A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Philadelphia vs. Carmel-by-the-Sea for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Philadelphia or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Philadelphia or Carmel-by-the-Sea, 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. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a picturesque, quaint, and charming town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Philadelphia and Carmel-by-the-Sea: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Philadelphia or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Philadelphia. Although Philadelphia and Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea is known for its beaches, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Carmel-by-the-Sea is more touristy than Philadelphia and is popular for its storybook architecture, its opulent setting, and its popularity with golf enthusiasts. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Philadelphia is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Philadelphia on the map. 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The Carmel Mission is a beautiful and fascinating Spanish mission that dates back to 1770. It's also well worth visiting the nearby Pebble Beach Golf Course. There are also a few fairytale style cottages in the area with some of the most notable being the Hansel cottage, the Gretel cottage, and the Tuck Box cottage.

Is Philadelphia or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Theater?

Philadelphia is a well-known place for its shows and theatre. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a theatre destination.

Philadelphia attracts a wide-range of world-class performances. 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Philadelphia or Carmel-by-the-Sea? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Philadelphia and Carmel-by-the-Sea offer a number of high quality 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea is an experience not to be missed. For such a small town there is a huge number of bistros and local cafes. Seafood is popular, but you'll also find international restaurants and more casual eateries.

Is Philadelphia or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Nightlife?

Philadelphia is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for nightlife.

Philadelphia offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's not a late night town, but there are a couple of bars and some decent Happy Hours around town.

Is Philadelphia or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Music?

Philadelphia is a well-known place for its music scene. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Philadelphia is very popular with diverse venues. The city's diverse music scene includes jazz, rock, and hip hop.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a live music destination.

Is Philadelphia or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Beaches?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is an excellent place to visit for the beache. However, Philadelphia is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's easy to walk to the beach from the village center. Just head down Ocean Avenue and you'll be at a beautiful beach with great scenery, surfing, and fun activities.

Philadelphia is not a beach destination.

Is Philadelphia or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for its Old Town?

Philadelphia is a city with good options for its historic old town charm. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea does not have a historic old town.

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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Philadelphia or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Shoppers can find a variety of high quality stores in both Philadelphia and Carmel-by-the-Sea.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's easy to walk around the heart of town and pop in the many shops and galleries. The highest concentration of shops is found around the Carmel Plaza which has upscale brands as well as local items.

Is Philadelphia or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Christmas?

Philadelphia is a well-known place for its Christmas activities. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea does not offer Christmas activities.

Philadelphia is an extremely popular place to visit during the Christmas season. There are a number of holiday events, light shows, and festivals during the holiday season.

Carmel-by-the-Sea does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Philadelphia or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Christmas Markets?

Philadelphia is a city with good options for its Christmas markets. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea does not offer Christmas markets.

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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Philadelphia or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Families?

Philadelphia is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not always a place people visit with their families. Carmel is a good place to let the kids stretch their legs. There are also some good kid-friendly walks in the area.

Is Philadelphia or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Couples?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Carmel-by-the-Sea makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a charming town with a beautiful coastline and plenty of cute hotels that makes for a great romantic getaway. There's wonderful shopping and many great restaurants where you can enjoy a local meal.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Philadelphia is a city with good options for backpackers. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't any real hostels or accommodation options that appeal to backpackers.

Is Philadelphia or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Students?

Philadelphia is a well-known place for students. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not popular with students.

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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not popular with students.

Is Philadelphia or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Philadelphia is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

Philadelphia offers a very effecient public transportation network. The system includes a subway, trolleys, buses, and a commuter rail.

Public transit is mostly limited in Carmel-by-the-Sea. There are a couple of buses, but you can't really depend on them to get around.

Is Philadelphia or Carmel-by-the-Sea a more walkable city?

Philadelphia is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

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

Carmel-by-the-Sea is very walkable. The village center is very walkable so it's easy to park you car and shop or walk to the beach.

For even more information, also check out Is Philadelphia Worth Visiting? and Is Carmel-by-the-Sea Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Philadelphia?

How long in Philadelphia or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Philadelphia and Carmel-by-the-Sea. In our opinion, Philadelphia has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Philadelphia than Carmel-by-the-Sea. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Philadelphia, and 1-3 days is enough time in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Families should spend more time in Philadelphia than Carmel-by-the-Sea. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?

When visiting Philadelphia, people usually allow for lots of time. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and museums. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

A weekend in Philadelphia or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

When visiting Philadelphia, people usually allow for lots of time. Your budget might influence how long you stay. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Philadelphia or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historic big city of Philadelphia. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Philadelphia or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Philadelphia is a popular choice for travelers. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Philadelphia and Carmel-by-the-Sea, we can see that Philadelphia is more expensive. And not only is Carmel-by-the-Sea much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Carmel-by-the-Sea would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Philadelphia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Philadelphia than you might in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Philadelphia Expensive? and Is Carmel-by-the-Sea Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Philadelphia or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Philadelphia has a larger population, and is about 370 times larger than the population of Carmel-by-the-Sea. When comparing the sizes of Philadelphia and Carmel-by-the-Sea, 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Philadelphia as well as Carmel-by-the-Sea. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Philadelphia this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Philadelphia is a little warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Typically, the summer temperatures in Philadelphia in July average around 77°F (25°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea averages at about 63°F (17°C).

Philadelphia receives a lot of rain in the summer. Philadelphia usually gets more rain in July than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Philadelphia gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Philadelphia or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Autumn?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Philadelphia are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Philadelphia for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Philadelphia is generally cooler than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Daily temperatures in Philadelphia average around 56°F (14°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In October, Philadelphia usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Philadelphia gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Philadelphia or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Winter?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Philadelphia during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Philadelphia in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Philadelphia can get quite cold in the winter. Philadelphia is much colder than Carmel-by-the-Sea in the winter. The daily temperature in Philadelphia averages around 30°F (-1°C) in January, and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Philadelphia usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Carmel-by-the-Sea. Philadelphia gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Philadelphia or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Philadelphia and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Most visitors come to Philadelphia for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Carmel-by-the-Sea because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Philadelphia is cooler than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Typically, the spring temperatures in Philadelphia in April average around 52°F (11°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea averages at about 56°F (13°C).

In April, Philadelphia usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Philadelphia gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Carmel-by-the-Sea and Philadelphia