Should you visit Orlando or Phoenix?
Should I visit Orlando or Phoenix? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
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.
Phoenix
The most populous city in the American Southwest, Phoenix is the capital city of Arizona and busiest hub of activity in the general area. Geographically it is located in the Sonoran Desert, making for long hot summers and mild winters. This climate has ensured a thriving tourism industry with plenty of attractions both in and around Phoenix.
Which city is cheaper, Phoenix or Orlando?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Orlando is $240, while the average daily cost in Phoenix is $114. 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 city. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Orlando and Phoenix in more detail.
Accommodation
An average hotel room with basic furnishings costs about $224 in Orlando For the most convenient locations and nicer amenities you can expect to pay a bit more.
Travelers usually pay around $92 for a double occupancy room in Phoenix If you want to be in a premiere location or have high end amenities, you can expect to pay a bit more.
Food
The price of a meal in Orlando can vary widely. However, the average price for food per day is $50 per person, and a typical meal will cost around $20 based on the spending of previous visitors. Less expensive dining options can be found by eating street food or at fast food restaurants.
In Phoenix travelers spend around $42 a day on food. You can save money by choosing casual restaurants or food stalls, or you can spend plenty more by dining in nicer restaurants at every meal.
-
Food
Meals for one day
Orlando $50
Phoenix $42
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:
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The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show, Orlando:
$34
-
The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show:
$34
-
Mango's Tropical Cafe Dinner & Show Tickets:
$50
-
Mango's Tropical Cafe Orlando Dinner and Show Ticket:
$50
-
The Rock Dinner Show in Orlando:
$51
-
Food Tour of Celebration:
$55
-
Pirates Dinner Adventure Orlando:
$57
-
Downtown Food Tour:
$60
-
WonderWorks and Outta Control Dinner Show VIP Combo:
$64
-
Audubon Park Garden District Food Tour:
$85
-
Cowboy Rodeo Adventure Tour & BBQ Dinner from Orlando:
$89
-
Dinner with Disney Characters by Limousine:
$119
Typical Food prices in Phoenix
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Phoenix:
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phoenix
For Phoenix, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
-
Awesome French Crêpes Cooking Class:
$65
Local Transportation
To get around in Orlando, the average visitor spends $48 per day, per person. This includes the costs of taxi rides and private drivers as well as public transportation, which tends to be much more affordable.
Phoenix's transportation costs can vary by the type of transport chosen by visitors. Naturally, taxis and private drivers cost much more than public transportation options. On average, visitors spend $16 per person, per day on transportation in Phoenix.
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:
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Private transfer from or to MIA FLL MCO airports and Orlando FL:
$1,000
-
Private Transfer from Orlando (MCO) Airport to Miami Beach:
$904
-
Private Transfer from Orlando (MCO) Airport to Miami City:
$871
-
Private Transfer from Orlando (MCO) Airport to Miami Cruise Port:
$871
-
Private Transfer from Orlando (MCO) Airport to Miami Airport:
$871
-
Private Transfer from Orlando (MCO) Airport to Saint Simons Island:
$871
-
Orlando Airport (MCO) to Miami Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer:
$834
-
Orlando Airport (MCO) to Miami accommodation - Round-Trip Private Transfer:
$834
-
Private Transfer from Orlando (MCO) Airport to Cape Coral:
$796
-
Private Transfer from Orlando (MCO) Airport to Fort Lauderdale:
$754
-
Private Roundtrip Transfer: Orlando to Clearwater Beach:
$750
-
Private Transfer from Orlando (MCO) Airport to Fort Myers:
$671
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phoenix
Also for Phoenix, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
-
Private Transfer: Phoenix to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX):
$622
-
Private Transfer: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) to Phoenix:
$622
-
SUV Airport One Way Transfer Phoenix to Flagstaff, Prescott, Sedona, or Tucson:
$334
-
Sedan Airport One Way Transfer Phoenix to Flagstaff, Prescott, Sedona or Tucson:
$309
-
Airport VAN Phoenix One Way Transfer Scottsdale Address:
$213
-
Airport VAN Phoenix One Way Transfer Phoenix Address:
$213
-
Phoenix Round Trip Private Airport-Hotel Transfer:
$176
-
Phoenix Airport Transfers : Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury Van:
$131
-
Phoenix Airport Transfers : Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Luxury Van:
$131
-
Airport SUV Phoenix One Way Transfer Scottsdale Address:
$121
-
Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) to Phoenix - Round-Trip Private Transfer:
$119
-
Private Phoenix Transfer: Hotel to Airport:
$114
Is it cheaper to fly into Orlando or Phoenix?
Prices for flights to both Phoenix 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.
Entertainment
In Orlando, the costs for things to do, activities, admission tickets, and other sightseeing expenses are on average $163 per person, per day.
Sightseeing, admission tickets, things to do, and other entertainment expenses in Phoenix can vary widely by price. On average, visitors spend around $29 per person, per day on entertainment and sightseeing here.
Typical Entertainment prices in Orlando
For Orlando, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
Tours and Activities in Orlando
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Orlando.
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1-Hour Airboat Sunset Tour (Seasonal):
$72
-
1-Hour Private Ski Boat Experience in Florida:
$69
-
2-Park 1-Day Universal Orlando™ Theme Park Tickets:
$174
-
2-Park 2-Day Universal Orlando™ Theme Park Tickets:
$275
-
8-Hour Automatic Polaris Slingshot SL Adventure Rental:
$193
-
A Walk Around Lake Eola Audio Tour:
$6.65
-
Central Florida Everglades Airboat Tour from Orlando:
$59
-
Central Florida Everglades and Safari Park Tour:
$129
-
Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens Admission Ticket:
$20
-
Chef Nite Dining Experience:
$150
-
City Tour of Orlando with Gospel Brunch:
$109
-
Clearwater Beach Deep Sea Fishing Adventure with Lunch:
$149
Tours and Activities in Phoenix
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Phoenix.
-
2-Day Grand Canyon Tour from Phoenix:
$539
-
3-Day Sedona and Grand Canyon Rail Experience:
$820
-
4 Person Guided U Drive Jeep Experience:
$650
-
A Day In The Old West Adventure including Horseback Ride and Cowboy Lunch:
$325
-
ATV Rentals and Tours:
$350
-
Apache Trail Full Day Small Group Tour:
$139
-
Apache Trail Small Group Tour with Canyon Lake Cruise:
$165
-
Apache Trail and Dolly Steamboat Tour:
$129
-
Awesome Instagram Tour of Phoenix:
$150
-
BYOB Pedal Bar Experience In Old Town Scottsdale:
$53
-
Biplane - 30 Minute Scenic Sightseeing Tour in Phoenix:
$250
-
Christmas | Holiday Lights ISM Zoomtown Lights 2 Hour Tour:
$320
Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages can often be a significant portion of a traveler's budget, and the costs can vary greatly from person to person. In Orlando, the average amount that a visitor spends on alcoholic beverages per day is $24.
Alcoholic beverages can often be a significant portion of a traveler's budget, and the costs can vary greatly from person to person. In Phoenix, the average amount that a visitor spends on alcoholic beverages per day is $13.
Sample the Local Flavors in Orlando
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Orlando:
-
Florida Craft Beer & Brewery Tour:
$65
Sample the Local Flavors in Phoenix
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Phoenix:
-
Wine Tours, Airport Transportation and more!:
$100
-
Custom Arizona Brewery Tour:
$245
-
Private Southern Arizona Wine Tour Phoenix to Sonoita-Elgin Vineyards:
$997
-
Private Wine Tour from Phoenix to Sonoita-Elgin Vineyards:
$1,650
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Orlando and Phoenix, we can see that Orlando is more expensive. And not only is Phoenix much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Phoenix would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Phoenix 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 Phoenix.
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