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

Should you visit Philadelphia or Seattle?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Philadelphia or Seattle, 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. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Seattle

Seattle is a laid-back, bustling, and progressive 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. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and theater.

Philadelphia and Seattle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Philadelphia or Seattle?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Philadelphia than Seattle, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Philadelphia is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, historical sights, shopping, and christmas markets, while Seattle is known for its beaches and hiking. Seattle is more touristy than Philadelphia and is popular for its beautiful waterfront setting, diverse culinary scene, thriving art and cultural venues, and being the home of many international tech companies. Philadelphia is popular 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.

How is Philadelphia different from Seattle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Philadelphia on the map. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Seattle. The city's most iconic landmark is the Space Needle. There's also a zoo, aquarium, and a handful of nice museums. Several favorites include the Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of History & Industry, and the Seattle Art Museum.

Is Philadelphia or Seattle Better for Theater?

Philadelphia is notable for its shows and theatre. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for theatre.

Many visitors plan to see a show while visiting 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.

You'll find a nice selection of shows in Seattle. There are a handful of theaters where you can enjoy traveling Broadway shows or smaller productions.

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

Both Philadelphia and Seattle offer a number of superb 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 Seattle is an experience not to be missed. The city has many diverse dining options that make it a popular foodie destination. The seafood is world-class with many restaurants offering fresh caught salmon and oysters. There are also many great Asian restaurants with Pho, sushi, and dim sum all being popular around town. Seattle is also famous as the birthplace of Starbucks coffee, and both chain and independent coffee shops are common. Finally, make sure you check out the donuts at Pike's Place Market.

Is Philadelphia or Seattle Better for Nightlife?

Both Philadelphia and Seattle have superb 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 Seattle know how to have a good time. The city is known for its breweries and eclectic nightlife scene. There is a thriving theater scene as well as many bars and trendy restaurants. The best neighborhoods for nightlife include Capitol Hill, Belltown, and Downtown.

Is Philadelphia or Seattle Better for Music?

It can be fun to see live music in either Philadelphia and Seattle.

Whether you like big venues or smaller artists, Philadelphia has diverse options. The city's diverse music scene includes jazz, rock, and hip hop.

Seattle has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. The city has developed its own music culture around several genres including alternative rock and grunge.

Is Philadelphia or Seattle Better for Beaches?

Seattle is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Philadelphia is not a beach destination.

Seattle has a beach worth visiting. The city is surrounded by water so there are a number of rocky and sandy beaches nearby. Some beaches are more popular with locals while others attract a large amount of tourists. Alki Beach Park, Discovery Park, and Golden Gardens Park are among the best.

Philadelphia is not a beach destination.

Is Philadelphia or Seattle Better for its Old Town?

Philadelphia is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Seattle does not have a historic old town.

Philadelphia offers a nice historic old town area. The Old City has a number of Colonial-era sites including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House.

Seattle does not have a historic old town.

Is Philadelphia or Seattle Better for Hiking?

Seattle is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Philadelphia is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Seattle. It's famously an outdoorsy city and the hiking will not disappoint. Within a half hour drive of town you'll find beautiful forests and stunning natural beauty. Head into the Cascades, to the coastal rainforests, or around Mount Rainier for all kinds of diverse landscapes. Seattle is well situated for you to experience hiking through the diverse Pacific Northwest landscapes.

Philadelphia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Philadelphia or Seattle?

Philadelphia is notable for its shopping areas. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Seattle. Shopping in town has an eclectic mix of high end brands, local vendors, and vintage shops. There are farmers markets as well as the famous Pike Place Market, but also major malls with all of the standard department stores.

Is Philadelphia or Seattle Better for Christmas?

Philadelphia is notable for its Christmas activities. However, Seattle 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.

Seattle does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Philadelphia or Seattle Better for Christmas Markets?

Philadelphia is a nice place to visit for its Christmas markets. However, Seattle does not offer Christmas markets.

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

Seattle does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Philadelphia or Seattle Better for Families?

Philadelphia is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Seattle is a family-friendly city. This is an outdoor city with plenty of places where kids can run around and experience nature. There are several good museums as well as outdoor activities, parks, and a zoo. Make sure you check out the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Volunteer Park, and Artists at Play Playground.

Is Philadelphia or Seattle Better for Couples?

Philadelphia and Seattle 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.

Seattle is a good city for couples to visit. The city has a laid back vibe, a nice downtown area, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are a diversity of restaurants to enjoy and a great nightlife scene that makes for a good couple's getaway.

Is Philadelphia or Seattle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Philadelphia and Seattle are both good 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.

Seattle is a good city to visit for backpackers. Although it's not the most popular city for backpackers in America, the city's chill vibe, fun breweries, and lively setting make it a great spot for young backpackers.

Is Philadelphia or Seattle Better for Students?

Both Philadelphia and Seattle are superb destinations for students.

Philadelphia is a great city to visit as a student. With its many universities and diverse population, this city is a great place for international students.

Students come from all over to stay in Seattle. It is a major IT center with a large university, so international students will have plenty of opportunities here. It's also a vibrant city with many outdoor recreational opportunities and a fun nightlife scene.

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

Philadelphia is notable for its public transit. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Philadelphia offers a very effecient public transportation network. The system includes a subway, trolleys, buses, and a commuter rail.

Seattle has some public transit options. There is a light rail system, a monorail, a street car, and buses.

Is Philadelphia or Seattle a more walkable city?

Philadelphia is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

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

Seattle is very walkable. Many neighborhoods are very walkable, particularly in the downtown and major tourist areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Seattle or Philadelphia?

How long in Philadelphia or Seattle?

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

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

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 Seattle, many people enjoy the live music and food that this cultural city 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 Seattle?

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.

Seattle is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Seattle?

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 shopping and museums around the cultural big city of Seattle. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Seattle?

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.

Seattle is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 comparing the travel costs between Philadelphia and Seattle, we can see that Seattle 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Philadelphia or Seattle?

Philadelphia has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Seattle. When comparing the sizes of Philadelphia and Seattle, 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 Seattle?

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 Seattle in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Philadelphia as well as Seattle. The summer months attract visitors to Philadelphia because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Seattle this time of year.

In the summer, Philadelphia is a little warmer than Seattle. Typically, the summer temperatures in Philadelphia in July average around 77°F (25°C), and Seattle averages at about 67°F (19°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seattle. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Philadelphia this time of the year. In the summer, Philadelphia often gets less sunshine than Seattle. Philadelphia gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 313 hours of full sun.

Philadelphia receives a lot of rain in the summer. Philadelphia usually gets more rain in July than Seattle. Philadelphia gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Philadelphia or Seattle in the Autumn?

Both Seattle and Philadelphia are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Philadelphia this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Seattle for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Philadelphia is generally around the same temperature as Seattle. Daily temperatures in Philadelphia average around 56°F (14°C), and Seattle fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Philadelphia. Philadelphia usually receives more sunshine than Seattle during autumn. Philadelphia gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 143 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Philadelphia usually receives less rain than Seattle. Philadelphia gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Philadelphia or Seattle in the Winter?

Both Seattle and Philadelphia during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Philadelphia for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Seattle in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Philadelphia. Philadelphia is much colder than Seattle in the winter. The daily temperature in Philadelphia averages around 30°F (-1°C) in January, and Seattle fluctuates around 42°F (5°C).

In the winter, Philadelphia often gets more sunshine than Seattle. Philadelphia gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 67 hours of full sun.

Seattle gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Philadelphia usually gets less rain in January than Seattle. Philadelphia gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Philadelphia or Seattle in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Philadelphia and Seattle. Many visitors come to Philadelphia in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Seattle for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Philadelphia is around the same temperature as Seattle. Typically, the spring temperatures in Philadelphia in April average around 52°F (11°C), and Seattle averages at about 51°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seattle 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 Seattle during spring. Philadelphia gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Philadelphia usually receives more rain than Seattle. Philadelphia gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Seattle and Philadelphia