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

Should you visit Philadelphia or Phoenix?

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

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

Phoenix

Phoenix is a desert, laid back, and sprawling city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Philadelphia and Phoenix: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Philadelphia or Phoenix?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Philadelphia. Although Philadelphia and Phoenix are about the same size, Philadelphia has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Philadelphia is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Phoenix is known for its hiking. Philadelphia is more touristy than Phoenix and is known 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. Phoenix is popular for its desert landscapes, high number of golf courses, and year round warm weather.

How is Philadelphia different from Phoenix?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Philadelphia is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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.

Phoenix is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. You'll find art, science, and cultural museums around town. Favorites include the Heard Museum, the Phoenix Art Museum, S'edav Va'aki Museum, and the Arizona Science Museum.

Is Philadelphia or Phoenix Better for Theater?

Philadelphia is a great city for its shows and theatre. However, Phoenix 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.

Phoenix is not a theatre destination.

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

Philadelphia is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Philadelphia has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Phoenix offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are many mom-and-pop shops around town that serve everything from casual meals to quality steaks. There's also a huge selection of Mexican restaurants, as well as other international options such as sushi, dim sum, and Italian.

Is Philadelphia or Phoenix Better for Nightlife?

Philadelphia is a great city for its evening party scene. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Philadelphia has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Phoenix. The best nightlife scene is found in downtown and central Phoenix. There are bars, restaurants, and venues where you can catch a show. North Phoenix also has grown into a popular evening spot with cocktail bars and pubs.

Is Philadelphia or Phoenix Better for Music?

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

Philadelphia has a thriving music scene. The city's diverse music scene includes jazz, rock, and hip hop.

Phoenix is not a live music destination.

Is Philadelphia or Phoenix Better for its Old Town?

Philadelphia is a city with good options for its historic old town charm. However, Phoenix 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.

Phoenix does not have a historic old town.

Is Philadelphia or Phoenix Better for Hiking?

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

Phoenix has hiking trails worth exploring. You don't have to head far out of town for impressive hiking opportunities. You'll find trails that range from easy to challenging, and many pass through other-worldly landscapes. You'll find popular trails in Usery Mountain Regional Park, Papago Park, White Tank Mountain Regional Park, South Mountain Park and many others.

Philadelphia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Philadelphia or Phoenix?

Philadelphia is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Philadelphia. 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.

Phoenix is a great destination for shopping. There are plenty of shopping centers, outlets, and malls where you'll find the standard chain stores. You'll also find farmer's markets around town.

Is Philadelphia or Phoenix Better for Christmas?

Philadelphia is a great city for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Phoenix 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.

Phoenix does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Philadelphia or Phoenix Better for Christmas Markets?

Philadelphia is a city with good options for visiting Christmas markets. However, Phoenix 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.

Phoenix does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Philadelphia or Phoenix Better for Families?

Philadelphia is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Philadelphia. 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.

Phoenix is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the Phoenix Zoo, the Arizona Science Center, the SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, and the Bearizona Wildlife Park. There's also a number of parks and gardens as well as a children's museum and several other interactive museums for kids.

Is Philadelphia or Phoenix Better for Couples?

Philadelphia and Phoenix are both good to visit as a couple.

Philadelphia makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Phoenix is a good city for couples to visit. There are many parks and gardens in town as well as beautiful hikes and outdoor activities that couples will enjoy. In the evening, there's theater, shows, and many romantic restaurants.

Is Philadelphia or Phoenix Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Philadelphia is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Phoenix is not known for backpackers.

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

Phoenix is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel or two around town for budget travelers.

Is Philadelphia or Phoenix Better for Students?

Philadelphia is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Phoenix 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.

Phoenix is not popular with students.

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

Philadelphia is a great city for times when you don't have a car. However, Phoenix is not known for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Philadelphia. The system includes a subway, trolleys, buses, and a commuter rail.

Public transit is generally limited in Phoenix. There's a bus and light rail system, but you really need your own vehicle to get around.

Is Philadelphia or Phoenix a more walkable city?

Philadelphia is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. However, Phoenix is not known 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.

Phoenix is generally not very walkable. It's a sprawling city and the only real area that's walkable is the downtown.

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

Should I spend more time in Phoenix or Philadelphia?

How long in Philadelphia or Phoenix?

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

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

Because Philadelphia is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Phoenix, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this sprawling city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Philadelphia or Phoenix?

Because Philadelphia is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Philadelphia has to offer.

Phoenix 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 Phoenix?

Philadelphia is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the laid back destination of Phoenix. 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 Phoenix?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Philadelphia. Many people enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting Philadelphia. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Phoenix 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 Phoenix, we can see that Phoenix 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 Phoenix would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Phoenix 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 Phoenix Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Philadelphia or Phoenix?

Philadelphia has a larger population, and is about 15% larger than the population of Phoenix. When comparing the sizes of Philadelphia and Phoenix, 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 Phoenix?

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 Phoenix in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Philadelphia and Phoenix. 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 Phoenix for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Phoenix can become quite hot in the summer. In the summer, Philadelphia is cooler than Phoenix. Typically, the summer temperatures in Philadelphia in July average around 77°F (25°C), and Phoenix averages at about 98°F (36°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phoenix this time of the year. In Philadelphia, it's very sunny this time of the year. Philadelphia usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during summer. Philadelphia gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 380 hours of full sun in the summer.

Philadelphia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Philadelphia usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Philadelphia gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Philadelphia or Phoenix in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Philadelphia as well as Phoenix. 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 Phoenix in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Philadelphia is generally much colder than Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Philadelphia average around 56°F (14°C), and Phoenix fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phoenix. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Philadelphia this time of the year. In the autumn, Philadelphia often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Philadelphia gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 305 hours of full sun.

Philadelphia usually gets more rain in October than Phoenix. Philadelphia gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Philadelphia or Phoenix in the Winter?

Both Phoenix and Philadelphia are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Philadelphia in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Phoenix 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 Phoenix in the winter. The daily temperature in Philadelphia averages around 30°F (-1°C) in January, and Phoenix fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Phoenix. Philadelphia usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during winter. Philadelphia gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 254 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Philadelphia usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Philadelphia gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Philadelphia or Phoenix in the Spring?

Both Phoenix and Philadelphia during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Philadelphia for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Philadelphia is much colder than Phoenix. Typically, the spring temperatures in Philadelphia in April average around 52°F (11°C), and Phoenix averages at about 74°F (23°C).

In Phoenix, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Philadelphia. In the spring, Philadelphia often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Philadelphia gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 355 hours of full sun.

Philadelphia usually gets more rain in April than Phoenix. Philadelphia gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Phoenix and Philadelphia