A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Philadelphia vs. Death Valley National Park for Attractions, Backpackers, Food, and Families

Should you visit Philadelphia or Death Valley National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Philadelphia or Death Valley National Park, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

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.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a dramatic, striking, and vast national park. Death Valley National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking. See Death Valley National Park travel costs.

Philadelphia and Death Valley National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Known for Christmas markets
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Less charming
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Philadelphia or Death Valley National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Philadelphia. Although Philadelphia and Death Valley National Park 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, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Death Valley National Park is known for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Death Valley National Park is more touristy than Philadelphia and is popular for being the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S. 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 Philadelphia different from Death Valley National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Philadelphia or Death Valley National Park?

Philadelphia
Death Valley National Park

Philadelphia is renowned for its sights and museums. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park 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 Death Valley National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are ghost towns and visitor centers with informational exhibits, but visitors spend most of their time exploring the outdoor environment.


Is Philadelphia or Death Valley National Park Better for Theater?

Philadelphia
Death Valley National Park

Philadelphia is a well-known place for its shows and theatre. However, Death Valley National Park is not a theatre destination.

Philadelphia has a number of performance venues where you can see a variety of shows. 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.

Death Valley National Park is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Philadelphia or Death Valley National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Philadelphia
Death Valley National Park

Philadelphia is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park 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.

Death Valley National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are restaurants at Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, and Panamint Springs, but most visitors prefer to bring their own food so that they can enjoy picnicking in a beautiful setting.

Is Philadelphia or Death Valley National Park Better for Nightlife?

Philadelphia
Death Valley National Park

Philadelphia is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for nightlife.

Philadelphia offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Death Valley National Park doesn't offer many options. Beyond stargazing and relaxing around a campfire, there is no real nightlife in the area.


Is Philadelphia or Death Valley National Park Better for Music?

Philadelphia
Death Valley National Park

Philadelphia is a well-known place for its music scene. However, Death Valley National Park 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.

Death Valley National Park is not a live music destination.

Is Philadelphia or Death Valley National Park Better for Resorts?

Philadelphia
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Philadelphia is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Death Valley National Park offers a few options. There are historical inns and lodges in and around the park. The privately owned Inn at Death Valley is a popular option in Furnace Creek. If you stay outside the park, you can expect long drives to get most places.

Philadelphia is not a resort destination.

Is Philadelphia or Death Valley National Park Better for its Old Town?

Philadelphia
Death Valley National Park

Philadelphia is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Death Valley National Park 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.

Death Valley National Park does not have a historic old town.


Is Philadelphia or Death Valley National Park Better for Hiking?

Philadelphia
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Philadelphia is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Death Valley National Park. Hikes will take you past desert landscapes, through canyons, and along sand dunes. The views are spectacular and the setting is other-worldly. Hiking is best between the months of November and March, as temperatures can be high other times of the year, particularly during the summer months.

Philadelphia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Philadelphia or Death Valley National Park?

Philadelphia
Death Valley National Park

Philadelphia is a well-known place for its shopping areas. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park 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.

Shopping in Death Valley National Park can be found for those interested. There are a couple of general stores where you can pick up items that you may need.

Is Philadelphia or Death Valley National Park More Beautiful?

Philadelphia
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

Death Valley National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The striking desert setting offers stunning beauty and breathtaking viewpoints. The park is at its most beautiful when the sun is low during sunrise and sunset.

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


Is Philadelphia or Death Valley National Park Better for Families?

Philadelphia
Death Valley National Park

Philadelphia and Death Valley National Park are both excellent destinations for the whole family.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Philadelphia is very family-friendly. 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.

Death Valley National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love hiking and exploring the vast desert. There are also ghost towns and abandoned mines that will fascinate kids and adults alike. Junior programs, operated by the National Park Service, also offer interesting and educational programming for kids.

Is Philadelphia or Death Valley National Park Better for Couples?

Philadelphia
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Death Valley National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The stunning desert landscape will take your breathe away, particularly during sunrise and sunset, when the colors are dramatic and striking. In the evening, the sky fills with stars and couples can enjoy a bit of stargazing.

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 Philadelphia or Death Valley National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Philadelphia
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Death Valley National Park is extremely popular for backpackers. Backpackers will enjoy hiking and camping in a unique desert environment. There are several campgrounds in the area that range from primitive to developed.

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


Is Philadelphia or Death Valley National Park Better for Students?

Philadelphia
Death Valley National Park

Philadelphia is a well-known place for students. However, Death Valley National Park is not popular with students.

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

Death Valley National Park is not popular with students.

Is Philadelphia or Death Valley National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Philadelphia
Death Valley National Park

Philadelphia is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Philadelphia can get you to most places easily. The system includes a subway, trolleys, buses, and a commuter rail.

Public transit is quite limited in Death Valley National Park. There is no public transportation within the park.

Is Philadelphia or Death Valley National Park a more walkable city?

Philadelphia
Death Valley National Park

Philadelphia is renowned for its ease of walking around. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park 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.

Death Valley National Park is not a very walkable city. This is a huge national park that requires a car to get around.


For even more information, also check out Is Philadelphia Worth Visiting? and Is Death Valley National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Death Valley National Park or Philadelphia?

How long in Philadelphia or Death Valley National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Philadelphia or Death Valley National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Death Valley National Park due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Philadelphia, and 2-4 days is enough time in Death Valley National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Philadelphia than Death Valley National Park 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.


  • How many days in Philadelphia or Death Valley National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Philadelphia 2-3 
    Death Valley National Park 2-4

One day in Philadelphia or Death Valley National Park?

Each neighborhood in Philadelphia has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Death Valley National Park, many people enjoy the that this vast national park offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.

A weekend in Philadelphia or Death Valley National Park?

Each neighborhood in Philadelphia has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many people spend a weekend here. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Death Valley National Park is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.

Five days in Philadelphia or Death Valley National Park?

Many people enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting Philadelphia. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. This city offers something for everyone.

You'll find around the striking destination of Death Valley National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.


A week in Philadelphia or Death Valley National Park?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the city of Philadelphia. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Lots of people come for the museums. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Death Valley National Park is a popular place to visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.


Which place is cheaper, Death Valley National Park or Philadelphia?

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

  • Philadelphia Prices
    USA Prices
    Death Valley National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Philadelphia $224
    Death Valley National Park $101

The average daily cost (per person) in Philadelphia is $224, while the average daily cost in Death Valley National Park is $101. 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 Philadelphia and Death Valley National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Philadelphia $119
    Death Valley National Park $37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Philadelphia $238
    Death Valley National Park $74
Compare Hotels in Philadelphia and Death Valley National Park

Looking for a hotel in Philadelphia or Death Valley National Park? 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 Philadelphia


Hotels in Death Valley National Park


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: Philadelphia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Philadelphia $28
    Death Valley National Park $41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Philadelphia

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

  • Private Transfer Philadephia to Philadelphia Airport PHL by Sedan: $94
  • Private Transfer: Philadelphia Airport PHL to Philadelphia in Business Car: $104
  • Philadelphia Airport (PHL) to Philadelphia - Arrival Private Transfer: $109
  • Private Transfer: Philadelphia Airport PHL to Philadelphia in Luxury SUV: $115
  • Private transfer from PHL to Philadelphia Downtown: $130
  • Private Transfer Philadelphia to Philadephia Airport PHL by SUV: $146
  • Philadelphia City to Baltimore City - Private Car Transfer: $210

Is it cheaper to fly into Philadelphia or Death Valley National Park?

Prices for flights to both Death Valley National Park and Philadelphia 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
    Philadelphia $84
    Death Valley National Park $35
Typical Food Prices in Philadelphia

For Philadelphia, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Casual Lunch (for 3)
    $27

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Philadelphia

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

  • Nibble Food Tour: $58
  • Philadelphia Italian Market Public Food Tour: $59
  • Center City Philadelphia Food Tour with Reading Market : $59
  • Flavors of Philly Food Tour: $65
  • Behind The Scenes Food Tour: South Philly & Italian Market: $95
  • Highlights of East Passyunk Food Tour: $105
  • City Cruises Signature Dinner Cruise with Buffet: $123

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Philadelphia $28
    Death Valley National Park $36
Typical Entertainment Prices in Philadelphia

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Philadelphia's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Big Bus Tour (family of 3)
    $99

Tours and Activities in Philadelphia

For Philadelphia, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Philadelphia Haunted Ghost Smartphone Guided Audio Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Philadelphia by Operation City Quest: $10
  • The Road to Revolution: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Philadelphia: $12
  • Philadelphia Architecture: Discover Every American Style on a GPS Audio Tour: $12
  • Philadelphia 76ers Basketball Game Ticket at Wells Fargo Center: $12
  • University of Pennsylvania Scavenger Hunt Experience: $15
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Philadelphia with Holly Jolly: $20
  • The Constitutional Walking Tour of Philadelphia: $24
  • The Ghosts of Philadelphia Tour: $25
  • Museum of the American Revolution Admission Ticket with Audio Guided Option: $27
  • Revolution and the Founders: History Tour of Philadelphia: $29
  • 90 Minute History Walking Tour of Old City Philadelphia: $29

Tours and Activities in Death Valley National Park

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Death Valley National Park are as follows:

  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Death Valley National Park: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Philadelphia $21
    Death Valley National Park $8.57

Sample the Local Flavors in Philadelphia

Also in Philadelphia, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Philly Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $36
  • Liberty History Tour Pub Crawl: $45
  • Philadelphia Prohibition Pub Crawl: $50
  • Philly Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $105


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Philadelphia and Death Valley National Park, we can see that Philadelphia is more expensive. And not only is Death Valley National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Death Valley National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Death Valley 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 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 Death Valley National Park.

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


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