Which place is cheaper, California or Florida?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Florida or California?
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 Florida and California. 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: Florida or California?
Florida
The state of Florida, known for sunshine, warm weather, beaches, and Disney World, has much to offer. Orlando and its world-famous parks such as Disney, Epcot, Universal Studios, MGM, Sea World, and more draw massive amounts of visitors every year, and for a good reason. Florida is more than just Disney, however, the state has many other attractions and cities worth visiting.
California
California is the most populous state in the U.S. and is known for a variety of attractions such as Hollywood, warm beaches, the San Francisco bay area, Redwood trees, national parks, and stunning mountain vistas. With a variety of locations and activities to offer, California has become one of the premier travel destinations in the world.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFlorida $251California $252
The average daily cost (per person) in Florida is $251, while the average daily cost in California is $252. 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 Florida and California in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFlorida $132California $116
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFlorida $264California $232
Compare Hotels in Florida and California
Looking for a hotel in Florida or California? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Florida $47California $43
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florida
Also for Florida, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Orlando APT-HTL (MCO): $96
- Transfers from Miami Airport to any Miami and Miami Beach area: $145
- Transfer: FLL Airport to Fort Lauderdale Area Vice Versa: $120
- Transfer in private minivan Orlando downtown -Orlando Airport (MCO): $60
- Transfer from Orlando International Airport to Central Florida: $115
- Transfer from Miami Hotel or Miami Port to Fort Lauderdale Airport or Hotel: $199
- Transfer To/From Miami Airport or Port Miami.: $105
- Transfer Private Vehicle from City -Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL): $40
- The Ultimate Everglades Airboat, Wildlife Show and Transfer: $47
- Tampa hotels to Tampa Bay Cruise Port-Departure Private Transfer : $50
- Tampa Bay Cruise Port to Tampa hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $50
- Tampa Bay Cruise Port to Tampa Hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $100
Hired Cars and Shuttles in California
Also for California, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Los Angeles Airport (LAX) to Garden Groove: $297
- Private Transfer from Los Angeles Airport (LAX) to Buena Park: $297
- Private Transfer from LAX to Anaheim / Buena Park / Garden Groove: $297
- Mammoth Mountain to Sacramento Airport Private Departure Transfer: $294
- Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Mammoth Mountain - Arrival Transfer: $294
- Round Trip Private Transfer in Sacramento Airport to Calistoga: $294
- Arrival Private Transfer: Ontario Airport ONT to Los Angeles in Luxury SUV: $282
- Arrival Private Transfer: Airport LAX to Los Angeles in Luxury Car: $280
- Private Airport Transfer From SFO to Sonoma (One-way): $280
- San José Airport (SJC) to San Francisco - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $279
- Private Round-trip Airport Transfer: Long Beach Airport to & from Anaheim Hotels: $277
- Departure Private Transfer: Los Angeles to Airport LAX in Luxury Car: $271
Is it cheaper to fly into Florida or California?
Prices for flights to both California and Florida 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 dayFlorida $62California $48
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Florida
For Florida, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Tastes of the World Food Tour in Winter Haven : $50
- Daytona Beach: Luau with Polynesian Dinner and Live Show: $53
- Polynesian Fire and Dinner Show Ticket in Daytona Beach: $53
- Food Tour in Lauderdale By The Sea: $60
- South Beach Donut & Gelato Walking Food Tour: $65
- Wynwood Street Art, Culture, Donuts & Walking Food Tour: $65
- Little Havana Street Food Tour with Enthusiastic Guide: $69
- 2 Hours Beach Bites & Brews Food Tour in Gulfport, Florida: $69
- Sleuth's Mystery Dinner Show, Orlando: $69
- Cuban Food Tour Of Little Havana: $70
- Seville Stroll Food Tour: $72
- Mornings in the Market Food Tour: $75
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in California
For California, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- San Francisco Virtual Food Tour with Local Guide: $19
- Encinitas Food Tour: $70
- Carlsbad Food Tour and Wine Tasting: $75
- Pirates Dinner Adventure Buena Park: $79
- Little Italy Food and Drink Walking Tour - Pizza, Pasta & Piazzas: $85
- San Francisco Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $89
- Downtown Los Angeles Food Tour: $89
- Mission District Food Tour: $89
- Gaslamp Quarter Downtown San Diego Food Tour: $89
- San Francisco Food Tour: Ferry Building and Ferry Plaza Farmers Market: $90
- Historic Old Sacramento Walking Food Tour: $95
- San Diego Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $95
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Florida $62California $63
Tours and Activities in Florida
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Florida.
- 2 HR Interactive Walking Ghost Tour in Downtown Orlando: $77
- 30 Minute- Ocean Drive Segway Tour: $42
- Arcimoto Electric Vehicle Adventure Rental in St. Augustine: $96
- Crystal River Boat Tour & Pontoon Rentals: $22
- Everglades Airboat Tour near Orlando Florida: $89
- FAMOUS Destin Dolphin Cruise & Crab Island Sandbar: $70
- Jacksonville Ghosts and Ghouls Tour By US Ghost Adventures: $30
- Key West Kayak Eco Tour | An Eco-Friendly Adventure Awaits!: $56
- LED Bio Comb Jelly Clear Bottom Kayak or Paddleboard Tour!: $64
- Lido Key Pedal Kayak Tour in Sarasota: $75
- Miami Beach Art Deco Tour with Cocktails: $75
- Miami's Most Authentic Walking Tour of Little Havana: $39
Tours and Activities in California
For California, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2 Hour Private Tour in Malibu Majesty: $35
- Guided Hiking Tour in Big Bear with Sunset Champagne toast on Private Dock: $75
- Maritime Museum of San Diego Admission Ticket: $24
- #1 Sonoma Walking Food, Wine & History Tour (Small Groups): $179
- "Summer of Love" tour in Haight-Ashbury in French: $63
- 1 Day Hop-On Hop-Off Tour: $73
- 1 Hour GPS Guided Scooter Tour: Harbor/Gaslamp Quarter: $92
- 1-Hour Monterey and Cannery Row Sea Car Tour: $79
- 1-Hour Private Scenic Tandem Sidecar Tour in San Diego: $99
- 1-Hour Voodoo Escape Room Experience in San Diego: $35
- 1.5 Hour Walking Tour from La Jolla in San Diego: $59
- 15 Passengers Open Ocean/Harbor Cruise Party Boat Marina Del Rey: $129
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFlorida $31California $21
Sample the Local Flavors in Florida
Also in Florida, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Epic Naples Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
- Orlando Virtual Bar Crawl & Scavenger Hunt: $12
- The Tour and Wine Tasting Experience at Aspirations Winery: $20
- Walking Pub Tour : $21
- The Original Haunted Pub Tour: $24
- Miami Bar Crawl: $25
- Key West Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
- St. Augustine Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
- Key West Haunted Pub Crawl and Ghost Tour with Free T-Shirt: $32
- the Fort Myers Beach Haunted Pub Crawl (a magical history tour): $35
- Ft Lauderdale Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $37
- Dive Bar Bus Crawl from Daytona Beach: $40
Sample the Local Flavors in California
Also in California, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- San Jose Bar Hunt: Sweet San Jose Bar Crawl: $12
- Long Beach Bar Hunt: Long Beach Boss Bar Crawl: $12
- Sacramento Bar Hunt: Sacramento Sprint Bar Crawl: $12
- San Diego Bar Hunt: Slammin' San Diego Bar Crawl: $13
- Placer County Wine Tasting Pass: $19
- Vintner's Private Wine Tasting Experience: $20
- Gaslamp Bar Crawls and Events: $20
- Wine Tasting Audio Tour - Lodi California: $35
- Sunset Distillery with Local Whiskey or Cocktail Tasting: $40
- Walk with Spirits: A Haunted Pub Crawl in San Francisco: $45
- Wine Tasting Around the World: $48
- Large Group Wine Tasting Tour (For 6+ Guests • We Drive Your Car): $60
When comparing the travel costs between Florida and California, we can see that California 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.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Florida Expensive? and Is California Expensive?.
Which has a larger population, Florida or California?
California has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Florida. When comparing the sizes of Florida and California, 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.
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.