A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cocoa Beach vs. New York City for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Cocoa Beach or New York City?

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 New York City. 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.

Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach is a fun-filled, relaxing, and adventurous beach town. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping.

New York City

New York City is a one-of-a-kind, vibrant, and energetic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Cocoa Beach and New York City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cocoa Beach or New York City?

Visitors will usually find more to do in New York City than Cocoa Beach, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. New York City is better known for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, christmas markets, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Cocoa Beach is more popular for its resorts and beaches. New York City is more touristy than Cocoa Beach and is known for its high-reaching skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, world-class theater scene, and endless energy. Also, New York City is famous for The Statue of Liberty. Cocoa Beach is well known for its wonderful surfing waves and its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center.

How is Cocoa Beach different from New York City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between New York City and Cocoa Beach. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cocoa Beach or New York City?

New York City is very popular for its museums and history. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, New York City has many famous sights for visitors. The sights and museums around the city are too numerous to list, but some of the most famous include the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. This is a city that is filled with iconic landmarks and you could spend weeks here and still not see it all.

Cocoa Beach offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The town's proximity to the Kennedy Space Center is a big appeal for space enthusiasts. It's easy to take advantage of the great beaches and then spend a day exploring the space center. Also in town is the Florida Surf Museum.

Is Cocoa Beach or New York City Better for Theater?

New York City is very popular for its shows and theatre. However, Cocoa Beach is not a theatre destination.

New York City is considered to be a world-class theater destination. Visiting Broadway is a quintessential NYC experience. Whether you enjoy the theater or simply want to experience something new, seeing a Broadway show is a true bucket list activity.

Cocoa Beach is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Cocoa Beach or New York City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New York City is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through New York City, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city has a diverse variety of restaurants, with everything from local dives to Michelin star options. There are many neighborhoods that are notable for their ethnic cuisine, particularly Little Italy and Chinatown. Quintessential NYC dishes include NYC pizza, NYC hot dogs, bagels, and Chinese dim sum.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Cocoa Beach makes for a great culinary experience. Seafood is the obvious choice in this beach town. Head to Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier for some great restaurants. In addition to seafood options, you'll find steakhouses, bistros, and pizza shops.

Is Cocoa Beach or New York City Better for Nightlife?

New York City is very popular for its evening party scene. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

New York City is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. Known as the city that never sleeps, you can be assured that NYC has some of the best nightlife in the world. There are world class bars and clubs, but also local venues that have a more relaxed atmosphere. Several famous clubs include Paul's Cocktail Lounge, Le Bain, and Avant Gardner.

Cocoa Beach has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find a number of casual pubs, bars, and grills around town where you can grab a drink in a relaxed setting.

Is Cocoa Beach or New York City Better for Music?

New York City is very popular for its music scene. However, Cocoa Beach is not a live music destination.

New York City has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Popular music venues include Music Hall of Williamsburg, Radio City Music Hall, Beacon Theatre, and Forest Hills Stadium.

Cocoa Beach is not a live music destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or New York City Better for Resorts?

Cocoa Beach is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, New York City is not a resort destination.

Cocoa Beach has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are casual and family-friendly resorts in the area that make for a nice beach vacation.

New York City is not a resort destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or New York City Better for Beaches?

Cocoa Beach is an excellent place to visit for its beaches. However, New York City is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Cocoa Beach for it's beautiful beaches. There are long stretches of sand that are great for swimming, surfing, water sports, or just relaxing in the sun. The most popular area is around Cocoa Beach Pier. For family-friendly, head to James H. Nance Park which also has a playground. If you have a dog, Canova Beach Park is your best option.

New York City is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cocoa Beach or New York City?

New York City is very popular for its shopping areas. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to New York City specifically to go shopping. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Head for Fifth Avenue for high end shopping or check out any of the many street markets for local items. New York is known for its many flea markets where you can find vintage items at a good price. And if you're looking to pick up a souvenir shirt or knick knack, there are plenty of souvenir shops around town as well.

Cocoa Beach is a great destination for shopping. You'll find lots of great local shops as well as malls and beach stores where you can pick up everything you need.

Is Cocoa Beach or New York City Better for Christmas?

New York City is very popular for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Cocoa Beach does not offer Christmas activities.

New York City offers plenty of sights and activities around Christmas. Christmas in the city is a quintessential experience. From the Christmas tree and ice skating at Rockefeller Center to seeing a live performance of the Nutcracker, everyone enjoys the holidays in New York.

Cocoa Beach does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Cocoa Beach or New York City Better for Christmas Markets?

New York City is a very popular place for visiting Christmas markets. However, Cocoa Beach does not offer Christmas markets.

New York City is a popular destination to visit Christmas markets. There are a number of Christmas markets that pop up around town during the holiday season. Nothing will get you more in the holiday spirit than wandering these unique venues.

Cocoa Beach does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Cocoa Beach or New York City Better for Families?

Cocoa Beach is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, New York City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Cocoa Beach is very family-friendly. It's right by the Kennedy Space Center, which is a great excursion for kids and adults alike. There's also the Brevard Zoo, amazing beaches, and great parks where the kids can run around.

New York City is a very kid-friendly beach town. The city has many activities for kids of all ages including world class museums, beautifully designed playgrounds, and theater shows designed just for young ones. There are many kid-friendly restaurants as well and older kids will enjoy visiting the iconic landmarks in this world-class city.

Is Cocoa Beach or New York City Better for Couples?

New York City is very popular for couples. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

New York City is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. From a beautiful carriage ride through Central Park, to a romantic river cruise at night, there is an endless list of unique activities that couples can enjoy in the city. Whether you're interested in theater, the arts, music, or nightlife, this city has it all.

Couples visit Cocoa Beach frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Beautiful beaches, fun outdoor activities, and great date night activities make this a wonderful couples destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or New York City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

New York City is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cocoa Beach is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit New York City. It isn't a particularly budget-friendly destination, but it does get its share of backpackers, so you'll find a nice list of hostels and affordable hangouts that are perfect for the backpacker crowd. This is probably one of the most popular cities for backpackers in the entire United States.

Cocoa Beach is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there aren't any hostels in the area, there are some affordable hotels away from the beach.

Is Cocoa Beach or New York City Better for Students?

New York City is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, Cocoa Beach is not popular with students.

New York City is a very popular place to visit for students. The city has a diverse population, and international students will feel right at home here exploring the city. There are also plenty of major universities including NYU, Columbia University, and Cornell University.

Cocoa Beach is not popular with students.

Is Cocoa Beach or New York City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

New York City is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

New York City has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The city has one of the largest subway systems in the world. There's also an elaborate bus system, ferry system, and yellow taxis all around town.

You'll find some public transit in Cocoa Beach, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. You can hop on the Cocoa Beach Trolley to access many sights in the area. It's a service provided by the Space Coast Area Transit (SCAT).

Is Cocoa Beach or New York City a more walkable city?

New York City is very popular for its ease of walking around. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in New York City. The majority of the neighborhoods in Manhattan are very walkable and easy to explore on foot. Most people prefer not to drive here as it can be overwhelming and chaotic.

Cocoa Beach is somewhat walkable. For the most walkable areas stay near the town center. In general, you'll want to have a car to access most of what the area has to offer though.

For even more information, also check out Is Cocoa Beach Worth Visiting? and Is New York City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in New York City or Cocoa Beach?

How long in Cocoa Beach or New York City?

Both Cocoa Beach and New York City have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in New York City than in Cocoa Beach. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Cocoa Beach, and 3-7 days is enough time in New York City.

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

Couples should spend more time in New York City than Cocoa Beach. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in New York City that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in New York City than Cocoa Beach 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 New York City.

One day in Cocoa Beach or New York City?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the relaxing destination of Cocoa Beach. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

New York City is a cosmopolitan city where you can fill many days. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Cocoa Beach or New York City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cocoa Beach. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

New York City is a one-of-a-kind big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Cocoa Beach or New York City?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the adventurous destination of Cocoa Beach. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This beach town offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

New York City is a cosmopolitan city where you can fill many days. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Cocoa Beach or New York City?

You'll find food and shopping around the beach town of Cocoa Beach. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

New York City is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cocoa Beach and New York City, we can see that New York City 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 New York City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in New York City than you might in Cocoa Beach.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cocoa Beach Expensive? and Is New York City Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cocoa Beach or New York City?

New York City has a larger population, and is about 640 times larger than the population of Cocoa Beach. When comparing the sizes of Cocoa Beach and New York City, 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 Cocoa Beach or New York City?

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 Cocoa Beach or New York City in the Summer?

Both New York City and Cocoa Beach are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Cocoa Beach because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to New York City this time of year.

In the summer, Cocoa Beach is around the same temperature as New York City. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cocoa Beach in July average around 81°F (27°C), and New York City averages at about 77°F (25°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in New York City. It's quite rainy in Cocoa Beach. In July, Cocoa Beach usually receives more rain than New York City. Cocoa Beach gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or New York City in the Autumn?

Both New York City and Cocoa Beach during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Cocoa Beach this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to New York City for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Cocoa Beach is generally much warmer than New York City. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 77°F (25°C), and New York City fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cocoa Beach. Cocoa Beach usually gets more rain in October than New York City. Cocoa Beach gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Cocoa Beach is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or New York City in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cocoa Beach and New York City. Many travelers come to Cocoa Beach for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to New York City in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

New York City can get quite cold in the winter. Cocoa Beach is much warmer than New York City in the winter. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 63°F (17°C) in January, and New York City fluctuates around 31°F (-1°C).

In January, Cocoa Beach usually receives less rain than New York City. Cocoa Beach gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or New York City in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cocoa Beach as well as New York City. Many visitors come to Cocoa Beach in the spring for the beaches. Additionally, most visitors come to New York City for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Cocoa Beach is much warmer than New York City. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cocoa Beach in April average around 73°F (23°C), and New York City averages at about 52°F (11°C).

Cocoa Beach usually gets less rain in April than New York City. Cocoa Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 3.8 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Cocoa Beach is June to November.

Typical Weather for New York City and Cocoa Beach