A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Wilmington vs. Boston for Attractions, Old Town, Families, and Food

Should you visit Wilmington or Boston?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Wilmington or Boston, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Wilmington

Wilmington is a charming, historic, and welcoming city. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

Boston

Boston is a loyal, historic, and traditional city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater.

Wilmington and Boston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Wilmington or Boston?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Boston than Wilmington, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Boston is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, christmas markets, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Wilmington is known for its beaches. Boston is more touristy than Wilmington and is popular for its enthusiastic sports fans, influential history, beautiful parks, and world-class universities. It is also home to The Freedom Trail. Wilmington is popular for its laid back beaches, historical waterfront area, and university setting.

How is Wilmington different from Boston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Wilmington or Boston?

Boston is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Boston from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city itself feels like a living museum. It is famous for Faneuil Hall, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabelle Stewart Gardner Museum, the USS Constitution, as well as the many sites along the Freedom Trail. There are also many museums on the campuses of the world renowned universities in the city.

Wilmington offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are art, history, and science museums around town. The Battleship North Carolina is a popular destination. Science enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science or the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. For art, head to the Cameron Art Museum or Art in Bloom Gallery.

Is Wilmington or Boston Better for Theater?

Boston is great for theatre. However, Wilmington is not a theatre destination.

Many visitors plan to see a show while visiting Boston. The city has many historic, beautifully restored theaters where you can enjoy a show. Head to the theater district for some of the most famous venues.

Wilmington is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Wilmington or Boston? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Boston is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Boston. There are many local dishes that utilize fresh caught seafood and comfort food flavors. The cuisine also takes advantage of the city's Italian and Irish populations. Famous local foods include New England Clam Chowder, lobster rolls, and baked beans. You'll find hearty sandwiches and filling meals that warm your soul.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Wilmington. Head to the waterfront for local seafood restaurants that offer outdoor seating and fresh caught fish. There are also farm-to-table restaurants and local diners with casual food.

Is Wilmington or Boston Better for Nightlife?

Boston is great for nightlife. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Boston for the nightlife scene. The city is known for its breweries, craft beer, and vibrant university neighborhoods. It also hosts regular outdoor movies and world class sporting events. The nightlife scene is varied, with some areas catering to the student population and other areas focused on the professional or sport-loving crowds.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Wilmington. Live music is popular around town. There are also bars, lounges and dance clubs. When the weather is warm, many places make use of the outdoor setting, which makes for a relaxed and fun evening.

Is Wilmington or Boston Better for Music?

Boston is a nice place to visit for live music. However, Wilmington is not a live music destination.

The music scene helps keep Boston active and fun. Popular music venues include Lizard Lounge, Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, and The Middle East.

Wilmington is not a live music destination.

Is Wilmington or Boston Better for Beaches?

Wilmington is notable for its beaches. However, Boston is a mediocre city for the beache.

Many people visit Wilmington for it's beautiful beaches. Nearby you'll find Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They have long stretches of sand and great waves. The water is usually warm enough for swimming between the months of April and October. During these peak months parking can be challenging, but during the quieter times, you shouldn't have trouble.

You can check out the beach in Boston. There are a few urban beaches in the greater Boston area that you can explore on a nice day.

Is Wilmington or Boston Better for its Old Town?

Boston is a must-visit destination for its historic old town. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its old town.

The rich history of Boston can be explored in its historical center. Boston is famous for its Freedom Trail, which takes visitors around the city's rich history. The oldest parts of the city are known as Boston Proper and include the neighborhoods of Beacon Hill, Historic Downtown, the North End, and the West End.

Many people head to Wilmington to see the old town. The Historic District is along the waterfront and has 18th and 19th century architecture. There are also great restaurants and interesting shops.

Is the Shopping Better in Wilmington or Boston?

If you're looking to go shopping, Wilmington and Boston both offer plenty of good spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Wilmington. Head downtown for the most interesting local shops. You'll find boutiques and souvenir shops where you can pick up art, accessories, or antiques.

Boston offers some nice shopping areas. Head to Back Bay for some of the best high end shops. There are luxury brands and boutique venues that sell local art or crafts.

Is Wilmington or Boston Better for Christmas?

Boston is great for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Wilmington does not offer Christmas activities.

Boston is a very popular destination during Christmas. Christmas comes to life in the city with its Christmas Trees, holiday shows, and festivals.

Wilmington does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Wilmington or Boston Better for Christmas Markets?

Boston is great for visiting Christmas markets. However, Wilmington does not offer Christmas markets.

Many people head to Boston to see its Christmas markets. There are a number of European style Christmas markets that pop up during the holiday season around town.

Wilmington does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Wilmington or Boston Better for Families?

Boston is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Boston is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. It's filled with history, but there are also many activities for kids who need a break from all of the historical stuff. Popular activities for all ages include the Museum of Science, the New England Aquarium, and exploring the waterfront, gardens, and parks around town.

Wilmington is a very kid-friendly city. Near town you'll find several beaches - Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They're all family-friendly and perfect for a day's activity. The city also has the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, the Children's Museum of Wilmington, and the Wilmington Railroad Museum. For a rainy day there are also indoor play areas and entertainment centers.

Is Wilmington or Boston Better for Couples?

Wilmington is notable for romance. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Wilmington is a very popular place to visit for couples. The beaches are great for a relaxing day of swimming and sunbathing. In the evening head into town and enjoy one of the local seafood restaurants on the waterfront. You'll also find great shopping and historical sights in the area.

Boston makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy history will enjoy exploring the city. Take a swan boat ride in the Public Garden and wander the unique route along the Freedom Trail. There are also many sporting and entertainment options around town.

Is Wilmington or Boston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Boston is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Wilmington is not a good destination for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Boston. Like most larger American cities, the city has a handful of hostels to choose from.

Wilmington is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, the university and great beaches make this a surprisingly fun destination.

Is Wilmington or Boston Better for Students?

Boston is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Boston is a great destination for students. It is a city of students, with a number of world renowned universities located here including Harvard University, Boston College, and MIT. Many neighborhoods are filled with students and there are many student-centered activities around town including festivals and an active nightlife scene.

Wilmington is a good city to visit for students. The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is a popular school that brings many students to town.

Is Wilmington or Boston Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Boston is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Wilmington is not a good destination for its public transit.

Boston has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. There's the T, which is the subway, as well as a trolley, bus, and water transportation system.

Public transit is generally limited in Wilmington. There are public buses around town, but for practical reasons, you'll want to have your own vehicle.

Is Wilmington or Boston a more walkable city?

Boston is a must-visit destination for its walkability. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Boston is a very easy city to get around on foot. The many parks and compact neighborhoods are best explored on foot.

Wilmington is a somewhat walkable place. The Historic District is best explored on foot. You can also get around Wrightsville Beach on foot, but traveling between these places requires a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Wilmington Worth Visiting? and Is Boston Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Boston or Wilmington?

How long in Wilmington or Boston?

In either Wilmington or Boston, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Boston has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Boston than Wilmington. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Wilmington, and 3-5 days is enough time in Boston.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Boston than Wilmington 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 Boston.

One day in Wilmington or Boston?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Wilmington. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

When visiting Boston, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Wilmington or Boston?

Wilmington is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

When visiting Boston, people usually allow for lots of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Wilmington or Boston?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Wilmington. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Boston, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Wilmington or Boston?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the welcoming destination of Wilmington. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Boston is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. 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 Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Wilmington or Boston?

Boston has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Wilmington. When comparing the sizes of Wilmington and Boston, 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 Wilmington or Boston?

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 Wilmington or Boston in the Summer?

Both Boston and Wilmington during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Wilmington for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Boston in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Wilmington is a little warmer than Boston in the summer. The daily temperature in Wilmington averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Boston fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In Boston, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Wilmington. In the summer, Wilmington often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Boston. Wilmington gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 304 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Wilmington. Wilmington usually gets more rain in July than Boston. Wilmington gets 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wilmington or Boston in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Wilmington and Boston. Many visitors come to Wilmington in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Boston for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Wilmington is a little warmer than Boston. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Wilmington in October average around 65°F (18°C), and Boston averages at about 54°F (12°C).

In Wilmington, it's very sunny this time of the year. Wilmington usually receives more sunshine than Boston during autumn. Wilmington gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Wilmington usually receives less rain than Boston. Wilmington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Wilmington or Boston in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Wilmington as well as Boston. Most visitors come to Wilmington for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Boston because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

The weather in Boston can be very cold. In January, Wilmington is generally much warmer than Boston. Daily temperatures in Wilmington average around 45°F (7°C), and Boston fluctuates around 29°F (-2°C).

In the winter, Wilmington often gets more sunshine than Boston. Wilmington gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 153 hours of full sun.

Wilmington usually gets more rain in January than Boston. Wilmington gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wilmington or Boston in the Spring?

Both Boston and Wilmington are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Wilmington because of the beaches. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Boston this time of year.

Wilmington is much warmer than Boston in the spring. The daily temperature in Wilmington averages around 63°F (17°C) in April, and Boston fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

It's quite sunny in Boston. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wilmington. Wilmington usually receives more sunshine than Boston during spring. Wilmington gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Wilmington usually receives less rain than Boston. Wilmington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Boston and Wilmington