A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Philadelphia vs. Boston for Attractions, Old Town, Families, and Food

Should you visit Philadelphia or Boston?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Philadelphia or Boston, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Philadelphia

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. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Boston

Boston is a loyal, historic, and traditional city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping.

Philadelphia and Boston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Philadelphia or Boston?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Boston than Philadelphia. While Philadelphia is larger than Boston, Boston has more sights and attractions for tourists. Boston is very popular for its beaches, historical sights, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere, while Philadelphia attracts visitors for its music and shopping. Boston is more touristy than Philadelphia and is popular for its enthusiastic sports fans, influential history, beautiful parks, and world-class universities. It is also well known for The Freedom Trail. Philadelphia is famous for its diverse population, large number of universities, great restaurant and market scene, and its role in American history.

How is Philadelphia different from Boston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Philadelphia or Boston?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Philadelphia and Boston.

The museums and tourist attractions in Philadelphia are world-renowned. 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.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Boston on the map. The city itself feels like a living museum. It is famous for Faneuil Hall, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabelle Stewart Gardner Museum, the USS Constitution, as well as the many sites along the Freedom Trail. There are also many museums on the campuses of the world renowned universities in the city.

Is Philadelphia or Boston Better for Theater?

Visitors will find great theaters and performances in Philadelphia and Boston.

Many visitors plan to see a show while visiting 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.

Boston attracts a wide-range of world-class performances. The city has many historic, beautifully restored theaters where you can enjoy a show. Head to the theater district for some of the most famous venues.

Is the Food Better in Philadelphia or Boston? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Philadelphia and Boston offer a number of great restaurants to choose from.

Philadelphia has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Dining out in Boston is an experience not to be missed. There are many local dishes that utilize fresh caught seafood and comfort food flavors. The cuisine also takes advantage of the city's Italian and Irish populations. Famous local foods include New England Clam Chowder, lobster rolls, and baked beans. You'll find hearty sandwiches and filling meals that warm your soul.

Is Philadelphia or Boston Better for Nightlife?

Both Philadelphia and Boston have great vibes after the sun sets.

Philadelphia has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

The people in Boston know how to have a good time. The city is known for its breweries, craft beer, and vibrant university neighborhoods. It also hosts regular outdoor movies and world class sporting events. The nightlife scene is varied, with some areas catering to the student population and other areas focused on the professional or sport-loving crowds.

Is Philadelphia or Boston Better for Music?

Philadelphia is notable for live music. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its live music scene.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Philadelphia. The city's diverse music scene includes jazz, rock, and hip hop.

The music scene in Boston is active and vibrant. Popular music venues include Lizard Lounge, Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, and The Middle East.

Is Philadelphia or Boston Better for Beaches?

Boston is a decent place to visit for the beache. However, Philadelphia is not a beach destination.

You can check out the beach in Boston. There are a few urban beaches in the greater Boston area that you can explore on a nice day.

Philadelphia is not a beach destination.

Is Philadelphia or Boston Better for its Old Town?

Boston is a must-visit destination for its old town. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

The rich history of Boston can be explored in its historical center. Boston is famous for its Freedom Trail, which takes visitors around the city's rich history. The oldest parts of the city are known as Boston Proper and include the neighborhoods of Beacon Hill, Historic Downtown, the North End, and the West End.

Philadelphia offers a nice historic old town area. The Old City has a number of Colonial-era sites including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House.

Is the Shopping Better in Philadelphia or Boston?

Philadelphia is notable for shopping. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Philadelphia is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Boston. Head to Back Bay for some of the best high end shops. There are luxury brands and boutique venues that sell local art or crafts.

Is Philadelphia or Boston Better for Christmas?

Philadelphia and Boston are great destinations to visit around the Christmas season.

Since it has plenty to do, Philadelphia is a very popular place to visit during Christmas. There are a number of holiday events, light shows, and festivals during the holiday season.

Visitors come from all around to experience the Christmas activities in Boston. Christmas comes to life in the city with its Christmas Trees, holiday shows, and festivals.

Is Philadelphia or Boston Better for Christmas Markets?

Boston is an excellent place to visit for visiting Christmas markets. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its Christmas markets.

Many people head to Boston to see its Christmas markets. There are a number of European style Christmas markets that pop up during the holiday season around town.

Philadelphia is a nice place to see Christmas markets. The city has its own German style Christmas market at Love Park and City Hall. It hosts over 80 vendors.

Is Philadelphia or Boston Better for Families?

Boston 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.

Boston is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. It's filled with history, but there are also many activities for kids who need a break from all of the historical stuff. Popular activities for all ages include the Museum of Science, the New England Aquarium, and exploring the waterfront, gardens, and parks around town.

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.

Is Philadelphia or Boston Better for Couples?

Philadelphia and Boston are both nice to visit as a couple.

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.

Boston is a good city for couples to visit. Couples who enjoy history will enjoy exploring the city. Take a swan boat ride in the Public Garden and wander the unique route along the Freedom Trail. There are also many sporting and entertainment options around town.

Is Philadelphia or Boston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Philadelphia and Boston are both nice destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Philadelphia. There are a few good hostels for backpackers and budget travelers to choose from.

Boston is a good city to visit for backpackers. Like most larger American cities, the city has a handful of hostels to choose from.

Is Philadelphia or Boston Better for Students?

Boston is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Boston is a great destination for students. It is a city of students, with a number of world renowned universities located here including Harvard University, Boston College, and MIT. Many neighborhoods are filled with students and there are many student-centered activities around town including festivals and an active nightlife scene.

Students come from all over to stay in Philadelphia. With its many universities and diverse population, this city is a great place for international students.

Is Philadelphia or Boston Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Boston is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Boston has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. There's the T, which is the subway, as well as a trolley, bus, and water transportation system.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Philadelphia. The system includes a subway, trolleys, buses, and a commuter rail.

Is Philadelphia or Boston a more walkable city?

Philadelphia and Boston are world-class when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Philadelphia. The Old City is particularly walkable, as is Avenue of the Arts, and Rittenhouse Square.

Getting around Boston on foot is easy. The many parks and compact neighborhoods are best explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Philadelphia Worth Visiting? and Is Boston Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Boston or Philadelphia?

How long in Philadelphia or Boston?

In either Philadelphia or Boston, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Boston than Philadelphia because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Philadelphia, and 3-5 days is enough time in Boston.

Families should spend more time in Boston than Philadelphia. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Boston, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Boston than Philadelphia. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Boston that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Boston than Philadelphia 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 Boston.

One day in Philadelphia or Boston?

Philadelphia is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Boston, many people enjoy the live music and food that this historic city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

A weekend in Philadelphia or Boston?

Philadelphia is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Boston is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the museums. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Philadelphia or Boston?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Philadelphia. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Boston, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this loyal big city offers. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Lots of people come for the museums. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Philadelphia or Boston?

Travelers enjoy the museums and theater when visiting the historic big city of Philadelphia. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Boston is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Philadelphia and Boston, we can see that Boston 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 Boston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boston 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 Philadelphia Expensive? and Is Boston Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Philadelphia or Boston?

Philadelphia has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Boston. When comparing the sizes of Philadelphia and Boston, 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 Philadelphia or Boston?

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 Philadelphia or Boston in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Philadelphia as well as Boston. Many travelers come to Philadelphia for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Boston in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Philadelphia is generally around the same temperature as Boston. Daily temperatures in Philadelphia average around 77°F (25°C), and Boston fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Boston. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Philadelphia this time of the year. In the summer, Philadelphia often gets less sunshine than Boston. Philadelphia gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 304 hours of full sun.

Philadelphia receives a lot of rain in the summer. Philadelphia usually gets more rain in July than Boston. Philadelphia gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Philadelphia or Boston in the Autumn?

Both Boston and Philadelphia are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Philadelphia in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Boston for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Philadelphia is around the same temperature as Boston in the autumn. The daily temperature in Philadelphia averages around 56°F (14°C) in October, and Boston fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Philadelphia. Philadelphia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Boston during autumn. Philadelphia gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Philadelphia usually receives less rain than Boston. Philadelphia gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Philadelphia or Boston in the Winter?

Both Boston and Philadelphia during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Philadelphia for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Boston because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

The weather in Boston can be very cold. Philadelphia can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Philadelphia is much warmer than Boston. Typically, the winter temperatures in Philadelphia in January average around 30°F (-1°C), and Boston averages at about 29°F (-2°C).

In the winter, Philadelphia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Boston. Philadelphia gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 153 hours of full sun.

Philadelphia usually gets less rain in January than Boston. Philadelphia gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Philadelphia or Boston in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Philadelphia and Boston. The spring months attract visitors to Philadelphia because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Boston this time of year.

In April, Philadelphia is generally a little warmer than Boston. Daily temperatures in Philadelphia average around 52°F (11°C), and Boston fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Boston this time of the year. In Philadelphia, it's very sunny this time of the year. Philadelphia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Boston during spring. Philadelphia gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Philadelphia usually receives less rain than Boston. Philadelphia gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Boston and Philadelphia