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

Should you visit Orlando or Phoenix?

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

Should I visit Orlando 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.

Orlando

Orlando is a active, family-friendly, and entertaining city. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and food.

Phoenix

Phoenix is a sprawling, desert, and laid back city. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Orlando and Phoenix: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orlando or Phoenix?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Orlando than Phoenix. While Phoenix is larger than Orlando, Orlando has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Orlando is better known for its theatre productions, food, resorts, and shopping, while Phoenix is more popular for its museums and hiking. Orlando is more touristy than Phoenix and is known for being the home of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and many other theme parks and family-friendly activities. Also, Orlando is famous for Disney World, Universal Studios, and the city's many amusement parks. Phoenix is well known for its desert landscapes, high number of golf courses, and year round warm weather.

How is Orlando different from Phoenix?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Phoenix is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Orlando or Phoenix Better for Theater?

Orlando is a city with good options for its shows and theatre. However, Phoenix is not a theatre destination.

If you have some extra time in Orlando, take in a show. 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.

Phoenix is not a theatre destination.

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

Orlando is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Orlando has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

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 Orlando or Phoenix Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is notable in both Orlando and Phoenix.

If you're looking for night time activities Orlando has a few options to choose from. 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.

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 Orlando or Phoenix Better for Resorts?

Orlando is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Phoenix is not a resort destination.

Orlando is a world class resort vacation destination. 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.

Phoenix is not a resort destination.

Is Orlando or Phoenix Better for Hiking?

Phoenix is a popular place for hiking. However, Orlando 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.

Orlando is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orlando or Phoenix?

Orlando is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in 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.

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 Orlando or Phoenix Better for Christmas?

Orlando is an unbeatable place for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Phoenix does not offer Christmas activities.

People travel from all around to experience the Christmas season in Orlando. Christmas at Disney World is lots of fun. There are decorations and all kinds of seasonal activities around town.

Phoenix does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Orlando or Phoenix Better for Families?

Orlando is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Orlando is an extremely popular city to visit for families. 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.

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 Orlando or Phoenix Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Orlando and Phoenix make for a notable 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.

Phoenix makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Orlando or Phoenix Better for Students?

Orlando is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Phoenix is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Orlando. 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.

Phoenix is not popular with students.

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

Orlando and Phoenix both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Orlando. If you're staying at a Disney Property, there is excellent transportation around the complex, but otherwise, a car is essential.

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 Orlando or Phoenix a more walkable city?

Phoenix is adequate for its walkability. However, Orlando is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

Phoenix is generally not a very walkable city. It's a sprawling city and the only real area that's walkable is the downtown.

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 Phoenix Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Phoenix or Orlando?

How long in Orlando or Phoenix?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Orlando and Phoenix. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Phoenix than in Orlando. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Orlando, and 1-3 days is enough time in Phoenix.

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

One day in Orlando or Phoenix?

In Orlando, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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 Orlando or Phoenix?

You'll find food and shopping around the family-friendly destination of Orlando. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. A weekend is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

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 Orlando or Phoenix?

Orlando is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Orlando or Phoenix?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Orlando. Many people enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting Orlando. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

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.

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

Which is Bigger, Orlando or Phoenix?

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

Both Phoenix and Orlando are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Orlando 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, Orlando is generally cooler than Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Orlando average around 82°F (28°C), and Phoenix fluctuates around 98°F (36°C).

It's quite rainy in Orlando. In July, Orlando usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Orlando gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Orlando or Phoenix in the Autumn?

Both Phoenix and Orlando during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Orlando for the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Phoenix because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Orlando is around the same temperature as Phoenix in the autumn. The daily temperature in Orlando averages around 75°F (24°C) in October, and Phoenix fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Orlando. Orlando usually gets more rain in October than Phoenix. Orlando gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orlando or Phoenix in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Orlando and Phoenix. The winter months attract visitors to Orlando because of the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Phoenix this time of year.

In the winter, Orlando is around the same temperature as Phoenix. Typically, the winter temperatures in Orlando in January average around 59°F (15°C), and Phoenix averages at about 58°F (14°C).

In January, Orlando usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Orlando gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Orlando or Phoenix in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Orlando as well as Phoenix.

In April, Orlando is generally around the same temperature as Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Orlando average around 72°F (22°C), and Phoenix fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

Orlando usually gets more rain in April than Phoenix. Orlando gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Phoenix and Orlando