A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Wilmington vs. Seattle for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Wilmington or Seattle?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Wilmington or Seattle, 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.

Wilmington

Wilmington is a welcoming, charming, and historic city. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food. See Wilmington travel costs.

Seattle

Seattle is a laid-back, bustling, and progressive city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Seattle is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Seattle travel costs.

Wilmington and Seattle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Wilmington or Seattle?

You'll generally find more things to do in Seattle than Wilmington. Seattle is bigger than Wilmington, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Seattle is better known for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, hiking, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Wilmington is more popular for its beaches and historical sights. Seattle is more touristy than Wilmington and is popular for its beautiful waterfront setting, diverse culinary scene, thriving art and cultural venues, and being the home of many international tech companies. Also, Seattle is famous for The Space Needle. Wilmington is well known for its laid back beaches, historical waterfront area, and university setting.

How is Wilmington different from Seattle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Wilmington or Seattle?

Seattle is great for its historical sights. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Seattle can be an interesting and educational experience. The city's most iconic landmark is the Space Needle. There's also a zoo, aquarium, and a handful of nice museums. Several favorites include the Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of History & Industry, and the Seattle Art Museum.

Wilmington offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are art, history, and science museums around town. The Battleship North Carolina is a popular destination. Science enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science or the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. For art, head to the Cameron Art Museum or Art in Bloom Gallery.

Is Wilmington or Seattle Better for Theater?

Seattle is a nice place to visit for theatre. However, Wilmington is not a theatre destination.

If you have some extra time in Seattle, take in a show. There are a handful of theaters where you can enjoy traveling Broadway shows or smaller productions.

Wilmington is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Wilmington or Seattle? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Seattle. The city has many diverse dining options that make it a popular foodie destination. The seafood is world-class with many restaurants offering fresh caught salmon and oysters. There are also many great Asian restaurants with Pho, sushi, and dim sum all being popular around town. Seattle is also famous as the birthplace of Starbucks coffee, and both chain and independent coffee shops are common. Finally, make sure you check out the donuts at Pike's Place Market.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Wilmington. Head to the waterfront for local seafood restaurants that offer outdoor seating and fresh caught fish. There are also farm-to-table restaurants and local diners with casual food.

Is Wilmington or Seattle Better for Nightlife?

Seattle is great for nightlife. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Seattle for the nightlife scene. The city is known for its breweries and eclectic nightlife scene. There is a thriving theater scene as well as many bars and trendy restaurants. The best neighborhoods for nightlife include Capitol Hill, Belltown, and Downtown.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Wilmington. Live music is popular around town. There are also bars, lounges and dance clubs. When the weather is warm, many places make use of the outdoor setting, which makes for a relaxed and fun evening.

Is Wilmington or Seattle Better for Music?

Seattle is great for live music. However, Wilmington is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Seattle draws a good crowd. The city has developed its own music culture around several genres including alternative rock and grunge.

Wilmington is not a live music destination.

Is Wilmington or Seattle Better for Beaches?

Wilmington is notable for the beach. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its beaches.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Wilmington. Nearby you'll find Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They have long stretches of sand and great waves. The water is usually warm enough for swimming between the months of April and October. During these peak months parking can be challenging, but during the quieter times, you shouldn't have trouble.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Seattle. The city is surrounded by water so there are a number of rocky and sandy beaches nearby. Some beaches are more popular with locals while others attract a large amount of tourists. Alki Beach Park, Discovery Park, and Golden Gardens Park are among the best.

Is Wilmington or Seattle Better for its Old Town?

Wilmington is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Seattle does not have a historic old town.

Wilmington offers a nice historic old town area. The Historic District is along the waterfront and has 18th and 19th century architecture. There are also great restaurants and interesting shops.

Seattle does not have a historic old town.

Is Wilmington or Seattle Better for Hiking?

Seattle is great for hiking. However, Wilmington is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Seattle for the hiking trails. It's famously an outdoorsy city and the hiking will not disappoint. Within a half hour drive of town you'll find beautiful forests and stunning natural beauty. Head into the Cascades, to the coastal rainforests, or around Mount Rainier for all kinds of diverse landscapes. Seattle is well situated for you to experience hiking through the diverse Pacific Northwest landscapes.

Wilmington is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Wilmington or Seattle?

If you're looking to go shopping, Wilmington and Seattle both offer plenty of notable spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Wilmington. Head downtown for the most interesting local shops. You'll find boutiques and souvenir shops where you can pick up art, accessories, or antiques.

Seattle offers some nice shopping areas. Shopping in town has an eclectic mix of high end brands, local vendors, and vintage shops. There are farmers markets as well as the famous Pike Place Market, but also major malls with all of the standard department stores.

Is Wilmington or Seattle More Beautiful?

Seattle is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Wilmington is not a destination known for its beauty.

Seattle is a gorgeous place to visit. Set against the backdrop of Mt. Rainier, the city has both natural and architectural beauty. It's also beautifully situated on the water with lots of parks and vegetation throughout.

Wilmington is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Wilmington or Seattle Better for Families?

Wilmington is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Wilmington is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Near town you'll find several beaches - Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They're all family-friendly and perfect for a day's activity. The city also has the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, the Children's Museum of Wilmington, and the Wilmington Railroad Museum. For a rainy day there are also indoor play areas and entertainment centers.

Seattle is a family-friendly city. This is an outdoor city with plenty of places where kids can run around and experience nature. There are several good museums as well as outdoor activities, parks, and a zoo. Make sure you check out the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Volunteer Park, and Artists at Play Playground.

Is Wilmington or Seattle Better for Couples?

Wilmington is notable for couples. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Wilmington is a very popular place to visit for couples. The beaches are great for a relaxing day of swimming and sunbathing. In the evening head into town and enjoy one of the local seafood restaurants on the waterfront. You'll also find great shopping and historical sights in the area.

Seattle is a nice destination for couples. The city has a laid back vibe, a nice downtown area, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are a diversity of restaurants to enjoy and a great nightlife scene that makes for a good couple's getaway.

Is Wilmington or Seattle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Seattle is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Wilmington is not a good destination for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Seattle. Although it's not the most popular city for backpackers in America, the city's chill vibe, fun breweries, and lively setting make it a great spot for young backpackers.

Wilmington is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, the university and great beaches make this a surprisingly fun destination.

Is Wilmington or Seattle Better for Students?

Seattle is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Seattle is a great city to visit as a student. It is a major IT center with a large university, so international students will have plenty of opportunities here. It's also a vibrant city with many outdoor recreational opportunities and a fun nightlife scene.

Wilmington is a good city to visit for students. The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is a popular school that brings many students to town.

Is Wilmington or Seattle Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Seattle is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Wilmington is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Seattle offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a light rail system, a monorail, a street car, and buses.

Public transit is generally limited in Wilmington. There are public buses around town, but for practical reasons, you'll want to have your own vehicle.

Is Wilmington or Seattle a more walkable city?

Seattle is great for its walkability. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Seattle is very walkable. Many neighborhoods are very walkable, particularly in the downtown and major tourist areas.

Wilmington is a somewhat walkable place. The Historic District is best explored on foot. You can also get around Wrightsville Beach on foot, but traveling between these places requires a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Wilmington Worth Visiting? and Is Seattle Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Seattle or Wilmington?

How long in Wilmington or Seattle?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Seattle than Wilmington 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 Seattle.

One day in Wilmington or Seattle?

In Wilmington, 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.

When visiting Seattle, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Wilmington or Seattle?

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

When visiting Seattle, people usually allow for lots of time. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Wilmington or Seattle?

Wilmington is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Wilmington has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Seattle, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Wilmington or Seattle?

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

Seattle is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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 Wilmington and Seattle, we can see that Wilmington 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 Wilmington Expensive? and Is Seattle Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Wilmington or Seattle?

Seattle has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Wilmington. When comparing the sizes of Wilmington and Seattle, 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 Wilmington or Seattle?

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 Wilmington or Seattle in the Summer?

Both Seattle and Wilmington during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Wilmington because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Seattle this time of year.

In July, Wilmington is generally a little warmer than Seattle. Daily temperatures in Wilmington average around 81°F (27°C), and Seattle fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

In Seattle, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Wilmington. In the summer, Wilmington often gets less sunshine than Seattle. Wilmington gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 313 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Wilmington. Wilmington usually gets more rain in July than Seattle. Wilmington gets 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wilmington or Seattle in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Wilmington and Seattle. The shopping scene are the main draw to Wilmington this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Seattle for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Wilmington is a little warmer than Seattle in the autumn. The daily temperature in Wilmington averages around 65°F (18°C) in October, and Seattle fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

In Wilmington, it's very sunny this time of the year. Wilmington usually receives more sunshine than Seattle during autumn. Wilmington gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 143 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Wilmington usually receives less rain than Seattle. Wilmington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Wilmington or Seattle in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Wilmington as well as Seattle. Many travelers come to Wilmington for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Seattle in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Wilmington is a little warmer than Seattle. Typically, the winter temperatures in Wilmington in January average around 45°F (7°C), and Seattle averages at about 42°F (5°C).

In the winter, Wilmington often gets more sunshine than Seattle. Wilmington gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 67 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Seattle. Wilmington usually gets less rain in January than Seattle. Wilmington gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wilmington or Seattle in the Spring?

Both Seattle and Wilmington are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Wilmington in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Seattle for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Wilmington is generally much warmer than Seattle. Daily temperatures in Wilmington average around 63°F (17°C), and Seattle fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

It's quite sunny in Seattle. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wilmington. Wilmington usually receives more sunshine than Seattle during spring. Wilmington gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Wilmington usually receives more rain than Seattle. Wilmington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Seattle and Wilmington