Which place is cheaper, Dayton or Pensacola?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Pensacola or Dayton?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Pensacola and Dayton can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Pensacola or Dayton?
Pensacola
With sands as white as sugar grain and a sky devoid of grey clouds and innumerable downpours, Pensacola is known by many as the "Western Gate to the Sunshine State." Located in northern Florida, Pensacola is a waterfront city known for its pristine beaches and rich Floridian history. As one of the earliest European settlements in the U.S., Pensacola is riddled with museums and landmarks that commemorate the state's history, making the city quite appetizing for history buffs and students alike. However, if you are simply looking to get the most out of the all-around good weather of Florida, Pensacola's protected beaches complemented with high-class restaurants and stores make this a vacation capital for many.
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 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPensacola $198Dayton $323
The average daily cost (per person) in Pensacola is $198, 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 Pensacola and Dayton in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPensacola $115Dayton $250
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPensacola $230Dayton $500
Compare Hotels in Pensacola and Dayton
Looking for a hotel in Pensacola 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.
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: Pensacola Hotel Prices and Dayton Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pensacola $64Dayton $25
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Pensacola
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Pensacola:
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Boca Grande Causeway Toll$5.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pensacola
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pensacola:
- Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Pensacola - Arrival Private Transfer: $55
- Pensacola to Pensacola International Airport (PNS) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
- Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Destin, FL - Arrival Private Transfer: $71
- Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Pensacola - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $109
- Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Destin, FL - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $142
Is it cheaper to fly into Pensacola or Dayton?
Prices for flights to both Dayton and Pensacola 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
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Food Meals for one dayPensacola $48Dayton $61
Typical Food Prices in Pensacola
Some typical examples of dining costs in Pensacola are as follows:
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Two Ice Creams$6.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pensacola
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Pensacola.
- Seville Stroll Food Tour: $72
Typical Food Prices in Dayton
Some typical examples of dining costs in Dayton are as follows:
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Noodle Company Lunch (for 2)$17
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Indian Food Dinner (for 2)$34
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Pensacola $13Dayton -
Typical Entertainment Prices in Pensacola
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Pensacola are as follows:
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Bike Rental$16
Tours and Activities in Pensacola
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Pensacola are as follows:
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Pensacola by Wacky Walks: $10
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Pensacola by Zombie Scavengers: $20
- Public Dolphin & Scenic Bay Sightseeing Cruise, Pensacola FL: $30
- Penscola Most Haunted: Ghost Tour and Scavenger Hunt: $30
- Ghosts and Graveyard Tour of Pensacola: $34
- Hop-on Hop-off Tour in Pensacola : $35
- Frisky Mermaid Public Dolphin + Sightseeing Cruise Up to 49 Pax: $37
- Pensacola Beach Jolly Dolphin Cruise and Scenic Bay Tour: $39
- Pensacola Shared Trolley Ghost and Mystery Tour: $45
- Seville Haunted Luncheon and Ghost Tour: $50
- Land Paddle Tour in Pensacola: $50
- Seville Quarter Haunted Ghost Tour, Investigation, and Luncheon: $50
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPensacola $44Dayton -
Sample the Local Flavors in Pensacola
Also in Pensacola, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Walking Pub Tour : $21
Sample the Local Flavors in Dayton
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dayton:
- Dive Bar Bus Crawl: $38
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pensacola and Dayton, we can see that Dayton is more expensive. And not only is Pensacola much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pensacola would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pensacola 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 Dayton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dayton than you might in Pensacola.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Pensacola Expensive? and Is Dayton Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Pensacola or Dayton?
Dayton has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Pensacola. When comparing the sizes of Pensacola 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 Pensacola or Dayton?
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 Pensacola or Dayton in the Summer?
Both Dayton and Pensacola are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pensacola this time of year.
In the summer, Pensacola is around the same temperature as Dayton. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pensacola in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Dayton averages at about 78°F (26°C).
It's quite rainy in Pensacola. In July, Pensacola usually receives more rain than Dayton. Pensacola gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Dayton receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPensacola 82°F (28°C)Dayton 78°F (26°C)
Should I visit Pensacola or Dayton in the Autumn?
Both Dayton and Pensacola during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Pensacola for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.
In October, Pensacola is generally a little warmer than Dayton. Daily temperatures in Pensacola average around 69°F (21°C), and Dayton fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Pensacola. Pensacola usually gets more rain in October than Dayton. Pensacola gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Dayton receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Pensacola is the hurricane season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPensacola 69°F (21°C)Dayton 57°F (14°C)
Should I visit Pensacola or Dayton in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Pensacola and Dayton. Many visitors come to Pensacola in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Dayton can be very cold during winter. Pensacola is much warmer than Dayton in the winter. The daily temperature in Pensacola averages around 51°F (10°C) in January, and Dayton fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).
Pensacola gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Pensacola usually receives more rain than Dayton. Pensacola gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Dayton receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPensacola 51°F (10°C)Dayton 30°F (-1°C)
Should I visit Pensacola or Dayton in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Pensacola as well as Dayton. Most visitors come to Pensacola for the beaches during these months.
In the spring, Pensacola is much warmer than Dayton. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pensacola in April average around 67°F (20°C), and Dayton averages at about 55°F (13°C).
Pensacola usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Dayton. Pensacola gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Dayton receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Pensacola is June to November.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPensacola 67°F (20°C)Dayton 55°F (13°C)
Typical Weather for Dayton and Pensacola
| Pensacola | Dayton | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 51°F (10°C) | 4.6 inches (117 mm) | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) |
| Feb | 54°F (12°C) | 5.4 inches (137 mm) | 33°F (1°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) |
| Mar | 60°F (16°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) | 44°F (7°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Apr | 67°F (20°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | 55°F (13°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) |
| May | 74°F (24°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) | 65°F (18°C) | 4 inches (102 mm) |
| Jun | 80°F (27°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 7.4 inches (189 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) |
| Aug | 82°F (28°C) | 7.4 inches (188 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Sep | 78°F (26°C) | 5.3 inches (135 mm) | 69°F (21°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) |
| Oct | 69°F (21°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.5 inches (64 mm) |
| Nov | 61°F (16°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) | 47°F (8°C) | 3.1 inches (80 mm) |
| Dec | 54°F (12°C) | 4.3 inches (109 mm) | 35°F (2°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.