A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Everglades National Park vs. Phoenix for Hiking, Backpackers, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Everglades National Park or Phoenix?

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 Everglades National Park and Phoenix can help you decide which place is right for you.

Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is a natural, wild, and pristine national park. Everglades National Park offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the hiking. See Everglades National Park travel costs.

Phoenix

Phoenix is a laid back, sprawling, and desert city. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Phoenix travel costs.

Everglades National Park and Phoenix: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Everglades National Park or Phoenix?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Phoenix. Although Everglades National Park and Phoenix are popular destinations, Phoenix has more sights and attractions for tourists. Phoenix is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Everglades National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Everglades National Park is more touristy than Phoenix and is known for its unique habitats and wildlife such as the friendly manatees. Phoenix is famous for its desert landscapes, high number of golf courses, and year round warm weather. It is also well known for Desert Botanical Garden.

How is Everglades National Park different from Phoenix?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Everglades National Park or Phoenix?

Everglades National Park
Phoenix

Phoenix is very good for its historical sights. However, Everglades National Park is not known for its sights and museums.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Phoenix. 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.

Everglades National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. It's worth checking out the Museum of the Everglades, but most visitors prefer to spend their time outdoors exploring the habitats.


Is the Food Better in Everglades National Park or Phoenix? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Everglades National Park
Phoenix

Phoenix is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Everglades National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Phoenix is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Everglades National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are a few casual eateries near the park. The options include taquerias and grills. You'll also find some farm fresh fruit stands on the side of the road and it's definitely worth stopping to pick up a snack.

Is Everglades National Park or Phoenix Better for Nightlife?

Everglades National Park
Phoenix

Phoenix is very good for its evening party scene. However, Everglades National Park is not known for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Phoenix has a few options to choose from. 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.

People don't go to Everglades National Park for the nightlife. There are a couple of grills outside of the park, but the nightlife scene is very limited.

Is Everglades National Park or Phoenix Better for Hiking?

Everglades National Park
Phoenix

Everglades National Park is a great national park for hiking. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Everglades National Park for the hiking trails. The trails take you through a variety of habitats and range in length from short nature walks to longer, in depth hikes. Do be aware that the insects can be brutal. Mosquitos and biting flies are both common.

Phoenix offers some nice hiking trails. 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.


Is the Shopping Better in Everglades National Park or Phoenix?

Everglades National Park
Phoenix

Phoenix is very good for its shopping areas. However, Everglades National Park is not known for shopping.

Phoenix has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Everglades National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There's a park store, but otherwise the shopping is very limited.

Is Everglades National Park or Phoenix More Beautiful?

Everglades National Park
Phoenix

Everglades National Park is a national park with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, Phoenix is not a destination known for its beauty.

Everglades National Park offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The natural beauty is impressive and it's easy to see why this is a highlight for many visitors to southern Florida.

Phoenix is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Everglades National Park or Phoenix Better for Families?

Everglades National Park
Phoenix

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Everglades National Park or Phoenix.

Everglades National Park offers lots of family activities. An airboat ride is a highlight for many kids. There's also hiking, kayaking, and even Junior Ranger programs. Do be on the lookout for mosquitoes, which can be relentless in the park.

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 Everglades National Park or Phoenix Better for Couples?

Everglades National Park
Phoenix

Both Everglades National Park and Phoenix are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Everglades National Park is a good national park for couples to visit. Hiking and enjoying a bit of nature makes for a nice romantic getaway. Go kayaking or take an airboat ride and then enjoy some time exploring the natural setting.

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 Everglades National Park or Phoenix Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Everglades National Park
Phoenix

Everglades National Park is a great national park for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Phoenix is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Everglades National Park. There are two drive-in campgrounds (Long Pine Key Campground and Flamingo Campground) that you can reach from the Homestead entrance to the park.

Phoenix is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel or two around town for budget travelers.

Is Everglades National Park or Phoenix Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Everglades National Park
Phoenix

Phoenix is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Everglades National Park is not known for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Everglades National Park. There is no real public transportation to the park so an organized tour is your best option if you don't have a vehicle.


Is Everglades National Park or Phoenix a more walkable city?

Everglades National Park
Phoenix

Everglades National Park and Phoenix are reasonable when it comes to walkability.

Everglades National Park is generally not a very walkable national park. While there are hiking trails, to really explore the park you'll want to have a car or take an organized tour.

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 Everglades National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Phoenix Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Phoenix or Everglades National Park?

How long in Everglades National Park or Phoenix?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Everglades National Park and Phoenix. In our opinion, Phoenix has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Phoenix than Everglades National Park. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Everglades National Park, and 1-3 days is enough time in Phoenix.

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

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


  • How many days in Everglades National Park or Phoenix? Ideal Length of Stay
    Everglades National Park 2-3 
    Phoenix 1-3

One day in Everglades National Park or Phoenix?

In Everglades National Park, you'll find . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This national park offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With food and shopping around the desert city of Phoenix, there's plenty to do. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A weekend in Everglades National Park or Phoenix?

In Everglades National Park, you'll find . The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Everglades National Park has to offer.

With shopping and museums around the laid back destination of Phoenix, there's plenty to do. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation.A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


Five days in Everglades National Park or Phoenix?

Everglades National Park is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the laid back city of Phoenix. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Everglades National Park or Phoenix?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Everglades National Park. Many people enjoy the when visiting Everglades National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Phoenix is a great place to explore. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Phoenix or Everglades National Park?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Everglades National Park Prices
    USA Prices
    Phoenix Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Everglades National Park $169
    Phoenix $276

The average daily cost (per person) in Everglades National Park is $169, while the average daily cost in Phoenix is $276. 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 Everglades National Park and Phoenix in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Everglades National Park $80
    Phoenix $144
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Everglades National Park $160
    Phoenix $288
Compare Hotels in Everglades National Park and Phoenix

Looking for a hotel in Everglades National Park or Phoenix? 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.

Hotels in Everglades National Park


Hotels in Phoenix


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: Phoenix Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Everglades National Park $56
    Phoenix $39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phoenix

Also for Phoenix, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Sky Harbor Airport Private Transfer: $195
  • Departure Private Transfer: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury Van: $154
  • Private Transfer: Phoenix Airport PHX to Scottsdale by Luxury SUV: $152
  • Private Transfer: Phoenix Airport PHX to Scottsdale by Sedan Car: $125
  • Private Transfer Phoenix Airport PHX to Phoenix Downtown / Hotels: $110
  • One-Way Transfer Sky Harbor Airport to Phoenix: $104
  • Phoenix to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) - Departure Private Transfer: $84
  • Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) Private Transfer: $80
  • One Way Airport Transfer Service: $68

Is it cheaper to fly into Everglades National Park or Phoenix?

Prices for flights to both Phoenix and Everglades National Park 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 day
    Everglades National Park $54
    Phoenix $90

Typical Food Prices in Phoenix

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Phoenix:


  • Nice Lunch (for 2)
    $36
  • Indian Food Dinner (for 2)
    $32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phoenix

For Phoenix, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Wine Bar: $75
  • Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery in Phoenix: $75
  • Secret Food Tours Phoenix: $92
  • Phoenix Food Tour on Trendy Roosevelt Row with 7 Food Tastings: $95
  • Old Town Scottsdale Food Tour: $95
  • Scottsdale Waterfront Food Tour: $95
  • Scottsdale Old Town Food Tour of Hidden Gems with 6 Food Tastings: $105
  • Sunset at Desert Botanical Garden: Dinner & Walking Tour : $135

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Everglades National Park $28
    Phoenix $40

Tours and Activities in Everglades National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Everglades National Park.

  • Flamingo Everglades Boat Tours: $52

Tours and Activities in Phoenix

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Phoenix.

  • Phoenix South Mountain Hiking Tour Experience: $64
  • 1-2 Hour Sonoran Desert Private Guided Hiking Tour: $70
  • 1.5 Hour Stretch Limo Golf Cart Tour, Ultimate Old Town Exploration: $89
  • 2 Hour Private Walking Tour in the Festive of Phoenix : $261
  • 2 Hour Scottsdale Segway Tours - Ultimate Old Town Exploration: $69
  • 2 Hour Segway Tour - Sunsets, Segways & City Lights: $75
  • 2.5 Hour FAT Tire E-Bike Tour – Scottsdale Greenbelt Adventure: $115
  • 3 Hour Guided TomCar ATV Experience in Sonoran Desert: $237
  • 3 Hour Sonoran Desert Private Guided Mountain Bike Tour: $135
  • Ancient Ruins Tour - Guided Arizona Desert Tour by UTV: $150
  • Apache Trail and Dolly Steamboat Van Tour: $160
  • Apache Trail w/Dolly Steamboat Full Day Small Group Tour: $169

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Everglades National Park $7.86
    Phoenix $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Phoenix

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Phoenix:

  • Phoenix Bar Crawl: $15
  • Pedal Bar Crawl Tour of Downtown Phoenix: $70
  • Pedal Bar Crawl of Old Town Scottsdale: $70
  • Stretch Limo Party Cart - Custom Bar Crawls, Wine Tastings, Night Clubs & More: $189
  • Ultimate Bachelorette Party-Wine Tasting From Scottsdale/Phoenix: $200


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

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



When is the best time to visit Everglades National Park 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 Everglades National Park or Phoenix in the Summer?

Both Phoenix and Everglades National Park are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Everglades National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Phoenix in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

The heat can be very extreme in Phoenix. Everglades National Park is cooler than Phoenix in the summer. The daily temperature in Everglades National Park averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, 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 Everglades National Park. Everglades National Park usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during summer. Everglades National Park gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 380 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Everglades National Park. In July, Everglades National Park usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Everglades National Park gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Everglades National Park 82°F (28°C) 
    Phoenix 98°F (36°C)

Should I visit Everglades National Park or Phoenix in the Autumn?

Both Phoenix and Everglades National Park during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Everglades National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Phoenix for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Everglades National Park is around the same temperature as Phoenix. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Everglades National Park in October average around 78°F (26°C), and Phoenix averages at about 79°F (26°C).

In Phoenix, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Everglades National Park. In the autumn, Everglades National Park often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Everglades National Park 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 Everglades National Park. Everglades National Park usually gets more rain in October than Phoenix. Everglades National Park gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Everglades National Park is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Everglades National Park 78°F (26°C) 
    Phoenix 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Everglades National Park or Phoenix in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Everglades National Park and Phoenix. Most visitors come to Everglades National Park for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Phoenix because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Everglades National Park is generally a little warmer than Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Everglades National Park average around 67°F (19°C), and Phoenix fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

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

In January, Everglades National Park usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Everglades National Park gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Everglades National Park 67°F (19°C) 
    Phoenix 58°F (14°C)

Should I visit Everglades National Park or Phoenix in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Everglades National Park as well as Phoenix. The spring months attract visitors to Everglades National Park because of the natural beauty.

Everglades National Park is around the same temperature as Phoenix in the spring. The daily temperature in Everglades National Park averages around 74°F (24°C) in April, 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 Everglades National Park this time of the year. In the spring, Everglades National Park often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Everglades National Park gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 355 hours of full sun.

Everglades National Park usually gets more rain in April than Phoenix. Everglades National Park gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Everglades National Park.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Everglades National Park 74°F (24°C) 
    Phoenix 74°F (23°C)

Typical Weather for Phoenix and Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park Phoenix
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 67°F (19°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 58°F (14°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Feb 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Mar 71°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Apr 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 74°F (23°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm)
May 78°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm) 83°F (28°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm) 92°F (34°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 98°F (36°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm) 96°F (35°C) 0.9 inches (24 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm) 90°F (32°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Oct 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 79°F (26°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Nov 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
Dec 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 58°F (15°C) 1 inches (25 mm)