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

Should you visit Philadelphia or Dallas?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Philadelphia or Dallas, 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 historic, cultural, and diverse 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. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.

Dallas

Dallas is a upscale, chic, and active city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Philadelphia and Dallas: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Philadelphia or Dallas?

You'll generally find more things to do in Philadelphia than Dallas. Philadelphia is bigger than Dallas, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Philadelphia is more touristy than Dallas and is popular for its diverse population, large number of universities, great restaurant and market scene, and its role in American history. Also, Philadelphia is famous for The Liberty Bell. Dallas is well known for its Tex Mex cuisine, upscale shopping venues, and cowboy culture.

How is Philadelphia different from Dallas?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Philadelphia is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Dallas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Philadelphia are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Dallas can be an interesting and educational experience. Museums range from historical to art and science with some of the favorites being the Dallas Contemporary Museum, the African American Museum, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Frontiers of Flight Museum. The city is also home to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and the Nasher Sculpture Center. A must-see is the Sixth Floor Museum, which is in historic Dealey Plaza and is where Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots that killed JFK. Today there's a museum that goes over the events of that day.

Is Philadelphia or Dallas Better for Theater?

Philadelphia is a well-known place for its theatre productions. However, Dallas is not a theatre destination.

Philadelphia has a number of performance venues where you can see a variety of shows. 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.

Dallas is not a theatre destination.

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

Both Philadelphia and Dallas offer a number of excellent 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 Dallas is an experience not to be missed. There's a perfect combination of Texas cuisine and international flavors. You'll find Texas barbecue, Tex Mex, and steakhouses intermixed with Thai, Japanese, and Caribbean cuisine. There's also a great food truck scene and many local eateries.

Is Philadelphia or Dallas Better for Nightlife?

Both Philadelphia and Dallas have excellent 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 Dallas know how to have a good time. Head to East Dallas for the most active clubs with large dance floors and great music. The city also has rooftop lounges and plenty of live music as well as comedy clubs.

Is Philadelphia or Dallas Better for Music?

Philadelphia is a well-known place for its live music scene. However, Dallas 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.

Dallas is not a live music destination.

Is Philadelphia or Dallas Better for its Old Town?

Philadelphia is very good for its old town. However, Dallas does not have a historic old town.

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

Dallas does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Philadelphia or Dallas?

Shoppers can find a variety of excellent stores in both Philadelphia and Dallas.

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 Dallas. You'll find a very diverse shopping scene around town, with everything from quirky local vendors to upscale fashion boutiques. There are cowboy outfitters where you can get a feel for the Texas style, but there are also posh shopping centers and local flea markets.

Is Philadelphia or Dallas Better for Christmas?

Philadelphia is a well-known place for its Christmas activities. However, Dallas 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.

Dallas does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Philadelphia or Dallas Better for Christmas Markets?

Philadelphia is very good for its Christmas markets. However, Dallas does not offer Christmas markets.

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

Dallas does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Philadelphia or Dallas Better for Families?

Philadelphia and Dallas are both excellent 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.

Dallas is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city is filled with families, and you'll find many kid-friendly activities around town. For some outdoor time you can visit the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden or the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The Dallas Zoo is a favorite for many kids and there are also a number of kid-friendly museums around town such as the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Dallas World Aquarium.

Is Philadelphia or Dallas Better for Couples?

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

Dallas makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Head to the observation deck at Reunion Tower for spectacular views of the night skyline. The city also has many great comedy clubs and performing arts venues as well as fine dining restaurants that make for a great date night.

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 Dallas Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Philadelphia is very good for backpackers. However, Dallas is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Dallas is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there are a couple of hostels around town, this isn't a popular destination for the backpacker crowd.

Is Philadelphia or Dallas Better for Students?

Philadelphia is a well-known place for students. However, Dallas is not a good city for its student-friendly activities.

Philadelphia is very popular with students. With its many universities and diverse population, this city is a great place for international students.

Dallas is a decent spot for students. There are a couple of universities and colleges in the area that keep things interesting for students.

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

Philadelphia is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Dallas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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

Dallas has some public transit options. While it's still very much a car-centered city, the public transportation system, DART, is one of the fastest growing in the country. It includes both light rail and bus service.

Is Philadelphia or Dallas a more walkable city?

Philadelphia is renowned for its high level of walkability. However, Dallas is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

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

Dallas is generally not a very walkable city. The city is not particularly walkable, but there are several more walkable areas such as Ellum and Uptown.

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

Should I spend more time in Dallas or Philadelphia?

How long in Philadelphia or Dallas?

It's fun to spend time in either Philadelphia or Dallas. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Dallas due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Philadelphia, and 2-4 days is enough time in Dallas.

Families should spend more time in Philadelphia than Dallas. 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 Dallas. 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 Dallas 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 Dallas?

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 Dallas, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this chic city offers. 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 Dallas?

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.

Dallas is a fun place to experience. 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 Dallas?

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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the chic destination of Dallas. 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 Dallas?

Travelers enjoy the museums and theater when visiting the diverse 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.

Dallas is a popular place to visit. 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 Dallas, we can see that Philadelphia is more expensive. And not only is Dallas much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Dallas would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dallas 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 Dallas.

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

Which is Bigger, Philadelphia or Dallas?

Philadelphia has a larger population, and is about 25% larger than the population of Dallas. When comparing the sizes of Philadelphia and Dallas, 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 Dallas?

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 Dallas in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Philadelphia as well as Dallas. Most visitors come to Philadelphia for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Dallas because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Philadelphia is cooler than Dallas in the summer. The daily temperature in Philadelphia averages around 77°F (25°C) in July, and Dallas fluctuates around 88°F (31°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dallas. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Philadelphia this time of the year. In the summer, Philadelphia often gets less sunshine than Dallas. Philadelphia gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dallas receives 337 hours of full sun.

Philadelphia receives a lot of rain in the summer. Philadelphia usually gets more rain in July than Dallas. Philadelphia gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Philadelphia or Dallas in the Autumn?

Both Dallas and Philadelphia are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Philadelphia because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Dallas this time of year.

In the autumn, Philadelphia is much colder than Dallas. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Philadelphia in October average around 56°F (14°C), and Dallas averages at about 69°F (21°C).

It's quite sunny in Dallas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Philadelphia. Philadelphia usually receives less sunshine than Dallas during autumn. Philadelphia gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Dallas receives 222 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Philadelphia usually receives less rain than Dallas. Philadelphia gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Philadelphia or Dallas in the Winter?

Both Dallas and Philadelphia during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Philadelphia this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Dallas for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Philadelphia in the winter. In January, Philadelphia is generally much colder than Dallas. Daily temperatures in Philadelphia average around 30°F (-1°C), and Dallas fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).

In the winter, Philadelphia often gets less sunshine than Dallas. Philadelphia gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dallas receives 183 hours of full sun.

Philadelphia usually gets more rain in January than Dallas. Philadelphia gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Philadelphia or Dallas in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Philadelphia and Dallas. Many travelers come to Philadelphia for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Dallas in the spring for the activities around the city.

Philadelphia is much colder than Dallas in the spring. The daily temperature in Philadelphia averages around 52°F (11°C) in April, and Dallas fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dallas this time of the year. In Philadelphia, it's very sunny this time of the year. Philadelphia usually receives less sunshine than Dallas during spring. Philadelphia gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Dallas receives 251 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Philadelphia usually receives less rain than Dallas. Philadelphia gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dallas and Philadelphia