A Travel Price Comparison for Pennsylvania Philadelphia vs. Pocono Mountains for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Philadelphia or Pocono Mountains?

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

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

Where Should I go: Philadelphia or Pocono Mountains?

Philadelphia

Philadelphia is the fourth largest urban area, and the fifth largest city in the United States. It's located in southeastern Pennsylvania and has a rich history, having once been the capital of the United States. The city has very impressive architecture, museums, universities, and entertainment venues. It's a cultural and artistic center for the country and it continues to climb as a top travel destination.

Pocono Mountains

The Poconos are a region of mountains, small towns, and natural areas in Eastern Pennsylvania. Located just a few hours from both New York City and Philadelphia, this region of 4 counties (Wayne, Pike, Monroe, & Carbon) consists of plenty of mountain scenery, gorgeous lakes, historic small towns, ski resorts, state parks, water parks, and more.

Which city is cheaper, Pocono Mountains or Philadelphia?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Philadelphia is $151, while the average daily cost in Pocono Mountains is $139. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Philadelphia and Pocono Mountains in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Philadelphia $95
    Pocono Mountains $71
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Philadelphia $190
    Pocono Mountains $142
Compare Hotels in Philadelphia and Pocono Mountains

Looking for a hotel in Philadelphia or Pocono Mountains? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Philadelphia


Hotels in Pocono Mountains


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Philadelphia Hotel Prices and Pocono Mountains Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Philadelphia $22
    Pocono Mountains $39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Philadelphia

Also for Philadelphia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Departure Transfer to Philadelphia Airport (PHL): $38
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Philadelphia Airport (PHL): $38
  • Private Airport Transfer: Philadelphia Int. Airport (PHL) to Philadelphia: $44
  • Private Airport Transfer: Philadelphia to Philadelphia Int. Airport (PHL): $44
  • Shared Departure Transfer: Hotel to Philadelphia Airport: $51
  • Shared Arrival Transfer: Philadelphia Airport to Hotel: $51
  • Philadelphia Airport (PHL) to Philadelphia - Arrival Private Transfer: $60
  • Philadelphia to Philadelphia Airport (PHL) - Departure Private Transfer: $60
  • Private Transfer to/from Airport (PHL): $66
  • Arrival Private Transfer Philadelphia Train Station to Philadelphia by Sedan: $68
  • Departure Private Transfer Philadelphia to Philadelphia Train Station by Sedan: $68
  • Departure Private Transfer Philadelphia to Philadelphia Airport PHL by Sedan: $68

Is it cheaper to fly into Philadelphia or Pocono Mountains?

Prices for flights to both Pocono Mountains and Philadelphia change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Philadelphia $39
    Pocono Mountains $42
Typical Food prices in Philadelphia

For Philadelphia, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Casual Lunch (for 3)
    $27

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Philadelphia

For Philadelphia, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Flavors of Philly Food Tour: $44
  • Decadent Gourmet Food Tour: $44
  • Flavors of Philly Food Tour: $52
  • Highlights of East Passyunk Food Tour: $54
  • South Philly Italian Family Dinner Tour: $75
  • Historic Food Tour: $78
  • Private Tour: Secret Food Tours Philadelphia: $90
  • Spirit of Philadelphia Dinner Cruise with Buffet: $107
  • Secret Food Tours Philadelphia w/ Private Tour Option: $193

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Philadelphia $22
    Pocono Mountains $24
Typical Entertainment prices in Philadelphia

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Philadelphia's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Big Bus Tour (family of 3)
    $99

Tours and Activities in Philadelphia

For Philadelphia, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Philadelphia's Lost Waterfront: Explore the historic city on an audio tour: $5.00
  • Art and Controversy: An audio tour of Philadelphia's most infamous art scandals: $5.00
  • Ultimate Philadelphia Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
  • Philadelphia Architecture: Discover Every American Style on a GPS Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Philadelphia Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Penn Museum Admission Ticket: $18
  • Philadelphia Walking Ghost Tour: $20
  • Franklin's Footsteps Walking Tour: $20
  • Skip the Line: Museum of the American Revolution Admission Ticket: $21
  • Philadelphia Historical Independence Walking Tour: $21
  • Philadelphia Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour: $23
  • The Franklin Institute Admission Ticket: $23

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Philadelphia $17
    Pocono Mountains $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Philadelphia

Also in Philadelphia, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Haunted Pub Crawl: $45
  • Philadelphia Prohibition Pub Crawl: $45
  • Charleston: Haunted Bar Crawl with Tarot Reading: $64
  • Sip of Philly Brewery Tour: $79

About these numbers

When comparing the travel costs between Philadelphia and Pocono Mountains, 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.


When is the best time to visit Philadelphia or Pocono Mountains?

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 Pocono Mountains in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Philadelphia as well as Pocono Mountains. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Philadelphia this time of year.

Philadelphia is around the same temperature as Pocono Mountains in the summer. The temperature in Philadelphia is usually 77°F (25°C) in July, and Pocono Mountains stays around 75°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pocono Mountains. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Philadelphia this time of the year. In the summer, Philadelphia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Pocono Mountains. Philadelphia gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pocono Mountains receives 288 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pocono Mountains. Philadelphia receives a lot of rain in the summer. Philadelphia usually gets less rain in July than Pocono Mountains. Philadelphia gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Philadelphia 77°F (25°C) 
    Pocono Mountains 75°F (24°C)

Should I visit Philadelphia or Pocono Mountains in the Autumn?

Both Pocono Mountains 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.

In the autumn, Philadelphia is around the same temperature as Pocono Mountains. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Philadelphia in October are around 56°F (14°C), and Pocono Mountains is about 55°F (13°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Philadelphia. Philadelphia usually receives more sunshine than Pocono Mountains during autumn. Philadelphia gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Pocono Mountains receives 168 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Philadelphia usually receives less rain than Pocono Mountains. Philadelphia gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Philadelphia 56°F (14°C) 
    Pocono Mountains 55°F (13°C)

Should I visit Philadelphia or Pocono Mountains in the Winter?

Both Pocono Mountains 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.

Pocono Mountains can be very cold during winter. Philadelphia can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Philadelphia is generally much warmer than Pocono Mountains. Temperatures in Philadelphia average around 30°F (-1°C), and Pocono Mountains stays around 28°F (-2°C).

In the winter, Philadelphia often gets more sunshine than Pocono Mountains. Philadelphia gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pocono Mountains receives 127 hours of full sun.

Philadelphia usually gets less rain in January than Pocono Mountains. Philadelphia gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Philadelphia 30°F (-1°C) 
    Pocono Mountains 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Philadelphia or Pocono Mountains in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Philadelphia and Pocono Mountains. Most visitors come to Philadelphia for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Philadelphia is around the same temperature as Pocono Mountains in the spring. The temperature in Philadelphia is usually 52°F (11°C) in April, and Pocono Mountains stays around 51°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains during spring. Philadelphia gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Pocono Mountains receives 213 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Philadelphia usually receives less rain than Pocono Mountains. Philadelphia gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Philadelphia 52°F (11°C) 
    Pocono Mountains 51°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Pocono Mountains and Philadelphia

Philadelphia Pocono Mountains
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 30°F (-1°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Feb 33°F (1°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Mar 42°F (6°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Apr 52°F (11°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 51°F (11°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
May 63°F (17°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Jun 72°F (22°C) 3 inches (76 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Jul 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 75°F (24°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm)
Aug 76°F (24°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 73°F (23°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Sep 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 66°F (19°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Oct 56°F (14°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 55°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Nov 46°F (8°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Dec 36°F (2°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 33°F (1°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)


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Philadelphia vs. Pocono Mountains Travel Comparison

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