A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cocoa Beach vs. Philadelphia for Attractions, Families, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Cocoa Beach or Philadelphia?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Cocoa Beach and Philadelphia. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach is a relaxing, adventurous, and fun-filled beach town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Cocoa Beach travel costs.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia is a cultural, diverse, and historic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Philadelphia offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music. See Philadelphia travel costs.

Cocoa Beach and Philadelphia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cocoa Beach or Philadelphia?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Philadelphia. Although Cocoa Beach and Philadelphia are both popular with visitors, Philadelphia has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Philadelphia is more popular for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Cocoa Beach is known for its resorts and beaches. Cocoa Beach is more touristy than Philadelphia and is known for its wonderful surfing waves and its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center. Philadelphia is popular for its diverse population, large number of universities, great restaurant and market scene, and its role in American history. It is also home to The Liberty Bell.

How is Cocoa Beach different from Philadelphia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cocoa Beach or Philadelphia?

Philadelphia is very popular for its museums and history. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Philadelphia has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Cocoa Beach offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The town's proximity to the Kennedy Space Center is a big appeal for space enthusiasts. It's easy to take advantage of the great beaches and then spend a day exploring the space center. Also in town is the Florida Surf Museum.

Is Cocoa Beach or Philadelphia Better for Theater?

Philadelphia is a very popular place for its shows and theatre. However, Cocoa Beach is not a theatre destination.

Philadelphia offers many theater and performance venues for visitors. 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.

Cocoa Beach is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Cocoa Beach or Philadelphia? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Cocoa Beach and Philadelphia offer great local cuisine and restaurants.

Cocoa Beach has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice in this beach town. Head to Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier for some great restaurants. In addition to seafood options, you'll find steakhouses, bistros, and pizza shops.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Philadelphia makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Is Cocoa Beach or Philadelphia Better for Nightlife?

Philadelphia is a very popular place for its evening party scene. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Philadelphia has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Cocoa Beach has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find a number of casual pubs, bars, and grills around town where you can grab a drink in a relaxed setting.

Is Cocoa Beach or Philadelphia Better for Music?

Philadelphia is a very popular place for its music scene. However, Cocoa Beach is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Philadelphia while you're in town. The city's diverse music scene includes jazz, rock, and hip hop.

Cocoa Beach is not a live music destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or Philadelphia Better for Resorts?

Cocoa Beach is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Philadelphia is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Cocoa Beach makes a nice vacation spot. There are casual and family-friendly resorts in the area that make for a nice beach vacation.

Philadelphia is not a resort destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or Philadelphia Better for Beaches?

Cocoa Beach is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Philadelphia is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Cocoa Beach. There are long stretches of sand that are great for swimming, surfing, water sports, or just relaxing in the sun. The most popular area is around Cocoa Beach Pier. For family-friendly, head to James H. Nance Park which also has a playground. If you have a dog, Canova Beach Park is your best option.

Philadelphia is not a beach destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or Philadelphia Better for its Old Town?

Philadelphia is a good destination for its historic old town charm. However, Cocoa Beach does not have a historic old town.

Philadelphia has an old town worth visiting. The Old City has a number of Colonial-era sites including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House.

Cocoa Beach does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cocoa Beach or Philadelphia?

Philadelphia is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Philadelphia. 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.

Cocoa Beach is a great destination for shopping. You'll find lots of great local shops as well as malls and beach stores where you can pick up everything you need.

Is Cocoa Beach or Philadelphia More Beautiful?

Philadelphia is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Cocoa Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

Philadelphia offers plenty of beauty for visitors. With its diverse neighborhoods and rich history, this city offers its own type of beauty.

Cocoa Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cocoa Beach or Philadelphia Better for Families?

Cocoa Beach is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Cocoa Beach is an amazing family-friendly beach town to visit. It's right by the Kennedy Space Center, which is a great excursion for kids and adults alike. There's also the Brevard Zoo, amazing beaches, and great parks where the kids can run around.

Philadelphia is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has many museums and a fascinating history that is interesting to kids and adults alike. Popular activities include a zoo and Sesame Place. Kids also love the hands-on Please Touch Museum.

Is Cocoa Beach or Philadelphia Better for Couples?

Cocoa Beach is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Cocoa Beach makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Beautiful beaches, fun outdoor activities, and great date night activities make this a wonderful couples destination.

Philadelphia is a good beach town for couples to visit. Like many large cities, it is a fun place to explore in the evening as a couple. This is also a great foodie destination with great markets, food trucks, and diverse restaurants that reflect the city's diverse population.

Is Cocoa Beach or Philadelphia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Philadelphia is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cocoa Beach is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Philadelphia. There are a few good hostels for backpackers and budget travelers to choose from.

Cocoa Beach is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there aren't any hostels in the area, there are some affordable hotels away from the beach.

Is Cocoa Beach or Philadelphia Better for Students?

Philadelphia is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Cocoa Beach is not popular with students.

Many students visit Philadelphia. With its many universities and diverse population, this city is a great place for international students.

Cocoa Beach is not popular with students.

Is Cocoa Beach or Philadelphia Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Philadelphia is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Philadelphia offers a very effecient public transportation network. The system includes a subway, trolleys, buses, and a commuter rail.

You'll find some public transit in Cocoa Beach, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. You can hop on the Cocoa Beach Trolley to access many sights in the area. It's a service provided by the Space Coast Area Transit (SCAT).

Is Cocoa Beach or Philadelphia a more walkable city?

Philadelphia is very popular for its ease of walking around. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Philadelphia. The Old City is particularly walkable, as is Avenue of the Arts, and Rittenhouse Square.

Cocoa Beach is somewhat walkable. For the most walkable areas stay near the town center. In general, you'll want to have a car to access most of what the area has to offer though.

For even more information, also check out Is Cocoa Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Philadelphia Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Philadelphia or Cocoa Beach?

How long in Cocoa Beach or Philadelphia?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cocoa Beach and Philadelphia. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cocoa Beach than in Philadelphia. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Cocoa Beach, and 2-3 days is enough time in Philadelphia.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Philadelphia than Cocoa 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 Philadelphia.

One day in Cocoa Beach or Philadelphia?

In Cocoa Beach, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this adventurous beach town offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Philadelphia is a cultural city where you can fill many days. Most people visit for the museums. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Cocoa Beach or Philadelphia?

Cocoa Beach is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Philadelphia is a historic big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Cocoa Beach or Philadelphia?

In Cocoa Beach, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this fun-filled destination offers. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

The historic city of Philadelphia offers food and shopping. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Cocoa Beach or Philadelphia?

Cocoa Beach is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Philadelphia. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the museums. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cocoa Beach or Philadelphia?

Philadelphia has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Cocoa Beach. When comparing the sizes of Cocoa Beach and Philadelphia, 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 Cocoa Beach or Philadelphia?

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 Cocoa Beach or Philadelphia in the Summer?

Both Philadelphia and Cocoa Beach are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cocoa Beach in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Philadelphia for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Cocoa Beach is generally around the same temperature as Philadelphia. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 81°F (27°C), and Philadelphia fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Philadelphia. It's quite rainy in Cocoa Beach. In July, Cocoa Beach usually receives more rain than Philadelphia. Cocoa Beach gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Philadelphia in the Autumn?

Both Philadelphia and Cocoa Beach during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cocoa Beach for the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Philadelphia because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Cocoa Beach is much warmer than Philadelphia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 77°F (25°C) in October, and Philadelphia fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cocoa Beach. Cocoa Beach usually gets more rain in October than Philadelphia. Cocoa Beach gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Cocoa Beach.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Philadelphia in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cocoa Beach and Philadelphia. The winter months attract visitors to Cocoa Beach because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Philadelphia this time of year.

It's quite cold in Philadelphia in the winter. In the winter, Cocoa Beach is much warmer than Philadelphia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cocoa Beach in January average around 63°F (17°C), and Philadelphia averages at about 30°F (-1°C).

In January, Cocoa Beach usually receives around the same amount of rain as Philadelphia. Cocoa Beach gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Philadelphia in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cocoa Beach as well as Philadelphia. The beaches are the main draw to Cocoa Beach this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Philadelphia for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Cocoa Beach is generally much warmer than Philadelphia. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 73°F (23°C), and Philadelphia fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

Cocoa Beach usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Philadelphia. Cocoa Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Cocoa Beach is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Philadelphia and Cocoa Beach