A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Fort Lauderdale vs. Pensacola for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

North America / Comparisons /
Jump to  down-arrow

Should you visit Fort Lauderdale or Pensacola?

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 Pensacola. 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: Fort Lauderdale or Pensacola?

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is located on the Atlantic coast of Florida, not far from Miami, and is famous for its beaches and boating culture. An elaborate system of canals runs through the city, adding to the charm and coastal lifestyle. Plenty of restaurants, shops, watersports, and other things to do can be found here in addition to the beautiful beaches. The city is family-friendly and also caters to older travelers as well as younger generations. While it's not an inexpensive place to visit, the prices are on par with other cities in southeastern Florida. The beach is lined with high-rise condos and hotels that tend to be expensive, while a few blocks back from the shore you'll find plenty of nice houses along with shops, restaurants, and fun activities for all ages. And since Fort Lauderdale is part of the Miami metro area, you can easily get to all of the other beach areas, cities, and activities in the nearby metropolitan areas as well.

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.

Which place is cheaper, Pensacola or Fort Lauderdale?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Fort Lauderdale is $182, 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 Fort Lauderdale and Pensacola in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Fort Lauderdale $96
    Pensacola $115
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Fort Lauderdale $192
    Pensacola $230
Compare Hotels in Fort Lauderdale and Pensacola

Looking for a hotel in Fort Lauderdale 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.

Hotels in Fort Lauderdale


Hotels in Pensacola


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: Fort Lauderdale Hotel Prices and Pensacola Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Fort Lauderdale $51
    Pensacola $64

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fort Lauderdale

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Fort Lauderdale:

  • Transfer From Fort Lauderdale to Airport/Port: $25
  • Private Airport Transfer: Fort Lauderdale Int. Airport (FLL) to Fort Lauderdale: $28
  • Private Airport Transfer: Fort Lauderdale to Fort Lauderdale Int. Airport (FLL): $28
  • Fort Lauderdale Airport to Miami Cruise Port Transfer: $34
  • Private Arrival Transfer: FLL Fort Lauderdale Airport to Fort Lauderdale City: $41
  • Private Departure Transfer from Fort Lauderdale City to Fort Lauderdale Airport: $41
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Fort Lauderdale Airport to Miami City or Miami Beach: $55
  • Transfer in Executive Private Vehicle from Fort Lauderdale City to Airport: $57
  • Transfer in Executive Private Vehicle from Fort Lauderdale Airport to City: $57
  • Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Port Everglades - Arrival Private Transfer: $62
  • Port Everglades to Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) - Departure Private Transfer: $62
  • Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Fort Lauderdale - Arrival Private Transfer: $62

Typical Local Transportation prices in Pensacola

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Pensacola:


  • Boca Grande Causeway Toll
    $5.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pensacola

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pensacola:

  • Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Pensacola - Arrival Private Transfer: $136
  • Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Pensacola - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $271
  • Pensacola to Pensacola International Airport (PNS) - Departure Private Transfer: $136

Is it cheaper to fly into Fort Lauderdale or Pensacola?

Prices for flights to both Pensacola and Fort Lauderdale 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
    Fort Lauderdale $49
    Pensacola $48
Typical Food prices in Fort Lauderdale

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Fort Lauderdale:


  • Quick Lunch
    $12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Fort Lauderdale

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Fort Lauderdale.

  • All You Can Eat BBQ Dinner and Show at Tropical Isle with Sightseeing Cruise: $60

Typical Food prices in Pensacola

Some typical examples of dining costs in Pensacola are as follows:


  • Two Ice Creams
    $6.00

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Fort Lauderdale $15
    Pensacola $13

Tours and Activities in Fort Lauderdale

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

  • Beach Cruiser Bike Rentals in Fort Lauderdale: $11
  • Fort Lauderdale Historical Walking Tour: $12
  • 1-Hour Interactive Pirate Adventure Cruise in Fort Lauderdale (Family-Friendly): $23
  • 90-Minute Narrated Sightseeing Cruises: $23
  • Fort Lauderdale Daily Sightseeing Cruise - On the Venice of America: $27
  • Everglades Eco Adventure: 2-Hour Sawgrass Recreation Park: $28
  • Jungle Queen Sightseeing Cruise: $33
  • Everglades Airboat Tour & Gator Boys Alligator Rescue Show from Fort Lauderdale: $37
  • Ft Lauderdale Cocktail Cruise: $45
  • Island Time Boat Cruise: $45
  • 1-Hour Bike Tour of Hugh Taylor Birch State Park: $47
  • SUP PUP Paddleboard Tour: $47

Typical Entertainment prices in Pensacola

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Pensacola are as follows:


  • Bike Rental
    $16

Tours and Activities in Pensacola

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

  • Pensacola Scavenger Hunt: Pensacola Adventure: $12
  • Tour of Pensacola's Landmarks: $22
  • Ghosts and Graveyard Tour of Pensacola: $22
  • Red Light District Tour of Pensacola: $25
  • Hop-on Hop-off Tour in Pensacola: $30
  • 1hr Segway Tour Downtown: $53
  • Uninhabited Island Kayaking Adventure: $62
  • 2hr Segway Tour of Downtown: $72
  • 3-Day Pensacola Sightseeing Pass: $90

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Fort Lauderdale $33
    Pensacola $44
Typical Alcohol prices in Fort Lauderdale

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Fort Lauderdale are as follows:


  • Beer
    $7.30

Sample the Local Flavors in Fort Lauderdale

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Fort Lauderdale:

  • Party Bike Bar Crawl: $59

Sample the Local Flavors in Pensacola

Also in Pensacola, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Walking Pub Tour: $21

About these numbers

When comparing the travel costs between Fort Lauderdale and Pensacola, we can see that Pensacola 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.


When is the best time to visit Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale or Pensacola in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Fort Lauderdale and Pensacola. Many travelers come to Fort Lauderdale for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Fort Lauderdale is around the same temperature as Pensacola. Typically, the summer temperatures in Fort Lauderdale in July are around 83°F (28°C), and Pensacola is about 82°F (28°C).

Pensacola receives a lot of rain in the summer. Fort Lauderdale gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Fort Lauderdale usually receives less rain than Pensacola. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Pensacola receives 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Fort Lauderdale 83°F (28°C) 
    Pensacola 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Pensacola in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Fort Lauderdale as well as Pensacola. Many visitors come to Fort Lauderdale in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Fort Lauderdale is generally a little warmer than Pensacola. Temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 78°F (26°C), and Pensacola stays around 69°F (21°C).

It's quite rainy in Pensacola. Fort Lauderdale receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Fort Lauderdale usually gets more rain in October than Pensacola. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Pensacola receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Fort Lauderdale 78°F (26°C) 
    Pensacola 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Pensacola in the Winter?

Both Pensacola and Fort Lauderdale are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Fort Lauderdale for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Fort Lauderdale is much warmer than Pensacola in the winter. The temperature in Fort Lauderdale is usually 67°F (20°C) in January, and Pensacola stays around 51°F (10°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pensacola. In January, Fort Lauderdale usually receives less rain than Pensacola. Fort Lauderdale gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Pensacola receives 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Fort Lauderdale 67°F (20°C) 
    Pensacola 51°F (10°C)

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Pensacola in the Spring?

Both Pensacola and Fort Lauderdale during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Fort Lauderdale because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Fort Lauderdale is a little warmer than Pensacola. Typically, the spring temperatures in Fort Lauderdale in April are around 75°F (24°C), and Pensacola is about 67°F (20°C).

Fort Lauderdale usually gets less rain in April than Pensacola. Fort Lauderdale gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Pensacola receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Fort Lauderdale 75°F (24°C) 
    Pensacola 67°F (20°C)

Typical Weather for Pensacola and Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale Pensacola
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 67°F (20°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 51°F (10°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)
Feb 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 54°F (12°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Mar 72°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 60°F (16°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Apr 75°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
May 79°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm) 74°F (24°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm) 80°F (27°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm)
Jul 83°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 82°F (28°C) 7.4 inches (189 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm) 82°F (28°C) 7.4 inches (188 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm) 78°F (26°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm)
Oct 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 69°F (21°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Nov 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 61°F (16°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Dec 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 54°F (12°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm)


Budget Your Trip

Budget Your Trip has average travel costs for thousands of cities around the world, all provided by other travelers. You can also register to organize your spending by category and location with graphs, maps, charts, and tables.
Sign Up

More City Comparisons
Boca Raton vs. Fort Lauderdale
Boca Raton vs. Pensacola
Cape Canaveral vs. Fort Lauderdale
Cape Canaveral vs. Pensacola
Clearwater vs. Fort Lauderdale
Clearwater vs. Pensacola
Cocoa Beach vs. Fort Lauderdale
Cocoa Beach vs. Pensacola
Daytona Beach vs. Fort Lauderdale
Daytona Beach vs. Pensacola
Destin vs. Fort Lauderdale
Destin vs. Pensacola
Fort Lauderdale vs. Gainesville
Fort Lauderdale vs. Key West
Fort Lauderdale vs. Miami
Fort Lauderdale vs. Naples
Fort Lauderdale vs. Orlando
Fort Lauderdale vs. Panama City
Fort Lauderdale vs. Saint Augustine
Fort Lauderdale vs. Saint Petersburg
Fort Lauderdale vs. Sarasota
Fort Lauderdale vs. Tallahassee
Fort Lauderdale vs. Tampa
Fort Lauderdale vs. West Palm Beach
Gainesville vs. Pensacola
Key West vs. Pensacola
Miami vs. Pensacola
Naples vs. Pensacola
Share This Page
Pin This Page
Fort Lauderdale vs. Pensacola Travel Comparison

Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.