Comparison · New York City vs Philadelphia · United States
New York City 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: Dllu, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Quick answer
Choose New York City for Statue of Liberty, Central Park and beaches; choose Philadelphia for Independence Hall, Liberty Bell, lower day-to-day costs and a short break. Philadelphia is generally less expensive, and the two are about 130 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 130 km
- Less expensive
- Philadelphia
- Best time for New York City
- April–June and September–October
- Best time for Philadelphia
- May–June and September–October
Side by side
| New York City | Philadelphia | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | United States | United States |
| Known for | Statue of Liberty, Central Park and Broadway | Independence Hall, Liberty Bell and Cheesesteaks |
| Best time to visit | April–June and September–October | May–June and September–October |
| Ideal stay | 5 days | 3 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $300–$500 | $220–$380 |
| Cost level | Very expensive | Moderately priced |
| Warmest month | July, 29°C (84°F) | July, 31°C (88°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 4°C (39°F) | January, 5°C (41°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 8 | 7 |
| Day trips in our guide | 5 | 6 |
| Beaches | Coney Island and Brighton Beach | — |
| Airports | JFK, EWR, LGA | PHL |
Which one is right for you?
Choose New York City for…
Statue of Liberty, Central Park and beaches. New York's five boroughs hold more than eight million people, but most visitors focus on Manhattan, a long island of skyscrapers with Central Park in the middle, and the parts of Brooklyn just across the East River. The grid of avenues and numbered streets…
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Choose Philadelphia for…
Independence Hall, Liberty Bell, lower day-to-day costs and a short break. 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
| # | New York City | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Central Park | Independence Hall |
| 2 | Metropolitan Museum of Art | Liberty Bell Center |
| 3 | Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island | Museum of the American Revolution |
| 4 | Empire State Building | Philadelphia Art Museum and the Rocky Steps |
| 5 | Top of the Rock | Reading Terminal Market |
Food compared
| New York City | Philadelphia |
|---|---|
| New York pizza slice | Cheesesteak |
| Bagel with lox | Roast pork sandwich |
| Pastrami on rye | Hoagie |
| Hot dog | 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 $300–$500 in New York City (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Philadelphia on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. New York City and Philadelphia are about 130 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 5 days in New York City and 3 in Philadelphia.
Questions travellers ask
+Is New York City or Philadelphia cheaper?
Philadelphia is usually less expensive: about $220–$380 a day mid-range against $300–$500 (estimates).
+Is New York City or Philadelphia better for a first trip?
Pick New York City for Statue of Liberty, Central Park and beaches, or Philadelphia for Independence Hall, Liberty Bell, lower day-to-day costs and a short break.
+How far is New York City from Philadelphia?
About 130 km in a straight line.