A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Philadelphia vs. Kauai for Attractions, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Philadelphia or Kauai?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Philadelphia or Kauai, 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. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music. See Philadelphia travel costs.

Kauai

Kauai is a dramatic, idyllic, and scenic island. Kauai is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Kauai travel costs.

Philadelphia and Kauai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Philadelphia or Kauai?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Philadelphia. Although Philadelphia and Kauai 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, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Kauai is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Kauai is more touristy than Philadelphia and is known for its waterfalls, canyons, and diverse rainforests. 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 Kauai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Kauai 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 Kauai?

Philadelphia is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Kauai is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Philadelphia has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Kauai is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are local museums that educate visitors on the island's history and culture. You can also visit sugar plantations and art galleries.

Is Philadelphia or Kauai Better for Theater?

Philadelphia is a great city for its shows and theatre. However, Kauai is not a theatre destination.

Philadelphia offers many theater and performance venues for visitors. 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.

Kauai is not a theatre destination.

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

Both Philadelphia and Kauai offer a number of great restaurants to choose from.

Philadelphia has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Dining out in Kauai is an experience not to be missed. The food in Kauai combines the island's diverse cultures into a unique mix of flavors. There's fresh seafood, tropical fruit, and, of course, spam. You'll find common dishes like poke bowls and coconut shrimp, as well as more local dishes such as poi and lomi lomi.

Is Philadelphia or Kauai Better for Nightlife?

Philadelphia is a great city for its evening party scene. Also, Kauai is not as popular, but is still a nice island for nightlife.

The nightlife in Philadelphia has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Kauai. The island has more of a relaxed vibe than a party vibe, but there are plenty of places to listen to live music. There are also local dive bars as well as wine bars and upscale lounges where you can enjoy a drink. Many often have a dance floor as well.

Is Philadelphia or Kauai Better for Music?

Philadelphia is a great city for its music scene. However, Kauai is not a live music destination.

Philadelphia has a thriving music scene. The city's diverse music scene includes jazz, rock, and hip hop.

Kauai is not a live music destination.

Is Philadelphia or Kauai Better for Resorts?

Kauai is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Philadelphia is not a resort destination.

Kauai offers an unforgettable resort vacation. You'll find major resorts of all forms and sizes. Most of the major hotel chains have resorts on the island, including the Marriott, the Sheraton, and Hyatt.

Philadelphia is not a resort destination.

Is Philadelphia or Kauai Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kauai is an excellent place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Philadelphia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Kauai to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. There aren't as many snorkeling and diving options as there are on some of the other Hawaiian islands, but you'll still find plenty of places to enjoy the underwater world. Popular snorkeling spots around the island include Ke'e Beach, Haena Beach Park, and Anini Beach.

Philadelphia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Philadelphia or Kauai Better for Beaches?

Kauai is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Philadelphia is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Kauai are among the best in the world. The island is filled with scenic beaches and idyllic coastline. The water conditions can be highly variable, so you should check with a local before entering the water. But the island has about 50 miles of sandy coastline that will take your breath away. You'll also likely see Hawaiian monk seals or sea turtles on the beach.

Philadelphia is not a beach destination.

Is Philadelphia or Kauai Better for its Old Town?

Philadelphia is a good destination for its historic old town charm. However, Kauai does not have a historic old town.

Philadelphia has an old town worth visiting. The Old City has a number of Colonial-era sites including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House.

Kauai does not have a historic old town.

Is Philadelphia or Kauai Better for Hiking?

Kauai is a must-visit destination for its hiking trails. However, Philadelphia is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Kauai draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Kauai is a beautiful island with world famous hikes through the stunning mountains. The hiking trails take you through lush rainforests and along scenic coastlines. The mountains climb high and the trails range from easy to challenging. Popular hikes include the Awawawapuhi Nualolo Trail, the Cliff Trail to Waipoo Falls, and the Kalalau Trail.IL

Philadelphia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Philadelphia or Kauai?

Philadelphia is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Kauai is not as popular, but is still a nice island for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Kauai is a great destination for shopping. There's a mix of local shopping centers and larger retail malls.

Is Philadelphia or Kauai More Beautiful?

Kauai 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.

Kauai is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The island is filled with dramatic beauty, from the inland mountains covered in tropical forests, to the scenic beaches and blue water.

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 Kauai Better for Families?

Philadelphia and Kauai are both great 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.

Kauai is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are kid-friendly hikes, beautiful bike rides, and many family-friendly beaches. Do keep in mind that many beaches have strong currents and large waves, so they're not the most kid-friendly. Good options include Poipu Beach and Lydgate Beach Park.

Is Philadelphia or Kauai Better for Couples?

Kauai is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Kauai has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. "The Garden Isle" is a world class honeymoon destination with stunning beaches and iconic hikes. There are romantic resorts and many adventure activities that couples can enjoy such as whale watching and scuba diving.

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 Kauai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Philadelphia and Kauai are both good destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Philadelphia. There are a few good hostels for backpackers and budget travelers to choose from.

Kauai is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels on the island, but you'll likely need a car to get around, which can make this an expensive destination.

Is Philadelphia or Kauai Better for Students?

Philadelphia is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Kauai is not popular with students.

Many students visit Philadelphia. With its many universities and diverse population, this city is a great place for international students.

Kauai is not popular with students.

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

Philadelphia is a great city for times when you don't have a car. However, Kauai is not known for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Kauai. There are buses on the island, but it's difficult to rely on them as a visitor.

Is Philadelphia or Kauai a more walkable city?

Philadelphia is terrific for its ease of walking around. However, Kauai is not known for its walkability.

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

Kauai is not a walkable city. While there are great hikes on the island, you really need a car to get most places.

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

Should I spend more time in Kauai or Philadelphia?

How long in Philadelphia or Kauai?

Philadelphia and Kauai both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Kauai than Philadelphia because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Philadelphia, and 5-14 days is enough time in Kauai.

Families should spend more time in Philadelphia than Kauai. 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 Kauai. 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 Kauai 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 Philadelphia or Kauai?

Each neighborhood in Philadelphia has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Lots of people come for the museums. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Kauai, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this idyllic island 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 Kauai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Philadelphia. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Kauai 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.

Five days in Philadelphia or Kauai?

Philadelphia is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the big city destination of Philadelphia. Lots of people come for the museums. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

In Kauai, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this dramatic destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

A week in Philadelphia or Kauai?

You'll find shopping and museums around the diverse big city of Philadelphia. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Kauai is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

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.

When comparing the travel costs between Philadelphia and Kauai, we can see that Kauai 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 Philadelphia Expensive? and Is Kauai Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Philadelphia or Kauai?

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 Philadelphia or Kauai in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Philadelphia and Kauai. Many travelers come to Philadelphia for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Kauai in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Philadelphia is around the same temperature as Kauai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Philadelphia in July average around 77°F (25°C), and Kauai averages at about 78°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kauai this time of the year. In Philadelphia, it's very sunny this time of the year. Philadelphia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kauai during summer. Philadelphia gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 255 hours of full sun in the summer.

Philadelphia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Philadelphia usually receives more rain than Kauai. Philadelphia gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 0.6 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Philadelphia or Kauai in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Philadelphia as well as Kauai. Many visitors come to Philadelphia 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 Kauai for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Philadelphia is generally much colder than Kauai. Daily temperatures in Philadelphia average around 56°F (14°C), and Kauai fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kauai. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Philadelphia this time of the year. In the autumn, Philadelphia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kauai. Philadelphia gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 208 hours of full sun.

Philadelphia usually gets less rain in October than Kauai. Philadelphia gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Philadelphia or Kauai in the Winter?

Both Kauai and Philadelphia are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Philadelphia 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 Kauai because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Philadelphia can be very cold during winter. Philadelphia is much colder than Kauai in the winter. The daily temperature in Philadelphia averages around 30°F (-1°C) in January, and Kauai fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

Philadelphia usually receives less sunshine than Kauai during winter. Philadelphia gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 174 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Philadelphia usually receives less rain than Kauai. Philadelphia gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Philadelphia or Kauai in the Spring?

Both Kauai and Philadelphia during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Philadelphia because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Kauai this time of year.

In the spring, Philadelphia is much colder than Kauai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Philadelphia in April average around 52°F (11°C), and Kauai averages at about 73°F (23°C).

In Kauai, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Philadelphia. In the spring, Philadelphia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kauai. Philadelphia gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 206 hours of full sun.

Philadelphia usually gets more rain in April than Kauai. Philadelphia gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kauai and Philadelphia