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

Should you visit Philadelphia or Santa Cruz?

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

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

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is a scenic, laid back, and coastal town. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Philadelphia and Santa Cruz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Philadelphia or Santa Cruz?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Philadelphia than Santa Cruz. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Philadelphia is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, music, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Santa Cruz attracts visitors for its beaches and hiking. Santa Cruz is more touristy than Philadelphia and is popular for its dramatic coastline, fun-filled boardwalk, and beautiful beaches. 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 Santa Cruz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Philadelphia is very popular for its sights and museums. Also, Santa Cruz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Santa Cruz offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Local museums in town include the Surfing Museum, Seymour Marine Discovery Center, and Santa Cruz Mission.

Is Philadelphia or Santa Cruz Better for Theater?

Philadelphia is notable for theatre. However, Santa Cruz 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.

Santa Cruz is not a theatre destination.

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

Philadelphia is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Santa Cruz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Philadelphia makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Santa Cruz has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Sampling local seafood is a top priority for many visitors. Most restaurants have a casual vibe and serve up high quality dishes in a relaxed setting. You'll find cafes, Mexican food, and Italian eateries among other options.

Is Philadelphia or Santa Cruz Better for Nightlife?

Both Philadelphia and Santa Cruz have very good 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 Santa Cruz know how to have a good time. You'll find a range of nighttime options around town that include live entertainment, bars, clubs, and even a casino.

Is Philadelphia or Santa Cruz Better for Music?

Philadelphia is notable for live music. However, Santa Cruz is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Philadelphia. The city's diverse music scene includes jazz, rock, and hip hop.

Santa Cruz is not a live music destination.

Is Philadelphia or Santa Cruz Better for Beaches?

Santa Cruz is an excellent place to visit for the beache. However, Philadelphia is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Santa Cruz. The beaches are beautiful and fun. Head to Main Beach for the most activity. This is where you'll find the town's boardwalk, which has a historic carousel and several classic amusement rides. For a more peaceful and scenic spot, check out Natural Bridges State Beach or Seacliff State Beach.

Philadelphia is not a beach destination.

Is Philadelphia or Santa Cruz Better for its Old Town?

Philadelphia is a popular place for its historic old town. However, Santa Cruz 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.

Santa Cruz does not have a historic old town.

Is Philadelphia or Santa Cruz Better for Hiking?

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

Santa Cruz has hiking trails worth exploring. There are several great parks in the area and trails that follow along the rugged coastline or go through the impressive redwood forests.

Philadelphia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Philadelphia or Santa Cruz?

Philadelphia is notable for shopping. Also, Santa Cruz is not as famous, but is still a good town 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 Santa Cruz. Downtown Santa Cruz is where you'll find some of the best shopping.

Is Philadelphia or Santa Cruz Better for Christmas?

Philadelphia is notable for its Christmas activities. However, Santa Cruz 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.

Santa Cruz does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Philadelphia or Santa Cruz Better for Christmas Markets?

Philadelphia is a popular place for its Christmas markets. However, Santa Cruz 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.

Santa Cruz does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Philadelphia or Santa Cruz Better for Families?

Philadelphia and Santa Cruz are both very good 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.

Santa Cruz is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It's filled with beaches, parks, playgrounds, and museums that kids and adults will enjoy. Highlights for many families include visiting the boardwalk, playing around at Seacliff State Beach, entertaining the kids at Seymour Center at Long Marine Lab, and taking in the beauty at Natural Bridges State Beach.

Is Philadelphia or Santa Cruz Better for Couples?

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

Santa Cruz makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Dining in downtown Santa Cruz, hiking through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, and relaxing on the beach at Natural Bridges State Beach all make for a romantic getaway.

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 Santa Cruz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Philadelphia and Santa Cruz are both nice destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Philadelphia. There are a few good hostels for backpackers and budget travelers to choose from.

Santa Cruz is a good city to visit for backpackers. There's a laid back vibe that is fun to experience and there's even a hostel in town.

Is Philadelphia or Santa Cruz Better for Students?

Philadelphia is notable for students. However, Santa Cruz 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.

Santa Cruz is not popular with students.

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

Philadelphia is notable for its public transit. However, Santa Cruz is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Philadelphia can move around easily with public transportation. The system includes a subway, trolleys, buses, and a commuter rail.

Public transit is mostly limited in Santa Cruz. There are buses that travel around town.

Is Philadelphia or Santa Cruz a more walkable city?

Philadelphia and Santa Cruz are fantastic when it comes to walkability.

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

Getting around Santa Cruz on foot is easy. It's considered to be one of the most walkable cities in California.

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

Should I spend more time in Santa Cruz or Philadelphia?

How long in Philadelphia or Santa Cruz?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Philadelphia or Santa Cruz to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Philadelphia than Santa Cruz because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Philadelphia, and 1-2 days is enough time in Santa Cruz.

Families should spend more time in Philadelphia than Santa Cruz. 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 Santa Cruz. 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 Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz?

When visiting Philadelphia, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Santa Cruz, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this laid back town offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

A weekend in Philadelphia or Santa Cruz?

When visiting Philadelphia, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Santa Cruz is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Santa Cruz?

Philadelphia, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the scenic destination of Santa Cruz. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Santa Cruz?

Philadelphia is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Santa Cruz is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Santa Cruz, we can see that Philadelphia is more expensive. And not only is Santa Cruz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Santa Cruz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz.

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

Which is Bigger, Philadelphia or Santa Cruz?

Philadelphia has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Santa Cruz. When comparing the sizes of Philadelphia and Santa Cruz, 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 Santa Cruz?

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 Santa Cruz in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Philadelphia as well as Santa Cruz. Many visitors come to Philadelphia in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Santa Cruz for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Philadelphia is generally a little warmer than Santa Cruz. Daily temperatures in Philadelphia average around 77°F (25°C), and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

Philadelphia receives a lot of rain in the summer. Philadelphia usually gets more rain in July than Santa Cruz. Philadelphia gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.1 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Philadelphia or Santa Cruz in the Autumn?

Both Santa Cruz and Philadelphia are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Santa Cruz because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Philadelphia is cooler than Santa Cruz in the autumn. The daily temperature in Philadelphia averages around 56°F (14°C) in October, and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In October, Philadelphia usually receives more rain than Santa Cruz. Philadelphia gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Philadelphia or Santa Cruz in the Winter?

Both Santa Cruz and Philadelphia during the winter are popular places to visit. 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 Santa Cruz this time of year.

The weather in Philadelphia can be very cold. In the winter, Philadelphia is much colder than Santa Cruz. Typically, the winter temperatures in Philadelphia in January average around 30°F (-1°C), and Santa Cruz averages at about 51°F (10°C).

Philadelphia usually gets less rain in January than Santa Cruz. Philadelphia gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Philadelphia or Santa Cruz in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Philadelphia and Santa Cruz. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Philadelphia this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santa Cruz for the beaches.

In April, Philadelphia is generally cooler than Santa Cruz. Daily temperatures in Philadelphia average around 52°F (11°C), and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

In April, Philadelphia usually receives more rain than Santa Cruz. Philadelphia gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 1 inches (26 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Santa Cruz and Philadelphia