A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Philadelphia vs. Columbia River Gorge for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Philadelphia or Columbia River Gorge?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Philadelphia or Columbia River Gorge, 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.

Columbia River Gorge

Columbia River Gorge is a natural, beautiful, and scenic region. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and shopping.

Philadelphia and Columbia River Gorge: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Philadelphia or Columbia River Gorge?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Philadelphia. Although Philadelphia and Columbia River Gorge are popular destinations, Philadelphia has more sights and attractions for tourists. Philadelphia is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Columbia River Gorge attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Columbia River Gorge is more touristy than Philadelphia and is popular for its hiking, biking, and high number of waterfalls. Philadelphia is famous for its diverse population, large number of universities, great restaurant and market scene, and its role in American history. It is also well known for The Liberty Bell.

How is Philadelphia different from Columbia River Gorge?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge?

Philadelphia is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Philadelphia that are not to be missed. 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.

While most people don't head to Columbia River Gorge specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of local museums in the area, but most visitors spend their time exploring the region's natural beauty.

Is Philadelphia or Columbia River Gorge Better for Theater?

Philadelphia is a well-known place for theatre. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a theatre destination.

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.

Columbia River Gorge is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Philadelphia or Columbia River Gorge? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Philadelphia and Columbia River Gorge offer a number of superb 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 Columbia River Gorge is an experience not to be missed. You'll find many great restaurants in the area that serve local dishes that make use of the region's agricultural scene.

Is Philadelphia or Columbia River Gorge Better for Nightlife?

Philadelphia is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Columbia River Gorge is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for nightlife and partying.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Columbia River Gorge. Local breweries, wineries, and bars offer a relaxing setting with a local vibe.

Is Philadelphia or Columbia River Gorge Better for Music?

Philadelphia is a well-known place for live music. However, Columbia River Gorge 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.

Columbia River Gorge is not a live music destination.

Is Philadelphia or Columbia River Gorge Better for its Old Town?

Philadelphia is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Columbia River Gorge does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Philadelphia to see the historical old town. The Old City has a number of Colonial-era sites including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House.

Columbia River Gorge does not have a historic old town.

Is Philadelphia or Columbia River Gorge Better for Hiking?

Columbia River Gorge is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Philadelphia is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Columbia River Gorge. There are world-class hikes that take you to iconic waterfalls, breathtaking viewpoints, and along scenic waterways.

Philadelphia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Philadelphia or Columbia River Gorge?

Philadelphia is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Columbia River Gorge is not as famous, but is still a good region 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 Columbia River Gorge. Art galleries feature local artwork and artisan crafts. There are photography shops and other venues that sell items highlighting the region's beauty.

Is Philadelphia or Columbia River Gorge Better for Christmas?

Philadelphia is a well-known place for its Christmas activities. However, Columbia River Gorge 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.

Columbia River Gorge does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Philadelphia or Columbia River Gorge Better for Christmas Markets?

Philadelphia is a nice place to visit for its Christmas markets. However, Columbia River Gorge does not offer Christmas markets.

Philadelphia has Christmas markets worth visiting. The city has its own German style Christmas market at Love Park and City Hall. It hosts over 80 vendors.

Columbia River Gorge does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Philadelphia or Columbia River Gorge Better for Families?

Philadelphia and Columbia River Gorge are both superb 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.

Columbia River Gorge is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love exploring the waterfalls and mountains as much as the adults do. There are kid-friendly hikes as well as bakeries and restaurants with many kid options.

Is Philadelphia or Columbia River Gorge Better for Couples?

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

Columbia River Gorge makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will love the romantic hikes and waterfalls. There are also beautiful scenic viewpoints and wonderful restaurants.

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 Columbia River Gorge Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Columbia River Gorge is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Columbia River Gorge. You'll find hostels and campgrounds in the area that are perfect 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.

Is Philadelphia or Columbia River Gorge Better for Students?

Philadelphia is a well-known place for students. However, Columbia River Gorge is not popular with students.

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

Columbia River Gorge is not popular with students.

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

Philadelphia is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Philadelphia. The system includes a subway, trolleys, buses, and a commuter rail.

Public transit is mostly limited in Columbia River Gorge. There are some buses, but don't rely on them to efficiently explore.

Is Philadelphia or Columbia River Gorge a more walkable city?

Philadelphia is a world-class destination for its walkability. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for its high level of 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.

Columbia River Gorge is not a very walkable city. You really need a car to explore the area, but some visitors rely on a bike.

For even more information, also check out Is Philadelphia Worth Visiting? and Is Columbia River Gorge Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Columbia River Gorge or Philadelphia?

How long in Philadelphia or Columbia River Gorge?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Philadelphia and Columbia River Gorge. In our opinion, Philadelphia has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Philadelphia than Columbia River Gorge. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Philadelphia than Columbia River Gorge. 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 Columbia River Gorge. 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 Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge?

Philadelphia is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Columbia River Gorge, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this natural region offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Columbia River Gorge?

Philadelphia is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Columbia River Gorge is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Columbia River Gorge?

Many people visit Philadelphia for five days. You'll find theater and nightlife around the city of Philadelphia. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find nightlife and food around the scenic destination of Columbia River Gorge. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Columbia River Gorge?

The cultural big city of Philadelphia offers nightlife and live music. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Columbia River Gorge is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 comparing the travel costs between Philadelphia and Columbia River Gorge, 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 Columbia River Gorge Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Philadelphia or Columbia River Gorge?

Philadelphia has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Columbia River Gorge. When comparing the sizes of Philadelphia and Columbia River Gorge, 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 Columbia River Gorge?

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 Columbia River Gorge in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Philadelphia as well as Columbia River Gorge. The summer months attract visitors to Philadelphia because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Columbia River Gorge this time of year.

In July, Philadelphia is generally a little warmer than Columbia River Gorge. Daily temperatures in Philadelphia average around 77°F (25°C), and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Columbia River Gorge. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Philadelphia this time of the year. In the summer, Philadelphia often gets less sunshine than Columbia River Gorge. Philadelphia gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia River Gorge receives 338 hours of full sun.

Philadelphia receives a lot of rain in the summer. Philadelphia usually gets more rain in July than Columbia River Gorge. Philadelphia gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Philadelphia or Columbia River Gorge in the Autumn?

Both Columbia River Gorge and Philadelphia are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Philadelphia this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Columbia River Gorge for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Philadelphia is around the same temperature as Columbia River Gorge in the autumn. The daily temperature in Philadelphia averages around 56°F (14°C) in October, and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Philadelphia. Philadelphia usually receives more sunshine than Columbia River Gorge during autumn. Philadelphia gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia River Gorge receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Philadelphia usually receives less rain than Columbia River Gorge. Philadelphia gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Philadelphia or Columbia River Gorge in the Winter?

Both Columbia River Gorge and Philadelphia during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Philadelphia for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Columbia River Gorge in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Columbia River Gorge can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Philadelphia. In the winter, Philadelphia is much colder than Columbia River Gorge. Typically, the winter temperatures in Philadelphia in January average around 30°F (-1°C), and Columbia River Gorge averages at about 40°F (4°C).

In the winter, Philadelphia often gets more sunshine than Columbia River Gorge. Philadelphia gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia River Gorge receives 86 hours of full sun.

Columbia River Gorge gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Philadelphia usually gets less rain in January than Columbia River Gorge. Philadelphia gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Philadelphia or Columbia River Gorge in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Philadelphia and Columbia River Gorge. Many visitors come to Philadelphia in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Columbia River Gorge for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Philadelphia is generally around the same temperature as Columbia River Gorge. Daily temperatures in Philadelphia average around 52°F (11°C), and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge during spring. Philadelphia gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia River Gorge receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Philadelphia usually receives more rain than Columbia River Gorge. Philadelphia gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Columbia River Gorge and Philadelphia