A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Martha's Vineyard vs. Phoenix for Couples, Food, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Martha's Vineyard or Phoenix?

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 Martha's Vineyard and Phoenix. 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.

Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a coastal, peaceful, and affluent island. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and beaches.

Phoenix

Phoenix is a laid back, sprawling, and desert city. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping.

Martha's Vineyard and Phoenix: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Martha's Vineyard or Phoenix?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Martha's Vineyard. Although Martha's Vineyard and Phoenix are popular destinations, Martha's Vineyard has more sights and attractions for tourists. Martha's Vineyard is very popular for its food, resorts, beaches, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Phoenix attracts visitors for its museums and nightlife. Martha's Vineyard is more touristy than Phoenix and is known for its natural beauty, charming New England towns, and upscale local shopping. It is also well known for the Aquinnah Cliffs. Phoenix is famous for its desert landscapes, high number of golf courses, and year round warm weather.

How is Martha's Vineyard different from Phoenix?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Martha's Vineyard or Phoenix?

Phoenix is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for its sights and museums.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Phoenix. 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.

Martha's Vineyard offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of local museums in the area as well as the Martha's Vineyard Museum.

Is the Food Better in Martha's Vineyard or Phoenix? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Martha's Vineyard is a great island for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Martha's Vineyard has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The region prioritizes sustainable agriculture and there are many local eateries that range from upscale to more casual. You'll find the greatest number of options during the peak summer months, but regardless of when you visit, you're sure to eat well.

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 Martha's Vineyard or Phoenix Better for Nightlife?

Phoenix is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Phoenix has a few options to choose from. 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.

Most people don't head to Martha's Vineyard specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There's more of a laid back vibe, but the best towns in the evening are Edgartown and Oak Bluffs.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Phoenix Better for Resorts?

Martha's Vineyard is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Phoenix is not a resort destination.

Martha's Vineyard is a world class resort vacation destination. There are beautiful and luxurious resorts that attract celebrities and socialites. Many have pools and serene outdoor spaces that you can enjoy.

Phoenix is not a resort destination.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Phoenix Better for Beaches?

Martha's Vineyard is a great island for the beach. However, Phoenix is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Martha's Vineyard attract visitors from all over. The beaches are scenic and peaceful. Head to northern side of the island for shallow water, or south for more surf. While there are some public beaches that are open to everyone, there are also beaches that require a parking or town beach permit to visit.

Phoenix is not a beach destination.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Phoenix Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Martha's Vineyard and Phoenix, and they are nice.

Martha's Vineyard offers some nice hiking trails. There are miles of trails around the island that pass through fields or along the coastline. The island is mostly flat, so the hikes are relatively easy for all skill levels.

Phoenix is a good destination for hiking. 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 Martha's Vineyard or Phoenix?

Martha's Vineyard is a great island 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 Martha's Vineyard. There are no malls, so you'll enjoy shopping at local stores that sell a mix of locally made items and name brand. There are many art galleries as well as craft festivals during the summer months.

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 Martha's Vineyard or Phoenix Better for Families?

Both Martha's Vineyard and Phoenix are nice family-friendly destinations.

Martha's Vineyard offers lots of family activities. You can visit local farms or go to a local baseball game. There's also cafes, ice cream shops, and donut shops that kids will enjoy.

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 Martha's Vineyard or Phoenix Better for Couples?

Martha's Vineyard is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Martha's Vineyard is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's filled with charming bed and breakfasts and plenty of New England charm. Couples will enjoy the quaint restaurants and mix of history, small town charm, and outdoor adventure.

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 Martha's Vineyard or Phoenix Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Martha's Vineyard and Phoenix both offer reasonable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Martha's Vineyard. Access to the island is limited to boat and air. There's a bus service that connects the 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 Martha's Vineyard or Phoenix a more walkable city?

Martha's Vineyard is a island with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Phoenix is not known for its walkability.

Martha's Vineyard is a somewhat walkable island. Many of the towns have walkable downtown areas, but traveling between towns and into the countryside requires a vehicle.

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 Martha's Vineyard Worth Visiting? and Is Phoenix Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Phoenix or Martha's Vineyard?

How long in Martha's Vineyard or Phoenix?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Martha's Vineyard and Phoenix. In our opinion, Martha's Vineyard has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Martha's Vineyard than Phoenix. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Phoenix than Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard or Phoenix?

Martha's Vineyard is a small town with plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

With shopping and museums around the destination of Phoenix, there's plenty to do. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

A weekend in Martha's Vineyard or Phoenix?

Martha's Vineyard 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. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Martha's Vineyard has to offer.

With museums and nightlife around the desert city of Phoenix, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Five days in Martha's Vineyard or Phoenix?

Martha's Vineyard 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 sprawling destination of Phoenix. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Martha's Vineyard or Phoenix?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Martha's Vineyard. Since Martha's Vineyard 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.

Phoenix is a popular choice for travelers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Martha's Vineyard and Phoenix, we can see that Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard Expensive? and Is Phoenix Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard or Phoenix in the Summer?

Both Phoenix and Martha's Vineyard are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Martha's Vineyard for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Phoenix because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

The heat can be very extreme in Phoenix. Martha's Vineyard is much colder than Phoenix in the summer. The daily temperature in Martha's Vineyard averages around 73°F (23°C) in July, 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 Martha's Vineyard. Martha's Vineyard usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during summer. Martha's Vineyard gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 380 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Martha's Vineyard usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Martha's Vineyard gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Martha's Vineyard or Phoenix in the Autumn?

Both Phoenix and Martha's Vineyard during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Martha's Vineyard because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Phoenix this time of year.

In the autumn, Martha's Vineyard is much colder than Phoenix. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Martha's Vineyard in October average around 53°F (12°C), and Phoenix averages at about 79°F (26°C).

In Phoenix, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Martha's Vineyard. In the autumn, Martha's Vineyard often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Martha's Vineyard gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 305 hours of full sun.

Martha's Vineyard usually gets more rain in October than Phoenix. Martha's Vineyard gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Martha's Vineyard or Phoenix in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Martha's Vineyard and Phoenix. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Martha's Vineyard this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Phoenix for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Martha's Vineyard in the winter. In January, Martha's Vineyard is generally much colder than Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Martha's Vineyard average around 28°F (-2°C), and Phoenix fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phoenix this time of the year. Martha's Vineyard usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during winter. Martha's Vineyard gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 254 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Martha's Vineyard usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Martha's Vineyard gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Martha's Vineyard or Phoenix in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Martha's Vineyard as well as Phoenix. Many travelers come to Martha's Vineyard for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Martha's Vineyard is much colder than Phoenix in the spring. The daily temperature in Martha's Vineyard averages around 48°F (9°C) in April, 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 Martha's Vineyard this time of the year. In the spring, Martha's Vineyard often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Martha's Vineyard gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 355 hours of full sun.

Martha's Vineyard usually gets more rain in April than Phoenix. Martha's Vineyard gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Phoenix and Martha's Vineyard