A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Philadelphia vs. Toronto for Attractions, Nightlife, Food, and Families

Should you visit Philadelphia or Toronto?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Philadelphia or Toronto, 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. Philadelphia is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater. See Philadelphia travel costs.

Toronto

Toronto is a diverse, vibrant, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Toronto travel costs.

Philadelphia and Toronto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Philadelphia or Toronto?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Philadelphia than Toronto. While Toronto is larger than Philadelphia, Philadelphia has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Philadelphia is very popular for its theatre productions, music, historical sights, christmas markets, and impressive beauty, while Toronto attracts visitors for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities. Toronto is more touristy than Philadelphia and is known for its art and culture, diverse cuisine, and multi-cultural population. 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 Toronto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Philadelphia and Toronto.

The museums and tourist attractions in Philadelphia are world-renowned. 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 many recognizable landmarks that put Toronto on the map. The city is filled with landmarks and museums such as the CN Tower and the Royal Ontario Museum. Ripley's Aquarium is a highlight for many visitors. It's near the CN Tower and has an underwater tunnel. The city is also filled with art galleries and cultural sights. Another must is a visit to Casa Loma and, of course, the Toronto Zoo.

Is Philadelphia or Toronto Better for Theater?

Philadelphia is a very popular place for theatre. However, Toronto 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.

Toronto is not a theatre destination.

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

Both Philadelphia and Toronto offer a number of high quality 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 Toronto is an experience not to be missed. The food scene is as diverse as the city itself. You'll find classic Canadian favorites like peameal bacon sandwiches and beavertails, as well as almost any international cuisine you could want. Make sure you try the dim sum, roti, and street hot dogs.

Is Philadelphia or Toronto Better for Nightlife?

Toronto is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Toronto is a world class party destination. It's a diverse nightlife scene, with upscale lounges, dive bars, live music, and high energy nightclubs. Popular areas for nightlife include King Street, the Ossington Strip, College Street, and Kensington Market.

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.

Is Philadelphia or Toronto Better for Music?

Philadelphia is a very popular place for live music. However, Toronto is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Philadelphia while you're in town. The city's diverse music scene includes jazz, rock, and hip hop.

Toronto is not a live music destination.

Is Philadelphia or Toronto Better for its Old Town?

Philadelphia is a city with good options for its historic old town. However, Toronto does not have a historic old town.

Philadelphia is a good destination for visiting its old town. The Old City has a number of Colonial-era sites including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House.

Toronto does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Philadelphia or Toronto?

Toronto is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Toronto draws large crowds to its stores. Shopping is huge here, with plenty of options available that range from large malls to vintage stores or flea markets. Eaton Center on Yonge Street is a major shopping area. Yonge Street is also home to more than 600 retail stores.

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.

Is Philadelphia or Toronto More Beautiful?

Philadelphia is a city with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, Toronto is not a destination known for its beauty.

Philadelphia is a gorgeous place to visit. With its diverse neighborhoods and rich history, this city offers its own type of beauty.

Toronto is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Philadelphia or Toronto Better for Families?

Philadelphia and Toronto are both high quality 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.

Toronto is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the city's many family-friendly museums like the Royal Ontario Museum or the Ontario Science Center. Younger kids will have fun playing at the Centreville Theme Park while all ages will love a day at Canada's Wonderland. Black Creek Pioneer Village is a highlight for many families as well.

Is Philadelphia or Toronto Better for Couples?

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

Toronto makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This city is full of energy, and couples can enjoy amazing meals, impressive shows, and romantic outings. You can picnic at a park or check out the view from CN Tower. There are also dinner cruises and live theater.

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 Toronto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Toronto is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Toronto. There are a number of hostels around town and there's often a good crowd of backpackers.

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

Is Philadelphia or Toronto Better for Students?

Toronto is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Toronto is a great destination for students. The city has a good number of universities that attract students from around the globe. This is a very livable city with a lot of diversity and plenty of entertainment options.

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.

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

Toronto is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Toronto has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. Union Station is the hub of the city's transportation system, which includes subways, buses and streetcars.

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

Is Philadelphia or Toronto a more walkable city?

Philadelphia is terrific for its walkability. Also, Toronto is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of 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.

Toronto is a very walkable city. It's a pedestrian-friendly city that is great for exploring on foot. The waterfront area has a walkway and there are cycling trails around town as well.

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

Should I spend more time in Toronto or Philadelphia?

How long in Philadelphia or Toronto?

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

Families should spend more time in Philadelphia than Toronto. 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 Toronto than Philadelphia. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Toronto that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Toronto than Philadelphia 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 Toronto.

One day in Philadelphia or Toronto?

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 Toronto, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this diverse city offers. 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 Toronto?

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.

Toronto is a fun place to experience. 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 Toronto?

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.

In Toronto, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this vibrant big city offers. 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 Toronto?

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.

Toronto is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. 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 Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.

When comparing the travel costs between Philadelphia and Toronto, we can see that Toronto 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 Toronto Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Philadelphia or Toronto?

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

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 Toronto in the Summer?

Both Toronto and Philadelphia are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. 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 Toronto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Philadelphia is generally a little warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Philadelphia average around 77°F (25°C), and Toronto fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Toronto. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Philadelphia. Philadelphia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Toronto during summer. Philadelphia gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 281 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Philadelphia. In July, Philadelphia usually receives more rain than Toronto. Philadelphia gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Philadelphia or Toronto in the Autumn?

Both Toronto and Philadelphia during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Toronto in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Philadelphia is a little warmer than Toronto in the autumn. The daily temperature in Philadelphia averages around 56°F (14°C) in October, and Toronto fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

It's quite sunny in Philadelphia. In the autumn, Philadelphia often gets more sunshine than Toronto. Philadelphia gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 153 hours of full sun.

Philadelphia usually gets less rain in October than Toronto. Philadelphia gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Philadelphia or Toronto in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Philadelphia and Toronto. Many visitors come to Philadelphia in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Toronto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Toronto can be very cold during winter. Philadelphia can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Philadelphia is much warmer than Toronto. Typically, the winter temperatures in Philadelphia in January average around 30°F (-1°C), and Toronto averages at about -4°C (25°F).

Philadelphia usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during winter. Philadelphia gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 87 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Philadelphia usually receives more rain than Toronto. Philadelphia gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Philadelphia or Toronto in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Philadelphia as well as Toronto. Most visitors come to Philadelphia for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Toronto because of the activities around the city.

In April, Philadelphia is generally much warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Philadelphia average around 52°F (11°C), and Toronto fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Philadelphia this time of the year. In the spring, Philadelphia often gets more sunshine than Toronto. Philadelphia gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 179 hours of full sun.

Philadelphia usually gets more rain in April than Toronto. Philadelphia gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Toronto and Philadelphia