Oakland , General info:
9/10

Oakland is the eighth-largest city in the U.S. state of California and the county seat of Alameda County. Oakland is located in Northern California in the San Francisco Bay Area, the Combined statistical area#Largest CSAs-twelveth-most-populous metropolitan area in the United States. Based on 2006 statistical data, Oakland is the 44th-largest city in the United States.

Rand McNally named Oakland as having the best weather in the United States.

Oakland is a major West Coast port, and is home to several major corporations including Kaiser Permanente and Clorox, as well as corporate headquarters for nationwide businesses like Dreyer's and Cost Plus World Markets.

Oakland , Cheap stuff:
8/10

Like any big city...

Oakland , Different stuff:
9/10

Symbols of Oakland’s arrival as a modern 20th century metropolis -- the Beaux Arts-style City hall and Rotunda Building, the Tribune Tower, and the Art Deco-style Financial Center building

Oakland , Don't miss:
8/10

Dunsmuir House, Grand Lake Theatre, Jack London Square, Lake Merritt, Children's Fairyland, Parkway Theatre, Paramount Theatre, Preservation Park, USS Potomac-National Historic Landmark

Oakland , Food:
9/10

Jack's Bistro, Horatio's, Garibaldi's on College, Citron, ...

Oakland , Hotels:
8/10

Clarion Suites Lake Merritt Restaurant & Hotel, Jack London Square Lodging, Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Oakland Airport, Regency Inn, North Oakland, Executive Inn & Suites Embarcadero Cove, Oakland Marriott

Quality Inn, Imperial Inn, Fairfield Inn by Marriott

Oakland , Safety:
9/10

Not so safe in here ...

Phoenix , General info:
10/10

Phoenix is the capital and the most populous city of the U.S. state of Arizona and the county seat of Maricopa County, as well as being the largest state capital in the United States by population. It is the largest city in the American Southwest and the Mountain Time Zone, and is the region's primary government, cultural, economic, and transportation center. Phoenix is located along the banks of the now normally dry Salt River.

Phoenix has an arid climate, and its average annual maximum temperature is the highest of any major US city. The temperature reaches or exceeds 100°F (38°C) on an average of 89 days during the year, including most days from early June through early September.

The Phoenix airport, called Sky Harbor International Airport, is the sixth busiest airport in the country.

Phoenix , Cheap stuff:
10/10

Cost of living in Arizona is cheaper than in other major U.S. cities but that the salaries are lower

Phoenix , Different stuff:
9/10

The main Heard Museum is located on Central Avenue in Phoenix. The Heard has grown in size and stature to where now it is recognized internationally for the quality of its collections, its educational programming and its festivals. The current collection of the Heard Museum consists of over 40,000 items and it has over 130,000 square feet (12,000 m²) of gallery, classroom and performance space.

Phoenix , Don't miss:
9/10

The Phoenix Zoo, opened in 1962, is the largest non-profit zoo in the United States. The zoo operates on 125 acres of land in the Papago Park area of Phoenix. The zoo has approximately 1,200 animals on display, 2.5 miles (4.0 km) of walking trails, and other attractions.

Also don't miss to see a saguaro cactus .

Phoenix , Food:
9/10

There are thousands of restaurants in the Phoenix, Arizona area and choosing the perfect one can sometimes be difficult task. Like all other mayor cities in the U.S. Phoenix has it all, from American Traditional, to Chineese, European Mexican and Latin food.

Phoenix , Hotels:
10/10

JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa, Ritz Carlton Phoenix, Royal Palms Hotel And Spa, Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa... And for those who like going out of town, The Phoenician, Boulders Resort and Golden Door Spa, Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort and Spa.