A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Daytona Beach vs. Saint Augustine for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Daytona Beach or Saint Augustine?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Saint Augustine? 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 Saint Augustine?

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.

Saint Augustine

St. Augustine is the oldest European-established settlement in the United States. Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon landed nearby and claimed the land now known as Florida in the name of Spain in 1513. They had originally named the land La Florida, which means "Land of Flowers". The city was founded by Spanish explorer Pedro Menendez de Aviles in 1565. Sir Francis Drake and John Davis burnt the city to the ground in 1586 and 1665 respectively, but St. Augustine soon became strong enough to fend off such attacks. Florida was purchased by the United States from Spain in 1819; it seceded during the Civil War, during which St. Augustine was occupied by Union forces.

Which place is cheaper, Saint Augustine or Daytona Beach?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Daytona Beach is $211, while the average daily cost in Saint Augustine is $159. 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 Saint Augustine in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Daytona Beach $84
    Saint Augustine $86
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Daytona Beach $168
    Saint Augustine $172
Compare Hotels in Daytona Beach and Saint Augustine

Looking for a hotel in Daytona Beach or Saint Augustine? 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 Daytona Beach


Hotels in Saint Augustine


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 Saint Augustine Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Daytona Beach $53
    Saint Augustine $39

Is it cheaper to fly into Daytona Beach or Saint Augustine?

Prices for flights to both Saint Augustine 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Daytona Beach $80
    Saint Augustine $49

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Augustine

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Saint Augustine.

  • Cooking Class/Dinner W/ Celebrity French Chef OR Private Chef Ser: $105
  • Feast of Saint Augustine Walking Food Tour: $129

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Daytona Beach $28
    Saint Augustine $18

Tours and Activities in Daytona Beach

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Daytona Beach are as follows:

  • St. Johns River Nature Cruise at Blue Spring State Park : $28
  • 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
  • Dolphin and Manatee Kayak Tour of Daytona Beach: $65
  • Guided Kayaking or Standup Paddling Tour: $65
  • Small-Group Sailing Tour in Daytona Beach: $79

Tours and Activities in Saint Augustine

Here are a few actual costs in Saint Augustine for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Self-Guided Haunted Ghost Walking Audio Tour in St. Augustine: $6.50
  • St Augustine Haunted History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Historic St Augustine Audio Self Guided App GPS Tour: $6.99
  • St. Augustine's Lost Souls: a Smartphone Audio Ghost Tour: $7.99
  • Child Friendly Pirate Walking Tour: $10
  • Historic Museum Tour Ticket: $16
  • Oldest Store Museum Experience in St. Augustine: $16
  • Haunting Hour Walking Ghost Tour: $18
  • Old Jail Museum Tour in St. Augustine: $18
  • Walk the Oldest Streets of South St. Augustine Haunting Tour: $20
  • 90-Minute "Conquistatour of Saint Augustine" Historical Walking Sightseeing Tour: $24
  • Afterlife Tours- Beyond the Grave Tour: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Daytona Beach $43
    Saint Augustine $25

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Saint Augustine

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Saint Augustine:

  • The Original Haunted Pub Tour: $24
  • St. Augustine Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Ghosts and Spirits of St Augustine Pub Crawl Tour: $39
  • St. Augustine's Booze & Boos Haunted Pub Crawl: $40
  • Wine Tasting Cruise in St. Augustine : $49
  • Spirits with the Spirits haunted pub crawl - drinks included: $59
  • Toast of St. Augustine Walking Pub Crawl - drinks included: $63


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Daytona Beach and Saint Augustine, we can see that Daytona Beach is more expensive. And not only is Saint Augustine much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saint Augustine would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint Augustine 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 Daytona Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Daytona Beach than you might in Saint Augustine.

Which is Bigger, Daytona Beach or Saint Augustine?

Daytona Beach is bigger, and its population is about 5.3 times larger than the population of Saint Augustine. When comparing the population of Daytona Beach vs. Saint Augustine, 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 Saint Augustine?

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 Saint Augustine in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Daytona Beach and Saint Augustine. Many travelers come to Daytona Beach for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Daytona Beach is around the same temperature as Saint Augustine. Typically, the summer temperatures in Daytona Beach in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Saint Augustine averages at about 82°F (28°C).

Saint Augustine receives a lot of rain in the summer. Daytona Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Daytona Beach usually receives around the same amount of rain as Saint Augustine. Daytona Beach gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Saint Augustine receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Daytona Beach 81°F (27°C) 
    Saint Augustine 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Saint Augustine in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Daytona Beach as well as Saint Augustine. Many visitors come to Daytona Beach in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Daytona Beach is generally around the same temperature as Saint Augustine. Daily temperatures in Daytona Beach average around 74°F (23°C), and Saint Augustine fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

Daytona Beach receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Daytona Beach usually gets more rain in October than Saint Augustine. Daytona Beach gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Saint Augustine receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Daytona Beach 74°F (23°C) 
    Saint Augustine 70°F (21°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Saint Augustine in the Winter?

Both Saint Augustine and Daytona Beach are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Daytona Beach for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Daytona Beach is a little warmer than Saint Augustine in the winter. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 58°F (14°C) in January, and Saint Augustine fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

In January, Daytona Beach usually receives less rain than Saint Augustine. Daytona Beach gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Saint Augustine receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Daytona Beach 58°F (14°C) 
    Saint Augustine 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Saint Augustine in the Spring?

Both Saint Augustine and Daytona Beach during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Daytona Beach because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Daytona Beach is around the same temperature as Saint Augustine. Typically, the spring temperatures in Daytona Beach in April average around 69°F (21°C), and Saint Augustine averages at about 68°F (20°C).

Daytona Beach usually gets less rain in April than Saint Augustine. Daytona Beach gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Saint Augustine receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Daytona Beach 69°F (21°C) 
    Saint Augustine 68°F (20°C)

Typical Weather for Saint Augustine and Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach Saint Augustine
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 58°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Feb 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Mar 65°F (18°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Apr 69°F (21°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
May 75°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 6 inches (152 mm) 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 6.2 inches (157 mm) 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm)
Sep 80°F (26°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm)
Oct 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Nov 66°F (19°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Dec 60°F (16°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)


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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Daytona Beach vs. Saint Augustine Travel Comparison

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