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

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Should you visit Cape Canaveral or Tampa?

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

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

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.

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 Cape Canaveral?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cape Canaveral is $130, 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 Cape Canaveral and Tampa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cape Canaveral $78
    Tampa $68
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cape Canaveral $156
    Tampa $136
Compare Hotels in Cape Canaveral and Tampa

Looking for a hotel in Cape Canaveral 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 Cape Canaveral


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: Cape Canaveral Hotel Prices and Tampa Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cape Canaveral $28
    Tampa $58

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 Cape Canaveral or Tampa?

Prices for flights to both Tampa 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 $34
    Tampa $34

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: $101

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cape Canaveral $14
    Tampa $15

Tours and Activities in Cape Canaveral

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

  • Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures ticket: $55
  • Cocoa Beach Night Time Bioluminescence Kayak Tour: $79
  • Full-Day (8 hour) Polaris Slingshot Adventure Rental for up to TWO people: $200
  • Fully Guided Kayaking Backwater Manatee and Dolphin Tour: $75
  • Kennedy Space Center: Small Group Experience: $189
  • Polaris Slingshot Local Adventure Tour For up to TWO People: $130
  • SUP Paddleboard Lesson and Tour - Port Canaveral & Cocoa Beach: $95

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
    Cape Canaveral $10
    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 comparing the travel costs between Cape Canaveral and Tampa, we can see that Tampa 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.


When is the best time to visit Cape Canaveral 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 Cape Canaveral or Tampa in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Canaveral and Tampa. Furthermore, most visitors come to Tampa for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Cape Canaveral is around the same temperature as Tampa in the summer. The temperature in Cape Canaveral is usually 80°F (27°C) in July, and Tampa stays around 82°F (28°C).

Tampa receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cape Canaveral gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Cape Canaveral usually receives around the same amount of rain as Tampa. Cape Canaveral gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Tampa receives 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Tampa in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cape Canaveral as well as Tampa. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Tampa because of the city's sights and attractions.

In the autumn, Cape Canaveral is around the same temperature as Tampa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cape Canaveral in October are around 74°F (24°C), and Tampa is about 75°F (24°C).

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cape Canaveral 74°F (24°C) 
    Tampa 75°F (24°C)

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Tampa in the Winter?

Both Tampa and Cape Canaveral are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the cuisine are the main draw to Tampa this time of year.

In January, Cape Canaveral is generally around the same temperature as Tampa. Temperatures in Cape Canaveral average around 60°F (15°C), and Tampa stays around 60°F (15°C).

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


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

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Tampa in the Spring?

Both Tampa and Cape Canaveral during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Tampa for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Cape Canaveral is around the same temperature as Tampa in the spring. The temperature in Cape Canaveral is usually 70°F (21°C) in April, and Tampa stays around 71°F (22°C).

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cape Canaveral 70°F (21°C) 
    Tampa 71°F (22°C)

Typical Weather for Tampa and Cape Canaveral

Cape Canaveral Tampa
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 60°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 60°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm)
Feb 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 61°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 65°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Apr 70°F (21°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 71°F (22°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 77°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
Jun 78°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (181 mm) 81°F (27°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) 75°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)
Nov 64°F (18°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm) 68°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

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Cape Canaveral vs. Tampa Travel Comparison

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