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

Should you visit Ocean City or Philadelphia?

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

Should I visit Ocean City or Philadelphia? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Ocean City

Ocean City is a laid back, active, and energetic city. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and nightlife. See Ocean City 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. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums. See Philadelphia travel costs.

Ocean City and Philadelphia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ocean City or Philadelphia?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Philadelphia. Although Ocean City 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, food, music, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Ocean City is known for its resorts and beaches. Ocean City is more touristy than Philadelphia and is popular for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. 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 Ocean City different from Philadelphia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ocean City or Philadelphia?

Philadelphia is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. However, Ocean City is not a good city for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Philadelphia on the map. 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.

While most people don't head to Ocean City specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people spend their time on the beach, but for the rainy days you can check out the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum or the Art League of Ocean City.

Is Ocean City or Philadelphia Better for Theater?

Philadelphia is a well-known place for its shows and theatre. However, Ocean City is not a theatre destination.

While in town, many visitors enjoy seeing a show in Philadelphia. 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.

Ocean City is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Ocean City or Philadelphia? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Philadelphia is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Ocean City is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Philadelphia is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Ocean City. Themed restaurants are popular in the area. You'll also find all-you-can-eat seafood buffets and casual diners with pancakes and waffles. Pizza, burgers, and other fast food options are also abundant.

Is Ocean City or Philadelphia Better for Nightlife?

Both Ocean City and Philadelphia are very good when it comes to partying.

Ocean City offers plenty to do in the evening. Happy hours are popular at the bars in the area. You'll also find live music and DJ led parties. Head to the boardwalk, which will overwhelm your senses. There are neon lights, colorful rides, and arcades filled with people and activities.

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.

Is Ocean City or Philadelphia Better for Music?

Philadelphia is a well-known place for its music scene. However, Ocean City is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Philadelphia is very popular with diverse venues. The city's diverse music scene includes jazz, rock, and hip hop.

Ocean City is not a live music destination.

Is Ocean City or Philadelphia Better for Resorts?

Ocean City is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Philadelphia is not a resort destination.

Ocean City is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are many oceanfront resorts with pools and rooms with ocean views. The hotels along the beach tend to be the most expensive, but if you find a place across from the Coastal Highway, it's very challenging to walk to the beach.

Philadelphia is not a resort destination.

Is Ocean City or Philadelphia Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Ocean City. There are ten miles of sandy beach that are lined with hotels and resorts. A festive boardwalk runs along the coastline and has many rides, arcades, restaurants, and more. The beach offers waves and warm water during the summer months.

Philadelphia is not a beach destination.

Is Ocean City or Philadelphia Better for its Old Town?

Philadelphia is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Ocean City does not have a historic old town.

Philadelphia offers a nice historic old town area. The Old City has a number of Colonial-era sites including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House.

Ocean City does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Ocean City or Philadelphia?

Philadelphia is a well-known place for its shopping areas. However, Ocean City is not a good city for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Ocean City is a good destination for shopping. You'll find surf stores and souvenir shops along the three mile boardwalk. There are also many vendors and shopping centers along the Coastal Highway. For something a little more interesting you can head to the Inlet Village.

Is Ocean City or Philadelphia More Beautiful?

Philadelphia is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Ocean City 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.

Ocean City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ocean City or Philadelphia Better for Families?

Ocean City 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.

Ocean City is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Beyond the family-friendly beach, there's also minigolf, dolphin tours, and themed-restaurants that are perfect for kids. Head to the Jolly Roger amusement park for a thrilling afternoon or spend some time visiting Ripley's Believe It or Not. The boardwalk is lined with activities for both kids and adults. There are also candy shops, ice cream parlors, and pizza joints where you can grab a bite to eat.

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 Ocean City or Philadelphia Better for Couples?

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

Ocean City makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Hotels line the beach, many with beautiful views and nice pools. You can take long romantic walks along the coastline or head to one of the many seafood restaurants in town.

Philadelphia is a good city 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 Ocean City or Philadelphia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Philadelphia is a popular place for backpackers. However, Ocean City is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Ocean City is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't any hostels in the area, but there are some affordable motels if you look beyond the beachfront properties.

Is Ocean City or Philadelphia Better for Students?

Philadelphia is a well-known place for students. However, Ocean City is not popular with students.

Philadelphia is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. With its many universities and diverse population, this city is a great place for international students.

Ocean City is not popular with students.

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

Philadelphia is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Ocean City is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Philadelphia. The system includes a subway, trolleys, buses, and a commuter rail.

Public transit is mostly limited in Ocean City. There are boardwalk trams as well as shuttle buses, but most people have their own vehicle, and its recommended you have a private car to get around.

Is Ocean City or Philadelphia a more walkable city?

Philadelphia is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. However, Ocean City is not a good city for its walkability.

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

Ocean City is generally not a very walkable city. If you stay at an oceanfront hotel or on the ocean block, it's possible to walk to the beach. If you stay further back, you'll have to cross the Coastal Highway, which is eight lanes of busy traffic.

For even more information, also check out Is Ocean City Worth Visiting? and Is Philadelphia Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Philadelphia or Ocean City?

How long in Ocean City or Philadelphia?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ocean City and Philadelphia. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Ocean City than in Philadelphia. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Ocean City, and 2-3 days is enough time in Philadelphia.

Couples should spend more time in Philadelphia than Ocean City. 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 Ocean City 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 Ocean City or Philadelphia?

In Ocean City, many people enjoy the food and nightlife that this fun-filled city 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.

When visiting Philadelphia, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Ocean City or Philadelphia?

Ocean City is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

When visiting Philadelphia, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Ocean City or Philadelphia?

In Ocean City, many people enjoy the food and nightlife that this active 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.

Philadelphia, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Ocean City or Philadelphia?

Ocean City is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

Philadelphia is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

When comparing the travel costs between Ocean City and Philadelphia, we can see that Philadelphia is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Ocean City or Philadelphia?

Philadelphia has a larger population, and is about 210 times larger than the population of Ocean City. When comparing the sizes of Ocean City 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 Ocean City or Philadelphia?

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 Ocean City or Philadelphia in the Summer?

Both Philadelphia and Ocean City during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Ocean City for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Philadelphia in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

Philadelphia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Ocean City. Ocean City usually gets more rain in July than Philadelphia. Ocean City gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ocean City or Philadelphia in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocean City and Philadelphia. Many visitors come to Ocean City in the autumn for the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Philadelphia for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Ocean City is around the same temperature as Philadelphia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 58°F (14°C) in October, and Philadelphia fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

In October, Ocean City usually receives more rain than Philadelphia. Ocean City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Ocean City or Philadelphia in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Ocean City as well as Philadelphia. Most visitors come to Ocean City for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Philadelphia because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

The weather in Philadelphia can be very cold. Ocean City can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Ocean City is much warmer than Philadelphia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ocean City in January average around 35°F (2°C), and Philadelphia averages at about 30°F (-1°C).

Ocean City usually gets more rain in January than Philadelphia. Ocean City gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ocean City or Philadelphia in the Spring?

Both Philadelphia and Ocean City are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Ocean City because of the beaches. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Philadelphia this time of year.

In April, Ocean City is generally around the same temperature as Philadelphia. Daily temperatures in Ocean City average around 54°F (12°C), and Philadelphia fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

In April, Ocean City usually receives more rain than Philadelphia. Ocean City gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Philadelphia and Ocean City