A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Augustine vs. Phoenix for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Saint Augustine or Phoenix?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Augustine or Phoenix, 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.

Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine is a colonial, historic, and notable city. Saint Augustine offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and beaches. See Saint Augustine travel costs.

Phoenix

Phoenix is a sprawling, desert, and laid back city. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food. See Phoenix travel costs.

Saint Augustine and Phoenix: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Augustine or Phoenix?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Saint Augustine than Phoenix, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Saint Augustine is better known for its museums and attractions, food, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Phoenix is more popular for its hiking. Saint Augustine is more touristy than Phoenix and is popular for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States. Also, Saint Augustine is famous for the Colonial Quarter. Phoenix is well known for its desert landscapes, high number of golf courses, and year round warm weather.

How is Saint Augustine different from Phoenix?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Augustine or Phoenix?

Saint Augustine is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Saint Augustine. It's history is brought to life with many monuments and museums. The Lightner Museum, the Old Jail Museum, the Lincolnville Museum, and Castillo De San Marcos are among the city's most notable sights. Also worth a visit is the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum.

Phoenix is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Is the Food Better in Saint Augustine or Phoenix? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Augustine is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Saint Augustine has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The food scene is influenced by the long history of the city. You'll find flavors that are influenced by Spanish, African, and Native American cultures. There are several popular dishes around town such as fried shrimp, clam chowder, and shrimp and grits.

Phoenix offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

Is Saint Augustine or Phoenix Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Saint Augustine or Phoenix has a better nightlife scene.

Saint Augustine has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are wineries, pubs, live music venues, and a number of activities that take advantage of the outdoor setting.

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.

Is Saint Augustine or Phoenix Better for Beaches?

Saint Augustine is a great city for the beach. However, Phoenix is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Saint Augustine attract visitors from all over. Head to the beach to relax and swim. There are miles of sandy beach nearby, with some of the most popular being Ponte Vedra Beach, known for its golf courses, Vilano Beach, with its charming atmosphere, and the scenic Anastasia State Park.

Phoenix is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Augustine or Phoenix Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. However, Phoenix does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Saint Augustine offers plenty to see. As the longest running, continuously occupied city in the United States, the Historic Downtown is at the heart of the city. It's filled with quaint restaurants, historic hotels, and charming streets. You can take carriage rides or wander through the historic sites. Many of the buildings date back to the 1700s and offer a glimpse into Florida's past.

Phoenix does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint Augustine or Phoenix Better for Hiking?

Phoenix is a nice place to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Saint Augustine is not a hiking destination.

Phoenix has hiking trails worth exploring. 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.

Saint Augustine is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Augustine or Phoenix?

Saint Augustine is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Saint Augustine. The Historic Downtown has unique art galleries and boutiques. St. George Street is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir and Aviles Street is the oldest street in the United States. It's also filled with artisan boutiques. Plaza de la Constitución is known for its long running public market and it often has live entertainment.

Phoenix is a great destination for shopping. 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.

Is Saint Augustine or Phoenix More Beautiful?

Saint Augustine is a city with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, Phoenix is not a destination known for its beauty.

Saint Augustine offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Colonial architecture and a charming atmosphere give this historic town a unique beauty.

Phoenix is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Saint Augustine or Phoenix Better for Families?

Saint Augustine is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Saint Augustine. Kids will love the Alligator Farm but there's also a surprisingly fascinating archaeological park - The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. The Colonial Quarter is fun for all ages as well, as is a visit to Fort Castillo De San Marcos. If you have some time, head outside of town to the Marineland Dolphin Adventure, which is well worth the trip.

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 Saint Augustine or Phoenix Better for Couples?

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

Saint Augustine is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The Ancient City has a charm that is unique in Florida. There is beautiful architecture and a historical atmosphere that is romantic and genuine. You can enjoy a carriage ride and then sample some local cuisine before heading to the beach.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Saint Augustine and Phoenix.

Public transit is generally limited in Saint Augustine. The Old Town Trolley travels through the historic center. There's also a bus service through the region, but you really need a private vehicle to explore everything.

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

Is Saint Augustine or Phoenix a more walkable city?

Saint Augustine is a great city for its ease of walking around. However, Phoenix is not known for its walkability.

Saint Augustine is a very walkable destination. It's one of the more walkable cities in the area. Downtown, Uptown, and even near the beach have accessible areas with sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly zones.

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 Saint Augustine Worth Visiting? and Is Phoenix Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Phoenix or Saint Augustine?

How long in Saint Augustine or Phoenix?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint Augustine and Phoenix. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Saint Augustine than in Phoenix. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Augustine, and 1-3 days is enough time in Phoenix.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine.

One day in Saint Augustine or Phoenix?

In Saint Augustine, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The desert destination of Phoenix offers nightlife and food. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Saint Augustine or Phoenix?

In Saint Augustine, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

The city of Phoenix offers food and shopping. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Saint Augustine or Phoenix?

Saint Augustine is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the 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.

Phoenix is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Saint Augustine or Phoenix?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Augustine. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Saint Augustine. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Phoenix. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, and The Best Camping Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Saint Augustine or Phoenix?

Phoenix has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Saint Augustine. When comparing the sizes of Saint Augustine and Phoenix, 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 Saint Augustine or Phoenix?

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 Saint Augustine or Phoenix in the Summer?

Both Phoenix and Saint Augustine during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint Augustine this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Phoenix for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

It's very hot in Phoenix this time of the year. In July, Saint Augustine is generally cooler than Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 82°F (28°C), and Phoenix fluctuates around 98°F (36°C).

In Phoenix, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Augustine. In the summer, Saint Augustine often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Saint Augustine gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 380 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Augustine. Saint Augustine usually gets more rain in July than Phoenix. Saint Augustine gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Phoenix in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Augustine and Phoenix. Many travelers come to Saint Augustine for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Phoenix in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Saint Augustine is cooler than Phoenix in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Phoenix fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phoenix this time of the year. In Saint Augustine, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Augustine usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during autumn. Saint Augustine gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 305 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Augustine usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Saint Augustine gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Saint Augustine is June to November.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Phoenix in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Augustine as well as Phoenix. Many visitors come to Saint Augustine in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Phoenix for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Saint Augustine is cooler than Phoenix. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Augustine in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Phoenix averages at about 58°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phoenix. In the winter, Saint Augustine often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Saint Augustine gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 254 hours of full sun.

Saint Augustine usually gets more rain in January than Phoenix. Saint Augustine gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Phoenix in the Spring?

Both Phoenix and Saint Augustine are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Saint Augustine for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Saint Augustine is generally cooler than Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 68°F (20°C), and Phoenix fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Phoenix. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Augustine. Saint Augustine usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during spring. Saint Augustine gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 355 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Augustine usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Saint Augustine gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Augustine.

Typical Weather for Phoenix and Saint Augustine