A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Cape Canaveral vs. Destin for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Cape Canaveral or Destin?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cape Canaveral or Destin, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Cape Canaveral or Destin?

Cape Canaveral

As a part of the region known as the "Space Coast," Cape Canaveral is best known as the home of America's launch pad, the Kennedy Space Center. The Space Center is located just to the west of the city on Merritt Island. Other features of the cape include the Cape Canaveral lighthouse and Port Canaveral, one of the busiest cruise ports in the world.

Destin

An upscale resort town located on the Florida Panhandle, Destin is best known for its white sand beaches and clear green waters, golfing opportunities, and world renowned fishing. The stretch of beach here (on a peninsula between the Gulf of Mexico and the Choctawhatchee Bay) is nicknamed Florida's Emerald Coast.

Which place is cheaper, Destin or Cape Canaveral?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cape Canaveral is $162, while the average daily cost in Destin is $192. 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 Cape Canaveral and Destin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cape Canaveral $97
    Destin $111
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cape Canaveral $194
    Destin $222
Compare Hotels in Cape Canaveral and Destin

Looking for a hotel in Cape Canaveral or Destin? 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 Cape Canaveral


Hotels in Destin


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: Destin Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cape Canaveral $35
    Destin $50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cape Canaveral

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

  • Round Trip NASA Space Center/Port Canaveral Private Transfer: $67
  • Private Van Transfer from Port Canaveral,Cocoa Beach to MCO: $70
  • Canaveral Cruise Port to Orlando Airport (MCO)-Departure Transfer: $84
  • Canaveral Cruise Port to Orlando Airport (MCO) - Departure Private Transfer: $84
  • One Way Port Canaveral to MCO Orlando Airport Private Transfer: $85
  • One Way MCO Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral Private Transfer: $85
  • Private Transfer: Port Canaveral to Orlando Airport MCO in Luxury SUV: $113
  • Round Trip MCO Orlando Airport/Port Canaveral Private Transfer: $170
  • Port Canaveral to Orlando Airport MCO and Hotels Private Transfer: $195
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Melbourne: $217
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Vista Cay: $232
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Pointe Orlando: $232

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Destin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Destin:

  • Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport One Way Transfer: $119
  • Destin, FL to Pensacola International Airport (PNS) - Departure Private Transfer: $71

Is it cheaper to fly into Cape Canaveral or Destin?

Prices for flights to both Destin and Cape Canaveral 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
    Cape Canaveral $43
    Destin $51

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cape Canaveral

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

  • Port Canaveral Food Tours : $80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Destin

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Destin.

  • 3 Hour Sunset Dinner Cruise by Solaris Yacht in Miramar Beach: $121
  • 3 Hour Destin Dinner Cruise: Solaris Yacht in Miramar Beach: $121
  • Sunset Island Dinner -- A Top Ten Area Attraction: $575

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cape Canaveral $17
    Destin $17

Tours and Activities in Cape Canaveral

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

  • Wizard of Oz Museum Entry Ticket: $32
  • Self-Guided Kayaking Manatee and Dolphin Tour: $55
  • Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures ticket: $58
  • Two Hour Bioluminescence Kayak Tour Near Orlando: $60
  • Dolphin & Manatee Kayaking Tour in Orlando Area: $65
  • Cape Canaveral Private Surf Lesson with Experienced Instructor: $70
  • Fully Guided Kayaking Backwater Manatee and Dolphin Tour: $75
  • Victory Cruises Casino Luxury Transportation: $75
  • Cocoa Beach Night Time Bioluminescence Kayak Tour: $79
  • SUP Paddleboard Lesson and Tour - Port Canaveral & Cocoa Beach: $95
  • Full Day Orlando Art Museum Hopper Tour - From Port Canaveral: $189
  • Full Day Patron of Winter Park Historic Tour from Port Canaveral: $189

Typical Entertainment prices in Destin

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Destin are as follows:


  • 1 Day Rental Umbrella and Chairs
    $40

Tours and Activities in Destin

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Destin are as follows:

  • TIKI Crab Island and Dolphin Cruise: $60
  • 1 Hour and 30 Minutes Harbor Sightseeing Cruise from Destin: $60
  • 1.5 Hour Christmas Cruise with Santa; Hot Chocolate and Photos included: $60
  • 3 Hour Dolphin Private Guided Tour By A Marine Biologist: $399
  • 30A Axe Throwing Experience in Santa Rosa Beach: $30
  • 4 Hours Happy Hour Cruise: $2,400
  • 4-Hour Private Crab Island Tour in Fort Walton Beach: $950
  • 90 Minutes Sunset Cruise in Destin Harbor: $77
  • Boat-N-Beach Day at Little St George Island Secluded Beach Tour: $695
  • Captained Crab Island Tiki Cruise: $60
  • Captained Tiki Boat Crab Island Sunset & Harbor Lights Tour: $60
  • Clear Kayak Adventure in Fort Walton Beach : $69

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cape Canaveral $13
    Destin $49


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cape Canaveral and Destin, we can see that Destin is more expensive. And not only is Cape Canaveral much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cape Canaveral would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cape Canaveral 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 Destin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Destin than you might in Cape Canaveral.

Which is Bigger, Cape Canaveral or Destin?

Destin is bigger, and its population is about 20% larger than the population of Cape Canaveral. When comparing the population of Cape Canaveral vs. Destin, 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 Cape Canaveral or Destin?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Destin in the Summer?

Both Destin and Cape Canaveral during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Destin because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cape Canaveral is around the same temperature as Destin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cape Canaveral in July average around 80°F (27°C), and Destin averages at about 82°F (28°C).

Destin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Cape Canaveral. Cape Canaveral usually gets more rain in July than Destin. Cape Canaveral gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Destin receives 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cape Canaveral 80°F (27°C) 
    Destin 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Destin in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Canaveral and Destin. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Destin this time of year.

In October, Cape Canaveral is generally a little warmer than Destin. Daily temperatures in Cape Canaveral average around 74°F (24°C), and Destin fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

Destin receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cape Canaveral gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Cape Canaveral usually receives around the same amount of rain as Destin. Cape Canaveral gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Destin receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cape Canaveral 74°F (24°C) 
    Destin 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Destin in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cape Canaveral as well as Destin. Additionally, many travelers come to Destin for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Cape Canaveral is much warmer than Destin in the winter. The daily temperature in Cape Canaveral averages around 60°F (15°C) in January, and Destin fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

It's quite rainy in Destin. Cape Canaveral usually gets less rain in January than Destin. Cape Canaveral gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Destin receives 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cape Canaveral 60°F (15°C) 
    Destin 50°F (10°C)

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Destin in the Spring?

Both Destin and Cape Canaveral are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Destin in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Cape Canaveral is around the same temperature as Destin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cape Canaveral in April average around 70°F (21°C), and Destin averages at about 68°F (20°C).

In April, Cape Canaveral usually receives less rain than Destin. Cape Canaveral gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Destin receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cape Canaveral 70°F (21°C) 
    Destin 68°F (20°C)

Typical Weather for Destin and Cape Canaveral

Cape Canaveral Destin
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 60°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 50°F (10°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)
Feb 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 54°F (12°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Mar 65°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 60°F (16°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Apr 70°F (21°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 74°F (23°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Jun 78°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (181 mm) 80°F (27°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm)
Jul 80°F (27°C) 8.3 inches (211 mm) 82°F (28°C) 7.4 inches (189 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 6.7 inches (171 mm) 82°F (28°C) 7.4 inches (188 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.2 inches (183 mm) 79°F (26°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm)
Oct 74°F (24°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 69°F (21°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Nov 64°F (18°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm) 61°F (16°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Dec 62°F (16°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 54°F (12°C) 4.3 inches (109 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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Cape Canaveral vs. Destin Travel Comparison

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