Which place is cheaper, Philadelphia or Orlando?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Should I visit Orlando or Philadelphia? 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.
Orlando is a entertaining, active, and family-friendly city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and theater.
Philadelphia is a diverse, historic, and cultural city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater.
Tourists will generally find more to do in Philadelphia than Orlando. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Philadelphia is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, historical sights, christmas markets, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Orlando attracts visitors for its resorts. Orlando is more touristy than Philadelphia and is known for being the home of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and many other theme parks and family-friendly activities. Philadelphia is famous for its diverse population, large number of universities, great restaurant and market scene, and its role in American history. It is also well known for The Liberty Bell.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Philadelphia and Orlando. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Philadelphia is renowned for its historical sights. However, Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.
Travelers visit Philadelphia from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city has a rich history with a number of museums and monuments. Popular sites around the city include the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the National Museum of Jewish American History.
Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.
Philadelphia is great for theatre. Also, Orlando is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its theatre productions.
While in town, many visitors enjoy seeing a show in Philadelphia. There are major Broadway shows as well as smaller venues. Head to The Avenue of the Arts along Broad Street for a popular stretch of theaters.
Orlando offers a number of shows and performances. The city has a number of local theaters that are fun to explore. As home to Disney World and Universal Studios, there are also a number of shows available that are affiliated with the parks.
There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at very good restaurants in both Orlando and Philadelphia.
The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Orlando. There are a diversity of restaurants on the Disney grounds and nearby. You'll also find many restaurants at Universal CityWalk and Disney Springs. Food can be expensive, and the quality can vary dramatically. Many people enjoy going to dinner shows as well. Restaurants can be challenging also, as reservations must be made months in advance.
Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Philadelphia. It has grown into a well-recognized food destination. It's diversity of cultures and residents have influenced the restaurant scene and you'll find many great places to dine covering a number of international flavors. The city is famous for its Philly cheesesteak and roast pork sandwich. You can also grab some local favorites at Reading Terminal Market.
Philadelphia is great for nightlife. Also, Orlando is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.
Many people head to Philadelphia for the nightlife scene. The city's nightlife scene carries late into the evening with many rooftop and outdoor beer gardens. Most of the clubs and bars are found in the downtown area and you'll find places to dance, listen to live music, or sip a trendy cocktails.
There's a variety of activities in the evening in Orlando. If you need a break from the kids, you'll find some of the best nightlife around Orlando at Disney Springs, Wall Street Plaza and Universal CityWalk.
Philadelphia is great for live music. However, Orlando is not a live music destination.
The music scene in Philadelphia draws a good crowd. The city's diverse music scene includes jazz, rock, and hip hop.
Orlando is not a live music destination.
Orlando is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Philadelphia is not a resort destination.
Orlando offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Disney World is famous for its many iconic resorts. Some of the most popular are the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Port Orleans Resort, and the Grand Floridian Resort. There are also many resorts that aren't affiliated with the major theme parks. These tend to be more affordable, but transportation options to and from the park are limited. You'll also miss out on the perks that come with staying at a theme park resort.
Philadelphia is not a resort destination.
Philadelphia is a popular place for its historic old town. However, Orlando does not have a historic old town.
Philadelphia is a good destination for visiting its old town. The Old City has a number of Colonial-era sites including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House.
Orlando does not have a historic old town.
If you're looking to go shopping, Orlando and Philadelphia both offer plenty of very good spots.
Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Orlando. Shopping is a dream for any Disney enthusiast. There are countless malls and shops, both on and off the Disney grounds, that sell all of the Disney paraphernalia. Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk are the most famous areas. During the evenings, these areas can be very crowded, but during the day they're less popular as most people are at the theme parks.
Philadelphia is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. With all items tax-free, this city is a great place to shop. It has many boutique shops as well as name brand stores and shopping areas. For a local vibe, head to Reading Terminal Market.
Orlando is a must-visit destination for its Christmas holiday experiences. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its Christmas activities.
Known for its popular Christmas activities, Orlando draws large crowds. Christmas at Disney World is lots of fun. There are decorations and all kinds of seasonal activities around town.
Visitors come from all around to experience the Christmas activities in Philadelphia. There are a number of holiday events, light shows, and festivals during the holiday season.
Philadelphia is a popular place for visiting Christmas markets. However, Orlando does not offer Christmas markets.
Many visitors go to the Christmas markets in Philadelphia. The city has its own German style Christmas market at Love Park and City Hall. It hosts over 80 vendors.
Orlando does not offer Christmas markets.
Orlando is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.
Orlando is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Known as a theme park capital, here you'll find the iconic Disney World, as well as Universal Studios, SeaWorld and many more. While most people spend their vacation at the Disney or Universal resorts, there is also an endless supply of less mainstream parks and activities in the area.
Philadelphia is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has many museums and a fascinating history that is interesting to kids and adults alike. Popular activities include a zoo and Sesame Place. Kids also love the hands-on Please Touch Museum.
With fun activities for couples, both Orlando and Philadelphia make for a nice place to visit.
Orlando is a nice destination for couples. While most people visit the area with family, there is a niche crowd that enjoys honeymooning or vacationing here as a couple. There are many beautiful restaurants and interesting activities that couples can enjoy together. This is the perfect trip for fun loving couples who don't take themselves to seriously.
Philadelphia makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Like many large cities, it is a fun place to explore in the evening as a couple. This is also a great foodie destination with great markets, food trucks, and diverse restaurants that reflect the city's diverse population.
Philadelphia is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Orlando is not a good destination for backpackers.
Plenty of budget travelers visit Philadelphia. There are a few good hostels for backpackers and budget travelers to choose from.
Orlando is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not exactly a backpacker destination, but there are a surprising number of cheap motels that aren't affiliated with the major parks.
Philadelphia is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, Orlando is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.
Philadelphia is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. With its many universities and diverse population, this city is a great place for international students.
Orlando is a good city to visit for students. Most people don't think about education when they think about Orlando, but there are actually a diversity of internships and opportunities for students to learn in a fun setting.
Philadelphia is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Orlando is not a good destination for its public transit.
Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Philadelphia. The system includes a subway, trolleys, buses, and a commuter rail.
Public transit is generally limited in Orlando. If you're staying at a Disney Property, there is excellent transportation around the complex, but otherwise, a car is essential.
Philadelphia is renowned for its walkability. However, Orlando is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.
Philadelphia is a very easy city to get around on foot. The Old City is particularly walkable, as is Avenue of the Arts, and Rittenhouse Square.
Orlando is not a walkable city. The city is sprawling, so unless you stay on the Disney grounds, it's best to rent a car.
For even more information, also check out Is Orlando Worth Visiting? and Is Philadelphia Worth Visiting?.
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Orlando and Philadelphia. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Philadelphia than in Orlando. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Orlando, and 2-3 days is enough time in Philadelphia.
Families should spend more time in Orlando than Philadelphia. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Orlando, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Philadelphia than Orlando. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Philadelphia that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Philadelphia than Orlando 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 Philadelphia.
In Orlando, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this family-friendly city offers. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.
Because Philadelphia is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.
Orlando is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.
Because Philadelphia 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. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Philadelphia has to offer.
You'll find theater and nightlife around the family-friendly destination of Orlando. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.
Philadelphia 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.
Orlando is a popular place to visit. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Philadelphia. Many people enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting Philadelphia. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.
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 Philadelphia is $188. 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 Philadelphia in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Orlando or Philadelphia? 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.
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.
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Orlando are as follows:
Also for Orlando, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Also for Philadelphia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Philadelphia 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.
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Orlando:
For Orlando, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
For Philadelphia, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
For Philadelphia, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
For Orlando, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Orlando.
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Philadelphia's activities, tours, and tickets:
For Philadelphia, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Orlando:
Also in Philadelphia, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Orlando and Philadelphia, we can see that Orlando is more expensive. And not only is Philadelphia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Philadelphia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Philadelphia 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 Orlando would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Orlando than you might in Philadelphia.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Orlando Expensive? and Is Philadelphia Expensive?.
Philadelphia has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Orlando. When comparing the sizes of Orlando and Philadelphia, 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.
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.
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Orlando and Philadelphia. Many travelers come to Orlando for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Philadelphia in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Orlando is a little warmer than Philadelphia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Orlando in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Philadelphia averages at about 77°F (25°C).
Philadelphia receives a lot of rain in the summer. Orlando gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Orlando usually receives more rain than Philadelphia. Orlando gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
The autumn brings many poeple to Orlando as well as Philadelphia. Many visitors come to Orlando in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Philadelphia for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Orlando is generally much warmer than Philadelphia. Daily temperatures in Orlando average around 75°F (24°C), and Philadelphia fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).
Orlando receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Orlando usually gets more rain in October than Philadelphia. Orlando gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.
Both Philadelphia and Orlando are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Orlando for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Philadelphia because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
The weather in Philadelphia can be very cold. Orlando is much warmer than Philadelphia in the winter. The daily temperature in Orlando averages around 59°F (15°C) in January, and Philadelphia fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).
In January, Orlando usually receives around the same amount of rain as Philadelphia. Orlando gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
Both Philadelphia and Orlando during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Philadelphia this time of year.
In the spring, Orlando is much warmer than Philadelphia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Orlando in April average around 72°F (22°C), and Philadelphia averages at about 52°F (11°C).
Orlando usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Philadelphia. Orlando gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year.
Orlando | Philadelphia | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 59°F (15°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
Feb | 62°F (16°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 33°F (1°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) |
Mar | 67°F (19°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) | 42°F (6°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
Apr | 72°F (22°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) | 52°F (11°C) | 2.8 inches (70 mm) |
May | 77°F (25°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 63°F (17°C) | 2.8 inches (70 mm) |
Jun | 81°F (27°C) | 7.1 inches (181 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 8.3 inches (211 mm) | 77°F (25°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
Aug | 82°F (28°C) | 6.7 inches (171 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) |
Sep | 81°F (27°C) | 7.2 inches (183 mm) | 68°F (20°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
Oct | 75°F (24°C) | 4.1 inches (103 mm) | 56°F (14°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) |
Nov | 68°F (20°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) | 46°F (8°C) | 2.5 inches (64 mm) |
Dec | 62°F (17°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) | 36°F (2°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |