A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Clearwater vs. Galveston for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Clearwater or Galveston?

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 Clearwater and Galveston. 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: Clearwater or Galveston?

Clearwater

Clearwater is a city in Florida's Tampa Bay area known for its sunny weather and gulf coast beaches. Its most famous beach (Clearwater Beach) is located on a barrier island with white sands and crystal waters - a perfect setting for activities such as fishing, sailing, kayaking, jet skiing, dolphin and sunset tours, parasailing, and more.

Galveston

Located on Galveston Island off the Texas Gulf Coast, Galveston is a popular destination for Texans and a departure point for cruise ships. It also makes a great beach destination for anyone looking to enjoy a week or weekend.

Galveston is a popular destination during the summer months, but the warm climate makes it comfortable year round. Even during the winter months you can enjoy mild temperatures, although on occasion it can have a cold spell.

Which city is cheaper, Galveston or Clearwater?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Clearwater is $241, while the average daily cost in Galveston is $147. 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 Clearwater and Galveston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Clearwater $104
    Galveston $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Clearwater $208
    Galveston $128
Compare Hotels in Clearwater and Galveston

Looking for a hotel in Clearwater or Galveston? 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 Clearwater


Hotels in Galveston


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: Clearwater Hotel Prices and Galveston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Clearwater $177
    Galveston $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Clearwater

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Clearwater:

  • Private Transfer from Clearwater Beach to Port Canaveral: $658
  • Private Transfer from Clearwater Beach to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $588
  • Private Transfer from Clearwater Beach to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $453
  • St. Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) to St. Petersburg - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $147
  • Clearwater Beach to Tampa Airport (TPA) - Departure Private Transfer: $83
  • St. Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) to Clearwater Beach - Arrival Private Transfer: $75
  • St.Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) to Clearwater Beach -Roundtrip Private Transfer: $72
  • Clearwater Beach to St.Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) -Departure Private Transfer: $37
  • St. Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) to St. Petersburg - Arrival Private Transfer: $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Galveston

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

  • Private Galveston Port to Houston Airport Transfer: $432

Is it cheaper to fly into Clearwater or Galveston?

Prices for flights to both Galveston and Clearwater 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
    Clearwater $38
    Galveston $42

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Clearwater -
    Galveston $12

Tours and Activities in Clearwater

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

  • Adventure Boat in Clearwater Beach: $23
  • Beach Cruiser Bicycle: $15
  • Boeing 737 Flight Simulator Experience: $154
  • Calypso Queen Tropical Party Buffet Cruise: $35
  • Clearwater Beach Pier 60 Tour: $199
  • Clearwater Beach: Boat Cruise with Dolphin Sightings: $29
  • Clearwater Daytime Yacht Music Cruise with Optional Dining: $22
  • Clearwater Dolphin-Watching Tour: $27
  • Clearwater Encounters with Dolphins Tour: $20
  • Clearwater Evening Yacht Cruise with Optional Dining: $22
  • Clearwater Sunset Celebration Cruise: $29
  • Dolphin Adventure at Clearwater Beach: $32

Tours and Activities in Galveston

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

  • Galveston Ghosts Walking Tour: $8.00
  • Spooky Strand Ghost Tour: $8.00
  • Al's Galveston Ghost Tour: $9.99
  • Galveston Ghost Tour: $10
  • Ghost On the Strand Ghost Tour: $10
  • Historic Galveston Ghost Tour: $10
  • Storm on the Strand Ghost Tour: $13
  • Galveston Island Ghost Tour: $13
  • Dolphin Sightseeing Tour in Galveston with a Guide: $15
  • Great! Galveston Ghost Tour: $16
  • Historic Galveston Red Light District Tour: $19
  • Galveston's Haunted Cemetery Walking Tour: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Clearwater -
    Galveston $30

Sample the Local Flavors in Galveston

Also in Galveston, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30

About these numbers

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


When is the best time to visit Clearwater or Galveston?

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 Clearwater or Galveston in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Clearwater as well as Galveston.

In the summer, Clearwater is around the same temperature as Galveston. Typically, the summer temperatures in Clearwater in July are around 82°F (28°C), and Galveston is about 84°F (29°C).

Clearwater receives a lot of rain in the summer. Clearwater usually gets more rain in July than Galveston. Clearwater gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Clearwater 82°F (28°C) 
    Galveston 84°F (29°C)

Should I visit Clearwater or Galveston in the Autumn?

Both Galveston and Clearwater are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.

In October, Clearwater is generally around the same temperature as Galveston. Temperatures in Clearwater average around 75°F (24°C), and Galveston stays around 71°F (22°C).

In October, Clearwater usually receives more rain than Galveston. Clearwater gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Clearwater 75°F (24°C) 
    Galveston 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Clearwater or Galveston in the Winter?

Both Galveston and Clearwater during the winter are popular places to visit.

Clearwater is a little warmer than Galveston in the winter. The temperature in Clearwater is usually 60°F (15°C) in January, and Galveston stays around 52°F (11°C).

Clearwater usually gets less rain in January than Galveston. Clearwater gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Clearwater 60°F (15°C) 
    Galveston 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Clearwater or Galveston in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Clearwater and Galveston.

In the spring, Clearwater is around the same temperature as Galveston. Typically, the spring temperatures in Clearwater in April are around 71°F (22°C), and Galveston is about 70°F (21°C).

In April, Clearwater usually receives less rain than Galveston. Clearwater gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Clearwater 71°F (22°C) 
    Galveston 70°F (21°C)

Typical Weather for Galveston and Clearwater

Clearwater Galveston
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 60°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 52°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Feb 61°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 55°F (13°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Mar 67°F (19°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Apr 71°F (22°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 70°F (21°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
May 77°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 76°F (25°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 81°F (27°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 84°F (29°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 83°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 80°F (27°C) 5.6 inches (141 mm)
Oct 75°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 71°F (22°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm)
Nov 68°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 63°F (17°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)


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Clearwater vs. Galveston Travel Comparison

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