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

Should you visit Philadelphia or Maui?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Philadelphia or Maui, 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.

Maui

Maui is a adventure-filled, breathtaking, and stunning island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Philadelphia and Maui: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Philadelphia or Maui?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Philadelphia than Maui, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Philadelphia is better known for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Maui is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Maui is more touristy than Philadelphia and is popular for its beach-filled coastline, world-class snorkeling and scuba diving, dramatic landscapes, and paradise environment. Philadelphia is well known 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.

How is Philadelphia different from Maui?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Philadelphia is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

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.

While most people don't head to Maui specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people prefer not to spend their time inside or at a museum, but for a rainy day you can check out the Maui Ocean Center.

Is Philadelphia or Maui Better for Theater?

Philadelphia is a great destination for its theatre productions. However, Maui is not a theatre destination.

While in town, many visitors enjoy seeing a show in 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.

Maui is not a theatre destination.

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

Philadelphia is a great destination for its restaurant scene. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Philadelphia. 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.

Maui may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Like the other Hawaiian islands, food is expensive and of varying quality here, but the food scene continues to grow and improve. There are eclectic food trucks where you can try local flavors. There's also plenty of fresh tropical produce like mangos, avocadoes, and coconuts. Seafood is common on many menus as well.

Is Philadelphia or Maui Better for Nightlife?

Philadelphia is a great destination for nightlife and partying. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

The people in Philadelphia know how to have a good time. 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 nightlife scene is quiet in Maui The island is not known for its nightlife, but the limited activities that do exist you'll find in Kaanapali and Lahaina.

Is Philadelphia or Maui Better for Music?

Philadelphia is a great destination for its live music scene. However, Maui is not a live music destination.

Philadelphia has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. The city's diverse music scene includes jazz, rock, and hip hop.

Maui is not a live music destination.

Is Philadelphia or Maui Better for Resorts?

Maui is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Philadelphia is not a resort destination.

Maui is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are a number of nice resorts, but there are also VRBOs, condos, and local hotels where you can stay. High-end luxury resorts on the island include The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua and Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort. There are also more reasonable priced resorts without all of the glitz and glam.

Philadelphia is not a resort destination.

Is Philadelphia or Maui Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Maui is an excellent place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Philadelphia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Maui to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. The island has excellent snorkeling and scuba diving. You can really find it anywhere on the island, but some places are more crowded than others. Some of the best beaches for snorkeling include Honolua Bay, Slaughterhouse (Mokuleia Bay), DT Fleming Beach, and Kapalua Bay.

Philadelphia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Philadelphia or Maui Better for Beaches?

Maui is a must-visit destination for the beache. However, Philadelphia is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Maui are among the best in the world. The island has stunning beaches and more miles of swimmable beach than any of the other Hawaiian islands. One of the best swimming beaches is Kapalua Beach, but other favorite beaches include Makena Beach State Park, Ka'anapali Beach, Baldwin Beach Park, and Wai'anapanapa State Park.

Philadelphia is not a beach destination.

Is Philadelphia or Maui Better for its Old Town?

Philadelphia is a popular place for its old town. However, Maui 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.

Maui does not have a historic old town.

Is Philadelphia or Maui Better for Hiking?

Maui is a must-visit destination for its hiking trails. However, Philadelphia is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Maui draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. There are many diverse hikes on the island that pass through different landscapes and ecosystems. Hikes range from easy to challenging and are of varying length. Some of the favorites include 'Iao Valley State Park, Haleakala's Sliding Sands Trail (in Haleakala National Park), and The Pipiwai Trail.

Philadelphia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Philadelphia or Maui?

Philadelphia is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Maui is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Philadelphia is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Maui has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are many shopping centers where you'll find souvenirs, Hawaiian clothing, and even handmade crafts. If you forgot something from home, you'll also find many of the major chains that are common on the mainland.

Is Philadelphia or Maui Better for Christmas?

Philadelphia is a great destination for its Christmas activities. However, Maui does not offer Christmas activities.

Visitors come from all around to experience the Christmas activities in Philadelphia. There are a number of holiday events, light shows, and festivals during the holiday season.

Maui does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Philadelphia or Maui Better for Christmas Markets?

Philadelphia is a popular place for its Christmas markets. However, Maui does not offer Christmas markets.

Many visitors go to the Christmas markets in Philadelphia. The city has its own German style Christmas market at Love Park and City Hall. It hosts over 80 vendors.

Maui does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Philadelphia or Maui Better for Families?

Maui 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.

Maui is an amazing family-friendly island to visit. It is one of the best of the Hawaiian islands to explore with kids. There's plenty of snorkeling, outdoor adventure sports, and hiking that are great for kids of all ages. There are some kid-friendly beaches where kids can play in the water. There's also the Maui Ocean Center, Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm, and 'Iao Valley State Park.

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 Maui Better for Couples?

Maui is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Maui has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Couples will enjoy the outdoor sports, excellent snorkeling and diving, and beautiful waterfalls that make for a romantic getaway. There are world-class resorts and breathtaking scenery that attract honeymooning couples from around the globe.

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 Maui Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Philadelphia is a popular place for backpackers. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Maui is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Like most of the Hawaiian Islands, everything is expensive here and even though there are a couple of hostels, you can still expect to pay high prices for them. Public transportation is also limited so you'll really need to rent a car if you hope to explore the island in depth.

Is Philadelphia or Maui Better for Students?

Philadelphia is a great destination for students. However, Maui is not popular with students.

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

Maui is not popular with students.

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

Philadelphia is a great destination for its public transit. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Philadelphia has some very good public transit options. The system includes a subway, trolleys, buses, and a commuter rail.

Public transit is mostly limited in Maui. The island does have a bus system with 14 routes, but most visitors prefer to have their own transportation to get around.

Is Philadelphia or Maui a more walkable city?

Philadelphia is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

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

Maui is not a very walkable city. The island is large enough that you'll want to have access to a car if you hope to explore it in its entirety.

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

Should I spend more time in Maui or Philadelphia?

How long in Philadelphia or Maui?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Philadelphia than Maui. 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 Maui 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 Maui?

Philadelphia is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Maui, many people enjoy the shopping and scuba diving and snorkeling that this idyllic island 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 Maui?

Philadelphia is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the museums. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Maui is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Maui?

You'll find live music and food around the cultural big city of Philadelphia. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

In Maui, many people enjoy the shopping and scuba diving and snorkeling that this breathtaking destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Maui?

The historic city of Philadelphia offers food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

Maui is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 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 Maui, we can see that Maui 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 Maui would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Maui 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 Maui Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Philadelphia or Maui?

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 Maui in the Summer?

Both Maui and Philadelphia during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Philadelphia in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Maui for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Philadelphia is around the same temperature as Maui in the summer. The daily temperature in Philadelphia averages around 77°F (25°C) in July, and Maui fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

In Maui, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Philadelphia. In the summer, Philadelphia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Maui. Philadelphia gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maui receives 290 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Philadelphia. Philadelphia usually gets more rain in July than Maui. Philadelphia gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 0.4 inches (10 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Philadelphia or Maui in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Philadelphia and Maui. Most visitors come to Philadelphia for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Maui because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Philadelphia is much colder than Maui. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Philadelphia in October average around 56°F (14°C), and Maui averages at about 78°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Maui this time of the year. In Philadelphia, it's very sunny this time of the year. Philadelphia usually receives less sunshine than Maui during autumn. Philadelphia gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Maui receives 245 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Philadelphia usually receives more rain than Maui. Philadelphia gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Philadelphia or Maui in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Philadelphia as well as Maui. The winter months attract visitors to Philadelphia because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Maui this time of year.

The weather in Philadelphia can be very cold. In January, Philadelphia is generally much colder than Maui. Daily temperatures in Philadelphia average around 30°F (-1°C), and Maui fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Maui. In the winter, Philadelphia often gets less sunshine than Maui. Philadelphia gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maui receives 217 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Maui. Philadelphia usually gets less rain in January than Maui. Philadelphia gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Philadelphia or Maui in the Spring?

Both Maui and Philadelphia are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Philadelphia this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Maui for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Philadelphia is much colder than Maui in the spring. The daily temperature in Philadelphia averages around 52°F (11°C) in April, and Maui fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Maui. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Philadelphia. Philadelphia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Maui during spring. Philadelphia gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Maui receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Philadelphia usually receives more rain than Maui. Philadelphia gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.8 inches (47 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Maui and Philadelphia