Which place is cheaper, Sarasota or Cocoa Beach?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Cocoa Beach vs. Sarasota for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
Jump to 
Should you visit Cocoa Beach or Sarasota?
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 Sarasota. 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 Sarasota?
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.
Sarasota
Located on the Gulf Coast of southwest Florida, Sarasota is a popular city known for its thriving arts scene, selection of restaurants, plenty of shopping, and beautiful beaches. The metropolitan area is a hub of city culture, while the beaches offer escapes of fine white sand and aqua waters.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCocoa Beach $145Sarasota $249
The average daily cost (per person) in Cocoa Beach is $145, while the average daily cost in Sarasota is $249. 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 Sarasota in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCocoa Beach $85Sarasota $108
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCocoa Beach $170Sarasota $216
Compare Hotels in Cocoa Beach and Sarasota
Looking for a hotel in Cocoa Beach or Sarasota? 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 Sarasota Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cocoa Beach $26Sarasota -
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cocoa Beach
Also for Cocoa Beach, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Melbourne to Port Canaveral: $213
- Hotels in Cape Canaveral & Cocoa Beach Transfer: $40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sarasota
Also for Sarasota, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer to Tampa International Airport: $171
- Private Transfer to Southwest Florida Airport: $224
- Private Transfer to Miami International Airport: $960
- Private Transfer to Fort Lauderdale Airport: $824
Is it cheaper to fly into Cocoa Beach or Sarasota?
Prices for flights to both Sarasota 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
-
Food Meals for one dayCocoa Beach $43Sarasota $137
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sarasota
For Sarasota, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Downtown Walking Food Tour in Sarasota: $110
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cocoa Beach $16Sarasota $11
Tours and Activities in Cocoa Beach
For Cocoa Beach, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Bioluminescent Night Tour, Plankton: $65
- LED Bio Comb Jelly Clear Bottom Kayak or Paddleboard Tour!: $65
- Bicycle Tours and Rentals Throughout the Space Coast: $50
- Bioluminescence Clear Kayak or Clear Paddleboard Adventure Tour: $75
- Bioluminescence Kayak Tour: $55
- Bioluminescence Night Kayaking Tour of Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge: $80
- Bioluminescence Night Tour Paddle Board and Kayak June-Sept: $79
- Bioluminescent Kayak Tour. Fin Expeditions is Cocoa Beaches Top Rated Kayak Tour: $69
- Clear Kayak Bioluminescence Tour: $85
- Clear Kayak Florida Bioluminescence Tour | Beacon 42 (Titusville): $75
- Cocoa Beach Dolphin Tours on the Banana River: $38
- Daytime Guided Kayak Eco-Tour: $49
Tours and Activities in Sarasota
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sarasota.
- Parasailing Adventure above the Gulf of Mexico: $95
- 2 Hour Jet ski Tour Fast And Fun Adventure Florida Thrill : $260
- 2 Hours and 30 minutes Clear Kayak Tour in Robinson Preserve: $75
- 75 Minute Parasailing Adventure above Bradenton Beach & Anna Maria Island: $70
- 90 minute South Florida Jet Ski Adventure Fun Thrilling : $195
- Amish Experience: Bridges to Understanding: $68
- City Sightseeing Trolley Tour of Sarasota: $69
- Clear Kayak Glass Bottom Day Tour - Anna Maria Island: $65
- Clear Kayak Glass Bottom Day Tour - Sarasota: $65
- Clear Kayak LED Night Glass Bottom Tour - Anna Maria Island: $65
- Clear Kayak LED Night Glass Bottom Tour - Sarasota: $65
- Clear Kayak Private Guided Day and Night Tours in Florida: $65
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayCocoa Beach $20Sarasota -
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cocoa Beach and Sarasota, we can see that Sarasota 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 Sarasota would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sarasota than you might in Cocoa Beach.
Which is Bigger, Cocoa Beach or Sarasota?
Sarasota is bigger, and its population is about 4.3 times larger than the population of Cocoa Beach. When comparing the population of Cocoa Beach vs. Sarasota, 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 Sarasota?
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 Sarasota in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cocoa Beach and Sarasota.
In July, Cocoa Beach is generally around the same temperature as Sarasota. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 81°F (27°C), and Sarasota fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).
Sarasota receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cocoa Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Cocoa Beach usually receives around the same amount of rain as Sarasota. Cocoa Beach gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Sarasota receives 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyCocoa Beach 81°F (27°C)Sarasota 82°F (28°C)
Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Sarasota in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Cocoa Beach as well as Sarasota.
Cocoa Beach is around the same temperature as Sarasota in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 77°F (25°C) in October, and Sarasota fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).
Cocoa Beach receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cocoa Beach usually gets more rain in October than Sarasota. Cocoa Beach gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Sarasota receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCocoa Beach 77°F (25°C)Sarasota 76°F (24°C)
Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Sarasota in the Winter?
Both Sarasota and Cocoa Beach are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.
In the winter, Cocoa Beach is a little warmer than Sarasota. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cocoa Beach in January average around 63°F (17°C), and Sarasota averages at about 59°F (15°C).
In January, Cocoa Beach usually receives around the same amount of rain as Sarasota. Cocoa Beach gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Sarasota receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCocoa Beach 63°F (17°C)Sarasota 59°F (15°C)
Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Sarasota in the Spring?
Both Sarasota and Cocoa Beach during the spring are popular places to visit.
In April, Cocoa Beach is generally around the same temperature as Sarasota. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 73°F (23°C), and Sarasota fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).
Cocoa Beach usually gets more rain in April than Sarasota. Cocoa Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Sarasota receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilCocoa Beach 73°F (23°C)Sarasota 73°F (23°C)
Typical Weather for Sarasota and Cocoa Beach
| Cocoa Beach | Sarasota | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 63°F (17°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) | 59°F (15°C) | 2.3 inches (59 mm) |
| Feb | 62°F (17°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Mar | 67°F (20°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) | 67°F (20°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) |
| Apr | 73°F (23°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) |
| May | 77°F (25°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 78°F (25°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) |
| Jun | 80°F (26°C) | 7.1 inches (181 mm) | 82°F (28°C) | 6.5 inches (165 mm) |
| Jul | 81°F (27°C) | 8.3 inches (211 mm) | 82°F (28°C) | 8.4 inches (214 mm) |
| Aug | 81°F (27°C) | 6.7 inches (171 mm) | 82°F (28°C) | 8 inches (203 mm) |
| Sep | 81°F (27°C) | 7.2 inches (183 mm) | 81°F (27°C) | 6.3 inches (161 mm) |
| Oct | 77°F (25°C) | 4.1 inches (103 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) |
| Nov | 69°F (21°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) | 69°F (20°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) |
| Dec | 64°F (18°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) |
Related Articles for Cocoa Beach
Related Articles for Sarasota
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.
More City Comparisons
Boca Raton vs. Cocoa BeachBoca Raton vs. Sarasota
Cape Canaveral vs. Cocoa Beach
Cape Canaveral vs. Sarasota
Clearwater vs. Cocoa Beach
Clearwater vs. Sarasota
Cocoa Beach vs. Daytona Beach
Cocoa Beach vs. Destin
Cocoa Beach vs. Fort Lauderdale
Cocoa Beach vs. Gainesville
Cocoa Beach vs. Key West
Cocoa Beach vs. Miami
Cocoa Beach vs. Naples
Cocoa Beach vs. Orlando
Cocoa Beach vs. Panama City
Cocoa Beach vs. Pensacola
Cocoa Beach vs. Saint Augustine
Cocoa Beach vs. Saint Petersburg
Cocoa Beach vs. Tallahassee
Cocoa Beach vs. Tampa
Cocoa Beach vs. West Palm Beach
Daytona Beach vs. Sarasota
Destin vs. Sarasota
Fort Lauderdale vs. Sarasota
Gainesville vs. Sarasota
Key West vs. Sarasota
Miami vs. Sarasota
Naples vs. Sarasota
Pin This Page
Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.