A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Boca Raton vs. Sarasota for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Boca Raton or Sarasota?

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 Boca Raton and Sarasota. 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.

Where Should I go: Boca Raton or Sarasota?

Boca Raton

An affluent city with a reputation for catering to the well-to-do, Boca Raton is a beautiful city in Southern Florida with plenty to offer for all tastes and budgets. Boca's warm weather climate has visitors flocking to its many beaches and parks each day, while others take advantage of the golf courses, spas, annual events, festivals, live shows, museums, shopping, dining, and more.

Sarasota

Located on the Gulf Coast of southwest Florida, Sarasota is a popular city known for its thriving arts scene, selection of restaurants, plenty of shopping, and beautiful beaches. The metropolitan area is a hub of city culture, while the beaches offer escapes of fine white sand and aqua waters.

Which place is cheaper, Sarasota or Boca Raton?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Boca Raton is $283, while the average daily cost in Sarasota is $249. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Boca Raton and Sarasota in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Boca Raton $171
    Sarasota $108
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Boca Raton $342
    Sarasota $216
Compare Hotels in Boca Raton and Sarasota

Looking for a hotel in Boca Raton or Sarasota? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Boca Raton


Hotels in Sarasota


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Boca Raton Hotel Prices and Sarasota Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Boca Raton $76
    Sarasota -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Boca Raton

Also for Boca Raton, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Boca Raton Private Transfer to FLL (UP TO 14 PASS): $80

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sarasota

Also for Sarasota, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer to Miami International Airport: $960
  • Private Transfer to Fort Lauderdale Airport: $824
  • Private Transfer to Southwest Florida Airport: $224
  • Private Transfer to Tampa International Airport: $171

Is it cheaper to fly into Boca Raton or Sarasota?

Prices for flights to both Sarasota and Boca Raton change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Boca Raton $67
    Sarasota $137

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Boca Raton

For Boca Raton, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Craft Food Tour in Delray Beach: $99

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sarasota

For Sarasota, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Downtown Walking Food Tour in Sarasota: $110

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Boca Raton $28
    Sarasota $11

Tours and Activities in Boca Raton

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Boca Raton.

  • 90 minute South Florida Jet Ski Adventure Fun Thrilling : $195
  • Boomers Park Admission Tickets: $50

Tours and Activities in Sarasota

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sarasota.

  • Parasailing Adventure above the Gulf of Mexico: $95
  • 2 Hours and 30 minutes Clear Kayak Tour in Robinson Preserve: $75
  • 75 Minute Parasailing Adventure above Bradenton Beach & Anna Maria Island: $70
  • Amish Experience: Bridges to Understanding: $68
  • City Sightseeing Trolley Tour of Sarasota: $69
  • Clear Kayak Glass Bottom Day Tour - Anna Maria Island: $65
  • Clear Kayak Glass Bottom Day Tour - Sarasota: $65
  • Clear Kayak LED Night Glass Bottom Tour - Anna Maria Island: $65
  • Clear Kayak LED Night Glass Bottom Tour - Sarasota: $65
  • Clear Kayak Private Guided Day and Night Tours in Florida: $65
  • Efoil Watersport Experience in Sarsota: $200
  • Half-Day Private Sarasota Charter Tour with Wildlife Watching: $450

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Boca Raton $40
    Sarasota -


When comparing the travel costs between Boca Raton and Sarasota, we can see that Boca Raton 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.

Which is Bigger, Boca Raton or Sarasota?

Boca Raton is bigger, and its population is about 51% larger than the population of Sarasota. When comparing the population of Boca Raton vs. Sarasota, 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 and the activities that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Boca Raton or Sarasota?

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 Boca Raton or Sarasota in the Summer?

Both Sarasota and Boca Raton are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.

In July, Boca Raton is generally around the same temperature as Sarasota. Daily temperatures in Boca Raton average around 82°F (28°C), and Sarasota fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

It's quite sunny in Sarasota. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Boca Raton. Boca Raton usually receives more sunshine than Sarasota during summer. Boca Raton gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Sarasota receives 265 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sarasota. It's quite rainy in Boca Raton. In July, Boca Raton usually receives less rain than Sarasota. Boca Raton gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Sarasota receives 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Boca Raton 82°F (28°C) 
    Sarasota 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Boca Raton or Sarasota in the Autumn?

Both Sarasota and Boca Raton during the autumn are popular places to visit.

Boca Raton is around the same temperature as Sarasota in the autumn. The daily temperature in Boca Raton averages around 78°F (25°C) in October, and Sarasota fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

In Sarasota, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Boca Raton. In the autumn, Boca Raton often gets more sunshine than Sarasota. Boca Raton gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarasota receives 234 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Boca Raton. Boca Raton usually gets more rain in October than Sarasota. Boca Raton gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Sarasota receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Boca Raton 78°F (25°C) 
    Sarasota 76°F (24°C)

Should I visit Boca Raton or Sarasota in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Boca Raton and Sarasota.

In the winter, Boca Raton is a little warmer than Sarasota. Typically, the winter temperatures in Boca Raton in January average around 65°F (19°C), and Sarasota averages at about 59°F (15°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sarasota this time of the year. In Boca Raton, it's very sunny this time of the year. Boca Raton usually receives more sunshine than Sarasota during winter. Boca Raton gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Sarasota receives 200 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Boca Raton usually receives more rain than Sarasota. Boca Raton gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Sarasota receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Boca Raton 65°F (19°C) 
    Sarasota 59°F (15°C)

Should I visit Boca Raton or Sarasota in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Boca Raton as well as Sarasota.

In April, Boca Raton is generally around the same temperature as Sarasota. Daily temperatures in Boca Raton average around 74°F (23°C), and Sarasota fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sarasota. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Boca Raton this time of the year. In the spring, Boca Raton often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sarasota. Boca Raton gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarasota receives 299 hours of full sun.

Boca Raton usually gets more rain in April than Sarasota. Boca Raton gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Sarasota receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Boca Raton 74°F (23°C) 
    Sarasota 73°F (23°C)

Typical Weather for Sarasota and Boca Raton

Boca Raton Sarasota
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 65°F (19°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 59°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm)
Feb 66°F (19°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 62°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 70°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 67°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Apr 74°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
May 78°F (25°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm) 78°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 8.1 inches (207 mm) 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (166 mm) 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (176 mm) 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 9.8 inches (250 mm) 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm)
Oct 78°F (25°C) 8.7 inches (222 mm) 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)
Nov 72°F (22°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm) 69°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Dec 67°F (20°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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Boca Raton vs. Sarasota Travel Comparison

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