A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Fort Lauderdale vs. Tallahassee for Couples, Nightlife, Families, and Food

Should you visit Fort Lauderdale or Tallahassee?

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 Tallahassee. 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 luxury, high energy, and scenic coastal city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Tallahassee

Tallahassee is a vibrant, youthful, and lively city. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Fort Lauderdale and Tallahassee: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fort Lauderdale or Tallahassee?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Fort Lauderdale. Although Fort Lauderdale and Tallahassee are roughly the same size, Fort Lauderdale has more sights and attractions for tourists. Fort Lauderdale is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Tallahassee is more popular for its museums & sights. Fort Lauderdale is more touristy than Tallahassee and is popular for its canals, beaches, walkable waterfront, and luxury resorts. Also, Fort Lauderdale is famous for The Local Beaches. Tallahassee is well known for its capital building and many universities.

How is Fort Lauderdale different from Tallahassee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee?

Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee. As the capital city of Florida, you'll find a number of museums around town. Tallahassee Museum has outdoor and indoor space to explore. You can also visit the Tallahassee Automobile Museum, the Museum of Florida History, or the Florida Historic Capital Museum.

Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Fort Lauderdale is a coastal city with good options for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Fort Lauderdale is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Tallahassee offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find plenty of chain restaurants and cheap eateries that cater to the students. The main options are classic American restaurants with a few international restaurants mixed in as well.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Tallahassee Better for Nightlife?

Fort Lauderdale is great for its evening party scene. Also, Tallahassee is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Many people head to Fort Lauderdale for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Tallahassee. The nightlife scene is mostly centered around the student population. There are many bars and pubs that fill up with students on weekends.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Tallahassee Better for Resorts?

Fort Lauderdale is an amazing coastal city to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Tallahassee is not a resort destination.

Fort Lauderdale is a world class resort vacation destination. 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.

Tallahassee is not a resort destination.

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

Fort Lauderdale is a coastal city with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Tallahassee is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life 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.

Tallahassee is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Tallahassee Better for Beaches?

Fort Lauderdale is an amazing coastal city to visit for the beach. However, Tallahassee is not a beach destination.

Fort Lauderdale is considered to be a world-class beach destination. 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.

Tallahassee is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Fort Lauderdale or Tallahassee?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Tallahassee and Fort Lauderdale.

Fort Lauderdale is a great destination for shopping. For interesting local boutiques head to Las Olas Boulevard and for name brand stores you'll want to visit Sawgrass Mills Mall.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Tallahassee. There is no shortage of strip malls and shopping centers in the area. Some of the most interesting shopping is found at Railroad Square and Market Square.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Tallahassee Better for Families?

Fort Lauderdale is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Tallahassee is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Tallahassee is a family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of outdoor parks and adventure activities for kids. You could also see the wild manatees at Wakulla Springs.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Tallahassee Better for Couples?

Fort Lauderdale is an amazing coastal city to visit for couples. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for romance.

Fort Lauderdale is a great coastal city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Tallahassee is not the best destination for a couple to visit. Head to a restaurant or bar. You could also check out a concert or explore a garden or park in town.

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

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Tallahassee. The student population creates an environment that is welcoming to backpackers. There's also a hostel in town with affordable rooms.

Fort Lauderdale is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Tallahassee Better for Students?

Tallahassee is a great destination for students. However, Fort Lauderdale is not popular with students.

Many students visit Tallahassee. Both Florida State University and Florida A&M University are located here. There's a large student population with many activities and cheap restaurants that appeal to the student crowd.

Fort Lauderdale is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Fort Lauderdale and Tallahassee.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Tallahassee. There is a bus system operated by StarMetro.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Tallahassee a more walkable city?

Fort Lauderdale is great for its ease of walking around. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination 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.

Tallahassee is generally not very walkable. There are a couple of walkable areas around Railroad Square, Downtown, and Midtown, but for the most part the city is not pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Tallahassee or Fort Lauderdale?

How long in Fort Lauderdale or Tallahassee?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Fort Lauderdale or Tallahassee to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Fort Lauderdale than Tallahassee because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Fort Lauderdale, and 1-2 days is enough time in Tallahassee.

Families should spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than Tallahassee. 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 Tallahassee. 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 Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee.

One day in Fort Lauderdale or Tallahassee?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the bustling coastal city of Fort Lauderdale. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the beaches. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The youthful destination of Tallahassee offers shopping and museums. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Fort Lauderdale or Tallahassee?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the spirited destination of Fort Lauderdale. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This coastal city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

The city of Tallahassee offers museums and nightlife. 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 Tallahassee?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the luxury coastal city of Fort Lauderdale. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Tallahassee is a great place to explore. 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 Tallahassee?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Fort Lauderdale. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people visit for the beaches. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city.

Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Tallahassee. 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 Tallahassee, we can see that Fort Lauderdale is more expensive. And not only is Tallahassee much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tallahassee would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tallahassee 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 Fort Lauderdale would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fort Lauderdale than you might in Tallahassee.

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 Tallahassee Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Fort Lauderdale or Tallahassee?

Fort Lauderdale has a larger population, and is about 11% larger than the population of Tallahassee. When comparing the sizes of Fort Lauderdale and Tallahassee, 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 Tallahassee?

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 Tallahassee in the Summer?

Both Tallahassee and Fort Lauderdale during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Fort Lauderdale for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Tallahassee because of the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Tallahassee, 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 Tallahassee. Fort Lauderdale gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tallahassee receives 283 hours of full sun.

Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Tallahassee receives 8.9 inches (227 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Tallahassee in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Fort Lauderdale and Tallahassee. The autumn months attract visitors to Fort Lauderdale because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene are the main draw to Tallahassee this time of year.

Fort Lauderdale is a little warmer than Tallahassee in the autumn. The daily temperature in Fort Lauderdale averages around 78°F (26°C) in October, and Tallahassee fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee during autumn. Fort Lauderdale gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Tallahassee receives 256 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 Tallahassee. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Tallahassee receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Tallahassee is June to November.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Tallahassee in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Fort Lauderdale as well as Tallahassee. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Fort Lauderdale this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Tallahassee for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Fort Lauderdale is much warmer than Tallahassee. Typically, the winter temperatures in Fort Lauderdale in January average around 67°F (20°C), and Tallahassee averages at about 51°F (11°C).

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 Tallahassee. Fort Lauderdale gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tallahassee receives 185 hours of full sun.

Fort Lauderdale usually gets less rain in January than Tallahassee. Fort Lauderdale gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Tallahassee receives 3.7 inches (95 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Tallahassee in the Spring?

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

In April, Fort Lauderdale is generally a little warmer than Tallahassee. Daily temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 75°F (24°C), and Tallahassee fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

It's quite sunny in Tallahassee. 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 Tallahassee during spring. Fort Lauderdale gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Tallahassee receives 295 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tallahassee. In April, Fort Lauderdale usually receives less rain than Tallahassee. Fort Lauderdale gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Tallahassee receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Tallahassee.

Typical Weather for Tallahassee and Fort Lauderdale