A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Kennebunkport vs. Phoenix for Food, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Kennebunkport or Phoenix?

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

Should I visit Kennebunkport or Phoenix? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a character-filled, charming, and quaint town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Phoenix

Phoenix is a sprawling, desert, and laid back city. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Kennebunkport and Phoenix: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Kennebunkport or Phoenix?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kennebunkport than Phoenix, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kennebunkport is more touristy than Phoenix and is known for its historic and charming atmosphere, its wonderful local seafood, and its stunning coastline. Also, Kennebunkport is famous for Dock Square. Phoenix is well known for its desert landscapes, high number of golf courses, and year round warm weather.

How is Kennebunkport different from Phoenix?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kennebunkport
Phoenix

Spend time exploring the notable sights and museums in either Kennebunkport or Phoenix.

Kennebunkport is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a handful of local museums around town like the Brick Store Museum, the First Families Kennebunkport Museum, and the Seashore Trolley Museum.

Phoenix offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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 Kennebunkport or Phoenix? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kennebunkport
Phoenix

Kennebunkport is a great town for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Kennebunkport has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Fine dining, seafood restaurants, and local cafes all make this a wonderful town for foodies. The town's famous for its lobster, but you can also try the scallops, crab, or oysters.

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 Kennebunkport or Phoenix Better for Nightlife?

Kennebunkport
Phoenix

The vibe at night is notable in both Kennebunkport and Phoenix.

If you're looking for night time activities Kennebunkport has a few options to choose from. You can check out the happy hours that many of the bars in the waterfront area host regularly.

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 Kennebunkport or Phoenix Better for Resorts?

Kennebunkport
Phoenix

Kennebunkport is a great town for its luxury resorts. However, Phoenix is not a resort destination.

In Kennebunkport, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Luxury resorts and classic inns provide traditional and local accommodation options for visitors.

Phoenix is not a resort destination.


Is Kennebunkport or Phoenix Better for Hiking?

Kennebunkport
Phoenix

If you're looking to go hiking, Kennebunkport and Phoenix both have notable trails.

Kennebunkport is a good destination for hiking. There are waterfront walks and coastal trails. There are also trails that wander through forests or past marshland.

Many people include a hike when visiting Phoenix. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Kennebunkport or Phoenix?

Kennebunkport
Phoenix

Kennebunkport is a great town 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 Kennebunkport. Head to Dock's Square for the best local shops with a charming atmosphere.

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 Kennebunkport or Phoenix Better for Families?

Kennebunkport
Phoenix

Kennebunkport is a great town for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Kennebunkport. You can explore the rocks around Mother's Beach or take the kids out on a lobster boat. There's also a lot of history around Dock's Square and plenty of kid-friendly restaurants in town.

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 Kennebunkport or Phoenix Better for Couples?

Kennebunkport
Phoenix

Kennebunkport is a great town for couples. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Kennebunkport is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Beaches, romantic hotels, and charming local restaurants make this a perfect couple's destination.

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

Kennebunkport
Phoenix

Kennebunkport and Phoenix both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kennebunkport. During the summer months there's a Shoreline Trolley that connects towns.

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 Kennebunkport or Phoenix a more walkable city?

Kennebunkport
Phoenix

Kennebunkport is a town with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Phoenix is not known for its walkability.

Kennebunkport is a somewhat walkable town. It's downtown is compact and particularly walkable.

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 Kennebunkport Worth Visiting? and Is Phoenix Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Phoenix or Kennebunkport?

How long in Kennebunkport or Phoenix?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kennebunkport and Phoenix. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Kennebunkport than in Phoenix. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Kennebunkport, and 1-3 days is enough time in Phoenix.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kennebunkport 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 Kennebunkport.


  • How many days in Kennebunkport or Phoenix? Ideal Length of Stay
    Kennebunkport 2-4 
    Phoenix 1-3

One day in Kennebunkport or Phoenix?

Kennebunkport is a small town with plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the desert destination of Phoenix. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Kennebunkport or Phoenix?

Kennebunkport might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kennebunkport has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Phoenix. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Kennebunkport or Phoenix?

Kennebunkport is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the laid back destination of Phoenix. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.


A week in Kennebunkport or Phoenix?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kennebunkport. Since Kennebunkport is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Phoenix. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Phoenix or Kennebunkport?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Kennebunkport is $220, while the average daily cost in Phoenix is $238. 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 Kennebunkport and Phoenix in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kennebunkport $124
    Phoenix $144
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kennebunkport $248
    Phoenix $288
Compare Hotels in Kennebunkport and Phoenix

Looking for a hotel in Kennebunkport or Phoenix? 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 Kennebunkport


Hotels in Phoenix


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: Kennebunkport Hotel Prices and Phoenix Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kennebunkport $49
    Phoenix $39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phoenix

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

  • Departure Private Transfer: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury Van: $140
  • Phoenix International Airport (PHX) - Private transfer From/to Hotels: $118
  • Arrival Private Transfer Phoenix Airport PHX to Phoenix City : $117
  • Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) to Phoenix - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $116
  • Departure Private Transfer Phoenix City to Phoenix Airport PHX : $110
  • One-Way Transfer Sky Harbor Airport to Phoenix: $104
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Luxury SUV: $104
  • Private Transfer from Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury SUV: $104
  • Private Transfer from Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Luxury SUV: $104
  • Departure Private Transfer: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury SUV: $104
  • Private Transfer from Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Business Car: $90
  • Departure Private Transfer: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Business Car: $90

Is it cheaper to fly into Kennebunkport or Phoenix?

Prices for flights to both Phoenix and Kennebunkport 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
    Kennebunkport $67
    Phoenix $52

Typical Food Prices in Phoenix

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Phoenix:


  • Nice Lunch (for 2)
    $36
  • Indian Food Dinner (for 2)
    $32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phoenix

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

  • Awesome French Crêpes Cooking Class: $75
  • Old Town Scottsdale Food Tour: $92
  • Downtown Phoenix Food Tour: $92
  • Scottsdale Waterfront Food Tour: $95
  • Quiche Lorraine French Cooking Class in Scottsdale: $129

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kennebunkport $21
    Phoenix $40

Tours and Activities in Kennebunkport

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kennebunkport.

  • 90 Minutes Ghost Walking Tour in Kennebunkport: $30
  • 2-Hour Historical Walking Tour: $50
  • A Tasty Lunchtime Walking Tour: $140
  • Ghost Tour with Folklore, Gossip & Scandals: $29
  • Haunted Ghost Walking Tour: $27
  • Historic District Walking Tour: $45

Tours and Activities in Phoenix

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Phoenix.

  • 1.5 Hour Stretch Limo Golf Cart Tour, Ultimate Old Town Exploration: $89
  • 2 Hour Scottsdale Segway Tours - Ultimate Old Town Exploration: $89
  • 2 Hour Segway Tour - Sunsets, Segways & City Lights: $89
  • 2 Hour Sonoran Desert Private Guided Mountain Bike Tour: $115
  • 2-Hour Arizona Desert Guided E-Bike Tour: $135
  • 2.5 Hour FAT Tire E-Bike Tour – Scottsdale Greenbelt Adventure: $100
  • 3 Cities & Nature Tour. Shop, Art, History, Food. Scottsdale, Phoenix, & Tempe.: $168
  • 3 Hour Guided TomCar ATV Tour in Sonoran Desert: $219
  • Adventure Yoga Experience on Camelback Mountain: $75
  • Apache Trail and Dolly Steamboat Van Tour: $160
  • Black Ops Experience: $259
  • Boat Cruise in Lake Pleasant Arizona: $89

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kennebunkport $31
    Phoenix $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Phoenix

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

  • Scottsdale Bar Hunt: Scorching Scottsdale Bar Crawl: $12
  • Pedal Bar Crawl of Old Town Scottsdale: $55
  • Stretch Limo Party Cart - Custom Bar Crawls, Wine Tastings, Night Clubs & More: $155
  • Ghost town of Jerome, Brew and Wine Tour: $215


When comparing the travel costs between Kennebunkport and Phoenix, we can see that Phoenix 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 Kennebunkport Expensive? and Is Phoenix Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kennebunkport or Phoenix?

Phoenix has a larger population, and is about 840 times larger than the population of Kennebunkport. When comparing the sizes of Kennebunkport 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 Kennebunkport 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 Kennebunkport or Phoenix in the Summer?

Both Phoenix and Kennebunkport are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Kennebunkport in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Phoenix for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

It's very hot in Phoenix this time of the year. In July, Kennebunkport is generally much colder than Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Kennebunkport average around 69°F (20°C), and Phoenix fluctuates around 98°F (36°C).

It's quite sunny in Phoenix. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kennebunkport. Kennebunkport usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during summer. Kennebunkport gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 380 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Kennebunkport usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Kennebunkport gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kennebunkport 69°F (20°C) 
    Phoenix 98°F (36°C)

Should I visit Kennebunkport or Phoenix in the Autumn?

Both Phoenix and Kennebunkport during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Kennebunkport for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Phoenix because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Kennebunkport is much colder than Phoenix in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kennebunkport averages around 49°F (9°C) in October, and Phoenix fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

In Phoenix, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Kennebunkport often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Kennebunkport gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 305 hours of full sun.

Kennebunkport usually gets more rain in October than Phoenix. Kennebunkport gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kennebunkport 49°F (9°C) 
    Phoenix 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Kennebunkport or Phoenix in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kennebunkport and Phoenix. The winter months attract visitors to Kennebunkport because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Phoenix this time of year.

The weather in Kennebunkport can be very cold. In the winter, Kennebunkport is much colder than Phoenix. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kennebunkport in January average around 21°F (-6°C), and Phoenix averages at about 58°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phoenix this time of the year. Kennebunkport usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during winter. Kennebunkport gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 254 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Kennebunkport usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Kennebunkport gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kennebunkport 21°F (-6°C) 
    Phoenix 58°F (14°C)

Should I visit Kennebunkport or Phoenix in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kennebunkport as well as Phoenix. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Kennebunkport this time of year.

In April, Kennebunkport is generally much colder than Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Kennebunkport average around 43°F (6°C), and Phoenix fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phoenix. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kennebunkport this time of the year. In the spring, Kennebunkport often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Kennebunkport gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 355 hours of full sun.

Kennebunkport usually gets more rain in April than Phoenix. Kennebunkport gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kennebunkport 43°F (6°C) 
    Phoenix 74°F (23°C)

Typical Weather for Phoenix and Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport Phoenix
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°F (-6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 58°F (14°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Feb 24°F (-5°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Mar 33°F (1°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Apr 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 74°F (23°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm)
May 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 83°F (28°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jun 63°F (17°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 92°F (34°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 69°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 98°F (36°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
Aug 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 96°F (35°C) 0.9 inches (24 mm)
Sep 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 90°F (32°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Oct 49°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 79°F (26°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Nov 39°F (4°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
Dec 27°F (-3°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 58°F (15°C) 1 inches (25 mm)