A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Fort Lauderdale vs. Tampa for Beaches, Couples, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Fort Lauderdale or Tampa?

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 Tampa. 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 scenic, bustling, and spirited coastal city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Tampa

Tampa is a low-key, laid-back, and easy-going city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for food and beaches.

Fort Lauderdale and Tampa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fort Lauderdale or Tampa?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Fort Lauderdale than Tampa. While Tampa is larger than Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale has more sights and attractions for tourists. Fort Lauderdale is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Tampa is more popular for its big city activities. Fort Lauderdale is more touristy than Tampa and is popular for its canals, beaches, walkable waterfront, and luxury resorts. Also, Fort Lauderdale is famous for The Local Beaches. Tampa is well known for its amusement parks, wildlife parks, and popularity as a cruise ship port.

How is Fort Lauderdale different from Tampa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Fort Lauderdale and Tampa offer a number of notable restaurants to choose from.

Fort Lauderdale offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

Tampa has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a surprising number of great local restaurants around town as well as a good food truck scene. Some favorite dishes include fresh caught seafood, Grouper sandwiches, and Cuban sandwiches.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Tampa Better for Nightlife?

Fort Lauderdale is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Tampa is lacking in options for nightlife.

Fort Lauderdale has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Tampa is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The city has some good nightclubs, sports bars, and other spots where locals enjoy spending the evening.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Tampa Better for Resorts?

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

For the ultimate resort vacation, Fort Lauderdale is a great choice. 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.

Tampa is not a resort destination.

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

Fort Lauderdale is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Tampa is lacking in options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

Fort Lauderdale has a few good snorkeling spots. 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.

Tampa has a few snorkeling spots. While the water isn't always the clearest, there are some nice snorkeling and diving spots in the area. Options include Shell Key and Egmont Key, Crystal River, and Fort De Soto.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Tampa Better for Beaches?

Fort Lauderdale is an amazing coastal city to visit for the beach. Also, Tampa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Fort Lauderdale. 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.

Tampa is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Popular beaches near Tampa include Ben T. Davis Beach, Fred Howard Park, and Indian Rocks Beach.

Is the Shopping Better in Fort Lauderdale or Tampa?

Fort Lauderdale is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Fort Lauderdale has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. For interesting local boutiques head to Las Olas Boulevard and for name brand stores you'll want to visit Sawgrass Mills Mall.

Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Tampa Better for Families?

Both Fort Lauderdale and Tampa are superb family-friendly destinations.

Fort Lauderdale is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Tampa is very family-friendly. The city has a number of kid-oriented attractions including Busch Gardens Amusement Park, several kid-friendly museums, and a number of animal centers, aquariums, and wildlife rescue facilities.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Tampa Better for Couples?

Fort Lauderdale is an amazing coastal city to visit for couples. However, Tampa is lacking in options for romance.

Fort Lauderdale makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Tampa is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The area does have great restaurants and some fun places to explore, but the downtown area has room for improvement and much of the city is suburban.

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

Fort Lauderdale is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Tampa is lacking in options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Tampa. There is the street car that runs from downtown Tampa to Ybor City and stops at 11 stations.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Tampa a more walkable city?

Fort Lauderdale is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Tampa is lacking in options 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.

Tampa is generally not very walkable. While there are some neighborhoods that are considered walkable, you really need a car if you hope to explore Tampa in depth.

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

Should I spend more time in Tampa or Fort Lauderdale?

How long in Fort Lauderdale or Tampa?

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

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

One day in Fort Lauderdale or Tampa?

In Fort Lauderdale, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this high energy destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the beaches. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The laid-back destination of Tampa offers 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 Tampa?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fort Lauderdale. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

The city of Tampa offers food. 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 Tampa?

Fort Lauderdale is a fun place to experience. In Fort Lauderdale, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the beaches. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Tampa 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 Tampa?

In Fort Lauderdale, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this scenic destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Many people enjoy the food when visiting Tampa. 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 Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Fort Lauderdale and Tampa, we can see that Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale Expensive? and Is Tampa Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Fort Lauderdale or Tampa?

Tampa has a larger population, and is about 90% larger than the population of Fort Lauderdale. When comparing the sizes of Fort Lauderdale and Tampa, 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 Tampa?

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 Tampa in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Fort Lauderdale as well as Tampa. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Fort Lauderdale this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Tampa for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tampa. 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 Tampa. Fort Lauderdale gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tampa receives 265 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Tampa. Fort Lauderdale receives a lot of rain in the summer. Fort Lauderdale usually gets less rain in July than Tampa. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Tampa receives 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Tampa in the Autumn?

Both Tampa and Fort Lauderdale are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Fort Lauderdale for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Tampa in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions.

Fort Lauderdale is around the same temperature as Tampa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Fort Lauderdale averages around 78°F (26°C) in October, and Tampa fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Tampa. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale usually receives more sunshine than Tampa during autumn. Fort Lauderdale gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Tampa receives 234 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Fort Lauderdale. In October, Fort Lauderdale usually receives more rain than Tampa. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Tampa receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Tampa in the Winter?

Both Tampa and Fort Lauderdale during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Fort Lauderdale in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Tampa for the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Fort Lauderdale is a little warmer than Tampa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Fort Lauderdale in January average around 67°F (20°C), and Tampa averages at about 60°F (15°C).

In Tampa, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Fort Lauderdale. In the winter, Fort Lauderdale often gets more sunshine than Tampa. Fort Lauderdale gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tampa receives 200 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Tampa in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Fort Lauderdale and Tampa. Most visitors come to Fort Lauderdale for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Tampa because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Fort Lauderdale is generally around the same temperature as Tampa. Daily temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 75°F (24°C), and Tampa fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tampa 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 Tampa during spring. Fort Lauderdale gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Tampa receives 299 hours of full sun in the spring.

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

Typical Weather for Tampa and Fort Lauderdale