A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Washington vs. Phoenix for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Washington or Phoenix?

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 Phoenix can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Washington or Phoenix?

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.

Phoenix

The most populous city in the American Southwest, Phoenix is the capital city of Arizona and busiest hub of activity in the general area. Geographically it is located in the Sonoran Desert, making for long hot summers and mild winters. This climate has ensured a thriving tourism industry with plenty of attractions both in and around Phoenix.

Which city is cheaper, Phoenix or Washington?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Washington is $155, while the average daily cost in Phoenix is $187. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Washington and Phoenix in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Washington $91
    Phoenix $113
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Washington $182
    Phoenix $226
Compare Hotels in Washington and Phoenix

Looking for a hotel in Washington or Phoenix? 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.

Hotels in Washington


Hotels in Phoenix


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 Phoenix Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Washington $37
    Phoenix $28
Typical Local Transportation prices in Washington

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Washington are as follows:


  • Metro Day Pass
    $9.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Washington

Also for Washington, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Washington to New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA) - Departure Private Transfer: $535
  • Washington to New York J.F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) - Departure Private Transfer: $535
  • Washington City to New York City - Private Car Transfer: $516
  • Washington to Newark International Airport (EWR) - Departure Private Transfer: $491
  • Washington City to Philadelphia City - Private Car Transfer: $392
  • Washington, DC: Potomac Mills Outlet Private Transfer: $357
  • Private transfer from or to IAD , DCA , PHL , MDT airports , VA and Philadelphia: $320
  • Washington Airport Transfers: Washington to Dulles Airport IAD in Luxury Car: $218
  • BWI Airport: Transfer to Baltimore or Washington DC: $200
  • Washington, DC: Private Airport Transfer(SUV): To or From: (DCA) Reagan National: $180
  • Washington City to Baltimore City - Private Car Transfer: $168
  • Airport Transfer to and from Dulles International IAD Airport: $160

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phoenix

Also for Phoenix, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer: Phoenix to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX): $622
  • Private Transfer: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) to Phoenix: $622
  • SUV Airport One Way Transfer Phoenix to Flagstaff, Prescott, Sedona, or Tucson: $334
  • Sedan Airport One Way Transfer Phoenix to Flagstaff, Prescott, Sedona or Tucson: $309
  • Airport VAN Phoenix One Way Transfer Scottsdale Address: $213
  • Airport VAN Phoenix One Way Transfer Phoenix Address: $213
  • Phoenix Round Trip Private Airport-Hotel Transfer: $176
  • Phoenix Airport Transfers : Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Luxury Van: $131
  • Phoenix Airport Transfers : Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury Van: $131
  • Private Transfer to/from Phoenix Airport (PHX): $128
  • Airport SUV Phoenix One Way Transfer Scottsdale Address: $121
  • Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) to Phoenix - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $119

Is it cheaper to fly into Washington or Phoenix?

Prices for flights to both Phoenix 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Washington $30
    Phoenix $42
Typical Food prices in Washington

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Washington:


  • Water
    $2.00
  • 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:

  • Seattle: Pike Place Market Plant-Based Food Tour: $64
  • Washington D.C.: 3.5-Hour Georgetown Food Tour: $65
  • Washington DC: 3-Hour Italian Food Tour: $65
  • Washington DC Food Tour: Italian Cuisine in Dupont Circle: $65
  • Washington, DC: The Original Brew Tour with Tasting & Dinner: $70
  • Adams Morgan Food Tour: $76
  • Washington DC: Private Food Tour Experience: $79
  • Capitol Hill Walking Food Tour: $79
  • U Street Neighborhood Food Tour: $99
  • Washington DC Odyssey Dinner Cruise: $100
  • Private French Cooking Class with an Expert in the Heart of Washington DC: $108
  • Washington, DC 3-Hour Dinner Buffet Cruise: $122

Typical Food prices in Phoenix

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Phoenix:


  • Nice Lunch (for 2)
    $36
  • Indian Food Dinner (for 2)
    $32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phoenix

For Phoenix, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Awesome French Crêpes Cooking Class: $65

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Washington $19
    Phoenix $32

Tours and Activities in Washington

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Washington.

  • "HEROES OF FREEDOM" PRIVATE TOUR (4 Hour Military Tribute): $658
  • "SHINING CITY" PRIVATE TOUR (3 Hour Evening Tour): $658
  • 2 Day Grand Tour with George Washington's Mount Vernon: $95
  • 2-Day Colonial Williamsburg Guided Tour from Washington DC: $330
  • 24/48-Hour Washington, D.C. Hop-on Hop-off Tour: $49
  • 3-Hour "DC After Dark" Night-Time Guided Bus Tour with Stops at Top Attractions: $35
  • 3-Hour Private Jeep Tour of Washington D.C.: $495
  • 3-Hour Washington DC "Monuments By Night" Guided Night-Time Sightseeing Bus Tour: $49
  • 3-Hour Washington DC "Morning Monuments" Guided Sightseeing Walking & Bus Tour: $64
  • 3-Hour Washington, D.C Urban Adventure Scavenger Hunt: $44
  • 30-Minutes Supercar Driving Pilot Experience in Washington DC: $275
  • Advance Tickets to Washington, D.C.'s Newseum: $24

Tours and Activities in Phoenix

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Phoenix.

  • 2-Day Grand Canyon Tour from Phoenix: $539
  • 3-Day Sedona and Grand Canyon Rail Experience: $820
  • 4 Person Guided U Drive Jeep Experience: $650
  • A Day In The Old West Adventure including Horseback Ride and Cowboy Lunch: $325
  • ATV Rentals and Tours: $350
  • Apache Trail Full Day Small Group Tour: $149
  • Apache Trail and Dolly Steamboat Tour: $129
  • Awesome Instagram Tour of Phoenix: $150
  • BYOB Pedal Bar Experience In Old Town Scottsdale: $53
  • Biplane - 30 Minute Scenic Sightseeing Tour in Phoenix: $250
  • Christmas | Holiday Lights ISM Zoomtown Lights 2 Hour Tour: $320
  • Christmas | Holiday light Illuminations Symphony of lights only 2 hour Tours: $320

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Washington $15
    Phoenix $13

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
  • Haunted Washington D.C. Ghost and Pub Walking Tour: $27
  • Washington DC: Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $34
  • DC: 'New York Times Journeys' Walking Tour with Beer, Cheese and Wine Tasting: $120
  • Seattle All-Inclusive: Hike Mt. Rainier and Wine Tasting: $278
  • NOVA Private Custom Wine Tours & Tasting from DMV: $645
  • 6 Hours Northern VA Wine Tour: $920

Sample the Local Flavors in Phoenix

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Phoenix:

  • Wine Tours, Airport Transportation and more!: $100
  • Custom Arizona Brewery Tour: $245
  • Scottsdale: Mountain Biking and Brewery Tour: $250
  • From Phoenix/Scottsdale: Sedona Hiking & Wine Tasting Tour: $275
  • Private Southern Arizona Wine Tour Phoenix to Sonoita-Elgin Vineyards: $997
  • Private Wine Tour from Phoenix to Sonoita-Elgin Vineyards: $1,650

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Washington and Phoenix, we can see that Phoenix 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 Phoenix would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Phoenix than you might in Washington.


When is the best time to visit Washington or Phoenix?

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 Washington or Phoenix in the Summer?

Both Phoenix and Washington are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Washington for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

It's very hot in Phoenix this time of the year. In July, Washington is generally cooler than Phoenix. Temperatures in Washington average around 79°F (26°C), and Phoenix stays around 98°F (36°C).

It's quite sunny in Phoenix. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Washington. Washington usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during summer. Washington gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 380 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Washington usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Washington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Washington 79°F (26°C) 
    Phoenix 98°F (36°C)

Should I visit Washington or Phoenix in the Autumn?

Both Phoenix and Washington during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Washington in the autumn 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 much colder than Phoenix in the autumn. The temperature in Washington is usually 60°F (15°C) in October, and Phoenix stays around 79°F (26°C).

In Phoenix, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Washington often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Washington gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 305 hours of full sun.

Washington usually gets more rain in October than Phoenix. Washington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Washington 60°F (15°C) 
    Phoenix 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Washington or Phoenix in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Washington and Phoenix. Most visitors come to Washington for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

Washington can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Washington is much colder than Phoenix. Typically, the winter temperatures in Washington in January are around 35°F (1°C), and Phoenix is about 58°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phoenix this time of the year. Washington usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during winter. Washington gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 254 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Washington usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Washington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Washington 35°F (1°C) 
    Phoenix 58°F (14°C)

Should I visit Washington or Phoenix in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Washington as well as Phoenix. The spring months attract visitors to Washington because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Washington is generally much colder than Phoenix. Temperatures in Washington average around 56°F (14°C), and Phoenix stays around 74°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phoenix. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Washington this time of the year. In the spring, Washington often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Washington gets 228 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 355 hours of full sun.

Washington usually gets more rain in April than Phoenix. Washington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Washington 56°F (14°C) 
    Phoenix 74°F (23°C)

Typical Weather for Phoenix and Washington

Washington Phoenix
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 58°F (14°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Feb 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Apr 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 74°F (23°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 83°F (28°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jun 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 92°F (34°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 98°F (36°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
Aug 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 96°F (35°C) 0.9 inches (24 mm)
Sep 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 90°F (32°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Oct 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 79°F (26°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Nov 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
Dec 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 58°F (15°C) 1 inches (25 mm)


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Washington vs. Phoenix Travel Comparison

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