Which place is cheaper, Dayton or Destin?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Destin or Dayton?
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 Destin and Dayton can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Destin or Dayton?
Destin
An upscale resort town located on the Florida Panhandle, Destin is best known for its white sand beaches and clear green waters, golfing opportunities, and world renowned fishing. The stretch of beach here (on a peninsula between the Gulf of Mexico and the Choctawhatchee Bay) is nicknamed Florida's Emerald Coast.
Dayton
Located in southwest Ohio, Dayton is known as the "Gem City." It's the original home of Orville and Wilbur Wright, the brothers who designed the first airplane. You'll also find the Dayton Aviation Heritage Park here, which is one of the only multi-site National Parks in the United States. The cities climate has four different seasons, winter, spring, summer and fall. The winter months are quite cold and you can expect a decent amount of snow in the area. Spring remains cool and there are infrequent showers. This is also the peak time for tornadoes in the area. Summer is hot and humid and can be unpleasant at times, but fall is crisp and refreshing with occasional storms and infrequent tornadoes.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska.
-
Destin Prices
USA PricesDayton Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDestin $229Dayton $368
The average daily cost (per person) in Destin is $229, while the average daily cost in Dayton is $368. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Destin and Dayton in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDestin $111Dayton $250
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDestin $222Dayton $500
Compare Hotels in Destin and Dayton
Looking for a hotel in Destin or Dayton? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Destin Hotel Prices and Dayton Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Destin $50Dayton $25
Is it cheaper to fly into Destin or Dayton?
Prices for flights to both Dayton and Destin change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
-
Food Meals for one dayDestin $89Dayton $105
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Destin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Destin.
- Murder Mystery Dinner Cruise with Sunset Views: $125
- 3 Hour Sunset Dinner Cruise by Solaris Yacht in Miramar Beach: $128
- Sunset Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $128
Typical Food Prices in Dayton
Some typical examples of dining costs in Dayton are as follows:
-
Noodle Company Lunch (for 2)$17
-
Indian Food Dinner (for 2)$34
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Destin $17Dayton -
Typical Entertainment Prices in Destin
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Destin are as follows:
-
1 Day Rental Umbrella and Chairs$40
Tours and Activities in Destin
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Destin are as follows:
- Party Cruise aboard the Soundside Cruiser: $19
- Santa Cruise on the Sound: $25
- Milton Splash and Dash Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $30
- Destin Dolphin Cruise: $30
- Kayak Adventure in Destin and Fort Walton Beach : $33
- Destin Harbor Sunset Eco Dolphin Cruise: $35
- Sandestin Sunset Eco-Dolphin Cruise Aboard Sol y Luna: $35
- Hydro Rocket Dolphin Sightseeing Boat Tour from Destin: $35
- Dolphin Cruise in Destin FL : $37
- Spectacular Sunset Cruise: $38
- The Maximum Magic Show Ticket: $39
- Destin Family Friendly Dolphin Watching Adventure: $40
Tours and Activities in Dayton
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dayton are as follows:
- Daytona Beach: Paddle Pub Experience: $45
- Daytona Beach: Guided Kayaking or Standup Paddling Tour: $65
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayDestin $49Dayton -
Sample the Local Flavors in Dayton
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dayton:
- Dive Bar Bus Crawl: $50
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Destin and Dayton, we can see that Dayton is more expensive. And not only is Destin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Destin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Destin 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 Dayton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dayton than you might in Destin.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Destin Expensive? and Is Dayton Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Destin or Dayton?
Dayton has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Destin. When comparing the sizes of Destin and Dayton, 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 Destin or Dayton?
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 Destin or Dayton in the Summer?
Both Dayton and Destin are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Destin this time of year.
In July, Destin is generally around the same temperature as Dayton. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 82°F (28°C), and Dayton fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).
It's quite rainy in Destin. In July, Destin usually receives more rain than Dayton. Destin gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Dayton receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyDestin 82°F (28°C)Dayton 78°F (26°C)
Should I visit Destin or Dayton in the Autumn?
Both Dayton and Destin during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Destin for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
Destin is a little warmer than Dayton in the autumn. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 69°F (21°C) in October, and Dayton fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Destin. Destin usually gets more rain in October than Dayton. Destin gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Dayton receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDestin 69°F (21°C)Dayton 57°F (14°C)
Should I visit Destin or Dayton in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Destin and Dayton. Many visitors come to Destin in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Dayton can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Destin is much warmer than Dayton. Typically, the winter temperatures in Destin in January average around 50°F (10°C), and Dayton averages at about 30°F (-1°C).
Destin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Destin usually receives more rain than Dayton. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Dayton receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDestin 50°F (10°C)Dayton 30°F (-1°C)
Should I visit Destin or Dayton in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Destin as well as Dayton. Most visitors come to Destin for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Destin is generally much warmer than Dayton. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 68°F (20°C), and Dayton fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).
Destin usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Dayton. Destin gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Dayton receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilDestin 68°F (20°C)Dayton 55°F (13°C)
Typical Weather for Dayton and Destin
| Destin | Dayton | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 50°F (10°C) | 4.6 inches (117 mm) | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) |
| Feb | 54°F (12°C) | 5.4 inches (137 mm) | 33°F (1°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) |
| Mar | 60°F (16°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) | 44°F (7°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Apr | 68°F (20°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | 55°F (13°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) |
| May | 74°F (23°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) | 65°F (18°C) | 4 inches (102 mm) |
| Jun | 80°F (27°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 7.4 inches (189 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) |
| Aug | 82°F (28°C) | 7.4 inches (188 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Sep | 79°F (26°C) | 5.3 inches (135 mm) | 69°F (21°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) |
| Oct | 69°F (21°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.5 inches (64 mm) |
| Nov | 61°F (16°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) | 47°F (8°C) | 3.1 inches (80 mm) |
| Dec | 54°F (12°C) | 4.3 inches (109 mm) | 35°F (2°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.