Which place is cheaper, Pensacola or Daytona Beach?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Daytona Beach vs. Pensacola for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
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Should you visit Daytona Beach or Pensacola?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Daytona Beach or Pensacola? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Daytona Beach or Pensacola?
Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach, Florida, located on the Atlantic coast, is a wildly popular tourist destination for people from all over the world due to great beaches, spring break fun, and NASCAR races. Tourists come to enjoy the warm Florida weather, the beautiful beaches, the activities, the boardwalk, the nightlife, and many other things the city has to offer. The beaches around Daytona are famous for their hard-packed sand, which makes them easy for cars to drive on. For this reason, Daytona has a history of automobile racing, and is home to dozens of races that take place throughout the year, the most famous of which is the Daytona 500. Naturally, Daytona is also home to NASCAR headquarters. But it's so much more than just a race destination, as it's also a fun and family-friendly destination that attractions a wide range of visitors.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDaytona Beach $211Pensacola $198
The average daily cost (per person) in Daytona Beach is $211, while the average daily cost in Pensacola is $198. 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 Daytona Beach and Pensacola in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDaytona Beach $84Pensacola $115
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDaytona Beach $168Pensacola $230
Compare Hotels in Daytona Beach and Pensacola
Looking for a hotel in Daytona Beach 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.
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: Daytona Beach Hotel Prices and Pensacola Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Daytona Beach $53Pensacola $64
Typical Local Transportation prices in Pensacola
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Pensacola:
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Boca Grande Causeway Toll$5.00
Is it cheaper to fly into Daytona Beach or Pensacola?
Prices for flights to both Pensacola and Daytona 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 dayDaytona Beach $80Pensacola $48
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Daytona Beach
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Daytona Beach.
- Polynesian Fire and Dinner Show Ticket in Daytona Beach: $53
Typical Food prices in Pensacola
Some typical examples of dining costs in Pensacola are as follows:
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Two Ice Creams$6.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pensacola
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Pensacola.
- Seville Quarter Haunted Ghost Tour, Lunch, or Dinner: $50
- Seville Stroll Food Tour: $72
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Daytona Beach $28Pensacola $13
Tours and Activities in Daytona Beach
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Daytona Beach are as follows:
- Wildlife Tour of Indian River Lagoon with Experienced Captain: $32
- The Great Daytona Wine Bar Tour: $40
- Guided Wildlife Eco Kayak Tour in New Smyrna Beach: $45
- Zipline Adventure through Tuscawilla Park: $59
- Dolphin and Manatee Stand Up Paddleboard Tour in Daytona Beach: $65
- New Smyrna Dolphin and Manatee Adventure Tour: $65
- Orlando Manatee and Natural Spring Adventure Tour at Blue Springs: $65
- Guided Kayaking or Standup Paddling Tour: $65
- Small-Group Sailing Tour in Daytona Beach: $79
- E-Bike Tour on the World's Most Famous Beach: $85
Typical Entertainment prices in Pensacola
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Pensacola are as follows:
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Bike Rental$16
Tours and Activities in Pensacola
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Pensacola are as follows:
- Tour of Pensacola's Landmarks: $25
- Ghosts and Graveyard Tour of Pensacola: $28
- Public Dolphin & Scenic Bay Sightseeing Tour, Pensacola Bch: $30
- Frisky Mermaid Public Dolphin + Sightseeing Tour Up to 49 Pax: $30
- Public Dolphin & Scenic Bay Sightseeing Tour, Pensacola Bch: $31
- Hop-on Hop-off Tour in Pensacola : $32
- Pensacola Beach Jolly Dolphin Cruise and Scenic Bay Tour: $39
- Seville Haunted Luncheon and Ghost Tour: $50
- Bay Cruise: $54
- Sunset Cruise Tour: $65
- Seville Savories Palafox Trot Tour: $65
- 2hr Segway Tour of Downtown : $72
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDaytona Beach $43Pensacola $44
Sample the Local Flavors in Daytona Beach
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Daytona Beach:
- Dive Bar Bus Crawl from Daytona Beach: $40
When comparing the travel costs between Daytona Beach and Pensacola, we can see that Daytona Beach is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
Which is Bigger, Daytona Beach or Pensacola?
Daytona Beach is bigger, and its population is about 15% larger than the population of Pensacola. When comparing the population of Daytona Beach vs. Pensacola, 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 Daytona Beach 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 Daytona Beach or Pensacola in the Summer?
Both Pensacola and Daytona Beach are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Daytona Beach this time of year.
In July, Daytona Beach is generally around the same temperature as Pensacola. Daily temperatures in Daytona Beach average around 81°F (27°C), and Pensacola fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Pensacola. It's quite rainy in Daytona Beach. In July, Daytona Beach usually receives less rain than Pensacola. Daytona Beach gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Pensacola receives 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDaytona Beach 81°F (27°C)Pensacola 82°F (28°C)
Should I visit Daytona Beach or Pensacola in the Autumn?
Both Pensacola and Daytona Beach during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Daytona Beach for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.
Daytona Beach is a little warmer than Pensacola in the autumn. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 74°F (23°C) in October, and Pensacola fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).
Pensacola gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Daytona Beach. Daytona Beach usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Pensacola. Daytona Beach gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Pensacola receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDaytona Beach 74°F (23°C)Pensacola 69°F (21°C)
Should I visit Daytona Beach or Pensacola in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Daytona Beach and Pensacola. Many visitors come to Daytona Beach in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
In the winter, Daytona Beach is a little warmer than Pensacola. Typically, the winter temperatures in Daytona Beach in January average around 58°F (14°C), and Pensacola averages at about 51°F (10°C).
Pensacola receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Daytona Beach usually receives less rain than Pensacola. Daytona Beach gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Pensacola receives 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDaytona Beach 58°F (14°C)Pensacola 51°F (10°C)
Should I visit Daytona Beach or Pensacola in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Daytona Beach as well as Pensacola. Most visitors come to Daytona Beach for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.
In April, Daytona Beach is generally around the same temperature as Pensacola. Daily temperatures in Daytona Beach average around 69°F (21°C), and Pensacola fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).
Daytona Beach usually gets less rain in April than Pensacola. Daytona Beach gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Pensacola receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDaytona Beach 69°F (21°C)Pensacola 67°F (20°C)
Typical Weather for Pensacola and Daytona Beach
| Daytona Beach | Pensacola | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 58°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (70 mm) | 51°F (10°C) | 4.6 inches (117 mm) |
| Feb | 59°F (15°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 5.4 inches (137 mm) |
| Mar | 65°F (18°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) | 60°F (16°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) |
| Apr | 69°F (21°C) | 2.2 inches (57 mm) | 67°F (20°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
| May | 75°F (24°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) |
| Jun | 80°F (26°C) | 6 inches (152 mm) | 80°F (27°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) |
| Jul | 81°F (27°C) | 5.4 inches (137 mm) | 82°F (28°C) | 7.4 inches (189 mm) |
| Aug | 81°F (27°C) | 6.2 inches (157 mm) | 82°F (28°C) | 7.4 inches (188 mm) |
| Sep | 80°F (26°C) | 6.3 inches (161 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 5.3 inches (135 mm) |
| Oct | 74°F (23°C) | 4.1 inches (105 mm) | 69°F (21°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) |
| Nov | 66°F (19°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) | 61°F (16°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) |
| Dec | 60°F (16°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 4.3 inches (109 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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