A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Phoenix vs. Palm Springs for Nightlife, Food, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Phoenix or Palm Springs?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Phoenix and Palm Springs can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Phoenix

Phoenix is a sprawling, desert, and laid back city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a chic, outdoorsy, and ritzy city. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Phoenix and Palm Springs: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Phoenix or Palm Springs?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Palm Springs than Phoenix, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Palm Springs is more touristy than Phoenix and is popular for its golfing, shopping, and mid-century modern architecture. Also, Palm Springs is famous for the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Phoenix is well known for its desert landscapes, high number of golf courses, and year round warm weather.

How is Phoenix different from Palm Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Palm Springs and Phoenix. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Phoenix or Palm Springs?

You'll find a number of notable museums and attractions in both Palm Springs and Phoenix.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Phoenix. 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.

Palm Springs is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The Palm Springs Air Museum has an impressive collection of military planes. It's also worth visiting the Palm Springs Art Museum, which has a mix of fine art, natural history, and performing arts. You'll also find botanical gardens and even a zoo around town.

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

Palm Springs 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.

Palm Springs has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Fresh ingredients and typical California cuisine is common around town. Brunch is a popular option for visitors and you'll find countless brunch cafes in the area. You'll also find Mexican food, pizza, and plenty of vegan and vegetarian options.

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 Phoenix or Palm Springs Better for Nightlife?

Palm Springs is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Palm Springs is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The area is filled with nightlife options that range from cocktail bars to nightclubs or breweries. You can party into the early morning at the dance clubs or enjoy a bottle of wine with friends at one of the lounges.

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 Phoenix or Palm Springs Better for Resorts?

Palm Springs is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Phoenix is not a resort destination.

Palm Springs is a world class resort vacation destination. Resorts range from luxurious to more laid back. Most have impressive pools and many have their own spas, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Phoenix is not a resort destination.

Is Phoenix or Palm Springs Better for Hiking?

Palm Springs is a great city for hiking. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Palm Springs for the hiking trails. There are more than 100 trails in the Greater Palm Springs area that take you through scenic desert landscapes and unique ecosystems. Some of the most popular trails include Andreas Canyon Trail and Araby Trail.

Phoenix offers some nice hiking trails. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Phoenix or Palm Springs?

Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs. Shopping ranges from outlets to boutique vendors. For the most local options head to Palm Canyon Drive and for an upscale shopping experience, visit the El Paseo shopping district.

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 Phoenix or Palm Springs Better for Families?

Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs. The year round sunny weather and diversity of outdoor activities make this a great family-friendly destination. There are desert hikes, zoos, and even a dinosaur museum. Kids can also pass their time playing at the pool or enjoying the waterslides.

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 Phoenix or Palm Springs Better for Couples?

Palm Springs is a great city for couples. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Palm Springs is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Whether you're on a honeymoon or simply looking to escape the city, there are many romantic options in the area. From cozy inns to resort spa hotels, there are a range of accommodation options. Outdoor dining, hiking, and shopping are also popular.

Phoenix is a nice destination for couples. 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 Phoenix or Palm Springs Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Phoenix and Palm Springs both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Palm Springs. There are nine bus routes operated by SunLine Transit Agency, but most visitors prefer to have a car to get around.

Is Phoenix or Palm Springs a more walkable city?

Palm Springs is a city with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Phoenix is not known for its walkability.

Palm Springs is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the city are very walkable, particularly the touristy areas along Palm Canyon Drive.

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 Phoenix Worth Visiting? and Is Palm Springs Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Palm Springs or Phoenix?

How long in Phoenix or Palm Springs?

It's fun to spend time in either Phoenix or Palm Springs. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Palm Springs due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Phoenix, and 2-4 days is enough time in Palm Springs.

Families should spend more time in Palm Springs than Phoenix. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Palm Springs, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs.

One day in Phoenix or Palm Springs?

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.

In Palm Springs, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Phoenix or Palm Springs?

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.

In Palm Springs, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Palm Springs has to offer.

Five days in Phoenix or Palm Springs?

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.

Palm Springs is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

A week in Phoenix or Palm Springs?

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.

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

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 Phoenix and Palm Springs, we can see that Phoenix 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 Phoenix Expensive? and Is Palm Springs Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Phoenix or Palm Springs?

Phoenix has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Palm Springs. When comparing the sizes of Phoenix and Palm Springs, 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 Phoenix or Palm Springs?

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 Phoenix or Palm Springs in the Summer?

Both Palm Springs and Phoenix during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Phoenix in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Palm Springs for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

The heat can be very extreme in Phoenix. In the summer, Phoenix is much warmer than Palm Springs. Typically, the summer temperatures in Phoenix in July average around 98°F (36°C), and Palm Springs averages at about 73°F (23°C).

Phoenix usually gets more rain in July than Palm Springs. Phoenix gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Phoenix or Palm Springs in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Phoenix and Palm Springs. Most visitors come to Phoenix for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Palm Springs because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Phoenix is generally a little warmer than Palm Springs. Daily temperatures in Phoenix average around 79°F (26°C), and Palm Springs fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

In October, Phoenix usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. Phoenix gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Phoenix or Palm Springs in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Phoenix as well as Palm Springs. The winter months attract visitors to Phoenix because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Palm Springs this time of year.

Phoenix is around the same temperature as Palm Springs in the winter. The daily temperature in Phoenix averages around 58°F (14°C) in January, and Palm Springs fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

Phoenix usually gets less rain in January than Palm Springs. Phoenix gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 2 inches (52 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Phoenix or Palm Springs in the Spring?

Both Palm Springs and Phoenix are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In the spring, Phoenix is a little warmer than Palm Springs. Typically, the spring temperatures in Phoenix in April average around 74°F (23°C), and Palm Springs averages at about 62°F (17°C).

In April, Phoenix usually receives less rain than Palm Springs. Phoenix gets 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.9 inches (24 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Palm Springs and Phoenix