Comparison · Boston vs Philadelphia · United States
Boston vs Philadelphia
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Ian Howard, CC BY 2.5
Quick answer
Choose Boston for Freedom Trail, American Revolution history and beaches; choose Philadelphia for Independence Hall and Liberty Bell. Philadelphia is generally less expensive, and the two are about 436 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 436 km
- Less expensive
- Philadelphia
- Best time for Boston
- May–June and September–October
- Best time for Philadelphia
- May–June and September–October
Side by side
| Boston | Philadelphia | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | United States | United States |
| Known for | Freedom Trail, American Revolution history and Clam chowder | Independence Hall, Liberty Bell and Cheesesteaks |
| Best time to visit | May–June and September–October | May–June and September–October |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 3 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $260–$420 | $220–$380 |
| Cost level | Expensive | Moderately priced |
| Warmest month | July, 28°C (82°F) | July, 31°C (88°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 3°C (37°F) | January, 5°C (41°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 8 | 7 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 6 |
| Beaches | Revere Beach | — |
| Airports | BOS, PVD, MHT | PHL |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Boston for…
Freedom Trail, American Revolution history and beaches. Boston is one of the oldest cities in the US and one of the most walkable: the 4-km Freedom Trail links sixteen Revolutionary-era sites from Boston Common to Bunker Hill, and most central neighbourhoods are within a 30-minute walk of each other. Visitors…
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Choose Philadelphia for…
Independence Hall and Liberty Bell. Philadelphia is where the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were debated and signed, and Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and Elfreth's Alley still sit within a few blocks of each other in Old City. Center City is a flat, compact grid…
Top sights compared
| # | Boston | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Freedom Trail | Independence Hall |
| 2 | Boston Common and Public Garden | Liberty Bell Center |
| 3 | Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market | Museum of the American Revolution |
| 4 | Museum of Fine Arts | Philadelphia Art Museum and the Rocky Steps |
| 5 | Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum | Reading Terminal Market |
Food compared
| Boston | Philadelphia |
|---|---|
| New England clam chowder | Cheesesteak |
| Lobster roll | Roast pork sandwich |
| Fried clams | Hoagie |
| Oysters | Soft pretzel |
Which is cheaper?
Philadelphia is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $220–$380 per person there, against $260–$420 in Boston (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Philadelphia on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Boston and Philadelphia are about 436 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 4 days in Boston and 3 in Philadelphia.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Boston or Philadelphia cheaper?
Philadelphia is usually less expensive: about $220–$380 a day mid-range against $260–$420 (estimates).
+Is Boston or Philadelphia better for a first trip?
Pick Boston for Freedom Trail, American Revolution history and beaches, or Philadelphia for Independence Hall and Liberty Bell.
+How far is Boston from Philadelphia?
About 436 km in a straight line.