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

Should you visit Raleigh or Philadelphia?

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

Should I visit Raleigh or Philadelphia? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Raleigh

Raleigh is a friendly, southern, and student-friendly city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, museums, and nightlife.

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.

Raleigh and Philadelphia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Raleigh or Philadelphia?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Philadelphia than Raleigh, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Philadelphia is more touristy than Raleigh and 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. Raleigh is popular for its many museums and being the home to North Carolina State University.

How is Raleigh different from Philadelphia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Raleigh or Philadelphia?

Philadelphia is very popular for its museums and landmarks. Also, Raleigh is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

Raleigh is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. As the state capital, there are a number of free museums in the area. There are also some kid-friendly options and other activities that are affiliated with the colleges and universities. Popular options include the NC Museum of Natural Sciences (free), the NC Museum of History (free), the NC Museum of Art (free), and Marbles Kids Museum.

Is Raleigh or Philadelphia Better for Theater?

Philadelphia is well known for its shows and theatre. However, Raleigh 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.

Raleigh is not a theatre destination.

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

Philadelphia is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Raleigh is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Philadelphia is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Raleigh. In addition to the standard chain restaurants, you'll find a number of local eateries with great southern dishes. Try some southern classics like barbecue, pimento cheese, and fried chicken and waffles. There are also good international options including Nepalese, Laotian, and Ethiopian flavors.

Is Raleigh or Philadelphia Better for Nightlife?

Philadelphia is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Raleigh is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Philadelphia is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Raleigh has a few options to choose from. Head to downtown Raleigh or the areas around NC State University for some of the best nightlife. Trivia nights and happy hours are popular and you'll find breweries popping up in many places.

Is Raleigh or Philadelphia Better for Music?

Philadelphia is well known for its music scene. However, Raleigh is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Philadelphia. The city's diverse music scene includes jazz, rock, and hip hop.

Raleigh is not a live music destination.

Is Raleigh or Philadelphia Better for its Old Town?

Philadelphia is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Raleigh 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.

Raleigh does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Raleigh or Philadelphia?

Philadelphia is well known for its shopping areas. However, Raleigh is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Raleigh is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Raleigh or Philadelphia Better for Christmas?

Philadelphia is well known for its Christmas activities. However, Raleigh does not offer Christmas activities.

Visitors come from all around to experience the Christmas activities in Philadelphia. There are a number of holiday events, light shows, and festivals during the holiday season.

Raleigh does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Raleigh or Philadelphia Better for Christmas Markets?

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

Raleigh does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Raleigh or Philadelphia Better for Families?

Philadelphia is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Raleigh is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Raleigh offers lots of family activities. For such a small city, Raleigh has a number of unique kid-friendly activities like the popular Pullen Park and Marbles Kids' Museum. Pullen Park has small rides and a playground that are perfect for young kids. There's also the NC Museum of Natural History which is free and fun to explore with kids.

Is Raleigh or Philadelphia Better for Couples?

Philadelphia is a popular place for couples. However, Raleigh is not particularly known for romance.

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.

Raleigh is not the best destination for a couple to visit. While it's often overlooked by couples who want a weekend away, there are a number of museums and some nice restaurants to explore.

Is Raleigh or Philadelphia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Philadelphia is a popular place for backpackers. However, Raleigh is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Raleigh is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Raleigh or Philadelphia Better for Students?

Raleigh and Philadelphia are very good places to visit for students.

Raleigh is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city has a diverse student population with many nearby universities and colleges.

Philadelphia is very popular with students. With its many universities and diverse population, this city is a great place for international students.

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

Philadelphia is well known for its public transit. However, Raleigh is not particularly known 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.

Public transit is quite limited in Raleigh. The city's public transportation options are limited to a few bus lines that are mostly used by students.

Is Raleigh or Philadelphia a more walkable city?

Philadelphia is very popular for its ease of walking around. However, Raleigh is not particularly known for its walkability.

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

Raleigh is generally not a very walkable city. The city is somewhat walkable in the downtown area, but everywhere else you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Philadelphia or Raleigh?

How long in Raleigh or Philadelphia?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Philadelphia than Raleigh 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 Raleigh or Philadelphia?

In Raleigh, many people enjoy the food and museums that this southern 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.

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.

A weekend in Raleigh or Philadelphia?

Raleigh 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.

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.

Five days in Raleigh or Philadelphia?

You'll find nightlife and food around the friendly destination of Raleigh. 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.

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.

A week in Raleigh or Philadelphia?

Raleigh 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 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.

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

Which is Bigger, Raleigh or Philadelphia?

Philadelphia has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Raleigh. When comparing the sizes of Raleigh and Philadelphia, 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 Raleigh or Philadelphia?

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 Raleigh or Philadelphia in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Raleigh as well as Philadelphia. Many travelers come to Raleigh for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Philadelphia in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Raleigh is generally around the same temperature as Philadelphia. Daily temperatures in Raleigh average around 79°F (26°C), and Philadelphia fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Philadelphia. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Raleigh this time of the year. In the summer, Raleigh often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Philadelphia. Raleigh gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 273 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Philadelphia. Raleigh receives a lot of rain in the summer. Raleigh usually gets more rain in July than Philadelphia. Raleigh gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Raleigh or Philadelphia in the Autumn?

Both Philadelphia and Raleigh are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Raleigh in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions. Also, 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.

Raleigh is a little warmer than Philadelphia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Raleigh averages around 61°F (16°C) in October, and Philadelphia fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Philadelphia. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Raleigh. Raleigh usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Philadelphia during autumn. Raleigh gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Philadelphia receives 202 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Raleigh usually receives more rain than Philadelphia. Raleigh gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Raleigh or Philadelphia in the Winter?

Both Philadelphia and Raleigh during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Raleigh for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Philadelphia because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

The weather in Philadelphia can be very cold. Raleigh can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Raleigh is much warmer than Philadelphia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Raleigh in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Philadelphia averages at about 30°F (-1°C).

In the winter, Raleigh often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Philadelphia. Raleigh gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 152 hours of full sun.

Raleigh usually gets more rain in January than Philadelphia. Raleigh gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Raleigh or Philadelphia in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Raleigh and Philadelphia. The spring months attract visitors to Raleigh because of the activities around the city. Furthermore, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Philadelphia this time of year.

In April, Raleigh is generally a little warmer than Philadelphia. Daily temperatures in Raleigh average around 60°F (16°C), and Philadelphia fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Philadelphia this time of the year. In Raleigh, it's very sunny this time of the year. Raleigh usually receives more sunshine than Philadelphia during spring. Raleigh gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Philadelphia receives 216 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Raleigh usually receives more rain than Philadelphia. Raleigh gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Philadelphia and Raleigh