A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Phoenix vs. Niagara Falls for Families, Hiking, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Phoenix or Niagara Falls?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Phoenix and Niagara Falls can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Phoenix

Phoenix is a desert, laid back, and sprawling city. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Phoenix travel costs.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a impressive, iconic, and breathtaking city. With stunning beauty, Niagara Falls attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Niagara Falls travel costs.

Phoenix and Niagara Falls: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Phoenix or Niagara Falls?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Niagara Falls than Phoenix. While Phoenix is larger than Niagara Falls, Niagara Falls has more sights and attractions for tourists. Niagara Falls is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty, while Phoenix is known for its museums and attractions. Niagara Falls is more touristy than Phoenix and is popular for the large volume of water that flows over it. It is also home to the Journey Behind the Falls. Phoenix is popular for its desert landscapes, high number of golf courses, and year round warm weather.

How is Phoenix different from Niagara Falls?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Phoenix or Niagara Falls?

Phoenix is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Niagara Falls is a mediocre city for its museums and history.

Phoenix offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You'll find art, science, and cultural museums around town. Favorites include the Heard Museum, the Phoenix Art Museum, S'edav Va'aki Museum, and the Arizona Science Museum.

While most people don't head to Niagara Falls specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The Niagara Falls History Museum is one of the best museums in the area. There are also more touristy museums and attractions that you can visit as well. There's also a butterfly conservancy that is worth checking out.

Is the Food Better in Phoenix or Niagara Falls? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Phoenix and Niagara Falls can be an enjoyable experience.

Phoenix is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are many mom-and-pop shops around town that serve everything from casual meals to quality steaks. There's also a huge selection of Mexican restaurants, as well as other international options such as sushi, dim sum, and Italian.

Niagara Falls offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. It's an iconic Canadian destination so, of course, you should try all things Canadian while you're in town. Maple syrup, poutine, butter tart, and beavertail (fried dough) are all things that should be on your list. Also make sure you sample some of the local game meat.

Is Phoenix or Niagara Falls Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find good options in both Phoenix and Niagara Falls.

If you're looking for night time activities Phoenix has a few options to choose from. The best nightlife scene is found in downtown and central Phoenix. There are bars, restaurants, and venues where you can catch a show. North Phoenix also has grown into a popular evening spot with cocktail bars and pubs.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Niagara Falls. There's a decent concentration of clubs, pubs, and bars around town that keep things fun late into the evening.

Is Phoenix or Niagara Falls Better for Hiking?

Niagara Falls is a great city for hiking. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Niagara Falls for the hiking trails. The nearby area is filled with hiking trails that let you escape into nature and enjoy impressive views.

Phoenix offers some nice hiking trails. You don't have to head far out of town for impressive hiking opportunities. You'll find trails that range from easy to challenging, and many pass through other-worldly landscapes. You'll find popular trails in Usery Mountain Regional Park, Papago Park, White Tank Mountain Regional Park, South Mountain Park and many others.

Is the Shopping Better in Phoenix or Niagara Falls?

If you're looking to go shopping, Phoenix and Niagara Falls both offer plenty of good spots.

Phoenix has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are plenty of shopping centers, outlets, and malls where you'll find the standard chain stores. You'll also find farmer's markets around town.

Niagara Falls is a great destination for shopping. You'll find touristy souvenir shops as well as outlets and malls nearby.

Is Phoenix or Niagara Falls More Beautiful?

Niagara Falls is a great city for its scenery and beauty. However, Phoenix is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Niagara Falls attracts visitors from all around. It's an impressive sight and the Canadian side offers the best views. It's definitely something you should try and see at least once.

Phoenix is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Phoenix or Niagara Falls Better for Families?

Niagara Falls is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Niagara Falls is an extremely popular city to visit for families. The views and setting are spectacular, and kids will love the boat tours or taking a ride on the Whirlpool Aero Car. There's also an indoor waterpark, a butterfly conservatory, and plenty of nature to explore.

Phoenix is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the Phoenix Zoo, the Arizona Science Center, the SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, and the Bearizona Wildlife Park. There's also a number of parks and gardens as well as a children's museum and several other interactive museums for kids.

Is Phoenix or Niagara Falls Better for Couples?

Niagara Falls is a great city for couples. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Niagara Falls is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The setting has long brought to mind romance, and to this day couples still honeymoon at this iconic destination. There are boat tours, nature trails, luxury hotels, and even wineries to explore.

Phoenix is a nice destination for couples. There are many parks and gardens in town as well as beautiful hikes and outdoor activities that couples will enjoy. In the evening, there's theater, shows, and many romantic restaurants.

Is Phoenix or Niagara Falls Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Niagara Falls is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Phoenix is not known for backpackers.

Niagara Falls is a good city to visit for backpackers. There's a hostel or two where you can stay for cheap and meet other travelers.

Phoenix is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel or two around town for budget travelers.

Is Phoenix or Niagara Falls Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Niagara Falls is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Phoenix is not known for its public transit.

While Niagara Falls offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system through town.

Public transit is generally limited in Phoenix. There's a bus and light rail system, but you really need your own vehicle to get around.

Is Phoenix or Niagara Falls a more walkable city?

Niagara Falls is a city with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Phoenix is not known for its walkability.

Niagara Falls is a somewhat walkable city. Most of the attractions and close together by the falls, so it's relatively walkable.

Phoenix is generally not very walkable. It's a sprawling city and the only real area that's walkable is the downtown.

For even more information, also check out Is Phoenix Worth Visiting? and Is Niagara Falls Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Niagara Falls or Phoenix?

How long in Phoenix or Niagara Falls?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Phoenix and Niagara Falls. In our opinion, Niagara Falls has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Niagara Falls than Phoenix. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Phoenix, and 2-3 days is enough time in Niagara Falls.

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

Couples should spend more time in Niagara Falls than Phoenix. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Niagara Falls that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Niagara Falls than Phoenix 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 Niagara Falls.

One day in Phoenix or Niagara Falls?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the sprawling destination of Phoenix. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Niagara Falls, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Phoenix or Niagara Falls?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Phoenix. 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.

In Niagara Falls, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Niagara Falls has to offer.

Five days in Phoenix or Niagara Falls?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the laid back destination of Phoenix. 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.

Niagara Falls is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Phoenix or Niagara Falls?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Phoenix. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Niagara Falls. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Niagara Falls. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada, and The Best Camping Tours in Canada.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Phoenix or Niagara Falls?

Phoenix has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Niagara Falls. When comparing the sizes of Phoenix and Niagara Falls, 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 Phoenix or Niagara Falls?

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 Phoenix or Niagara Falls in the Summer?

Both Niagara Falls and Phoenix during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Phoenix for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Niagara Falls in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Phoenix can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Phoenix is generally much warmer than Niagara Falls. Daily temperatures in Phoenix average around 98°F (36°C), and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In Niagara Falls, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Phoenix. In the summer, Phoenix often gets more sunshine than Niagara Falls. Phoenix gets 380 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Niagara Falls receives 306 hours of full sun.

Phoenix usually gets less rain in July than Niagara Falls. Phoenix gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Phoenix or Niagara Falls in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Phoenix and Niagara Falls. Many visitors come to Phoenix in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Niagara Falls for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Phoenix is much warmer than Niagara Falls in the autumn. The daily temperature in Phoenix averages around 79°F (26°C) in October, and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In Phoenix, it's very sunny this time of the year. Phoenix usually receives more sunshine than Niagara Falls during autumn. Phoenix gets 305 hours of sunny skies, while Niagara Falls receives 148 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Phoenix usually receives less rain than Niagara Falls. Phoenix gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Phoenix or Niagara Falls in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Phoenix as well as Niagara Falls. Most visitors come to Phoenix for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Niagara Falls because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Niagara Falls can be very cold. In the winter, Phoenix is much warmer than Niagara Falls. Typically, the winter temperatures in Phoenix in January average around 58°F (14°C), and Niagara Falls averages at about -4°C (26°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phoenix this time of the year. In the winter, Phoenix often gets more sunshine than Niagara Falls. Phoenix gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Niagara Falls receives 89 hours of full sun.

Phoenix usually gets less rain in January than Niagara Falls. Phoenix gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Phoenix or Niagara Falls in the Spring?

Both Niagara Falls and Phoenix are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Niagara Falls this time of year.

In April, Phoenix is generally much warmer than Niagara Falls. Daily temperatures in Phoenix average around 74°F (23°C), and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

It's quite sunny in Niagara Falls. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phoenix. Phoenix usually receives more sunshine than Niagara Falls during spring. Phoenix gets 355 hours of sunny skies, while Niagara Falls receives 203 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Phoenix usually receives less rain than Niagara Falls. Phoenix gets 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Niagara Falls and Phoenix