A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America West Palm Beach vs. Phoenix for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit West Palm Beach or Phoenix?

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

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Phoenix? 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.

West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is a vibrant, fun-filled, and diverse beach area. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Phoenix

Phoenix is a sprawling, desert, and laid back city. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

West Palm Beach and Phoenix: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in West Palm Beach or Phoenix?

Visitors will generally find more to do in West Palm Beach than Phoenix. While Phoenix is larger than West Palm Beach, West Palm Beach has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. West Palm Beach is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Phoenix is more popular for its museums, food, hiking, and shopping. West Palm Beach is more touristy than Phoenix and is known for its nice resorts, a lively boardwalk, great seafood, and fun watersports. Also, West Palm Beach is famous for Rosemary Square. Phoenix is well known for its desert landscapes, high number of golf courses, and year round warm weather.

How is West Palm Beach different from Phoenix?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Phoenix is a popular place for its historical sights. However, West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Phoenix is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Phoenix is a popular place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, West Palm Beach is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Phoenix. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in West Palm Beach. Oceanfront restaurants usually have a great view and offer local and fresh seafood. There are also many local restaurants concentrated around Clematis Street and CityPlace districts.

Is West Palm Beach or Phoenix Better for Nightlife?

West Palm Beach is a great beach area for its evening party scene. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

The nightlife in West Palm Beach has something for everybody. With rooftop bars and clubs, oceanfront venues, and plenty of nightlife options downtown, this city rivals most places when it comes to nightlife. The nightlife scene is particularly active during spring break, when university students head to town.

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 West Palm Beach or Phoenix Better for Resorts?

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

West Palm Beach is a world class resort vacation destination. All of the major names are present including the Hilton, Marriott, and Four Seasons.

Phoenix is not a resort destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Phoenix Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

West Palm Beach is a great beach area for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Phoenix is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

West Palm Beach is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. Check out Phil Foster Park in Rivera Beach. It's a man-made reef that is surprisingly clear.

Phoenix is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Phoenix Better for Beaches?

West Palm Beach is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Phoenix is not a beach destination.

West Palm Beach is considered to be a world-class beach destination. From bustling beaches with a boardwalk to quieter, more relaxing beaches surrounded by parkland, there are are number of options in the area.

Phoenix is not a beach destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Phoenix Better for Hiking?

Phoenix is a popular place for hiking. However, West Palm Beach is not a hiking destination.

Phoenix is a good destination for hiking. 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.

West Palm Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in West Palm Beach or Phoenix?

Phoenix is a popular place for shopping. However, West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Phoenix. 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.

West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Phoenix Better for Families?

West Palm Beach is a great beach area 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 West Palm Beach. Animal lovers will appreciate the zoos and aquariums in the area. Check out McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary, Manatee Lagoon, the Palm Beach Zoo, and the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium.

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 West Palm Beach or Phoenix Better for Couples?

West Palm Beach is a great beach area for couples. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

West Palm Beach is a great beach area if you're traveling as a couple. Couples will enjoy kayaking, dining out, or simply relaxing on the beach. It's fun to spend a day exploring the botanical gardens and an evening wandering around Clematis Street.

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 West Palm Beach or Phoenix Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

West Palm Beach is a beach area with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Phoenix is not known for its public transit.

While West Palm Beach offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a downtown trolley, a commuter trail line (connecting West Palm Beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale), and a bus system with about 30 lines.

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

Is West Palm Beach or Phoenix a more walkable city?

West Palm Beach is a beach area with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Phoenix is not known for its walkability.

West Palm Beach is a somewhat walkable beach area. West Palm Beach has a surprisingly walkable area and it's possible to explore the downtown area on foot.

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 West Palm Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Phoenix Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Phoenix or West Palm Beach?

How long in West Palm Beach or Phoenix?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both West Palm Beach and Phoenix. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in West Palm Beach than in Phoenix. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for West Palm Beach, and 1-3 days is enough time in Phoenix.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Phoenix than West Palm Beach 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 Phoenix.

One day in West Palm Beach or Phoenix?

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

The laid back destination of Phoenix offers nightlife and food. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in West Palm Beach or Phoenix?

In West Palm Beach, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

The city of Phoenix offers food and shopping. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in West Palm Beach or Phoenix?

West Palm Beach is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that West Palm Beach has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Phoenix is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in West Palm Beach or Phoenix?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in West Palm Beach. In West Palm Beach, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Phoenix. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between West Palm Beach and Phoenix, we can see that West Palm Beach is more expensive. And not only is Phoenix much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Phoenix would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Phoenix 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 West Palm Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in West Palm Beach than you might in Phoenix.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is West Palm Beach Expensive? and Is Phoenix Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, West Palm Beach or Phoenix?

Phoenix has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of West Palm Beach. When comparing the sizes of West Palm Beach and Phoenix, 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 West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach or Phoenix in the Summer?

Both Phoenix and West Palm Beach are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to West Palm Beach in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Phoenix for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

It's very hot in Phoenix this time of the year. In July, West Palm Beach is generally cooler than Phoenix. Daily temperatures in West Palm Beach average around 82°F (28°C), and Phoenix fluctuates around 98°F (36°C).

It's quite sunny in Phoenix. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in West Palm Beach. West Palm Beach usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during summer. West Palm Beach gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 380 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in West Palm Beach. In July, West Palm Beach usually receives more rain than Phoenix. West Palm Beach gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Phoenix in the Autumn?

Both Phoenix and West Palm Beach during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Phoenix because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

West Palm Beach is around the same temperature as Phoenix in the autumn. The daily temperature in West Palm Beach averages around 78°F (25°C) in October, and Phoenix fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

In Phoenix, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in West Palm Beach. In the autumn, West Palm Beach often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. West Palm Beach gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 305 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in West Palm Beach. West Palm Beach usually gets more rain in October than Phoenix. West Palm Beach gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in West Palm Beach.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Phoenix in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both West Palm Beach and Phoenix. The winter months attract visitors to West Palm Beach because of the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Phoenix this time of year.

In the winter, West Palm Beach is a little warmer than Phoenix. Typically, the winter temperatures in West Palm Beach in January average around 65°F (19°C), and Phoenix averages at about 58°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phoenix this time of the year. In West Palm Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. West Palm Beach usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Phoenix during winter. West Palm Beach gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 254 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, West Palm Beach usually receives more rain than Phoenix. West Palm Beach gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Phoenix in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to West Palm Beach as well as Phoenix. The beaches are the main draw to West Palm Beach this time of year.

In April, West Palm Beach is generally around the same temperature as Phoenix. Daily temperatures in West Palm Beach average around 74°F (23°C), and Phoenix fluctuates 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 West Palm Beach this time of the year. In the spring, West Palm Beach often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. West Palm Beach gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 355 hours of full sun.

West Palm Beach usually gets more rain in April than Phoenix. West Palm Beach gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in West Palm Beach is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Phoenix and West Palm Beach