A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Orlando vs. Dayton for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Orlando or Dayton?

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

Should I visit Orlando or Dayton? 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.

Where Should I go: Orlando or Dayton?

Orlando

Orlando is a haven for tourists from the entire United States and abroad. The most famous sight in Orlando, Walt Disney World, is not actually located in the city at all, but in nearby Lake Buena Vista. The area attracts over 50 million visitors a year and the city's sprawling development has created amenities and entertainment options for tourists of all ages.

Dayton

Located in southwest Ohio, Dayton is known as the "Gem City." It's the original home of Orville and Wilbur Wright, the brothers who designed the first airplane. You'll also find the Dayton Aviation Heritage Park here, which is one of the only multi-site National Parks in the United States. The cities climate has four different seasons, winter, spring, summer and fall. The winter months are quite cold and you can expect a decent amount of snow in the area. Spring remains cool and there are infrequent showers. This is also the peak time for tornadoes in the area. Summer is hot and humid and can be unpleasant at times, but fall is crisp and refreshing with occasional storms and infrequent tornadoes.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Dayton or Orlando?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Orlando is $321, while the average daily cost in Dayton is $323. 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 Orlando and Dayton in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Orlando $154
    Dayton $250
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Orlando $308
    Dayton $500
Compare Hotels in Orlando and Dayton

Looking for a hotel in Orlando or Dayton? 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 Orlando


Hotels in Dayton


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: Orlando Hotel Prices and Dayton Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Orlando $66
    Dayton $25
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Orlando

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Orlando are as follows:


  • Parking
    $14
  • Taxi Ride
    $45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Orlando

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

  • Transfer: Lake Buena Vista Area Hotels to Orlando Airport (MCO): $19
  • Orlando Airport: Private Transfer to-from Disney & Universal: $30
  • Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal Transfers: $34
  • Train Transfer to Miami: $39
  • Private Transfer between Disney and Universal: $47
  • Private transfer Orlando Airport - Hotels in Disney and Universal: $47
  • Private Transfer to Disney Area Hotels from MCO airport: $48
  • Orlando Airport (MCO) to Orlando - Arrival Private Transfer: $51
  • Private Transfer Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral or Cocoa: $60
  • Orlando Airport: Private Transfer From Airport to Orlando: $63
  • Orlando MCO Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Kissimmee: $67
  • Private Transfer between MCO Airport and Downtown Orlando: $67

Is it cheaper to fly into Orlando or Dayton?

Prices for flights to both Dayton and Orlando 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
    Orlando $65
    Dayton $61
Typical Food Prices in Orlando

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


  • Lunch for Two at Epcot
    $29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Orlando

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

  • The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show: $38
  • The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show in Orlando: $38
  • Señor Frogs Lunch / Dinner Package: $50
  • Downtown Murder Mystery Walking Dinner Tour: $66
  • Sleuth's Mystery Dinner Show, Orlando: $69
  • Mango's LIVE!: Dinner and Show in Orlando: $72
  • Polynesian Fire Luau with Dinner and Live Show: $75
  • Orlando Polynesian Fire Luau and Dinner Show Experience: $75
  • Pirates Dinner Adventure - Top Orlando Dinner Attraction: $78
  • Teatro Martini Dinner Show in Orlando: $79
  • Food Tour of Local Orlando's Ivanhoe Village : $89

Typical Food Prices in Dayton

Some typical examples of dining costs in Dayton are as follows:


  • Noodle Company Lunch (for 2)
    $17
  • Indian Food Dinner (for 2)
    $34

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Orlando $204
    Dayton -
Typical Entertainment Prices in Orlando

For Orlando, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Universal Studios for Two
    $110

Tours and Activities in Orlando

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

  • Orlando’s Historical Highlights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour around Lake Eola in Orlando: $6.65
  • Orlando Self-Guided Historic App/GPS Audio Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure City Game on Your Phone: $10
  • Orlando Icon Park Adventure Room Ticket: $12
  • 7-D Dark Ride Entry Ticket: $12
  • Skip the Line: Museum of Military History Ticket: $12
  • Lonely Dog Immersive Art Storytelling Experience: $15
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience Orlando, FL: $15
  • Old Town Entertainment District Attraction Tickets: $15
  • Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf Entry Ticket in Orlando: $18
  • Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf Entry Ticket: $18

Tours and Activities in Dayton

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dayton are as follows:

  • Daytona Beach: Guided Kayaking or Standup Paddling Tour: $65

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Orlando $30
    Dayton -

Sample the Local Flavors in Orlando

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Orlando:

  • Orlando Virtual Bar Crawl & Scavenger Hunt: $12
  • Orlando Haunts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Pontoon Pub Crawl, 5 Lakeside Pubs and Restaurants Visit by Boat: $85
  • Happy Hour Downtown Pub Crawl: $170


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


Which is Bigger, Orlando or Dayton?

Orlando has a larger population, and is about 31% larger than the population of Dayton. When comparing the sizes of Orlando and Dayton, 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 Orlando or Dayton?

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 Orlando or Dayton in the Summer?

Both Dayton and Orlando during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Orlando for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Orlando is generally around the same temperature as Dayton. Daily temperatures in Orlando average around 82°F (28°C), and Dayton fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Orlando. Orlando usually gets more rain in July than Dayton. Orlando gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Dayton receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Orlando 82°F (28°C) 
    Dayton 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Orlando or Dayton in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Orlando and Dayton. Many visitors come to Orlando in the autumn for the shopping scene.

Orlando is much warmer than Dayton in the autumn. The daily temperature in Orlando averages around 75°F (24°C) in October, and Dayton fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

Orlando gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Orlando usually receives more rain than Dayton. Orlando gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Dayton receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Orlando 75°F (24°C) 
    Dayton 57°F (14°C)

Should I visit Orlando or Dayton in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Orlando as well as Dayton. Most visitors come to Orlando for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

The weather in Dayton can be very cold. In the winter, Orlando is much warmer than Dayton. Typically, the winter temperatures in Orlando in January average around 59°F (15°C), and Dayton averages at about 30°F (-1°C).

Orlando usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Dayton. Orlando gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Dayton receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Orlando 59°F (15°C) 
    Dayton 30°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Orlando or Dayton in the Spring?

Both Dayton and Orlando are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In April, Orlando is generally much warmer than Dayton. Daily temperatures in Orlando average around 72°F (22°C), and Dayton fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

In April, Orlando usually receives less rain than Dayton. Orlando gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Dayton receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Orlando 72°F (22°C) 
    Dayton 55°F (13°C)

Typical Weather for Dayton and Orlando

Orlando Dayton
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 59°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm)
Feb 62°F (16°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 33°F (1°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
Mar 67°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Apr 72°F (22°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
May 77°F (25°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 65°F (18°C) 4 inches (102 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 7.1 inches (181 mm) 74°F (23°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.3 inches (211 mm) 78°F (26°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 6.7 inches (171 mm) 76°F (25°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 7.2 inches (183 mm) 69°F (21°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)
Oct 75°F (24°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm)
Nov 68°F (20°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm) 47°F (8°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 35°F (2°C) 3 inches (75 mm)