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

Should you visit Cape Canaveral or Sarasota?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cape Canaveral or Sarasota, 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 Sarasota?

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.

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 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 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 Cape Canaveral and Sarasota in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cape Canaveral $97
    Sarasota $108
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cape Canaveral $194
    Sarasota $216
Compare Hotels in Cape Canaveral and Sarasota

Looking for a hotel in Cape Canaveral 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 Cape Canaveral


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: Sarasota Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cape Canaveral $35
    Sarasota -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cape Canaveral

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

  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Miami Cruise Port: $1,142
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Miami Airport or Hotels: $1,142
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Miami City: $988
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Sarasota: $922
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Cape Coral: $774
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Fort Myers: $735
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Miami Beach: $735
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Saint Simons Island: $735
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to South Venice: $627
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Fort Lauderdale: $627
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Longboat Key: $611
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Anna Maria: $596

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 from Sarasota to Port Canaveral: $922
  • Private Transfer from Sarasota to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $845
  • Private Transfer to Fort Lauderdale Airport: $824
  • Private Transfer from Sarasota to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $722
  • Private Transfer from Longboat Key to Port Canaveral: $611
  • Private Transfer from Anna Maria to Port Canaveral: $596
  • Private Transfer from Longboat Key to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $542
  • Private Transfer from Anna Maria to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $542
  • Private Transfer from Anna Maria to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $481
  • Private Transfer from Longboat Key to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $443
  • Private Transfer to Southwest Florida Airport: $224

Is it cheaper to fly into Cape Canaveral or Sarasota?

Prices for flights to both Sarasota 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
    Sarasota $137

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sarasota

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

  • Taste of Downtown Food Tour: $105
  • Downtown Walking Food Tour in Sarasota: $110
  • Sarasota Electric Bike and Food Tour : $125
  • Sarasota Kayak and Food Tour: $165

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cape Canaveral $17
    Sarasota $11

Tours and Activities in Cape Canaveral

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

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

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 Hour Guided Segway Tour: $65
  • 2 Hour Guided Stand Up Paddle Board Tour along Upper Manatee River: $65
  • 2 Hour Jet ski Tour Fast And Fun Adventure Florida Thrill : $235
  • 2 Hour Sunset Cabaret Tour in Sarasota: $68
  • 2 Jetski Half Day Guided Tour in Sarasota County: $850
  • 4 Hour Private Boat Tour in Sarasota Bay: $875
  • 90 Minute Parasailing Adventure above Anna Maria Island: $70
  • 90 minute South Florida Jet Ski Adventure Fun Thrilling : $185
  • Amish Experience: Bridges to Understanding: $61
  • City Sightseeing Trolley Tour of Sarasota: $62
  • Clear Kayak Ecotour at Robinson Preserve in Bradenton, Florida : $75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cape Canaveral $13
    Sarasota -


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cape Canaveral and Sarasota, we can see that Sarasota 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 Sarasota would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sarasota than you might in Cape Canaveral.

Which is Bigger, Cape Canaveral or Sarasota?

Sarasota is bigger, and its population is about 5.3 times larger than the population of Cape Canaveral. When comparing the population of Cape Canaveral 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 Cape Canaveral 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 Cape Canaveral or Sarasota in the Summer?

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

In July, Cape Canaveral is generally around the same temperature as Sarasota. Daily temperatures in Cape Canaveral average around 80°F (27°C), and Sarasota fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sarasota. It's quite rainy in Cape Canaveral. In July, Cape Canaveral usually receives around the same amount of rain as Sarasota. Cape Canaveral gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Sarasota receives 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Sarasota in the Autumn?

Both Sarasota and Cape Canaveral during the autumn are popular places to visit.

Cape Canaveral is around the same temperature as Sarasota in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cape Canaveral averages around 74°F (24°C) in October, and Sarasota fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cape Canaveral. Cape Canaveral usually gets more rain in October than Sarasota. Cape Canaveral gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Sarasota receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cape Canaveral 74°F (24°C) 
    Sarasota 76°F (24°C)

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Sarasota in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Canaveral and Sarasota.

In the winter, Cape Canaveral is around the same temperature as Sarasota. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cape Canaveral in January average around 60°F (15°C), and Sarasota averages at about 59°F (15°C).

In January, Cape Canaveral usually receives around the same amount of rain as Sarasota. Cape Canaveral gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Sarasota receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cape Canaveral 60°F (15°C) 
    Sarasota 59°F (15°C)

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Sarasota in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cape Canaveral as well as Sarasota.

In April, Cape Canaveral is generally around the same temperature as Sarasota. Daily temperatures in Cape Canaveral average around 70°F (21°C), and Sarasota fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Cape Canaveral usually gets more rain in April than Sarasota. Cape Canaveral gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Sarasota receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cape Canaveral 70°F (21°C) 
    Sarasota 73°F (23°C)

Typical Weather for Sarasota and Cape Canaveral

Cape Canaveral Sarasota
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 60°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 59°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm)
Feb 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 62°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 65°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 67°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Apr 70°F (21°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 78°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
Jun 78°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (181 mm) 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm)
Jul 80°F (27°C) 8.3 inches (211 mm) 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 6.7 inches (171 mm) 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.2 inches (183 mm) 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm)
Oct 74°F (24°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)
Nov 64°F (18°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm) 69°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Dec 62°F (16°C) 1.9 inches (48 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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Cape Canaveral vs. Sarasota Travel Comparison

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