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

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Should you visit Boca Raton or Tampa?

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 Tampa. 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 Tampa?

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.

Tampa

On the north shore of Tampa Bay, across the water from Saint Peterburg, is the city of Tampa. The city has a population of almost 350,000. The metropolitan area includes Tampa, St. Peterburg, and Clearwater. It has about 2.9 million residents and is the second largest metropolitan area in the state. The city is a popular destination for outdoor activities and in 2008 it was ranked the 5th best outdoor city by Forbes.

Which city is cheaper, Tampa or Boca Raton?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Boca Raton is $226, while the average daily cost in Tampa is $136. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Boca Raton and Tampa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Boca Raton $136
    Tampa $68
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Boca Raton $272
    Tampa $136
Compare Hotels in Boca Raton and Tampa

Looking for a hotel in Boca Raton or Tampa? 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 Tampa


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 Tampa Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Boca Raton $61
    Tampa $58

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Boca Raton

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

  • Boca Raton to Miami Airport (MIA) - Departure Private Transfer: $153
  • Boca Raton to Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL)- Departure Private Transfer: $98

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tampa

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

  • Private Transfer from Tampa to Port Canaveral: $526
  • Private Transfer from Tampa to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $457
  • Private Transfer from Tampa to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $393
  • Private Tampa Area to Orlando Area Transfer up to 11 One Price Mercedes Sprinter: $300
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to St Petersburg - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $167
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to Clearwater Beach - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $167
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to Tampa hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $164
  • Private Transfer from Tampa Airport to Anna Maria Island: $120
  • Private Transfer from Tampa Airport to Sarasota: $120
  • Private Tampa Transfer: Hotel to Airport or Cruise Port: $113
  • Private Tampa Transfer: Cruise Port to Airport or Hotel: $113
  • Private Tampa Transfer: Airport to Hotel or Cruise Port: $113

Is it cheaper to fly into Boca Raton or Tampa?

Prices for flights to both Tampa 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 $54
    Tampa $34

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Boca Raton $22
    Tampa $15

Tours and Activities in Tampa

For Tampa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 1.5-hour Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise from Tampa: $31
  • 2-hour Tiki Boat BYOB Cruise in Tampa: $60
  • Adventure Island Water Park Ticket: $63
  • Bayshore Drive Motorbike Tour: $199
  • Bicycle Tour Orlando, Over Tampa Bay Ride: $150
  • Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Admission Ticket: $110
  • Historic Ybor City Food and Drink Walking Tour: $59
  • Motorcycle Tour of Sunshine Skyway Bridge: $299
  • Nature Coast Private Day Tour From Tampa with Photographer , Max Group of 4: $250
  • Orlando: Aquatica Water Park Admission Ticket: $128
  • Skip the Line: The Florida Aquarium in Tampa Bay Ticket: $26
  • Skip the Line: ZooTampa at Lowry Park Admission Ticket: $45

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Boca Raton $32
    Tampa $20

Sample the Local Flavors in Tampa

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tampa:

  • Tampa Bar Hunt: Tampa Takeover Bar Crawl: $12
  • Haunted Tampa Ghost and Pub Walking Tour - Ybor City: $26
  • Private Tampa Brewery Tour - Party Bus: $600

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Boca Raton and Tampa, we can see that Boca Raton is more expensive. And not only is Tampa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tampa would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tampa and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Boca Raton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boca Raton than you might in Tampa.


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

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 Tampa in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Boca Raton and Tampa. Also, many travelers come to Tampa for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Boca Raton is around the same temperature as Tampa in the summer. The temperature in Boca Raton is usually 82°F (28°C) in July, and Tampa stays around 82°F (28°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tampa this time of the year. In Boca Raton, it's very sunny this time of the year. Boca Raton usually receives more sunshine than Tampa during summer. Boca Raton gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Tampa receives 265 hours of full sun in the summer.

Tampa receives a lot of rain in the summer. Boca Raton gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Boca Raton usually receives less rain than Tampa. Boca Raton gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Tampa receives 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Boca Raton or Tampa in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Boca Raton as well as Tampa. Also, many visitors come to Tampa in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions.

In the autumn, Boca Raton is around the same temperature as Tampa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Boca Raton in October are around 78°F (25°C), and Tampa is about 75°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tampa. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Boca Raton this time of the year. In the autumn, Boca Raton often gets more sunshine than Tampa. Boca Raton gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tampa receives 234 hours of full sun.

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Boca Raton 78°F (25°C) 
    Tampa 75°F (24°C)

Should I visit Boca Raton or Tampa in the Winter?

Both Tampa and Boca Raton are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Tampa for the cuisine during these months.

In January, Boca Raton is generally a little warmer than Tampa. Temperatures in Boca Raton average around 65°F (19°C), and Tampa stays around 60°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in Tampa. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Boca Raton. Boca Raton usually receives more sunshine than Tampa during winter. Boca Raton gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Tampa receives 200 hours of full sun in the winter.

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


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Boca Raton 65°F (19°C) 
    Tampa 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Boca Raton or Tampa in the Spring?

Both Tampa and Boca Raton during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Tampa because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

Boca Raton is around the same temperature as Tampa in the spring. The temperature in Boca Raton is usually 74°F (23°C) in April, and Tampa stays around 71°F (22°C).

In Tampa, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Boca Raton. In the spring, Boca Raton often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Tampa. Boca Raton gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tampa receives 299 hours of full sun.

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Boca Raton 74°F (23°C) 
    Tampa 71°F (22°C)

Typical Weather for Tampa and Boca Raton

Boca Raton Tampa
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 65°F (19°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 60°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm)
Feb 66°F (19°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 61°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 70°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Apr 74°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 71°F (22°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
May 78°F (25°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm) 77°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 8.1 inches (207 mm) 81°F (27°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) 75°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)
Nov 72°F (22°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm) 68°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)


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Boca Raton vs. Tampa Travel Comparison

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