A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Clearwater vs. Pensacola for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Clearwater or Pensacola?

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 Pensacola. 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 Pensacola?

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.

Pensacola

With sands as white as sugar grain and a sky devoid of grey clouds and innumerable downpours, Pensacola is known by many as the "Western Gate to the Sunshine State." Located in northern Florida, Pensacola is a waterfront city known for its pristine beaches and rich Floridian history. As one of the earliest European settlements in the U.S., Pensacola is riddled with museums and landmarks that commemorate the state's history, making the city quite appetizing for history buffs and students alike. However, if you are simply looking to get the most out of the all-around good weather of Florida, Pensacola's protected beaches complemented with high-class restaurants and stores make this a vacation capital for many.

Which city is cheaper, Pensacola 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 Pensacola is $157. 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 Pensacola in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Clearwater $104
    Pensacola $89
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Clearwater $208
    Pensacola $178
Compare Hotels in Clearwater and Pensacola

Looking for a hotel in Clearwater or Pensacola? 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 Pensacola


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 Pensacola Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Clearwater $177
    Pensacola $51

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Clearwater

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Clearwater:

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

Typical Local Transportation prices in Pensacola

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Pensacola:


  • Boca Grande Causeway Toll
    $5.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pensacola

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pensacola:

  • Pensacola to Pensacola International Airport (PNS) - Departure Private Transfer: $136
  • Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Pensacola - Arrival Private Transfer: $136
  • Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Pensacola - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $271

Is it cheaper to fly into Clearwater or Pensacola?

Prices for flights to both Pensacola 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
    Pensacola $40

Typical Food prices in Pensacola

Some typical examples of dining costs in Pensacola are as follows:


  • Two Ice Creams
    $6.00

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Clearwater -
    Pensacola $11

Tours and Activities in Clearwater

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

  • Beach Cruiser Bicycle: $15
  • Journey through Space Simulator Experience: $15
  • Clearwater Encounters with Dolphins Tour: $20
  • Dolphin Sightseeing Tour of Clearwater Beach with Free Ice Cream: $21
  • Clearwater Evening Yacht Cruise with Optional Dining: $22
  • Clearwater Daytime Yacht Music Cruise with Optional Dining: $22
  • Adventure Boat in Clearwater Beach: $23
  • Sea Screamer Dolphin Tour Boat Ride Ticket: $25
  • Sunset Cruise from Clearwater: $27
  • Clearwater Dolphin-Watching Tour: $27
  • Clearwater Sunset Celebration Cruise: $29
  • Clearwater Beach: Boat Cruise with Dolphin Sightings: $29

Typical Entertainment prices in Pensacola

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


  • Bike Rental
    $16

Tours and Activities in Pensacola

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

  • Pensacola Scavenger Hunt: Pensacola Adventure: $12
  • Tour of Pensacola's Landmarks: $22
  • Ghosts and Graveyard Tour of Pensacola: $22
  • Red Light District Tour of Pensacola: $25
  • Hop-on Hop-off Tour in Pensacola: $30
  • 1hr Segway Tour Downtown: $53
  • Uninhabited Island Kayaking Adventure: $62
  • 2hr Segway Tour of Downtown: $72
  • 3-Day Pensacola Sightseeing Pass: $90

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Clearwater -
    Pensacola $35

Sample the Local Flavors in Pensacola

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

  • Walking Pub Tour: $21

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Clearwater and Pensacola, we can see that Clearwater is more expensive. And not only is Pensacola much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pensacola would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pensacola 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 Pensacola.


When is the best time to visit Clearwater or Pensacola?

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 Clearwater or Pensacola in the Summer?

Both Pensacola and Clearwater are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pensacola. It's quite rainy in Clearwater. In July, Clearwater usually receives more rain than Pensacola. Clearwater gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Pensacola receives 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Clearwater 82°F (28°C) 
    Pensacola 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Clearwater or Pensacola in the Autumn?

Both Pensacola and Clearwater during the autumn are popular places to visit.

In October, Clearwater is generally a little warmer than Pensacola. Temperatures in Clearwater average around 75°F (24°C), and Pensacola stays around 69°F (21°C).

Pensacola gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Clearwater usually gets less rain in October than Pensacola. Clearwater gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Pensacola receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Clearwater 75°F (24°C) 
    Pensacola 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit Clearwater or Pensacola in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Clearwater and Pensacola.

Clearwater is a little warmer than Pensacola in the winter. The temperature in Clearwater is usually 60°F (15°C) in January, and Pensacola stays around 51°F (10°C).

Pensacola receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Clearwater usually receives less rain than Pensacola. Clearwater gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Pensacola receives 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Clearwater 60°F (15°C) 
    Pensacola 51°F (10°C)

Should I visit Clearwater or Pensacola in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Clearwater as well as Pensacola.

In the spring, Clearwater is a little warmer than Pensacola. Typically, the spring temperatures in Clearwater in April are around 71°F (22°C), and Pensacola is about 67°F (20°C).

Clearwater usually gets less rain in April than Pensacola. Clearwater gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Pensacola receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Clearwater 71°F (22°C) 
    Pensacola 67°F (20°C)

Typical Weather for Pensacola and Clearwater

Clearwater Pensacola
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 60°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 51°F (10°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)
Feb 61°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 54°F (12°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Mar 67°F (19°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 60°F (16°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Apr 71°F (22°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
May 77°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 74°F (24°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 80°F (27°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 82°F (28°C) 7.4 inches (189 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 82°F (28°C) 7.4 inches (188 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 78°F (26°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm)
Oct 75°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 69°F (21°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Nov 68°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 61°F (16°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 54°F (12°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm)


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Clearwater vs. Pensacola Travel Comparison

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