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

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Should you visit Fort Lauderdale or Sarasota?

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 Sarasota. 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 Sarasota?

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.

Sarasota

Located on the Gulf Coast of southwest Florida, Sarasota is a popular city known for its thriving arts scene, selection of restaurants, plenty of shopping, and beautiful beaches. The metropolitan area is a hub of city culture, while the beaches offer escapes of fine white sand and aqua waters.

Which city is cheaper, Sarasota or Fort Lauderdale?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Fort Lauderdale is $146, while the average daily cost in Sarasota is $200. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Fort Lauderdale and Sarasota in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Fort Lauderdale $77
    Sarasota $87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Fort Lauderdale $154
    Sarasota $174
Compare Hotels in Fort Lauderdale and Sarasota

Looking for a hotel in Fort Lauderdale or Sarasota? 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 Sarasota


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 Sarasota Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Fort Lauderdale $41
    Sarasota -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fort Lauderdale

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Fort Lauderdale:

  • Private Transfer from Fort Lauderdale to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $851
  • Private Transfer from Fort Lauderdale to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $754
  • Transfer from Fort Lauderdale Airport to Orlando: $750
  • Private Transfer from Fort Lauderdale to Port Canaveral: $710
  • Private Ft Lauderdale to Orlando Transfer up to 11-One Price-Mercedes Sprinter: $699
  • Party Bus Limo Sprinter Transfer Service things to do Miami Beach #dreamridellc: $450
  • Fort Lauderdale Transfer Luxury Suv: $281
  • Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Boynton Beach - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $274
  • Private transfer from or to MIA , FLL airports and Miami & Lauderdale FL: $250
  • Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Delray Beach - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $246
  • Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Doral - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $229
  • Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Boca Raton - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $197

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sarasota

Also for Sarasota, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Arrival Transfer from Sarasota Airport SRQ: $32
  • Private Departure Transfer to Sarasota Airport SRQ: $32
  • Private Transfer from Sarasota to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $453
  • Private Transfer from Sarasota to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $615
  • Private Transfer from Sarasota to Port Canaveral: $658
  • Sarasota Airport to Hotel Private Transfer: $133
  • Sarasota Private Transfer - Hotel to Airport: $133
  • Sarasota to Sarasota–Bradenton Intl. Airport (SRQ) - Departure Private Transfer: $112
  • Sarasota–Bradenton Intl. Airport (SRQ) to Sarasota - Arrival Private Transfer: $112
  • Sarasota–Bradenton Intl. Airport (SRQ) to Sarasota - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $224

Is it cheaper to fly into Fort Lauderdale or Sarasota?

Prices for flights to both Sarasota 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 $39
    Sarasota $110
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sarasota

For Sarasota, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Downtown Walking Food Tour in Sarasota: $99

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Fort Lauderdale $12
    Sarasota $9.08

Tours and Activities in Fort Lauderdale

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

  • 1 Hour Central Park Guided Electric Bike Tour: $49
  • 1-Hour Bike Tour of Hugh Taylor Birch State Park: $47
  • 1-Hour Interactive Pirate Adventure Cruise in Fort Lauderdale (Family-Friendly): $23
  • 2 Hour Fort Lauderdale Guided Electric Bike Tour: $60
  • 2 Hour Venice Of America Jet Ski Adventure & Exploration Tour of Fort Lauderdale: $225
  • 3 Hour All Inclusive 007 Millionaires Row Jet Ski Adventure Fort Lauderdale: $307
  • 5-Day Miami+Key West+Palm Beach+Fort Lauderdale Tour (Miami Departure)(MIA5-A): $579
  • 90-Minute Narrated Sightseeing Cruises: $23
  • 90-Minute Snorkel & Seabob Underwater Guided Reef Tour in Fort Lauderdale: $139
  • Airport to Cruise Shuttle Private Group Transportation: $580
  • Beach Cruiser Bike Rentals in Fort Lauderdale: $11
  • Champagne Sunset Cruise Ft. Lauderdale: $58

Tours and Activities in Sarasota

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sarasota.

  • Public Art Tour: $39
  • Psychic Sunday Tour: $40
  • City Sightseeing Trolley Tour of Sarasota: $43
  • Tiki Trivia Trolley Tour with Local Performer and Guide: $43
  • Sightseeing Trolley Tour of Sarasota for Private Groups & Corporate Events: $45
  • Infamous Sarasota - Happy Hour City Trolley Tour: $46
  • Circus History Tour: $49
  • 90-Minute Narrated City Sightseeing Trolley Tour: $49
  • Sarasota Bay & Lido Key BEST Mangrove Kayak Tour: $50
  • Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Ecotour: $51
  • Paddleboard or Kayak Tour Through Mangrove Tunnels: $51
  • Kayak Tour through Mangrove Tunnels: $51

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Fort Lauderdale $27
    Sarasota -
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

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fort Lauderdale and Sarasota, we can see that Sarasota 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 Sarasota would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sarasota than you might in Fort Lauderdale.


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

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 Sarasota in the Summer?

Both Sarasota and Fort Lauderdale during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Fort Lauderdale because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Sarasota, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Fort Lauderdale. In the summer, Fort Lauderdale often gets more sunshine than Sarasota. Fort Lauderdale gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarasota receives 265 hours of full sun.

Sarasota gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale usually gets less rain in July than Sarasota. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Sarasota receives 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Sarasota in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Fort Lauderdale and Sarasota. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Fort Lauderdale this time of year.

In October, Fort Lauderdale is generally around the same temperature as Sarasota. Temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 78°F (26°C), and Sarasota stays around 76°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sarasota this time of the year. In Fort Lauderdale, it's very sunny this time of the year. Fort Lauderdale usually receives more sunshine than Sarasota during autumn. Fort Lauderdale gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Sarasota receives 234 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Fort Lauderdale gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Fort Lauderdale usually receives more rain than Sarasota. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Sarasota receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Fort Lauderdale 78°F (26°C) 
    Sarasota 76°F (24°C)

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Sarasota in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Fort Lauderdale as well as Sarasota. Many travelers come to Fort Lauderdale for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Fort Lauderdale is a little warmer than Sarasota in the winter. The temperature in Fort Lauderdale is usually 67°F (20°C) in January, and Sarasota stays around 59°F (15°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sarasota. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fort Lauderdale this time of the year. In the winter, Fort Lauderdale often gets more sunshine than Sarasota. Fort Lauderdale gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarasota receives 200 hours of full sun.

Fort Lauderdale usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Sarasota. Fort Lauderdale gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Sarasota receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Fort Lauderdale 67°F (20°C) 
    Sarasota 59°F (15°C)

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Sarasota in the Spring?

Both Sarasota and Fort Lauderdale are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Fort Lauderdale in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Fort Lauderdale is around the same temperature as Sarasota. Typically, the spring temperatures in Fort Lauderdale in April are around 75°F (24°C), and Sarasota is about 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Sarasota. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sarasota during spring. Fort Lauderdale gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Sarasota receives 299 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Fort Lauderdale usually receives more rain than Sarasota. Fort Lauderdale gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Sarasota receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Fort Lauderdale 75°F (24°C) 
    Sarasota 73°F (23°C)

Typical Weather for Sarasota and Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale Sarasota
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 67°F (20°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 59°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm)
Feb 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 62°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 72°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 67°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Apr 75°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
May 79°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm) 78°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm) 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm)
Jul 83°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm) 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm) 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm)
Oct 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)
Nov 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 69°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Dec 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)


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Fort Lauderdale vs. Sarasota Travel Comparison

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