A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Washington vs. Seattle for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Music

Should you visit Washington or Seattle?

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

Washington

Washington is a international, diverse, and active city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Seattle

Seattle is a outdoorsy, laid-back, and bustling city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Washington and Seattle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Washington or Seattle?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Seattle. Although Washington and Seattle are roughly the same size, Seattle has more sights and attractions for tourists. Seattle is better known for its music, beaches, and hiking, while Washington is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Washington is well known for its reputation as the capital of the United States, but it's also known for its many monuments, memorials, and museums. Seattle is well known for its beautiful waterfront setting, diverse culinary scene, thriving art and cultural venues, and being the home of many international tech companies. Also, Seattle is famous for The Space Needle.

How is Washington different from Seattle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Washington or Seattle?

Washington is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Washington on the map. The city has world class museums that are often free. The Smithsonian Museums are arguably some of the most impressive museums in the United States. The city also has a large collection of monuments that are dedicated to past presidents or historical events. Many are best experienced at night when the sun sets and the lights come on.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Seattle. The city's most iconic landmark is the Space Needle. There's also a zoo, aquarium, and a handful of nice museums. Several favorites include the Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of History & Industry, and the Seattle Art Museum.

Is Washington or Seattle Better for Theater?

Washington is notable for its shows and theatre. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for theatre.

Many visitors plan to see a show while visiting Washington. Theater is popular in the city. From major theaters like the Kennedy Center and Ford's Theater, to lesser known smaller venues, there are options for everyone.

You'll find a nice selection of shows in Seattle. There are a handful of theaters where you can enjoy traveling Broadway shows or smaller productions.

Is the Food Better in Washington or Seattle? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Washington is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Washington is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. This city is among the most diverse in the country, so you can find restaurants from almost any cuisine here. It's worth exploring and stepping out of your comfort zone. There are popular neighborhoods for Ethiopian, Korean, Thai, Japanese, and Chinese food, among many others.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Seattle. The city has many diverse dining options that make it a popular foodie destination. The seafood is world-class with many restaurants offering fresh caught salmon and oysters. There are also many great Asian restaurants with Pho, sushi, and dim sum all being popular around town. Seattle is also famous as the birthplace of Starbucks coffee, and both chain and independent coffee shops are common. Finally, make sure you check out the donuts at Pike's Place Market.

Is Washington or Seattle Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is excellent in both Washington and Seattle.

Many people head to Washington for the nightlife scene. Many visitors head straight to the museums and the National Mall, and don't realize what a livable and fun city this is. Some of the best nightlife is found in Dupont Circle, U Street, and even Arlington, VA. The city's young population ensures that there's never a dull moment.

Seattle has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city is known for its breweries and eclectic nightlife scene. There is a thriving theater scene as well as many bars and trendy restaurants. The best neighborhoods for nightlife include Capitol Hill, Belltown, and Downtown.

Is Washington or Seattle Better for Music?

Seattle is great for live music. Also, Washington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its live music scene.

The music scene in Seattle draws a good crowd. The city has developed its own music culture around several genres including alternative rock and grunge.

The music scene helps keep Washington active and fun. Notable live music venues include the 9:30 Club, the Anthem, and Union Stage.

Is Washington or Seattle Better for Beaches?

Seattle is very good for its beaches. However, Washington is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Seattle to enjoy the beach. The city is surrounded by water so there are a number of rocky and sandy beaches nearby. Some beaches are more popular with locals while others attract a large amount of tourists. Alki Beach Park, Discovery Park, and Golden Gardens Park are among the best.

Washington is not a beach destination.

Is Washington or Seattle Better for Hiking?

Seattle is great for hiking. However, Washington is not a good destination for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Seattle for the hiking trails. It's famously an outdoorsy city and the hiking will not disappoint. Within a half hour drive of town you'll find beautiful forests and stunning natural beauty. Head into the Cascades, to the coastal rainforests, or around Mount Rainier for all kinds of diverse landscapes. Seattle is well situated for you to experience hiking through the diverse Pacific Northwest landscapes.

Many visitors include a hike while visiting Washington. Just outside of Washington DC you'll find plenty of places to go hiking. There's also an elaborate bike and walking trail system in the city. To enjoy a bit of nature, head to Teddy Roosevelt Island.

Is the Shopping Better in Washington or Seattle?

Washington is notable for its shopping areas. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Washington. Head to Georgetown and Dupont Circle for some of the city's best local shopping. There are name brand chains mixed in with local boutiques. You'll also find plenty of souvenir shops in the more touristy areas if you're looking to pick up some trinkets.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Seattle. Shopping in town has an eclectic mix of high end brands, local vendors, and vintage shops. There are farmers markets as well as the famous Pike Place Market, but also major malls with all of the standard department stores.

Is Washington or Seattle Better for Christmas?

Washington is renowned for its Christmas activities. However, Seattle does not offer Christmas activities.

Washington is a fantastic destination at Christmas. With it's beautiful lights and holiday shows, Christmas is beautiful in the capital of the United States.

Seattle does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Washington or Seattle Better for Families?

Washington is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Washington is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It is a fun and educational destination where kids can explore world class museums and try unique foods from all around the world. The city has nationally recognized landmarks, monuments, and memorials and it's also home to some of the best (free) museums in the United States including the world class Smithsonian Institutions. Many schools visit Washington DC as a field trip, particularly during the Spring months, so you'll kids groups in colorful t-shirts running around the National Mall.

Seattle is a family-friendly city. This is an outdoor city with plenty of places where kids can run around and experience nature. There are several good museums as well as outdoor activities, parks, and a zoo. Make sure you check out the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Volunteer Park, and Artists at Play Playground.

Is Washington or Seattle Better for Couples?

Washington is notable for couples. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Washington is a very popular place to visit for couples. The city lights up at night, so couples will enjoy wandering by the monuments in the evening or taking in a dinner and show. During the Spring months you'll find couples wandering through the Cherry Blossoms or along the waterfront.

Seattle is a nice destination for couples. The city has a laid back vibe, a nice downtown area, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are a diversity of restaurants to enjoy and a great nightlife scene that makes for a good couple's getaway.

Is Washington or Seattle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Seattle is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Washington is not a good destination for backpackers.

Seattle is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Although it's not the most popular city for backpackers in America, the city's chill vibe, fun breweries, and lively setting make it a great spot for young backpackers.

Washington is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it is an international travel destination, the city often isn't at the top of most backpacker's lists. There are some affordable accommodation options available though if you know where to look.

Is Washington or Seattle Better for Students?

Washington is renowned for students. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Washington is a great destination for students. International students come from around the world to study, learn, intern, and work in the capital of the United States. There are many internships available through the federal government as well as NGOs and nonprofits.

Students come from all over to stay in Seattle. It is a major IT center with a large university, so international students will have plenty of opportunities here. It's also a vibrant city with many outdoor recreational opportunities and a fun nightlife scene.

Is Washington or Seattle Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Washington is renowned for its public transit. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Washington has a great public transit system. The metro system and the bus system are reliable and efficient ways to explore the city.

Seattle has some public transit options. There is a light rail system, a monorail, a street car, and buses.

Is Washington or Seattle a more walkable city?

Washington is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Washington on foot. Many neighborhoods around the city are easy to explore on foot. Most tourists spend a lot of time in the Mall area, which is very pedestrian friendly.

Seattle is very walkable. Many neighborhoods are very walkable, particularly in the downtown and major tourist areas.

For even more information, also check out Is Washington Worth Visiting? and Is Seattle Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Seattle or Washington?

How long in Washington or Seattle?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Washington and Seattle. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Washington than in Seattle. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Washington, and 2-3 days is enough time in Seattle.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Seattle than Washington 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 Seattle.

One day in Washington or Seattle?

Because Washington is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With theater and nightlife around the outdoorsy city of Seattle, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Washington or Seattle?

Because Washington 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. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

With nightlife and live music around the big city destination of Seattle, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Washington or Seattle?

Washington is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Washington has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Seattle, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Washington or Seattle?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Washington. Because Washington is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Seattle is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.

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

Which is Bigger, Washington or Seattle?

Seattle has a larger population, and is about 3% larger than the population of Washington. When comparing the sizes of Washington and Seattle, 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 Seattle?

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 Seattle in the Summer?

Both Seattle 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. Also, many travelers come to Seattle for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Washington is generally a little warmer than Seattle. Daily temperatures in Washington average around 79°F (26°C), and Seattle fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

In Seattle, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Washington. In the summer, Washington often gets less sunshine than Seattle. Washington gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 313 hours of full sun.

Washington usually gets more rain in July than Seattle. Washington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Washington or Seattle in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Washington and Seattle. 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. Also, many visitors come to Seattle 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 a little warmer than Seattle in the autumn. The daily temperature in Washington averages around 60°F (15°C) in October, and Seattle fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

Washington usually receives more sunshine than Seattle during autumn. Washington gets 197 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 143 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Washington usually receives less rain than Seattle. Washington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Washington or Seattle in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Washington as well as Seattle. Many visitors come to Washington in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Seattle for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

Washington can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Washington is much colder than Seattle. Typically, the winter temperatures in Washington in January average around 35°F (1°C), and Seattle averages at about 42°F (5°C).

In the winter, Washington often gets more sunshine than Seattle. Washington gets 139 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 67 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Seattle. Washington usually gets less rain in January than Seattle. Washington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Washington or Seattle in the Spring?

Both Seattle 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. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Seattle because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Washington is generally a little warmer than Seattle. Daily temperatures in Washington average around 56°F (14°C), and Seattle fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

It's quite sunny in Seattle. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Washington. Washington usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Seattle during spring. Washington gets 228 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Washington usually receives more rain than Seattle. Washington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Seattle and Washington