A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Philadelphia vs. Cape Cod for Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Philadelphia or Cape Cod?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Philadelphia or Cape Cod, 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 cultural, diverse, and historic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a beautiful, peaceful, and relaxing beach destination. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Philadelphia and Cape Cod: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Philadelphia or Cape Cod?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Philadelphia. Although Philadelphia and Cape Cod are both popular with visitors, Philadelphia has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Philadelphia is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, historical sights, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Cape Cod is known for its resorts, beaches, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Cape Cod is more touristy than Philadelphia and is known for its long scenic coastline, charming compact towns, and magnificent migrating whales. Philadelphia is popular for its diverse population, large number of universities, great restaurant and market scene, and its role in American history. It is also home to The Liberty Bell.

How is Philadelphia different from Cape Cod?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod?

Philadelphia is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. However, Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Philadelphia has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Philadelphia or Cape Cod Better for Theater?

Philadelphia is great for its shows and theatre. However, Cape Cod is not a theatre destination.

Philadelphia offers many theater and performance venues for visitors. 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.

Cape Cod is not a theatre destination.

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

Both Philadelphia and Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod is an experience not to be missed. The region is famous for its fresh seafood and popular dishes include the fried clams and broiled lobster. There are also many diners and brunch cafes where you can enjoy pancakes or eggs benedict.

Is Philadelphia or Cape Cod Better for Nightlife?

Philadelphia is great for its evening party scene. However, Cape Cod is not a good destination for nightlife.

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.

People don't go to Cape Cod for the nightlife. This area isn't really known for its nightlife, but the downtown of Hyannis has some activity at night.

Is Philadelphia or Cape Cod Better for Music?

Philadelphia is great for its music scene. However, Cape Cod 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.

Cape Cod is not a live music destination.

Is Philadelphia or Cape Cod Better for Resorts?

Cape Cod is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Philadelphia is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Cape Cod makes a nice vacation spot. Wequassett Resort and Golf Club, White Elephant Resorts, and Chatham Bars Inn are favorite resorts in the Cape Cod area.

Philadelphia is not a resort destination.

Is Philadelphia or Cape Cod Better for Beaches?

Cape Cod is an excellent place to visit for the beache. However, Philadelphia is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Cape Cod. Beaches in the area include long stretches of soft sand as well as tidal pools where kids can play. Several of the best beaches around Cape Cod include Mayflower Beach, Marconi Beach, and Race Point Beach.

Philadelphia is not a beach destination.

Is Philadelphia or Cape Cod Better for its Old Town?

Philadelphia is a good destination for its historic old town charm. However, Cape Cod does not have a historic old town.

Philadelphia has an old town worth visiting. The Old City has a number of Colonial-era sites including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House.

Cape Cod does not have a historic old town.

Is Philadelphia or Cape Cod Better for Hiking?

Cape Cod is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Philadelphia is not a hiking destination.

Cape Cod has hiking trails worth exploring. Hikes range from casual strolls to longer trails. Popular options include Bass Hole Boardwalk in Yarmouth and the 22 mile Cape Cod Rail Trail.

Philadelphia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Philadelphia or Cape Cod?

Shoppers can find a variety of great stores in both Philadelphia and Cape Cod.

Philadelphia is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Cape Cod. Many of the area's towns have charming Main Streets where you can enjoy shopping and dining.

Is Philadelphia or Cape Cod Better for Christmas?

Philadelphia is great for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Cape Cod does not offer Christmas activities.

Philadelphia is a very popular destination during Christmas. There are a number of holiday events, light shows, and festivals during the holiday season.

Cape Cod does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Philadelphia or Cape Cod Better for Christmas Markets?

Philadelphia is a good destination for visiting Christmas markets. However, Cape Cod does not offer Christmas markets.

Visiting the Christmas markets is popular in Philadelphia. The city has its own German style Christmas market at Love Park and City Hall. It hosts over 80 vendors.

Cape Cod does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Philadelphia or Cape Cod Better for Families?

Philadelphia and Cape Cod are both great destinations for the whole family.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Philadelphia is very family-friendly. 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.

Cape Cod is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The coastal towns have a number of kid-friendly activities. In the Upper Cape, Falmouth is one of the best towns for families. On Mid Cape, Dennis and Yarmouth are both kid-friendly. Dennis has a resorty vibe and Yarmouth has kid-friendly museums. On the Lower Cape, both Harwich and Orleans are family-friendly options.

Is Philadelphia or Cape Cod Better for Couples?

Cape Cod is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Cape Cod makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With its charming character and relaxing beach setting, honeymooners and couples will appreciate all that the area has to offer. There are peaceful settings and charming villages to explore. There are also award-winning restaurants and beautiful views.

Philadelphia is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

Is Philadelphia or Cape Cod Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Philadelphia is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cape Cod is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Philadelphia. There are a few good hostels for backpackers and budget travelers to choose from.

Cape Cod is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. This area is more focused on luxury and family vacationers than it is on backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Philadelphia or Cape Cod Better for Students?

Philadelphia is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Cape Cod is not popular with students.

Many students visit Philadelphia. With its many universities and diverse population, this city is a great place for international students.

Cape Cod is not popular with students.

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

Philadelphia is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Cape Cod is not a good destination for its public transit.

The public transit in Philadelphia can get you to most places easily. The system includes a subway, trolleys, buses, and a commuter rail.

Public transit is generally limited in Cape Cod. While there are buses and shuttles to help you get around, a car really is necessary to explore the area.

Is Philadelphia or Cape Cod a more walkable city?

Philadelphia is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Cape Cod is not as popular, but is still a nice beach destination for its 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.

Cape Cod is somewhat walkable. Many of the small towns in the area have compact and walkable areas, but the region is spread out so it's helpful to have a car to get from place to place.

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

Should I spend more time in Cape Cod or Philadelphia?

How long in Philadelphia or Cape Cod?

Both Philadelphia and Cape Cod have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cape Cod than in Philadelphia. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Philadelphia, and 5-7 days is enough time in Cape Cod.

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

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

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

One day in Philadelphia or Cape Cod?

Philadelphia is a big city with plenty to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Cape Cod is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Cape Cod?

Philadelphia is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Philadelphia, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Cape Cod is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

Five days in Philadelphia or Cape Cod?

Philadelphia is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Cape Cod might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Philadelphia or Cape Cod?

Philadelphia is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Cape Cod is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. 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 comparing the travel costs between Philadelphia and Cape Cod, we can see that Philadelphia is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

When is the best time to visit Philadelphia or Cape Cod?

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 Philadelphia or Cape Cod in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Philadelphia and Cape Cod. Many travelers come to Philadelphia for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cape Cod in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Philadelphia is a little warmer than Cape Cod. Typically, the summer temperatures in Philadelphia in July average around 77°F (25°C), and Cape Cod averages at about 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cape Cod this time of the year. In Philadelphia, it's very sunny this time of the year. Philadelphia usually receives less sunshine than Cape Cod during summer. Philadelphia gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Cod receives 304 hours of full sun in the summer.

Philadelphia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Philadelphia usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cape Cod. Philadelphia gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Philadelphia or Cape Cod in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Philadelphia as well as Cape Cod. 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. Additionally, most visitors come to Cape Cod for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Philadelphia is generally a little warmer than Cape Cod. Daily temperatures in Philadelphia average around 56°F (14°C), and Cape Cod fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Philadelphia this time of the year. In the autumn, Philadelphia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cape Cod. Philadelphia gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Cod receives 194 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cape Cod. Philadelphia usually gets less rain in October than Cape Cod. Philadelphia gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Philadelphia or Cape Cod in the Winter?

Both Cape Cod and Philadelphia are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. 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 Cape Cod because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

The weather in Cape Cod can be very cold. Philadelphia can be very cold during winter. Philadelphia is much colder than Cape Cod in the winter. The daily temperature in Philadelphia averages around 30°F (-1°C) in January, and Cape Cod fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

Philadelphia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cape Cod during winter. Philadelphia gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Cod receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cape Cod. In January, Philadelphia usually receives less rain than Cape Cod. Philadelphia gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Philadelphia or Cape Cod in the Spring?

Both Cape Cod and Philadelphia during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Philadelphia because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cape Cod this time of year.

In the spring, Philadelphia is much warmer than Cape Cod. Typically, the spring temperatures in Philadelphia in April average around 52°F (11°C), and Cape Cod averages at about 45°F (7°C).

In Cape Cod, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Philadelphia. In the spring, Philadelphia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cape Cod. Philadelphia gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Cod receives 225 hours of full sun.

Cape Cod gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Philadelphia usually gets less rain in April than Cape Cod. Philadelphia gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cape Cod and Philadelphia