A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Sarasota vs. Phoenix for Families, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Sarasota or Phoenix?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Sarasota and Phoenix. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Sarasota

Sarasota is a entertaining, underrated, and relaxing city. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and beaches. See Sarasota travel costs.

Phoenix

Phoenix is a desert, laid back, and sprawling city. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and shopping. See Phoenix travel costs.

Sarasota and Phoenix: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sarasota or Phoenix?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Sarasota than Phoenix. While Phoenix is larger than Sarasota, Sarasota has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Sarasota is more popular for its museums and attractions, resorts, and beaches, while Phoenix is known for its hiking. Sarasota is more touristy than Phoenix and is known for its sandy beaches and its fun activities. It is also home to the John and Mable Ringling Museum. Phoenix is popular for its desert landscapes, high number of golf courses, and year round warm weather.

How is Sarasota different from Phoenix?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Sarasota or Phoenix?

Sarasota 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 Sarasota. There are some decent museums in town such as the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the Sarasota Classic Car Museum, and the Ca' da'Zan. Another highlight is the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium.

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 Sarasota or Phoenix? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at good restaurants in both Sarasota and Phoenix.

Sarasota has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find plenty of seafood around town, but there are also international restaurants and quirky local joints.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Phoenix area. 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 Sarasota or Phoenix Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is good in both Sarasota and Phoenix.

If you're looking for night time activities Sarasota has a few options to choose from. You'll find beach clubs, live entertainment such as drum circles, and plenty of bars around town. There are also evening cruises and late night parties.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Phoenix. 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 Sarasota or Phoenix Better for Resorts?

Sarasota is a city with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Phoenix is not a resort destination.

Sarasota has a few great resort options. You'll find beachfront resorts with pools and nice views.

Phoenix is not a resort destination.

Is Sarasota or Phoenix Better for Beaches?

Sarasota is a city with good options for the beach. However, Phoenix is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Sarasota. There's no shortage of beaches in the area where you can spend a relaxing day playing the water and lounging in the sun. Siesta Key, Sarasota Gay Beach, Crescent Beach, and Coquina Beach are some of the favorites.

Phoenix is not a beach destination.

Is Sarasota or Phoenix Better for Hiking?

Phoenix is a good destination for hiking. However, Sarasota is not a hiking destination.

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.

Sarasota is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sarasota or Phoenix?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Sarasota. Upscale shopping can be found at St. Armand's Circle. There's also Sarasota Square Mall and the Mall at University Town Center. If you want to pick up some local items you can check out Sarasota Farmers Market.

Many visitors go to Phoenix to go 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 Sarasota or Phoenix Better for Families?

Sarasota 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.

Sarasota is an extremely popular city to visit for families. There's a huge number of hands on activities for kids and families in the area. Many families enjoy a visit to Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. There are also botanical gardens, science museums, and outdoor adventure centers. Animal lovers will appreciate a visit to Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary. The city also has many performing arts and entertainment options for kids. And make sure you check out the museum dedicated to the Ringling Brothers Circus.

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 Sarasota or Phoenix Better for Couples?

Sarasota and Phoenix both good destinations for a couple.

Sarasota makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. A night out at St. Armands Circle is a fun way to spend the evening. There are also sunset cruises, nice restaurants, comedy clubs, and more.

Phoenix is a good city for couples to visit. 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 Sarasota or Phoenix Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sarasota and Phoenix both offer decent public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Sarasota. There's a bus system around town but most visitors depend on their own car for transportation.

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 Sarasota or Phoenix a more walkable city?

Sarasota and Phoenix are decent when it comes to walkability.

Sarasota is generally not a very walkable city. While the downtown has some walkable parts, you'll need a car to access most things around town.

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 Sarasota Worth Visiting? and Is Phoenix Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Phoenix or Sarasota?

How long in Sarasota or Phoenix?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Sarasota and Phoenix. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sarasota than in Phoenix. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Sarasota, and 1-3 days is enough time in Phoenix.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sarasota 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 Sarasota.

One day in Sarasota or Phoenix?

In Sarasota, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The city of Phoenix offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Sarasota or Phoenix?

In Sarasota, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sarasota has to offer.

Phoenix is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Phoenix, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Sarasota or Phoenix?

Sarasota is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sarasota has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Phoenix is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Sarasota or Phoenix?

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

Phoenix is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

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

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

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

Which is Bigger, Sarasota or Phoenix?

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

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 Sarasota or Phoenix in the Summer?

Both Phoenix and Sarasota are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Sarasota for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Phoenix because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Phoenix can become quite hot in the summer. In the summer, Sarasota is cooler than Phoenix. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sarasota in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Phoenix averages at about 98°F (36°C).

It's quite sunny in Phoenix. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sarasota. Sarasota usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during summer. Sarasota gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 380 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Sarasota. In July, Sarasota usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Sarasota gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Sarasota or Phoenix in the Autumn?

Both Phoenix and Sarasota during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Sarasota because of the shopping scene. Furthermore, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Phoenix this time of year.

In October, Sarasota is generally around the same temperature as Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Sarasota average around 76°F (24°C), and Phoenix fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

In Phoenix, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sarasota. In the autumn, Sarasota often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Sarasota gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 305 hours of full sun.

Sarasota usually gets more rain in October than Phoenix. Sarasota gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Sarasota is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Sarasota or Phoenix in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sarasota and Phoenix. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sarasota this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Phoenix for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Sarasota is around the same temperature as Phoenix in the winter. The daily temperature in Sarasota averages around 59°F (15°C) in January, and Phoenix fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phoenix this time of the year. In Sarasota, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sarasota usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during winter. Sarasota gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 254 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Sarasota usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Sarasota gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Sarasota or Phoenix in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sarasota as well as Phoenix. Many travelers come to Sarasota for the beaches.

In the spring, Sarasota is around the same temperature as Phoenix. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sarasota in April average around 73°F (23°C), and Phoenix averages at about 74°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phoenix. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sarasota this time of the year. In the spring, Sarasota often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Sarasota gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 355 hours of full sun.

Sarasota usually gets more rain in April than Phoenix. Sarasota gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Sarasota is June to November.

Typical Weather for Phoenix and Sarasota