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

Should you visit Philadelphia or San Antonio?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Philadelphia or San Antonio, 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 diverse, historic, and cultural city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Philadelphia is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food. See Philadelphia travel costs.

San Antonio

San Antonio is a fun, historic, and cultural city. San Antonio is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and live music. See San Antonio travel costs.

Philadelphia and San Antonio: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Philadelphia or San Antonio?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Philadelphia than San Antonio. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Philadelphia is famous for its diverse population, large number of universities, great restaurant and market scene, and its role in American history. It is also well known for The Liberty Bell. San Antonio is famous for being the home to the Alamo, the popular RiverWalk area, and several world-class amusement parks.

How is Philadelphia different from San Antonio?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Philadelphia is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Philadelphia that are not to be missed. 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.

San Antonio offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. It is known for its role in American history, and the city is famous as the location of the Alamo. It's also where you'll find the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park & Mission Trail, the San Antonio Museum of Art, Witte Museum, and the Guinness World Records Museum, among others.

Is Philadelphia or San Antonio Better for Theater?

Philadelphia is a great destination for theatre. However, San Antonio 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.

San Antonio is not a theatre destination.

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

Both Philadelphia and San Antonio 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 San Antonio is an experience not to be missed. You'll find a mix of amazing and authentic Mexican food, simpler Tex Mex, and a number of Hill Country specialties. The city is filled with comfort food and the restaurants reflect the diverse character of the population. Popular local dishes include tacos, sweet potato fries, and chicken fried steak.

Is Philadelphia or San Antonio Better for Nightlife?

Philadelphia is a great destination for nightlife. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Philadelphia know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities San Antonio has a few options to choose from. The city's nightlife scene is diverse, with dance halls, breweries, and clubs. It has seen a recent boom in dance clubs, so there are plenty of places to party hard, or to have a more relaxing night out. The RiverWalk is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene, particularly for tourists. Many conferences stay at hotels near the RiverWalk, so it's not uncommon to see professionals out and about after a day of networking.

Is Philadelphia or San Antonio Better for Music?

Philadelphia is a great destination for live music. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular for its live music scene.

Philadelphia has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. The city's diverse music scene includes jazz, rock, and hip hop.

The music scene in San Antonio is active and vibrant. It's worth checking out The Aztec Theater, Sam's Burger Joint, and 502 Bar.

Is Philadelphia or San Antonio Better for its Old Town?

Philadelphia and San Antonio both have nice historical old towns that attract visitors.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Philadelphia. The Old City has a number of Colonial-era sites including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House.

San Antonio offers a nice historic old town area. The city is famous for its River Walk, which may feel slightly cheesy, but is still a unique and mesmerizing place to wander.

Is the Shopping Better in Philadelphia or San Antonio?

Philadelphia is a great destination for shopping. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Philadelphia is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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 is a popular activity when visiting San Antonio. From souvenir shops to local boutiques and chain stores, there are several shopping options around town. Check out the historic Market Square or the shops at Rivercenter for some of the city's most interesting shopping.

Is Philadelphia or San Antonio More Beautiful?

Philadelphia and San Antonio are somewhat similar when it comes to the nice scenery.

Philadelphia is a beautiful place to visit, too. With its diverse neighborhoods and rich history, this city offers its own type of beauty.

San Antonio offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The RiverWalk feels almost like a European city and its filled with colors and festiveness.

Is Philadelphia or San Antonio Better for Families?

San Antonio 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.

San Antonio is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The RiverWalk is a fun family-friendly area. There's also Six Flags, SeaWorld and the San Antonio Zoo as well as a number of museums and other amusement parks in the area. It's easy to spend days having a great family vacation in this area and you can combine history, culture, and entertainment all in one setting.

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 Philadelphia or San Antonio Better for Couples?

Philadelphia and San Antonio are both nice to visit as a couple.

Philadelphia makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

San Antonio is a good city for couples to visit. Couples will enjoy taking a boat ride and exploring the many sites around town. The RiverWalk has many restaurants and a great atmosphere for a date night. There's also the botanical gardens and many outdoor spaces to explore.

Is Philadelphia or San Antonio Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Philadelphia is a good destination for backpackers. However, San Antonio is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

San Antonio is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While its not on most backpacker's lists, it does have a fun atmosphere and a social setting.

Is Philadelphia or San Antonio Better for Students?

Philadelphia is a great destination for students. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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

It's common for students to visit San Antonio. There are a couple of colleges in the area. This is also a major conference destination so it's possible to network and meet other professionals.

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

Philadelphia is a great destination for its public transit. However, San Antonio is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Philadelphia can move around easily with public transportation. The system includes a subway, trolleys, buses, and a commuter rail.

Public transit is mostly limited in San Antonio. Buses connect most of the city's tourist attractions, but you'll find life much easier if you have your own car.

Is Philadelphia or San Antonio a more walkable city?

Philadelphia is an unbeatable place for its walkability. However, San Antonio is a city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

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

San Antonio is generally not a very walkable city. If you stick to the downtown area you will be fine getting around on foot. Outside of that area, you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in San Antonio or Philadelphia?

How long in Philadelphia or San Antonio?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Philadelphia and San Antonio. In our opinion, Philadelphia has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Philadelphia than San Antonio. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Couples should spend more time in Philadelphia than San Antonio. 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 San Antonio 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 San Antonio?

Philadelphia is a diverse city where you can fill many days. Most people visit for the museums. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In San Antonio, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this fun city offers. 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 San Antonio?

Philadelphia is a cultural big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

San Antonio is a fun place to experience. 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 San Antonio?

The historic city of Philadelphia offers food and shopping. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the colorful destination of San Antonio. 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 San Antonio?

Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Philadelphia. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the museums. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

San Antonio is a popular place to visit. 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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Philadelphia or San Antonio?

Philadelphia has a larger population, and is about 21% larger than the population of San Antonio. When comparing the sizes of Philadelphia and San Antonio, 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 Philadelphia or San Antonio?

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 Philadelphia or San Antonio in the Summer?

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

In July, Philadelphia is generally cooler than San Antonio. Daily temperatures in Philadelphia average around 77°F (25°C), and San Antonio fluctuates around 87°F (31°C).

In San Antonio, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Philadelphia. In the summer, Philadelphia often gets less sunshine than San Antonio. Philadelphia gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Antonio receives 307 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Philadelphia. Philadelphia usually gets more rain in July than San Antonio. Philadelphia gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while San Antonio receives 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Philadelphia or San Antonio in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Philadelphia and San Antonio. 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 San Antonio for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Philadelphia is much colder than San Antonio in the autumn. The daily temperature in Philadelphia averages around 56°F (14°C) in October, and San Antonio fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Antonio 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 San Antonio during autumn. Philadelphia gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while San Antonio receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Philadelphia usually receives less rain than San Antonio. Philadelphia gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while San Antonio receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Philadelphia or San Antonio in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Philadelphia as well as San Antonio. 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 San Antonio because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Philadelphia can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Philadelphia is much colder than San Antonio. Typically, the winter temperatures in Philadelphia in January average around 30°F (-1°C), and San Antonio averages at about 54°F (12°C).

In the winter, Philadelphia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Antonio. Philadelphia gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Antonio receives 155 hours of full sun.

Philadelphia usually gets more rain in January than San Antonio. Philadelphia gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while San Antonio receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Philadelphia or San Antonio in the Spring?

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

In April, Philadelphia is generally much colder than San Antonio. Daily temperatures in Philadelphia average around 52°F (11°C), and San Antonio fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in San Antonio. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Philadelphia. Philadelphia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Antonio during spring. Philadelphia gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while San Antonio receives 216 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Philadelphia usually receives more rain than San Antonio. Philadelphia gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while San Antonio receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for San Antonio and Philadelphia