Which place is cheaper, Fort Lauderdale or Cocoa Beach?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Cocoa Beach vs. Fort Lauderdale for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
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Should you visit Cocoa Beach or Fort Lauderdale?
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 Cocoa Beach and Fort Lauderdale. 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: Cocoa Beach or Fort Lauderdale?
Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach, Florida has long been a favorite vacation spot for travelers looking for sun, sand, and waves. The location was also made famous as the setting for the 1960's television show, "I Dream of Jeannie". The town of just over 11,000 is located in Brevard County along the Atlantic coast. Many people visit the area because of its excellent surfing. There are many surfing festivals and competitions held here yearly and the famous Ron Jon's surf shop receives about 2 million visitors a year. The city is also home to the East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame.
Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale is located on the Atlantic coast of Florida, not far from Miami, and is famous for its beaches and boating culture. An elaborate system of canals runs through the city, adding to the charm and coastal lifestyle. Plenty of restaurants, shops, watersports, and other things to do can be found here in addition to the beautiful beaches. The city is family-friendly and also caters to older travelers as well as younger generations. While it's not an inexpensive place to visit, the prices are on par with other cities in southeastern Florida. The beach is lined with high-rise condos and hotels that tend to be expensive, while a few blocks back from the shore you'll find plenty of nice houses along with shops, restaurants, and fun activities for all ages. And since Fort Lauderdale is part of the Miami metro area, you can easily get to all of the other beach areas, cities, and activities in the nearby metropolitan areas as well.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCocoa Beach $145Fort Lauderdale $182
The average daily cost (per person) in Cocoa Beach is $145, while the average daily cost in Fort Lauderdale is $182. 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 Cocoa Beach and Fort Lauderdale in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCocoa Beach $85Fort Lauderdale $96
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCocoa Beach $170Fort Lauderdale $192
Compare Hotels in Cocoa Beach and Fort Lauderdale
Looking for a hotel in Cocoa Beach or Fort Lauderdale? 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.
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: Cocoa Beach Hotel Prices and Fort Lauderdale Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cocoa Beach $26Fort Lauderdale $51
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cocoa Beach
Also for Cocoa Beach, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Hotels in Cape Canaveral & Cocoa Beach Transfer: $40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fort Lauderdale
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Fort Lauderdale:
- Transfer: FLL Airport to Fort Lauderdale Area Vice Versa: $80
- Transfer from Fort Lauderdale Airport to Miami Hotel or Port: $199
- Transfer Private Vehicle from Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) -City: $40
- Roundtrip Transfer Private Car Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL)-City: $80
- Private Transfer in Fort Lauderdale (FLL & FXE) Airport/Home/Hotel/Work : $59
- Private Transfer from Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Miami : $165
- Private Transfer To/From Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port : $80
- Port Everglades to Miami Airport (MIA) Departure Private Transfer: $38
- Port Everglades to Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) - Departure Private Transfer : $40
- Port Everglades Private Transfer from Las Olas Beach Area: $60
- Miami Airport and Seaport Private Transfer (up to 14 passengers): $54
- Fort Lauderdale International Airport: Car Transfer to Miami: $123
Is it cheaper to fly into Cocoa Beach or Fort Lauderdale?
Prices for flights to both Fort Lauderdale and Cocoa Beach 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
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Food Meals for one dayCocoa Beach $43Fort Lauderdale $49
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cocoa Beach
For Cocoa Beach, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 3-Hour Indian River Queen Cruise with Dinner: $75
Typical Food prices in Fort Lauderdale
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Fort Lauderdale:
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Quick Lunch$12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Fort Lauderdale
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Fort Lauderdale.
- Hollywood Florida Walking Food Tour : $89
- Craft Food Tour in Fort Lauderdale: $99
- Craft Food Tour in Fort Lauderdale Beach: $109
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cocoa Beach $16Fort Lauderdale $15
Tours and Activities in Cocoa Beach
For Cocoa Beach, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Wizard of OZ Museum tour: $30
- Sunset Cruise on the Beautiful Banana River: $38
- Cocoa Beach Dolphin Tours on the Banana River: $38
- Dolphin Tours along and near the beautiful Indian River Lagoon : $40
- Dolphin and Manatee Kayak or Paddle Tour: $49
- Daytime Guided Kayak Eco-Tour: $49
- Mangrove Tunnel, Manatee and Dolphin Kayak Tour of Cocoa Beach: $49
- Thousand Island Mangrove Tunnel, Manatee & Dolphin Kayak Tour w/Cocoa Kayaking: $50
- Wildlife Refuge Manatee, Dolphin & Mangrove Kayak or Paddleboarding Tour!: $50
- Thousand Islands Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Tour with Cocoa Kayaking!: $50
- Bicycle Tours and Rentals Throughout the Space Coast: $50
- Sunset Guided Kayak Tour: $54
Tours and Activities in Fort Lauderdale
Here are a few actual costs in Fort Lauderdale for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1-Hour Interactive Pirate Cruise in Ft. Lauderdale (arrive 30 minutes early): $25
- 2 Hours Electric Bike Experience on Ft Lauderdale: $40
- 60 min Guided Electric Bike Tour of Fort Lauderdale.: $59
- 90 min Guided Electric Bike Tours of Greater Fort Lauderdale: $79
- 90-Minute Parasailing Adventure in Fort Lauderdale : $85
- 90-Minute Snorkel & Seabob Underwater Guided Reef Tour in Fort Lauderdale: $150
- Air Boat Tour of Palm Beach in The Swamp Monster: $150
- Atlantic Ocean Snorkeling Experience: $79
- BEST Miami, Key West and Fort Lauderdale 4-Day Tour from Miami : $790
- Carrie B Venice of America Fort Lauderdale Sightseeing Tours: $30
- Champagne Sunset Cruise in Ft. Lauderdale: $85
- Comedy Segway Tour Music Edition: $85
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCocoa Beach $20Fort Lauderdale $33
Typical Alcohol prices in Fort Lauderdale
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Fort Lauderdale are as follows:
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Beer$7.30
Sample the Local Flavors in Fort Lauderdale
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Fort Lauderdale:
- Pedibus Pub Crawl in Fort Lauderdale: $59
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cocoa Beach and Fort Lauderdale, we can see that Fort Lauderdale is more expensive. And not only is Cocoa Beach much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cocoa Beach would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cocoa Beach 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 Fort Lauderdale would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fort Lauderdale than you might in Cocoa Beach.
Which is Bigger, Cocoa Beach or Fort Lauderdale?
Fort Lauderdale is bigger, and its population is about 13.7 times larger than the population of Cocoa Beach. When comparing the population of Cocoa Beach vs. Fort Lauderdale, 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 Cocoa Beach or Fort Lauderdale?
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 Cocoa Beach or Fort Lauderdale in the Summer?
Both Fort Lauderdale and Cocoa Beach during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Fort Lauderdale this time of year.
In the summer, Cocoa Beach is around the same temperature as Fort Lauderdale. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cocoa Beach in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Fort Lauderdale averages at about 83°F (28°C).
Fort Lauderdale gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Cocoa Beach. Cocoa Beach usually gets more rain in July than Fort Lauderdale. Cocoa Beach gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Fort Lauderdale receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCocoa Beach 81°F (27°C)Fort Lauderdale 83°F (28°C)
Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Fort Lauderdale in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cocoa Beach and Fort Lauderdale. Furthermore, many travelers come to Fort Lauderdale for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Cocoa Beach is generally around the same temperature as Fort Lauderdale. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 77°F (25°C), and Fort Lauderdale fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).
Fort Lauderdale receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cocoa Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Cocoa Beach usually receives less rain than Fort Lauderdale. Cocoa Beach gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Fort Lauderdale receives 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCocoa Beach 77°F (25°C)Fort Lauderdale 78°F (26°C)
Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Fort Lauderdale in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Cocoa Beach as well as Fort Lauderdale. Additionally, many visitors come to Fort Lauderdale in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Cocoa Beach is cooler than Fort Lauderdale in the winter. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 63°F (17°C) in January, and Fort Lauderdale fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).
Cocoa Beach usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Fort Lauderdale. Cocoa Beach gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Fort Lauderdale receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCocoa Beach 63°F (17°C)Fort Lauderdale 67°F (20°C)
Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Fort Lauderdale in the Spring?
Both Fort Lauderdale and Cocoa Beach are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Fort Lauderdale for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Cocoa Beach is around the same temperature as Fort Lauderdale. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cocoa Beach in April average around 73°F (23°C), and Fort Lauderdale averages at about 75°F (24°C).
In April, Cocoa Beach usually receives less rain than Fort Lauderdale. Cocoa Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Fort Lauderdale receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCocoa Beach 73°F (23°C)Fort Lauderdale 75°F (24°C)
Typical Weather for Fort Lauderdale and Cocoa Beach
| Cocoa Beach | Fort Lauderdale | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 63°F (17°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) | 67°F (20°C) | 2.2 inches (55 mm) |
| Feb | 62°F (17°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 68°F (20°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) |
| Mar | 67°F (20°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) |
| Apr | 73°F (23°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) | 75°F (24°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) |
| May | 77°F (25°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 79°F (26°C) | 6.4 inches (162 mm) |
| Jun | 80°F (26°C) | 7.1 inches (181 mm) | 81°F (27°C) | 9.4 inches (238 mm) |
| Jul | 81°F (27°C) | 8.3 inches (211 mm) | 83°F (28°C) | 5.9 inches (149 mm) |
| Aug | 81°F (27°C) | 6.7 inches (171 mm) | 83°F (28°C) | 7.5 inches (191 mm) |
| Sep | 81°F (27°C) | 7.2 inches (183 mm) | 82°F (28°C) | 7.6 inches (194 mm) |
| Oct | 77°F (25°C) | 4.1 inches (103 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) |
| Nov | 69°F (21°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Dec | 64°F (18°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) | 69°F (21°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) |
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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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