Travel Budget for Philadelphia Visit Philadelphia on a Budget or Travel in Style

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America

Philadelphia is a cultural city known for its diverse population, large number of universities, great restaurant and market scene, and its role in American history. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. Whether you're exploring the museums, eating the delicious cuisine, or enjoying the nightlife, we'll help you plan the ideal trip to Philadelphia that stays within your budget.

How much does it cost to travel to Philadelphia?

You should plan to spend around $224 per day on your vacation in Philadelphia. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $84 on meals
  • $28 on local transportation
  • $238 on hotels

A one week trip to Philadelphia for two people costs, on average, $3,136. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $224
  • One Week Per person
    $1,568
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $3,136
  • One Month Per person
    $6,720
  • One Week For a couple
    $3,136
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $6,272
  • One Month For a couple
    $13,440
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Philadelphia cost?

A one week trip to Philadelphia usually costs around $1,568 for one person and $3,136 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Philadelphia on average costs around $3,136 for one person and $6,272 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Philadelphia will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Philadelphia on average costs around $6,720 for one person and $13,440 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Philadelphia expensive to visit?

Philadelphia is a large city filled with activities for everyone. You can expect to meet all kinds of travelers here, each with their own budget and unique approach to exploring. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.

If you choose to make it so, Philadelphia can be very pricey, but you can reduce your expenses by eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.

On average, budget travelers spend $96 per day, mid-range travelers spend $224 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $451 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Philadelphia.

Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Philadelphia is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Saint Louis or Charlotte.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Philadelphia Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Philadelphia?

The average Philadelphia trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Philadelphia travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Philadelphia cost?

Philadelphia on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
$51 $119 $237
Local Transportation 1 $12 $28 $62
Food 2 $36 $84 $167
Entertainment 1 $11 $28 $63
Alcohol 2 $4-13 $10-31 $23-68

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

When planning your trip to Philadelphia, it's important to have realistic expectations about your budget. Many believe they can travel on a shoestring, but that often leads to either uncomfortable travel experiences or some surprisingly high expenses. Consider your vacation style. Do you enjoy staying in hostels, resorts, regular hotels, or vacation rentals? Are attractions and dining experiences a priority? These factors will affect how much you spend and your itinerary.

Who are Budget Travelers?

While you might think you're a budget traveler, without giving up many of your usual comforts, you'll likely need to spend more than the $96 per day that backpackers often spend.

Backpackers often work within this tight budget by staying in hostel dorms, eating fast food or street food, using public transit, and mainly visiting free attractions.

Luckily, there are plenty of hostels in Philadelphia, such as Apple Hostels of Philadelphia. Staying at these hostels means you can score affordable dorm lodging and a lively social vibe, but be prepared for basic amenities. Additionally, the city boasts excellent public transit, allowing budget travelers to evade costly taxi or Uber trips. The culinary scene is also a highlight for everyone in Philadelphia, but budget travelers tend to eat street food or make their own meals in hostels, potentially missing out on the rich flavors of the local cuisine.

Could You Be an Average Traveler?

If you're a couple or a family on a fun getaway, you might want to choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at well-liked restaurants, and visit the key museums and attractions that come with entry fees. Many who visit Philadelphia will seek to enjoy the major attractions, museums, and iconic landmarks. Most activities are not free, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to plan on a daily budget of about $224 per person, per day.

There's a wide selection of hotels and vacation rentals in Philadelphia. If you're traveling with others, sharing a hotel room with a partner, friend, or kids will help split costs and save money. When traveling as a family, look for hotels and restaurants that welcome children. Cornerstone Bed & Breakfast is a great choice for kids, and Rittenhouse 1715 A Boutique Hotel is another wonderful option. For more family and couple-friendly places to stay, check out our Philadelphia hotel costs guide.

Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?

If you're looking for a high-end escape with every amenity and high-quality service, be prepared for daily expenses around $451. Staying in upscale hotels, enjoying meals at award-winning restaurants, indulging in lavish excursions, and utilizing taxis or private drivers in the city will entail a more premium price tag. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as A Day Trip to Amish Country from Philadelphia - offered by Viator.

Accommodation Budget in Philadelphia

Hotel rates in Philadelphia vary a lot, especially between budget and luxury options. Peak season (summer) brings higher prices, with rates rising from an off-season averages of $151 to $282. Expect prices to range from $108 for budget hotels to $425 for luxury. Hostels, particularly dorms, are cheaper. To save money, travel off-season or book early.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Philadelphia for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $238. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $119 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $119
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $238

Hotels in Philadelphia

Looking for a hotel in Philadelphia? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Philadelphia

The average hotel room price in Philadelphia based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $151 in the low season and $282 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Philadelphia include:

  • The Gables Bed and Breakfast Philadelphia starting at $277
  • The DWIGHT D a boutique hotel starting at $289
  • Rittenhouse 1715 A Boutique Hotel starting at $228
  • The Study Hotel at University City starting at $229
  • The Notary Hotel Autograph Collection starting at $211
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Philadelphia

Philadelphia is an extensive city, providing a plethora of lodging options. You can find everything from hostels like Apple Hostels of Philadelphia to vacation rentals and upscale hotels. Keep in mind that staying near the city center might be more expensive, but you'll enjoy easy access to public transportation and key attractions.

If you want to save on accommodation in Philadelphia, it has a great public transit system makes it possible to stay further out. However, your transportation costs and time spent commuting will increase.

If you're headed to Philadelphia with your family, you'll likely want to look for accommodations with more room to spread out. In a city this big, it's common to find rooms that are a bit small and cramped.

If you avoid summer and go during the low or shoulder season, you'll find better hotel deals and fewer tourists.

Many enjoy the charm of walking through Philadelphia, so aim for a central lodging option. However, this may lead to higher accommodation rates.

The city's attractive old town is a popular destination for visitors. Hotels in this area can be expensive, but they frequently have unique character and are conveniently located near everything.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Philadelphia

Philadelphia is a vast city, so transportation is crucial, but thankfully, the public transit system here is excellent. The system includes a subway, trolleys, buses, and a commuter rail. Public transit is the most economical choice, but taxis and rideshares are available if you need them.

If you love to explore on foot, you'll really enjoy your time in the city. The Old City is particularly walkable, as is Avenue of the Arts, and Rittenhouse Square.

Public Transit:  starstarstarstarstar (great)
Walkability:      starstarstarstarstar (excellent)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $28 per person, per day, on local transportation in Philadelphia. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Philadelphia is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $28

Transportation Tips

If you expect to ride public transit often, multi-day passes can be an effective way to save money.

Watch out for pickpockets while traveling on buses and trains and in the stations. Remember, Philadelphia is a bustling city.

A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:

  • Private transfer from PHL to Philadelphia Downtown for $130 details
  • Private Transfer: Philadelphia Airport PHL to Philadelphia in Business Car for $92 details
  • Private Transfer Philadephia to Philadelphia Airport PHL by Sedan for $94 details

Recommended Services


Flights to Philadelphia
How much does it cost to go to Philadelphia? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Philadelphia
The price of renting a car in Philadelphia will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in Philadelphia

The cuisine in Philadelphia is amazing, and you definitely want to take the time to sample all the local flavors. It has grown into a well-recognized food destination. It's diversity of cultures and residents have influenced the restaurant scene and you'll find many great places to dine covering a number of international flavors. The city is famous for its Philly cheesesteak and roast pork sandwich. You can also grab some local favorites at Reading Terminal Market.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Philadelphia can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Philadelphia is $84 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $84

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Philadelphia is around $84 ($84) per person, with previous travelers spending from $36 to $167. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Philadelphia are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $8 to $25
  • Lunch: $13 to $34
  • Dinner: $25 to $59
  • Coffee: $7
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $13

Philadelphia has some great restaurants, but it also has some really great street food. The Philly cheesesteak is probably the area's most famous local specialty, but some other popular options include Goldenberg's Peanut Chews, scrapple, and soft pretzels. Local flavors are abundant throughout the city and you should try as many options as you can while you're in town. Hoagies, stromboli, and tomato pie are particularly popular. Tomato pie is a type of pizza that is made with the sauce on top. There are both thin and thick crust versions available.

If you're interested in dining out in this town, a wide variety of options are available, from fast food to family-friendly to high-end luxury. See this great guide to where to eat in Philadelphia to get an overview of the best restaurants.

Food & Dining Tips

Dining at nicer restaurants for lunch rather than dinner can help you save money. Many restaurants in touristy areas or business hubs provide lunch specials or a 'menu of the day.' Often, these options are simply smaller and more affordable versions of their dinner menus. If you play your cards right, you could enjoy a full multi-course gourmet meal without breaking the bank. Then, you can keep it light for dinner.

When you're dining out with kids, seek out restaurants that offer a kids' menu. This can help you save quite a bit since these meals are usually more affordable. Keep in mind that some restaurants might not showcase their kids' options, so be sure to ask your server before placing your order.

Numerous hotels offer breakfast as part of the room rate, but some might charge extra for it. The cost and quality can differ from one hotel to another. Being aware of this beforehand can help you determine if you need to allocate additional funds. It could be worth it for a fantastic buffet at the hotel, or you might want to opt for a nearby bakery or cafe that's more budget-friendly.

Using a water bottle can save you money on drinks while being eco-friendly.

If you're thinking about taking a tour, it's wise to check in advance which meals are covered. You may need to cover some of your own food costs, which could increase your overall budget.

Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Philadelphia. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:

  • Flavours of Private Reading Market 2.5-hr Food Tour for $290 details
  • Italian Market & More: Non-Touristy Food Tour w/ Journalist for $70 details
  • Philadelphia's Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour for $65 details

Recommended

What did other people spend on food and dining in Philadelphia?

Food and meal prices in Philadelphia, based on real travelers' reported expenses, are shown below. These typical costs can give you a sense of the overall price range for meals. However, your individual expenses might be different depending on your dining habits, restaurant choices, and specific orders.


  • Casual Lunch (for 3)
    $27


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Philadelphia

It's evident that Philadelphia is a hotspot for tourists, largely due to its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and music.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Philadelphia typically cost an average of $28 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $28

There are plenty of things to see around Philadelphia in the form of museums, parks, and art galleries. Some of the area's popular museums include the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Academy of Natural Sciences, and Franklin Institute Science Museum among others. Top historic sights include the Eastern State Penitentiary, the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site, Fairmount Water Works, and Independence National Historic Park. Parks are always great places to people watch and take in a city's culture. In Philadelphia some of the top parks include Fairmount Park, Washington Square, and Rittenhouse Square. The Philadelphia Zoo is also a great tourist destination that is worth visiting.



Philadelphia is a city filled with culture. Theaters and music venues are abundant and there is always an interesting performance going on somewhere. For sports enthusiasts, there are many hometown teams. The Philadelphia Phillies is the city's professional baseball team. The NFL team is the Eagles and the 76ers is the NBA team. Hockey is the Flyers, and the Philadelphia Union is the soccer team.

Throughout the year Philadelphia also hosts several interesting events including the Philadelphia Marathon, the Philadelphia International Championship (a 144-mile bike race), AIDS Walk Philly, the Mummers Parade, and an All-You-Can-Eat Ice Cream Festival. If you're planning a few days, check out this 3-day itinerary for Philadelphia.

Sightseeing Tips

Museums and Attractions:
People flock to Philadelphia for its renowned museums and famous landmarks. The city has a rich history with a number of museums and monuments. Popular sites around the city include the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the National Museum of Jewish American History.

Theatre Productions:
The theater scene is something you absolutely must experience. There are major Broadway shows as well as smaller venues. Head to The Avenue of the Arts along Broad Street for a popular stretch of theaters.

Music:
The music scene in Philadelphia is lively and attracts many fans. The city's diverse music scene includes jazz, rock, and hip hop.

Shopping:
Shopping here is an enjoyable experience. With all items tax-free, this city is a great place to shop. It has many boutique shops as well as name brand stores and shopping areas. For a local vibe, head to Reading Terminal Market.

Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Philadelphia. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • Badass Women's History Walking Tour of Philadelphia for $59 details
  • Private Walking Tour of Historic Philadelphia for $25 details
  • Day Tour To Amboseli National Park From Nairobi for $290 details

Recommended Activities

What did other people spend on sightseeing in Philadelphia?

Listed below are some typical prices for attractions, activities, and entry fees in Philadelphia, sourced from actual travelers. These costs give you an idea of how much you might spend. However, your personal expenses will depend on the activities you choose, the museums or landmarks you visit, and how frequently you opt for free or low-cost options.


  • Big Bus Tour (family of 3)
    $99


Nightlife Budget in Philadelphia

The nightlife in Philadelphia is vibrant and lively, with visitors reveling in evenings spent at local bars, clubs, and parties. The city's nightlife scene carries late into the evening with many rooftop and outdoor beer gardens. Most of the clubs and bars are found in the downtown area and you'll find places to dance, listen to live music, or sip a trendy cocktails.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $21 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Philadelphia per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $21

Nightlife in Philadelphia

Nightlife Tips

The nightlife scene is a lot of fun, but reducing how much you drink can go a long way in keeping your budget on track.

Always be mindful of your surroundings, especially if you're drinking at night. You could become a target for pickpockets or other crimes, so stick with trusted friends and avoid wandering alone.

Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Philadelphia. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:

  • Half-Day Philadelphia's Brewery Bike Tour with Tastings for $100 details
  • Liberty History Tour Pub Crawl for $45 details
  • Ghosts, Boos, and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl for $36 details

Recommended


Travel cost data last updated: Dec 26, 2024

Budgeting and Travel Tips for Philadelphia

  • Prices tend to be higher and crowds larger during peak season in summer. For a more budget-friendly experience, aim for the shoulder or low seasons instead.
  • Since Philadelphia is quite expansive, you'll typically find a wide range of prices for hotels, food, and activities. By exploring your options, reserving in advance, and enjoying free attractions, you can keep your costs down.
  • Taking it easy while traveling can help you save some cash, letting you appreciate the area's beauty without the stress. If you rush through your days with nonstop activities, you'll end up spending more. Slowing down often leads to a more enjoyable trip and less money spent.

Budgeting Challenges

  • If you're on the road with little ones, you'll probably want to consider a private vehicle or taxi. It can often be simpler to bypass the complications of public transit, but be prepared to spend a bit more.
  • Philadelphia isn't known for its abundance of hostels, so if you're hoping to crash in a budget-friendly dorm, you might need to rethink your strategy. Consider looking for an affordable hotel or an apartment rental instead.
Traveling in Philadelphia
Philadelphia Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia is the fourth largest urban area, and the fifth largest city in the United States. It's located in southeastern Pennsylvania and has a rich history, having once been the capital of the United States. The city has very impressive architecture, museums, universities, and entertainment venues. It's a cultural and artistic center for the country and it continues to climb as a top travel destination.

Philadelphia's climate is hot and humid in the summer, mild in the fall and spring, and cold in the winter. Snowfall can vary dramatically from year to year with some years seeing only light dustings while other years have major snowstorms. In general, precipitation is spread evenly throughout the year.



Neighborhoods & Around

The entire metropolitan area covers twelve different counties in three states; Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. The city can be divided into several different districts. Center City East has the City Hall, the Convention Center, Chinatown, Washington Square West, the gay-friendly Gayborhood, and the Broad Street Arts Corridor. Center City West has the art museum district, Rittenhouse Square, and an outdoor shopping area. It also has the central business district and many of the city's skyscrapers. The Old City is the historic center of the city and has Independence Mall, the Liberty Bell, Constitution Hall, and Independence Hall. South Philly has the Italian Market and many cheap bars and restaurants. It is also home to the famous Philly cheesesteak sandwich. North Philly has many working class neighborhoods as well as Temple University and Northern Liberties. West Philly is west of the Schuylkill River and has University City which includes the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University. The Northwest areas have middle and upper class residential neighborhoods and the Northeast area is also predominantly residential.

Related
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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.