Which place is cheaper, Dayton or Washington?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Washington or Dayton?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Washington and Dayton can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Washington or Dayton?
Washington
Washington, DC is the capital city of the United States of America. It is also a city rich in history and culture. The city dates back to 1791 when the states of Maryland and Virginia donated the land to create the capital. In 1846, Congress returned the land that was ceded by Virginia and in 1871 it created a single municipal government with the remaining area. Today, Washington, DC has a population of over 600,000 people. The metropolitan area includes suburbs in Maryland and Virginia and has a population of about 5.8 million.
Dayton
Located in southwest Ohio, Dayton is known as the "Gem City." It's the original home of Orville and Wilbur Wright, the brothers who designed the first airplane. You'll also find the Dayton Aviation Heritage Park here, which is one of the only multi-site National Parks in the United States. The cities climate has four different seasons, winter, spring, summer and fall. The winter months are quite cold and you can expect a decent amount of snow in the area. Spring remains cool and there are infrequent showers. This is also the peak time for tornadoes in the area. Summer is hot and humid and can be unpleasant at times, but fall is crisp and refreshing with occasional storms and infrequent tornadoes.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayWashington $198Dayton $323
The average daily cost (per person) in Washington is $198, while the average daily cost in Dayton is $323. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Washington and Dayton in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personWashington $113Dayton $250
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomWashington $226Dayton $500
Compare Hotels in Washington and Dayton
Looking for a hotel in Washington or Dayton? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Washington Hotel Prices and Dayton Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Washington $47Dayton $25
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Washington
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Washington are as follows:
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Metro Day Pass$9.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Washington
Also for Washington, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Washington DC: Bus transfer from/to Philadelphia: $5.74
- Transfer in private car from Washington Ronald Reagan Airport to Washington City: $53
- Washington Airport (DCA) to Washington - Arrival Private Transfer: $58
- Private Departure Transfer to Baltimore Washington Airport BWI: $60
- Washington City to Baltimore City - Private Car Transfer: $63
- Washington to Washington Airport (IAD) Departure Private Transfer: $64
- Private Transfer in Washington DC: $70
- Private Transfer- Dulles Airport (IAD) to Washington City Center: $80
- Transfer in private vehicle from Washington City to Dulles Airport: $88
- Private One-Way Washington Airport Transfer To/From Washington: $91
- Transfer from Ronald Reagan Airport DCA to Washington DC by SUV: $93
- Arrival Transfer Dulles Airport IAD to Washington DC by Sedan: $106
Is it cheaper to fly into Washington or Dayton?
Prices for flights to both Dayton and Washington change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayWashington $38Dayton $61
Typical Food Prices in Washington
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Washington:
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Water$2.00
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Snacks on Monuments Tour$6.15
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Washington
For Washington, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- DC: Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise on the Spirit: $60
- Little Ethiopia Food Tour: $67
- Washington DC Holiday Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $70
- DC: Gourmet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise on the Odyssey: $74
- Dupont Circle Food Tour: $80
- Washington D.C.: Georgetown Guided Secret Food Tour: $96
- Washington, DC: African American History Tour with Dinner: $108
- Washington,DC: Union Market Private Food Tour: $125
- Washington D.C.: Taste of Georgetown Walking Food Tour: $129
- Washington DC: Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $140
- Washington DC: Personalized & Private Food Tour with a Local: $150
- Washington DC Christmas Eve Plated Dinner Cruise: $206
Typical Food Prices in Dayton
Some typical examples of dining costs in Dayton are as follows:
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Noodle Company Lunch (for 2)$17
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Indian Food Dinner (for 2)$34
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Washington $24Dayton -
Tours and Activities in Washington
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Washington.
- The Kennedy Homes: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- DC's Presidents, Pubs, and Parties: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Washington D.C.’s Tidal Basin: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Washington, DC: Lincoln Assassination Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- The Kennedy Homes of Georgetown: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Scandals & Secrets on Embassy Row: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Washington DC: National Mall Self Guided App Walking Tour: $6.50
- Lincoln Memorial to the Cap Hill D.C. Smart Phone App/GPS Tour: $6.75
- Washington DC Outdoor Escape Game Tour: FBI vs. Bank Robbers: $7.06
- The National Mall: Walking In App Audio Tour (ENG): $9.00
- Washington, DC: National Air and Space Museum Audio Tour: $9.00
- D.C: White House Museum & President's Park Audio Tour (EN): $9.00
Tours and Activities in Dayton
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dayton are as follows:
- Daytona Beach: Guided Kayaking or Standup Paddling Tour: $65
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayWashington $19Dayton -
Sample the Local Flavors in Washington
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Washington:
- Epic Washington DC Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
- DC Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl By US Ghost Adventures: $35
- Washington DC: Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
- Washington, D.C.: History Tour Pub Crawl: $59
- DC Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $105
- DC: Guided Craft Brewery Tours with a Snack: $105
- From Washington DC: Seneca Creek Region Wine Tour with Lunch: $175
- Private Washington DC Virginia Winery Wine Tasting Tour -Spirited: $255
Sample the Local Flavors in Dayton
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dayton:
- Dive Bar Bus Crawl: $38
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Washington and Dayton, we can see that Dayton is more expensive. And not only is Washington much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Washington would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Washington 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 Dayton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dayton than you might in Washington.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Washington Expensive? and Is Dayton Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Washington or Dayton?
Washington has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Dayton. When comparing the sizes of Washington and Dayton, 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 Washington or Dayton?
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 Washington or Dayton in the Summer?
Both Dayton and Washington during the summer are popular places to visit. The hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Washington this time of year.
In July, Washington is generally around the same temperature as Dayton. Daily temperatures in Washington average around 79°F (26°C), and Dayton fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).
In Dayton, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Washington. In the summer, Washington often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dayton. Washington gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dayton receives 298 hours of full sun.
Washington usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Dayton. Washington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Dayton receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyWashington 79°F (26°C)Dayton 78°F (26°C)
Should I visit Washington or Dayton in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Washington and Dayton. Many travelers come to Washington for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Washington is around the same temperature as Dayton in the autumn. The daily temperature in Washington averages around 60°F (15°C) in October, and Dayton fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).
Washington usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dayton during autumn. Washington gets 197 hours of sunny skies, while Dayton receives 188 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Washington usually receives more rain than Dayton. Washington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Dayton receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberWashington 60°F (15°C)Dayton 57°F (14°C)
Should I visit Washington or Dayton in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Washington as well as Dayton. Many visitors come to Washington in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
Dayton can be very cold during winter. Washington can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Washington is much warmer than Dayton. Typically, the winter temperatures in Washington in January average around 35°F (1°C), and Dayton averages at about 30°F (-1°C).
In the winter, Washington often gets more sunshine than Dayton. Washington gets 139 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dayton receives 129 hours of full sun.
Washington usually gets more rain in January than Dayton. Washington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Dayton receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryWashington 35°F (1°C)Dayton 30°F (-1°C)
Should I visit Washington or Dayton in the Spring?
Both Dayton and Washington are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Washington for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Washington is generally around the same temperature as Dayton. Daily temperatures in Washington average around 56°F (14°C), and Dayton fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).
It's quite sunny in Dayton. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Washington. Washington usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dayton during spring. Washington gets 228 hours of sunny skies, while Dayton receives 215 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Washington usually receives less rain than Dayton. Washington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Dayton receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilWashington 56°F (14°C)Dayton 55°F (13°C)
Typical Weather for Dayton and Washington
| Washington | Dayton | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 35°F (1°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) |
| Feb | 37°F (3°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) | 33°F (1°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) |
| Mar | 47°F (8°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 44°F (7°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Apr | 56°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) | 55°F (13°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) |
| May | 66°F (19°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) | 65°F (18°C) | 4 inches (102 mm) |
| Jun | 75°F (24°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Jul | 79°F (26°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) |
| Aug | 78°F (26°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Sep | 71°F (22°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 69°F (21°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) |
| Oct | 60°F (15°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.5 inches (64 mm) |
| Nov | 50°F (10°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 47°F (8°C) | 3.1 inches (80 mm) |
| Dec | 39°F (4°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 35°F (2°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.