A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Fort Lauderdale vs. Jacksonville for Beaches, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Fort Lauderdale or Jacksonville?

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 Fort Lauderdale and Jacksonville. 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.

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is a high energy, scenic, and bustling coastal city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a youthful, fun, and vibrant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

Fort Lauderdale and Jacksonville: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fort Lauderdale or Jacksonville?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Fort Lauderdale than Jacksonville. While Jacksonville is larger than Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale has more sights and attractions for tourists. Fort Lauderdale is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Jacksonville is more popular for its museums & sights, food, shopping, and big city activities. Fort Lauderdale is more touristy than Jacksonville and is popular for its canals, beaches, walkable waterfront, and luxury resorts. Also, Fort Lauderdale is famous for The Local Beaches. Jacksonville is well known for its beautiful beaches and lively downtown area.

How is Fort Lauderdale different from Jacksonville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Jacksonville and Fort Lauderdale. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Fort Lauderdale or Jacksonville?

Jacksonville is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Jacksonville. The city has a number of museums that range from art museums to science or kid-friendly museums. Some favorites are the Museum of Science and History, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Mandarin Museum and Historical Society, and Kingsley Plantation.

Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Fort Lauderdale or Jacksonville? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Jacksonville is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Fort Lauderdale is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Jacksonville makes for a great culinary experience. Local cuisine has its own identity. Unique dishes around town include garlic crabs, seafood boil, gumbo, and shrimp and grits. The local cuisine is similar to Lowcountry dishes with a lot of Cajun influence. If you want something different from seafood, you should try the barbecue.

Fort Lauderdale has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Seafood is the obvious option with popular dishes being fish tacos, sea bass, and scallop risotto. There are many waterfront restaurants or you could head to Las Olas Boulevard, which has many bistros, cafes, and restaurants.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Jacksonville Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Fort Lauderdale or Jacksonville has a better nightlife scene.

The people in Fort Lauderdale know how to have a good time. Trendy and upscale partying is the name of the game in this Florida city. Most people head to the beach, Las Olas Blvd, River Front and The New Hard Rock Seminole Hotel Complex for the best bars and clubs. You'll find the most activity around the weekends, but there really is something going on any night of the week.

The nightlife in Jacksonville has something for everybody. The young population brings out the nightlife scene. There's a great concentration of bars and clubs in the area known as The Elbow, which is at the intersection of N. Ocean and E. Bay Street. You'll find plenty of cocktail bars, lounges, and clubs around town that make for a fun night out.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Jacksonville Better for Resorts?

Fort Lauderdale is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Jacksonville is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Fort Lauderdale for its luxury resorts. Luxury beachfront resorts are plentiful in the area. Several of the most impressive include the Ritz-Carlton, W Fort Lauderdale, and the Dalmar. Most resorts have a beachfront pool, hot tubs, and depending on the resort, a kid's club.

Jacksonville is not a resort destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Jacksonville Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Fort Lauderdale is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Jacksonville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Fort Lauderdale. Although the snorkeling doesn't compare to what you'll find further south around the Florida Keys, there are some great places to pull your mask and fins out in the area. Popular snorkeling spots nearby include the Vista Park Reef, Pompano Beach, and Hollywood North Beach Park.

Jacksonville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Jacksonville Better for Beaches?

Fort Lauderdale is renowned for the beach. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

Fort Lauderdale offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches, a fun boardwalk, and impressive views, the beaches here are among the best in the area. They are surprisingly walkable and, while there can be crowds, there's still a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere.

Jacksonville is considered a top beach destination. There are a number of beaches that are just a short distance from the city. Some have a historic vibe while others are more lively. Atlantic Beach is about a half hour drive from the city. For a laid back vibe head to Neptune Beach and the most popular beach in the area is Jacksonville Beach.

Is the Shopping Better in Fort Lauderdale or Jacksonville?

Jacksonville is a great destination for shopping. Also, Fort Lauderdale is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Jacksonville is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are countless malls and shopping districts around town. Some of the best shopping is found at St. John's Center, Five Points, and Avondale.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Fort Lauderdale. For interesting local boutiques head to Las Olas Boulevard and for name brand stores you'll want to visit Sawgrass Mills Mall.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Jacksonville Better for Families?

Fort Lauderdale is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Fort Lauderdale. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches and a number of kid-oriented activities, the kids will love it here. Fun activities include Bluefoot Pirate Adventures, Butterfly World, and Funderdome. On sunny days there are many outdoor recreation areas and when the weather isn't cooperating, there are hands-on museums.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Jacksonville. It's filled with adventure parks, zoos, animal farms, nature centers, and gardens. Adults will have as much fun as kids exploring the city and all of its family-friendly attractions.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Jacksonville Better for Couples?

Fort Lauderdale is renowned for couples. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Fort Lauderdale is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Fine dining, beautiful beaches, and great shopping make for a great romantic getaway. Couples and honeymooners love relaxing at the beaches in Fort Lauderdale. A sunset walk on the beach and a stay at a romantic resort will make for an unforgettable trip.

Jacksonville is a nice destination for couples. It's a young city that's near nature and has plenty of adventurous activities. There's sailing, botanical gardens, restaurants, and plenty of bars around town.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Jacksonville Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jacksonville is a good destination for backpackers. However, Fort Lauderdale is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of backpackers visit Jacksonville. There are a few hostels in town as well as affordable motels. The city has a young population with plenty to do. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there's a surprising and underrated appeal to the backpacker crowd.

Fort Lauderdale is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Jacksonville Better for Students?

Jacksonville is a good destination for students. However, Fort Lauderdale is not popular with students.

Jacksonville is popular with students. There are a few colleges and universities in town. The city's population is also very young, making it a great place to study.

Fort Lauderdale is not popular with students.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Jacksonville Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Jacksonville is a good destination for its public transit. However, Fort Lauderdale is a coastal city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Jacksonville, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The public transportation system includes trolleys, the Skyway, buses, water taxis, and the ferry.

Public transit is mostly limited in Fort Lauderdale. Transportation options include a water taxi and the Sun Trolley Hop-on Bus.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Jacksonville a more walkable city?

Fort Lauderdale is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

Fort Lauderdale is a very walkable destination. It is one of the most walkable Florida communities with a boardwalk and several pedestrian areas that are fun to wander around.

Jacksonville is somewhat walkable. Downtown Jacksonville is the most walkable part of the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Fort Lauderdale Worth Visiting? and Is Jacksonville Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Jacksonville or Fort Lauderdale?

How long in Fort Lauderdale or Jacksonville?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Fort Lauderdale and Jacksonville. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than in Jacksonville. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Fort Lauderdale, and 2-3 days is enough time in Jacksonville.

Families should spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than Jacksonville. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Fort Lauderdale, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than Jacksonville. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Fort Lauderdale that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Jacksonville than Fort Lauderdale if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Jacksonville.

One day in Fort Lauderdale or Jacksonville?

In Fort Lauderdale, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this high energy coastal city offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The youthful destination of Jacksonville offers nightlife and food. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Fort Lauderdale or Jacksonville?

Fort Lauderdale is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

The city of Jacksonville offers food and shopping. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Fort Lauderdale or Jacksonville?

In Fort Lauderdale, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this luxury destination offers. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Lots of people come for the beaches. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Jacksonville is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Fort Lauderdale or Jacksonville?

Fort Lauderdale is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Jacksonville. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Fort Lauderdale Expensive? and Is Jacksonville Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Fort Lauderdale or Jacksonville?

Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Fort Lauderdale. When comparing the sizes of Fort Lauderdale and Jacksonville, 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.

When is the best time to visit Fort Lauderdale or Jacksonville?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Jacksonville in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Fort Lauderdale as well as Jacksonville. The summer months attract visitors to Fort Lauderdale because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Jacksonville this time of year.

In July, Fort Lauderdale is generally around the same temperature as Jacksonville. Daily temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 83°F (28°C), and Jacksonville fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jacksonville. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fort Lauderdale this time of the year. In the summer, Fort Lauderdale often gets more sunshine than Jacksonville. Fort Lauderdale gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jacksonville receives 286 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Jacksonville. Fort Lauderdale receives a lot of rain in the summer. Fort Lauderdale usually gets more rain in July than Jacksonville. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Jacksonville receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Jacksonville in the Autumn?

Both Jacksonville and Fort Lauderdale are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Fort Lauderdale this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Jacksonville for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Fort Lauderdale is a little warmer than Jacksonville in the autumn. The daily temperature in Fort Lauderdale averages around 78°F (26°C) in October, and Jacksonville fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

It's quite sunny in Jacksonville. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale usually receives more sunshine than Jacksonville during autumn. Fort Lauderdale gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Jacksonville receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Fort Lauderdale. In October, Fort Lauderdale usually receives more rain than Jacksonville. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Jacksonville receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Jacksonville is June to November.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Jacksonville in the Winter?

Both Jacksonville and Fort Lauderdale during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Fort Lauderdale for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Jacksonville in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Fort Lauderdale is much warmer than Jacksonville. Typically, the winter temperatures in Fort Lauderdale in January average around 67°F (20°C), and Jacksonville averages at about 53°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Fort Lauderdale. In the winter, Fort Lauderdale often gets more sunshine than Jacksonville. Fort Lauderdale gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jacksonville receives 191 hours of full sun.

Fort Lauderdale usually gets less rain in January than Jacksonville. Fort Lauderdale gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Jacksonville receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Jacksonville in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Fort Lauderdale and Jacksonville. Many visitors come to Fort Lauderdale in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Jacksonville for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Fort Lauderdale is generally a little warmer than Jacksonville. Daily temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 75°F (24°C), and Jacksonville fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jacksonville this time of the year. In Fort Lauderdale, it's very sunny this time of the year. Fort Lauderdale usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Jacksonville during spring. Fort Lauderdale gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Jacksonville receives 285 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Fort Lauderdale usually receives more rain than Jacksonville. Fort Lauderdale gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Jacksonville receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Jacksonville.

Typical Weather for Jacksonville and Fort Lauderdale