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

Should you visit Marathon or Phoenix?

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

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

Marathon

Marathon is a quaint, beautiful, and relaxing island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and food.

Phoenix

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

Marathon and Phoenix: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marathon or Phoenix?

Both Phoenix and Marathon have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Marathon is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Phoenix is more popular for its museums, hiking, and shopping. Marathon is more touristy than Phoenix and is known for its Loggerhead sea turtles, the Dolphin Research Center, Sombrero Beach, and its many places to scuba dive and snorkel. Phoenix is well known for its desert landscapes, high number of golf courses, and year round warm weather.

How is Marathon different from Phoenix?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Phoenix is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Marathon and Phoenix offer a number of notable restaurants to choose from.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Marathon. There are restaurants with waterfront terraces, raw bars, and other seafood eateries where you can enjoy fresh caught fish for a reasonable price.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Phoenix. 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 Marathon or Phoenix Better for Nightlife?

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

If you're looking for night time activities Marathon has a few options to choose from. Popular nightlife venues include JJ’s Dog House & Sports Bar, Brass Monkey, and Cabana Club.

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 Marathon or Phoenix Better for Resorts?

Marathon is a great island for its luxury resorts. However, Phoenix is not a resort destination.

In Marathon, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Popular resorts include Isla Bella Beach Resort and Tranquility Bay Resort.

Phoenix is not a resort destination.

Is Marathon or Phoenix Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marathon is a island with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Phoenix is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Marathon. There are many dive shops around Marathon and the area has dive spots that are great for every level. Some of the best sites are Sombrero Reef, Coffins Patch, and Thunderbolt wreck. There are also many snorkeling trips that head out to Sombrero Reef.

Phoenix is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marathon or Phoenix Better for Beaches?

Marathon is a great island for the beach. However, Phoenix is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Marathon attract visitors from all over. Sombrero Beach is a popular spot for picnics, swimming and seeing the Loggerhead Turtles from April through October.

Phoenix is not a beach destination.

Is Marathon or Phoenix Better for Hiking?

Phoenix is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Marathon 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.

Marathon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marathon or Phoenix?

Phoenix is a nice place to visit for shopping. However, Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Phoenix. 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.

Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Marathon or Phoenix Better for Families?

Marathon is a great island 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 Marathon. Kids will enjoy getting face-to-face with dolphins at the Dolphin Research Center. Families can also explore Pigeon Key or play in the water at Sombrero Beach. Families will find no shortage of activities on the island.

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 Marathon or Phoenix Better for Couples?

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

Marathon is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. With beautiful views, 7 Mile Bridge, and plenty of activities, this area makes a romantic destination for couples. There are beaches and waterfront spots that offer a romantic setting for couples.

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

Phoenix is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Marathon is not a good destination for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Marathon. There's no real public transportation in town. A car is essential.

Is Marathon or Phoenix a more walkable city?

Marathon and Phoenix are respectable when it comes to walkability.

Marathon is generally not a very walkable island. Shops and restaurants and spread out along a central road, making walking difficult to impossible.

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 Marathon Worth Visiting? and Is Phoenix Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Phoenix or Marathon?

How long in Marathon or Phoenix?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Phoenix than Marathon 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 Phoenix.

One day in Marathon or Phoenix?

In Marathon, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island 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 Marathon or Phoenix?

In Marathon, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

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 Marathon or Phoenix?

Marathon is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Marathon 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 Marathon or Phoenix?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Marathon. In Marathon, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Marathon and Phoenix, we can see that Phoenix is more expensive. And not only is Marathon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Marathon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Marathon 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 Marathon.

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

Which is Bigger, Marathon or Phoenix?

Phoenix has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Marathon. When comparing the sizes of Marathon 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 Marathon 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 Marathon or Phoenix in the Summer?

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

It's very hot in Phoenix this time of the year. In July, Marathon is generally cooler than Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Marathon average around 84°F (29°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 Marathon. Marathon usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during summer. Marathon gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 380 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Marathon usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Marathon gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Marathon or Phoenix in the Autumn?

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

Marathon is around the same temperature as Phoenix in the autumn. The daily temperature in Marathon averages around 80°F (27°C) in October, and Phoenix fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

In Phoenix, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Marathon. In the autumn, Marathon often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Marathon gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 305 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Marathon. Marathon usually gets more rain in October than Phoenix. Marathon gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marathon or Phoenix in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Marathon is a little warmer than Phoenix. Typically, the winter temperatures in Marathon in January average around 70°F (21°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. In Marathon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marathon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Phoenix during winter. Marathon gets 252 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 254 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Marathon usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Marathon gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Marathon or Phoenix in the Spring?

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

In April, Marathon is generally around the same temperature as Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Marathon average around 77°F (25°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 Marathon this time of the year. In the spring, Marathon often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Marathon gets 326 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 355 hours of full sun.

Marathon usually gets more rain in April than Phoenix. Marathon gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Phoenix and Marathon