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

Should you visit Norfolk or Phoenix?

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

Should I visit Norfolk 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.

Norfolk

Norfolk is a authentic, blue collar, and maritime city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Phoenix

Phoenix is a sprawling, desert, and laid back city. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums.

Norfolk and Phoenix: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Norfolk or Phoenix?

You'll generally find more things to do in Phoenix than Norfolk. Phoenix is bigger than Norfolk, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Norfolk is well known for its naval base and military presence. Phoenix is well known for its desert landscapes, high number of golf courses, and year round warm weather. Also, Phoenix is famous for Desert Botanical Garden.

How is Norfolk different from Phoenix?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Norfolk and Phoenix have notable landmarks and museums for visitors.

Norfolk is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are some interesting museums in town like the Chrysler Museum, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, and the Norfolk Police and Fire Museum. You should also check out the Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin.

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 Norfolk or Phoenix? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Norfolk offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find a decent collection of restaurants in the downtown area. Food options include local seafood, brunch, casual eateries, and fine dining.

Phoenix has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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 Norfolk or Phoenix Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Norfolk or Phoenix has a better nightlife scene.

Norfolk has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Downtown is where you'll find the most busy nightlife venues. The city has great breweries, and the live music scene has taken off. There are also lounges, dance clubs, and wine bars to choose from.

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.

Is Norfolk or Phoenix Better for Hiking?

Phoenix is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Norfolk is not a hiking destination.

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.

Norfolk is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Norfolk or Phoenix?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Phoenix and Norfolk.

Norfolk is a great destination for shopping. There's a mix of shopping malls, local boutiques, farmer's markets, and shopping centers around town.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Is Norfolk or Phoenix Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Norfolk or Phoenix.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Norfolk. The Norfolk Zoo is always a hit with kids. You should also visit the USS Wisconsin which offers tours, as well as the Douglas MacArthur Memorial Museum.

Phoenix offers lots of family activities. 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 Norfolk or Phoenix Better for Couples?

Phoenix is a popular place for romance. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Norfolk as a couple's destination. There are some nice hotels and several great parks and outdoor activities.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Norfolk and Phoenix.

Public transit is generally limited in Norfolk. While there are buses, ferries, and even lightrail in the area, you really want to have a car to get around.

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.

Is Norfolk or Phoenix a more walkable city?

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

Norfolk is a somewhat walkable city. Downtown is the most walkable part of the city.

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 Norfolk Worth Visiting? and Is Phoenix Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Phoenix or Norfolk?

How long in Norfolk or Phoenix?

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

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

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

One day in Norfolk or Phoenix?

In Norfolk, you'll find nightlife and food. 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, you'll find nightlife and food. 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.

A weekend in Norfolk or Phoenix?

In Norfolk, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Norfolk has to offer.

In Phoenix, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Phoenix has to offer.

Five days in Norfolk or Phoenix?

Norfolk is a great place to explore. 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.

Phoenix is a great place to explore. 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.

A week in Norfolk or Phoenix?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Norfolk. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Norfolk. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Phoenix. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Phoenix. 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 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Norfolk or Phoenix?

Phoenix has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Norfolk. When comparing the sizes of Norfolk 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 Norfolk or Phoenix?

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 Norfolk or Phoenix in the Summer?

Both Phoenix and Norfolk during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Norfolk in the summer for 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, Norfolk is generally cooler than Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Norfolk average around 79°F (26°C), and Phoenix fluctuates around 98°F (36°C).

In Phoenix, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Norfolk. In the summer, Norfolk often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Norfolk gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 380 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Norfolk. Norfolk usually gets more rain in July than Phoenix. Norfolk gets 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Norfolk or Phoenix in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Norfolk and Phoenix. Most visitors come to Norfolk for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Phoenix because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Norfolk is much colder than Phoenix in the autumn. The daily temperature in Norfolk averages around 62°F (16°C) in October, and Phoenix fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phoenix this time of the year. In Norfolk, it's very sunny this time of the year. Norfolk usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during autumn. Norfolk gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 305 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Norfolk usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Norfolk gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Norfolk or Phoenix in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Norfolk as well as Phoenix. The winter months attract visitors to Norfolk because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Phoenix this time of year.

The weather in Norfolk can be very cold. In the winter, Norfolk is much colder than Phoenix. Typically, the winter temperatures in Norfolk in January average around 39°F (4°C), and Phoenix averages at about 58°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phoenix. In the winter, Norfolk often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Norfolk gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 254 hours of full sun.

Norfolk usually gets more rain in January than Phoenix. Norfolk gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Norfolk or Phoenix in the Spring?

Both Phoenix and Norfolk are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In April, Norfolk is generally much colder than Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Norfolk average around 58°F (14°C), and Phoenix fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Phoenix. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Norfolk. Norfolk usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during spring. Norfolk gets 253 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 355 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Norfolk usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Norfolk gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Phoenix and Norfolk