A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America New York City vs. Palm Springs for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit New York City or Palm Springs?

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 New York City and Palm Springs. 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.

New York City

New York City is a cosmopolitan, one-of-a-kind, and vibrant city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. New York City is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food. See New York City travel costs.

Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a outdoorsy, ritzy, and chic city. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping. See Palm Springs travel costs.

New York City and Palm Springs: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in New York City or Palm Springs?

Tourists will generally find more to do in New York City. Although New York City and Palm Springs are both popular with visitors, New York City has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. New York City is more popular for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, food, music, shopping, christmas markets, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Palm Springs is known for its resorts and hiking. New York City is popular for its high-reaching skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, world-class theater scene, and endless energy. It is also home to The Statue of Liberty. Palm Springs is popular for its golfing, shopping, and mid-century modern architecture.

How is New York City different from Palm Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Palm Springs and New York City. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in New York City or Palm Springs?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for its sights and museums. Also, Palm Springs is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in New York City that are not to be missed. The sights and museums around the city are too numerous to list, but some of the most famous include the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. This is a city that is filled with iconic landmarks and you could spend weeks here and still not see it all.

Palm Springs offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The Palm Springs Air Museum has an impressive collection of military planes. It's also worth visiting the Palm Springs Art Museum, which has a mix of fine art, natural history, and performing arts. You'll also find botanical gardens and even a zoo around town.

Is New York City or Palm Springs Better for Theater?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for theatre. However, Palm Springs is not a theatre destination.

The theater scene in New York City is world-class. Visiting Broadway is a quintessential NYC experience. Whether you enjoy the theater or simply want to experience something new, seeing a Broadway show is a true bucket list activity.

Palm Springs is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in New York City or Palm Springs? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Palm Springs is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

New York City has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city has a diverse variety of restaurants, with everything from local dives to Michelin star options. There are many neighborhoods that are notable for their ethnic cuisine, particularly Little Italy and Chinatown. Quintessential NYC dishes include NYC pizza, NYC hot dogs, bagels, and Chinese dim sum.

Palm Springs has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Fresh ingredients and typical California cuisine is common around town. Brunch is a popular option for visitors and you'll find countless brunch cafes in the area. You'll also find Mexican food, pizza, and plenty of vegan and vegetarian options.

Is New York City or Palm Springs Better for Nightlife?

Both New York City and Palm Springs have first-rate vibes after the sun sets.

New York City is a world class party destination. Known as the city that never sleeps, you can be assured that NYC has some of the best nightlife in the world. There are world class bars and clubs, but also local venues that have a more relaxed atmosphere. Several famous clubs include Paul's Cocktail Lounge, Le Bain, and Avant Gardner.

Palm Springs is a must-see party destination. The area is filled with nightlife options that range from cocktail bars to nightclubs or breweries. You can party into the early morning at the dance clubs or enjoy a bottle of wine with friends at one of the lounges.

Is New York City or Palm Springs Better for Music?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for live music. However, Palm Springs is not a live music destination.

New York City is a world class music destination. Popular music venues include Music Hall of Williamsburg, Radio City Music Hall, Beacon Theatre, and Forest Hills Stadium.

Palm Springs is not a live music destination.

Is New York City or Palm Springs Better for Resorts?

Palm Springs is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, New York City is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Palm Springs for its luxury resorts. Resorts range from luxurious to more laid back. Most have impressive pools and many have their own spas, restaurants, and entertainment options.

New York City is not a resort destination.

Is New York City or Palm Springs Better for Hiking?

Palm Springs is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, New York City is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Palm Springs. There are more than 100 trails in the Greater Palm Springs area that take you through scenic desert landscapes and unique ecosystems. Some of the most popular trails include Andreas Canyon Trail and Araby Trail.

New York City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in New York City or Palm Springs?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for shopping. Also, Palm Springs is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

New York City is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Head for Fifth Avenue for high end shopping or check out any of the many street markets for local items. New York is known for its many flea markets where you can find vintage items at a good price. And if you're looking to pick up a souvenir shirt or knick knack, there are plenty of souvenir shops around town as well.

Palm Springs is well-known for its shopping. Shopping ranges from outlets to boutique vendors. For the most local options head to Palm Canyon Drive and for an upscale shopping experience, visit the El Paseo shopping district.

Is New York City or Palm Springs More Beautiful?

New York City is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Palm Springs is not a destination known for its beauty.

New York City is a gorgeous place to visit. The beauty of the skyline at night or the views from the top of the Empire State Building will take your breath away.

Palm Springs is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is New York City or Palm Springs Better for Families?

Both New York City and Palm Springs are high quality family-friendly destinations.

New York City is a very family-friendly destination. The city has many activities for kids of all ages including world class museums, beautifully designed playgrounds, and theater shows designed just for young ones. There are many kid-friendly restaurants as well and older kids will enjoy visiting the iconic landmarks in this world-class city.

Palm Springs is a very kid-friendly city. The year round sunny weather and diversity of outdoor activities make this a great family-friendly destination. There are desert hikes, zoos, and even a dinosaur museum. Kids can also pass their time playing at the pool or enjoying the waterslides.

Is New York City or Palm Springs Better for Couples?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for romance. Also, Palm Springs is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, New York City has plenty to offer. From a beautiful carriage ride through Central Park, to a romantic river cruise at night, there is an endless list of unique activities that couples can enjoy in the city. Whether you're interested in theater, the arts, music, or nightlife, this city has it all.

Palm Springs makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Whether you're on a honeymoon or simply looking to escape the city, there are many romantic options in the area. From cozy inns to resort spa hotels, there are a range of accommodation options. Outdoor dining, hiking, and shopping are also popular.

Is New York City or Palm Springs Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

New York City is notable for backpackers. However, Palm Springs is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit New York City. It isn't a particularly budget-friendly destination, but it does get its share of backpackers, so you'll find a nice list of hostels and affordable hangouts that are perfect for the backpacker crowd. This is probably one of the most popular cities for backpackers in the entire United States.

Palm Springs is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While the city is more famous for its upscale clientele, there's actually a hostel in town for backpackers.

Is New York City or Palm Springs Better for Students?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for students. However, Palm Springs is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit New York City. The city has a diverse population, and international students will feel right at home here exploring the city. There are also plenty of major universities including NYU, Columbia University, and Cornell University.

Palm Springs is not popular with students.

Is New York City or Palm Springs Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. However, Palm Springs is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in New York City is top-notch. The city has one of the largest subway systems in the world. There's also an elaborate bus system, ferry system, and yellow taxis all around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Palm Springs. There are nine bus routes operated by SunLine Transit Agency, but most visitors prefer to have a car to get around.

Is New York City or Palm Springs a more walkable city?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for its walkability. Also, Palm Springs is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around New York City on foot. The majority of the neighborhoods in Manhattan are very walkable and easy to explore on foot. Most people prefer not to drive here as it can be overwhelming and chaotic.

Palm Springs is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the city are very walkable, particularly the touristy areas along Palm Canyon Drive.

For even more information, also check out Is New York City Worth Visiting? and Is Palm Springs Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Palm Springs or New York City?

How long in New York City or Palm Springs?

It's fun to spend time in either New York City or Palm Springs. Generally, people tend to spend more time in New York City due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for New York City, and 2-4 days is enough time in Palm Springs.

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

Couples should spend more time in New York City than Palm Springs. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in New York City that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in New York City than Palm Springs 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 New York City.

One day in New York City or Palm Springs?

Each neighborhood in New York City has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the chic destination of Palm Springs. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in New York City or Palm Springs?

New York City is a fun place to experience. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Palm Springs. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in New York City or Palm Springs?

Each neighborhood in New York City has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the ritzy destination of Palm Springs. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

A week in New York City or Palm Springs?

New York City is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Palm Springs. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is New York City Expensive? and Is Palm Springs Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, New York City or Palm Springs?

New York City has a larger population, and is about 190 times larger than the population of Palm Springs. When comparing the sizes of New York City and Palm Springs, 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 New York City or Palm Springs?

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 New York City or Palm Springs in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to New York City as well as Palm Springs. Many travelers come to New York City for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Palm Springs in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

New York City is around the same temperature as Palm Springs in the summer. The daily temperature in New York City averages around 77°F (25°C) in July, and Palm Springs fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

New York City receives a lot of rain in the summer. New York City usually gets more rain in July than Palm Springs. New York City gets 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New York City or Palm Springs in the Autumn?

Both Palm Springs and New York City are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to New York City in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Palm Springs for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, New York City is cooler than Palm Springs. Typically, the autumn temperatures in New York City in October average around 57°F (14°C), and Palm Springs averages at about 69°F (20°C).

In October, New York City usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. New York City gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit New York City or Palm Springs in the Winter?

Both Palm Springs and New York City during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to New York City for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Palm Springs because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

New York City can be very cold during winter. In January, New York City is generally much colder than Palm Springs. Daily temperatures in New York City average around 31°F (-1°C), and Palm Springs fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

New York City usually gets more rain in January than Palm Springs. New York City gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 2 inches (52 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New York City or Palm Springs in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both New York City and Palm Springs. The spring months attract visitors to New York City because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

New York City is cooler than Palm Springs in the spring. The daily temperature in New York City averages around 52°F (11°C) in April, and Palm Springs fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In April, New York City usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. New York City gets 3.8 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.9 inches (24 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Palm Springs and New York City