A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Cape Canaveral vs. Tallahassee for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Cape Canaveral or Tallahassee?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cape Canaveral or Tallahassee, 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.

Cape Canaveral

Cape Canaveral is a iconic, fascinating, and wonder-filled town. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and beaches.

Tallahassee

Tallahassee is a lively, vibrant, and youthful city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Cape Canaveral and Tallahassee: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Home to the Kennedy Space Center
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Cape Canaveral or Tallahassee?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cape Canaveral. Although Cape Canaveral and Tallahassee are popular destinations, Cape Canaveral has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cape Canaveral is very popular for its museums & sights, food, resorts, and beaches, while Tallahassee attracts visitors for its nightlife. Cape Canaveral is more touristy than Tallahassee and is known for being the location of the Kennedy Space Center and at the heart of space exploration in the United States. It is also well known for The Kennedy Space Center. Tallahassee is famous for its capital building and many universities.

How is Cape Canaveral different from Tallahassee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Tallahassee and Cape Canaveral. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cape Canaveral or Tallahassee?

Cape Canaveral
Tallahassee

Cape Canaveral is an amazing town to visit for its historical sights. Also, Tallahassee is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Cape Canaveral has many famous sights for visitors. The area has become synonymous with the Kennedy Space Center. Visitors head to the Space Coast to see the museums, learn about the space program, or possibly even see a rocket launch. The attractions are world class and offer a truly unique glimpse into the evolution of space travel.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Tallahassee. As the capital city of Florida, you'll find a number of museums around town. Tallahassee Museum has outdoor and indoor space to explore. You can also visit the Tallahassee Automobile Museum, the Museum of Florida History, or the Florida Historic Capital Museum.


Is the Food Better in Cape Canaveral or Tallahassee? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cape Canaveral
Tallahassee

Cape Canaveral is a town with good options for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Cape Canaveral is becoming an appealing option for foodies. It's a small town but there's no shortage of excellent seafood in the area. Many restaurants have outdoor seating and patios that let you take advantage of the Florida sunshine. You'll find crab, mussels, shrimp, and clams on many menus around town.

Tallahassee offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find plenty of chain restaurants and cheap eateries that cater to the students. The main options are classic American restaurants with a few international restaurants mixed in as well.

Is Cape Canaveral or Tallahassee Better for Nightlife?

Cape Canaveral
Tallahassee

Tallahassee is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Tallahassee has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is mostly centered around the student population. There are many bars and pubs that fill up with students on weekends.

Most people don't head to Cape Canaveral specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The area isn't known for its nightlife scene, but there are enough places that you can go out for a good meal and drink.

Is Cape Canaveral or Tallahassee Better for Resorts?

Cape Canaveral
Tallahassee

Cape Canaveral is a town with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Tallahassee is not a resort destination.

Cape Canaveral has a few great resort options. There are a number of resorts in the area that attract visitors. Some of the most popular are the Holiday Inn Club Vacations Resort and the Radisson Resort.

Tallahassee is not a resort destination.


Is Cape Canaveral or Tallahassee Better for Beaches?

Cape Canaveral
Tallahassee

Cape Canaveral is a town with good options for the beach. However, Tallahassee is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Cape Canaveral. You'll likely want to head to the Cocoa Beach area for the best beaches. Jetty Park Beach and Pier is one of the most popular nearby areas for fishing and camping, but visitors must purchase a pass. Other popular beaches include Playalinda Beach and Cherie Down Park.

Tallahassee is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Canaveral or Tallahassee?

Cape Canaveral
Tallahassee

If you're looking to go shopping, Cape Canaveral and Tallahassee both offer plenty of nice spots.

Cape Canaveral has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are some nice local shopping areas around town. For a little retail therapy, head to Banana River Square, White Rose Shopping Center, or Belair Courtyard.

Tallahassee is a great destination for shopping. There is no shortage of strip malls and shopping centers in the area. Some of the most interesting shopping is found at Railroad Square and Market Square.

Is Cape Canaveral or Tallahassee Better for Families?

Cape Canaveral
Tallahassee

Cape Canaveral is an amazing town to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Tallahassee is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Cape Canaveral is an extremely popular town to visit for families. What sets this area apart is the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. There are many kid-friendly activities that outer space enthusiasts will love. Planet Play is a highlight, and if your timing is right, you might even see a rocket launch. In addition to the Kennedy Space Center, the area is a quintessential beach town. There are parks and outdoor areas as well as places where kids can interact with animals.

Tallahassee is a family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of outdoor parks and adventure activities for kids. You could also see the wild manatees at Wakulla Springs.


Is Cape Canaveral or Tallahassee Better for Couples?

Cape Canaveral
Tallahassee

Cape Canaveral is great for couples. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for romance.

Cape Canaveral is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. The beautiful Florida beaches, combined with the unique opportunity to visit the Kennedy Space Center, make this a fascinating couple's destination. There are also many nice restaurants and great places to relax and enjoy the Florida sunshine.

Tallahassee is not the best destination for a couple to visit. Head to a restaurant or bar. You could also check out a concert or explore a garden or park in town.

Is Cape Canaveral or Tallahassee Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cape Canaveral
Tallahassee

Tallahassee is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Tallahassee. The student population creates an environment that is welcoming to backpackers. There's also a hostel in town with affordable rooms.

Cape Canaveral is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You won't find any hostels in the area, but you may have some luck finding affordable accommodation nearby.

Is Cape Canaveral or Tallahassee Better for Students?

Cape Canaveral
Tallahassee

Tallahassee is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Cape Canaveral is not popular with students.

Tallahassee is a great city to visit as a student. Both Florida State University and Florida A&M University are located here. There's a large student population with many activities and cheap restaurants that appeal to the student crowd.

Cape Canaveral is not popular with students.


Is Cape Canaveral or Tallahassee Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cape Canaveral
Tallahassee

Tallahassee is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Tallahassee. There is a bus system operated by StarMetro.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Cape Canaveral. There are very limited public transportation options, but there are a few shuttle buses and SCAT (the Space Coast Area Transit). Route 9 travels from Cocoa to Port Canaveral with service available Monday through Saturday.

Is Cape Canaveral or Tallahassee a more walkable city?

Cape Canaveral
Tallahassee

Tallahassee is adequate for its ease of walking around. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for its walkability.

Tallahassee is generally not a very walkable city. There are a couple of walkable areas around Railroad Square, Downtown, and Midtown, but for the most part the city is not pedestrian-friendly.

Cape Canaveral is not a walkable town. It's not a walkable area, which can be particularly challenging if you're arriving by cruise ship.

For even more information, also check out Is Cape Canaveral Worth Visiting? and Is Tallahassee Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Tallahassee or Cape Canaveral?

How long in Cape Canaveral or Tallahassee?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cape Canaveral or Tallahassee to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Cape Canaveral than Tallahassee because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cape Canaveral, and 1-2 days is enough time in Tallahassee.

Families should spend more time in Cape Canaveral than Tallahassee. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Cape Canaveral, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Cape Canaveral than Tallahassee. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cape Canaveral that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tallahassee than Cape Canaveral if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Tallahassee.


  • How many days in Cape Canaveral or Tallahassee? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cape Canaveral 1-3 
    Tallahassee 1-2

One day in Cape Canaveral or Tallahassee?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the unique town of Cape Canaveral. Most people visit for the museums. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Tallahassee, you'll find nightlife and shopping. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.


A weekend in Cape Canaveral or Tallahassee?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the fascinating destination of Cape Canaveral. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Tallahassee is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Cape Canaveral or Tallahassee?

The unique town of Cape Canaveral offers museums and food. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tallahassee. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Cape Canaveral or Tallahassee?

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Cape Canaveral. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the museums. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the city of Tallahassee. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Tallahassee or Cape Canaveral?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cape Canaveral is $220, while the average daily cost in Tallahassee is $156. 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 Tallahassee in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cape Canaveral $155
    Tallahassee $89
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cape Canaveral $310
    Tallahassee $178
Compare Hotels in Cape Canaveral and Tallahassee

Looking for a hotel in Cape Canaveral or Tallahassee? 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 Tallahassee


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: Tallahassee Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cape Canaveral $35
    Tallahassee $33

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 Orlando Airport: $293
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Four Corners: $281
  • Arrival Private Transfer Port Canaveral to Orlando by Bus or Limo: $271
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to SeaWorld: $249
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to International Drive: $249
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Sand Lake: $249
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Melbourne: $225
  • One Way SUV Transfer Xpress Port Canaveral or Cocoa to MCO: $215
  • MCO Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral Round Trip Transfer: $170
  • Port Canaveral to Orlando Airport MCO and Hotels Private Transfer: $155
  • Orlando Airport to/from Port Canaveral Sedan Transfer up to 3 pax: $145
  • Private Transfer: Port Canaveral to Orlando Airport MCO in Luxury SUV: $124

Is it cheaper to fly into Cape Canaveral or Tallahassee?

Prices for flights to both Tallahassee 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
    Tallahassee $47

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cape Canaveral $17
    Tallahassee $12

Tours and Activities in Cape Canaveral

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

  • Bioluminescence Kayak Tour Near Orlando: $60
  • Cape Canaveral Private Surf Lesson with Experienced Instructor: $70
  • Airboat Wildlife Tour with Gator Encounter: $97
  • Wizard of Oz Museum Entry Ticket: $32
  • Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures ticket: $56
  • Cocoa Beach Night Time Bioluminescence Kayak Tour: $79
  • Cocoa Beach: Aerial Adventure Park Ticket: $56
  • Dolphin & Manatee Kayaking Tour in Orlando Area: $65
  • Fully Guided Kayaking Backwater Manatee and Dolphin Tour: $75
  • Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex from Port Canaveral Cruise: $67
  • SUP Paddleboard Lesson and Tour - Port Canaveral & Cocoa Beach: $95
  • Self-Guided Kayaking Manatee and Dolphin Tour: $55

Tours and Activities in Tallahassee

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

  • Experience Tranquility with a Picnic at Pedrick Pond Park: $120
  • Luxury Picnic Experience at Pedrick Pond Park: $120
  • Tallahassee Delights: A Christmas Tour Through Art and Parks: $255
  • Tallahassee Delights: A Christmas Tour Through Art and Parks: $505
  • Tallahassee Tirade Amazing Race & Tour: $24
  • Tallahassee Tranquility: A Scenic Walking Tour: $199
  • Tallahassee Tranquility: A Scenic Walking Tour: $393
  • Trecherous Tallahassee Haunted Walking Tour: $32

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cape Canaveral $13
    Tallahassee $53


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cape Canaveral Expensive? and Is Tallahassee Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cape Canaveral or Tallahassee?

Tallahassee has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Cape Canaveral. When comparing the sizes of Cape Canaveral and Tallahassee, 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 along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Cape Canaveral or Tallahassee?

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 Tallahassee in the Summer?

Both Tallahassee and Cape Canaveral are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cape Canaveral this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Tallahassee for the family-friendly experiences.

Cape Canaveral is around the same temperature as Tallahassee in the summer. The daily temperature in Cape Canaveral averages around 80°F (27°C) in July, and Tallahassee fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tallahassee. It's quite rainy in Cape Canaveral. In July, Cape Canaveral usually receives around the same amount of rain as Tallahassee. Cape Canaveral gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Tallahassee receives 8.9 inches (227 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Tallahassee in the Autumn?

Both Tallahassee and Cape Canaveral during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cape Canaveral for the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Tallahassee in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Cape Canaveral is a little warmer than Tallahassee. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cape Canaveral in October average around 74°F (24°C), and Tallahassee averages at about 69°F (20°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cape Canaveral. Cape Canaveral usually gets more rain in October than Tallahassee. Cape Canaveral gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Tallahassee receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Cape Canaveral is June to November. Also, the hurricane season in Tallahassee is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cape Canaveral 74°F (24°C) 
    Tallahassee 69°F (20°C)

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Tallahassee in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Canaveral and Tallahassee. Many visitors come to Cape Canaveral in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Tallahassee for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Cape Canaveral is generally a little warmer than Tallahassee. Daily temperatures in Cape Canaveral average around 60°F (15°C), and Tallahassee fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In January, Cape Canaveral usually receives less rain than Tallahassee. Cape Canaveral gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Tallahassee receives 3.7 inches (95 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cape Canaveral 60°F (15°C) 
    Tallahassee 51°F (11°C)

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Tallahassee in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cape Canaveral as well as Tallahassee. Most visitors come to Cape Canaveral for the beaches during these months.

Cape Canaveral is around the same temperature as Tallahassee in the spring. The daily temperature in Cape Canaveral averages around 70°F (21°C) in April, and Tallahassee fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

It's quite rainy in Tallahassee. Cape Canaveral usually gets less rain in April than Tallahassee. Cape Canaveral gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Tallahassee receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Cape Canaveral. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Tallahassee.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cape Canaveral 70°F (21°C) 
    Tallahassee 67°F (19°C)

Typical Weather for Tallahassee and Cape Canaveral

Cape Canaveral Tallahassee
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 60°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 51°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm)
Feb 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (121 mm)
Mar 65°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 60°F (16°C) 5.9 inches (151 mm)
Apr 70°F (21°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 67°F (19°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)
Jun 78°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (181 mm) 80°F (27°C) 6.6 inches (168 mm)
Jul 80°F (27°C) 8.3 inches (211 mm) 82°F (28°C) 8.9 inches (227 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 6.7 inches (171 mm) 82°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (175 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.2 inches (183 mm) 78°F (26°C) 6.7 inches (169 mm)
Oct 74°F (24°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 69°F (20°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Nov 64°F (18°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm) 60°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Dec 62°F (16°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 54°F (12°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)