A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Milan vs. Phoenix for Food, Nightlife, Attractions, and Couples

Should you visit Milan or Phoenix?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Milan and Phoenix can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Milan

Milan is a chic, cultural, and trendy city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the nightlife, live music, and food.

Phoenix

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

Milan and Phoenix: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Milan or Phoenix?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Milan. Although Milan and Phoenix are popular destinations, Milan has more sights and attractions for tourists. Milan is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Phoenix attracts visitors for its hiking. Milan is more touristy than Phoenix and is known for its grand squares, dramatic architecture, and its leadership in the fashion world. It is also well known for Piazza del Duomo. Phoenix is famous for its desert landscapes, high number of golf courses, and year round warm weather.

How is Milan different from Phoenix?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Milan is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Milan. The Milan Cathedral is the most famous landmark in the city, but other sights include Castello Sforzesco, Pinacoteca di Brera, and Sant'Ambrogio.

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.

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

Milan is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Milan have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city has a mix of traditional dishes combined with modernized, trendy restaurants. You can try a new dish by a groundbreaking chef, or sample a long running favorite like risotto alla Milanese.

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 Milan or Phoenix Better for Nightlife?

Milan is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Milan is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city has a huge number of students and young professionals, which make it a fun place with an active nightlife. There are cocktail bars, trendy clubs, and relaxed pubs that you can chose from.

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 Milan or Phoenix Better for Music?

Milan is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Phoenix is not a live music destination.

Milan has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The diversity of music ranges from classical concerts to techno raves. Popular venues include Blue Note Milan, Santeria Social Club, and Spirit de Milan.

Phoenix is not a live music destination.

Is Milan or Phoenix Better for its Old Town?

Milan is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. However, Phoenix does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Milan offers plenty to see. Known as the Centro Storic, this area is the most popular with tourists. It's where you'll find the most historic buildings and beautiful sights in the city.

Phoenix does not have a historic old town.

Is Milan or Phoenix Better for Hiking?

Phoenix is a city with good options for hiking. However, Milan is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around 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.

Milan is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Milan or Phoenix?

Milan is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many people travel to Milan specifically to go shopping. Famous as the fashion capital of Italy, shopping is the thing to do here. There are many streets that are lined with the biggest designers in fashion. Make sure you check out Via Monte Napoleone, Via Della Spiga, and Corso Buenos Aires.

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 Milan or Phoenix Better for Families?

Both Milan and Phoenix are nice to visit with kids.

Milan offers lots of family activities. The city has a science museum and a children's museum, MuBa, that is great for the kids. There are also a number of parks to explore as well as playgrounds where the kids and get out their energy.

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 Milan or Phoenix Better for Couples?

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

Milan is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. There are many beautiful buildings, excellent shopping, and romantic restaurants that make for a wonderful couple's getaway.

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 Milan or Phoenix Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Milan is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Phoenix is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Milan. While not as popular with backpackers as some Italian city's, there are a number of hostels and great activities that are fun for visitors.

Phoenix is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel or two around town for budget travelers.

Is Milan or Phoenix Better for Students?

Milan is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Phoenix is not popular with students.

Milan is a very popular city for students. It is one of the more popular city's for international students in Italy. It is very livable with a lot of culture and a fun nightlife, so you're sure to have the experience of a lifetime.

Phoenix is not popular with students.

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

Milan is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. However, Phoenix is not known for its public transit.

Visitors in Milan can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. Options include metro, bus, tram, and train lines.

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 Milan or Phoenix a more walkable city?

Milan is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. However, Phoenix is not known for its walkability.

Milan is a very easy city to get around on foot. In particular, the city center is 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 Milan Worth Visiting? and Is Phoenix Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Phoenix or Milan?

How long in Milan or Phoenix?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Milan and Phoenix. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Milan than in Phoenix. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Milan, and 1-3 days is enough time in Phoenix.

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

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

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

One day in Milan or Phoenix?

Because Milan is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Phoenix, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this laid back destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Milan or Phoenix?

Because Milan is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Milan has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Phoenix. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Milan or Phoenix?

Milan is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Milan has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Phoenix is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Phoenix. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Milan or Phoenix?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Milan. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Milan. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 sprawling destination of Phoenix. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Milan and Phoenix, we can see that Phoenix is more expensive. And not only is Milan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Milan is in Europe and Phoenix is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Milan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Milan 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 Milan.

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

Which is Bigger, Milan or Phoenix?

Phoenix has a larger population, and is about 1% larger than the population of Milan. When comparing the sizes of Milan 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 Milan 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 Milan or Phoenix in the Summer?

Both Phoenix and Milan are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Milan because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Phoenix this time of year.

The heat can be very extreme in Phoenix. Milan is much colder than Phoenix in the summer. The daily temperature in Milan averages around 23°C (73°F) 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 Milan. Milan usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during summer. Milan gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 380 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Milan usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Milan gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Milan or Phoenix in the Autumn?

Both Phoenix and Milan during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Milan this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Phoenix for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Milan is much colder than Phoenix. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Milan in October average around 15°C (58°F), and Phoenix averages at about 79°F (26°C).

In Phoenix, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Milan often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Milan gets 152 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 Milan. Milan usually gets more rain in October than Phoenix. Milan gets 103 mm (4 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Milan or Phoenix in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Milan and Phoenix. Many travelers come to Milan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Phoenix in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Milan. In January, Milan is generally much colder than Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Milan average around 5°C (41°F), and Phoenix fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phoenix this time of the year. Milan usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during winter. Milan gets 119 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 254 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Milan usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Milan gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Milan or Phoenix in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Milan as well as Phoenix. Many visitors come to Milan in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Milan is much colder than Phoenix in the spring. The daily temperature in Milan averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Phoenix fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phoenix. In the spring, Milan often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Milan gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 355 hours of full sun.

Milan usually gets more rain in April than Phoenix. Milan gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Phoenix and Milan