A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Cocoa Beach vs. Tampa for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Cocoa Beach or Tampa?

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 Tampa. 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 Tampa?

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.

Tampa

On the north shore of Tampa Bay, across the water from Saint Peterburg, is the city of Tampa. The city has a population of almost 350,000. The metropolitan area includes Tampa, St. Peterburg, and Clearwater. It has about 2.9 million residents and is the second largest metropolitan area in the state. The city is a popular destination for outdoor activities and in 2008 it was ranked the 5th best outdoor city by Forbes.

Which city is cheaper, Tampa or Cocoa Beach?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cocoa Beach is $116, while the average daily cost in Tampa is $136. 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 Cocoa Beach and Tampa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cocoa Beach $68
    Tampa $68
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cocoa Beach $136
    Tampa $136
Compare Hotels in Cocoa Beach and Tampa

Looking for a hotel in Cocoa Beach or Tampa? 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 Cocoa Beach


Hotels in Tampa


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 Tampa Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cocoa Beach $20
    Tampa $58

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cocoa Beach

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

  • Shared Port Canaveral Round-trip Transfer: $43
  • Private Van Service Transfer to or from Orlando International Airport: $101
  • Private Transfer from Cocoa Beach to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $264
  • Private Transfer from Cocoa Beach to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $267

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tampa

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

  • Transfer from Tampa International Airport to Tampa: $75
  • Tampa hotel or address to Tampa Airport (TPA) - Departure Private Transfer: $82
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to Tampa hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $164
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to Tampa hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $82
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to St Petersburg hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $83
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to St Petersburg - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $167
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to Clearwater Beach - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $167
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to Clearwater Beach - Arrival Private Transfer: $83
  • Private Transfer from Tampa to Port Canaveral: $526
  • Private Transfer from Tampa to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $457
  • Private Transfer from Tampa to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $393
  • Private Transfer from Tampa Airport to Sarasota: $120

Is it cheaper to fly into Cocoa Beach or Tampa?

Prices for flights to both Tampa 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 day
    Cocoa Beach $35
    Tampa $34

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cocoa Beach $13
    Tampa $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:

  • Bicycle Tours and Rentals Throughout the Space Coast: $50
  • Bioluminescent Kayak Tour with Cocoa Kayaking in Cocoa Beach, Florida!!: $65
  • Cocoa Beach Mural Tour (Self-Guided): $25
  • Dinoflagellate Bioluminescence Kayak Tour: $55
  • Electric Bike Group Tour - Port Canaveral & Cocoa Beach: $85
  • Group Kayak Tour to Search for Wildlife and Explore the Mangrove Tunnels: $44
  • Mangrove Tunnel & Dolphin Sunset Kayak Tours with Cocoa Kayaking in Cocoa Beach!: $50
  • Mangrove Tunnel/Manatee & Dolphin Kayak Tour with Cocoa Kayaking in Cocoa Beach!: $50
  • Mangrove Tunnels, Manatee, and Dolphin Sunset kayak tour with Fin Expeditions: $49
  • Mini Photography Session with Experienced Photographer: $250
  • One Hour Surf Lesson with Experienced Instructor: $70
  • Private Surf Lesson with Experienced Instructors: $65

Tours and Activities in Tampa

For Tampa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 1.5-hour Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise from Tampa: $31
  • 2-hour Tiki Boat BYOB Cruise in Tampa: $60
  • Adventure Island Water Park Ticket: $63
  • Bayshore Drive Motorbike Tour: $199
  • Bicycle Tour Orlando, Over Tampa Bay Ride: $150
  • Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Admission Ticket: $110
  • Historic Ybor City Food and Drink Walking Tour: $59
  • Motorcycle Tour of Sunshine Skyway Bridge: $299
  • Nature Coast Private Day Tour From Tampa with Photographer , Max Group of 4: $250
  • Orlando: Aquatica Water Park Admission Ticket: $128
  • Skip the Line: The Florida Aquarium in Tampa Bay Ticket: $26
  • Skip the Line: ZooTampa at Lowry Park Admission Ticket: $45

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cocoa Beach $16
    Tampa $20

Sample the Local Flavors in Tampa

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tampa:

  • Tampa Bar Hunt: Tampa Takeover Bar Crawl: $12
  • Haunted Tampa Ghost and Pub Walking Tour - Ybor City: $26
  • Private Tampa Brewery Tour - Party Bus: $600

About these numbers

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


When is the best time to visit Cocoa Beach or Tampa?

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 Tampa in the Summer?

Both Tampa and Cocoa Beach are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Tampa for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Cocoa Beach is around the same temperature as Tampa in the summer. The temperature in Cocoa Beach is usually 81°F (27°C) in July, and Tampa stays around 82°F (28°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tampa. It's quite rainy in Cocoa Beach. In July, Cocoa Beach usually receives around the same amount of rain as Tampa. Cocoa Beach gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Tampa receives 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cocoa Beach 81°F (27°C) 
    Tampa 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Tampa in the Autumn?

Both Tampa and Cocoa Beach during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Tampa in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions.

In the autumn, Cocoa Beach is around the same temperature as Tampa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cocoa Beach in October are around 77°F (25°C), and Tampa is about 75°F (24°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cocoa Beach. Cocoa Beach usually gets more rain in October than Tampa. Cocoa Beach gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Tampa receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cocoa Beach 77°F (25°C) 
    Tampa 75°F (24°C)

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Tampa in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cocoa Beach and Tampa. Furthermore, most visitors come to Tampa for the cuisine during these months.

In January, Cocoa Beach is generally around the same temperature as Tampa. Temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 63°F (17°C), and Tampa stays around 60°F (15°C).

In January, Cocoa Beach usually receives around the same amount of rain as Tampa. Cocoa Beach gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Tampa receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cocoa Beach 63°F (17°C) 
    Tampa 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Tampa in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cocoa Beach as well as Tampa. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Tampa because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

Cocoa Beach is around the same temperature as Tampa in the spring. The temperature in Cocoa Beach is usually 73°F (23°C) in April, and Tampa stays around 71°F (22°C).

Cocoa Beach usually gets more rain in April than Tampa. Cocoa Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Tampa receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cocoa Beach 73°F (23°C) 
    Tampa 71°F (22°C)

Typical Weather for Tampa and Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach Tampa
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 63°F (17°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 60°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm)
Feb 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 61°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 67°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Apr 73°F (23°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 71°F (22°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
May 77°F (25°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 77°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (181 mm) 81°F (27°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) 75°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)
Nov 69°F (21°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm) 68°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)


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Cocoa Beach vs. Tampa Travel Comparison

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