philadelphia 52°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Philadelphia and Fort Lauderdale

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)


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Fort Lauderdale vs. Philadelphia Travel Comparison

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