A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Jacksonville vs. Baltimore for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Jacksonville or Baltimore?

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 Jacksonville and Baltimore. 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.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a vibrant, under-rated, and lively city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a diverse, colorful, and historic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Jacksonville and Baltimore: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Jacksonville or Baltimore?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Jacksonville than Baltimore, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Baltimore is more touristy than Jacksonville and is popular for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities. Jacksonville is popular for its beautiful beaches and lively downtown area. It is also home to Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens.

How is Jacksonville different from Baltimore?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Jacksonville or Baltimore?

Jacksonville
Baltimore

You'll find a number of high quality museums and attractions in both Baltimore and Jacksonville.

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.

Baltimore offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.


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

Jacksonville
Baltimore

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at high quality restaurants in both Jacksonville and Baltimore.

Jacksonville has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Baltimore makes for a great culinary experience. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

Is Jacksonville or Baltimore Better for Nightlife?

Jacksonville
Baltimore

Both Jacksonville and Baltimore have high quality vibes after the sun sets.

Jacksonville has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

The people in Baltimore know how to have a good time. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

Is Jacksonville or Baltimore Better for Beaches?

Jacksonville
Baltimore

Jacksonville is well known for the beache. However, Baltimore is not a beach destination.

Jacksonville is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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.

Baltimore is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Jacksonville or Baltimore?

Jacksonville
Baltimore

Shoppers can find a variety of high quality stores in both Jacksonville and Baltimore.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Jacksonville. 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.

Baltimore is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

Is Jacksonville or Baltimore Better for Families?

Jacksonville
Baltimore

Baltimore 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 Baltimore. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

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 Jacksonville or Baltimore Better for Couples?

Jacksonville
Baltimore

Jacksonville and Baltimore both good destinations for a couple.

Jacksonville is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

Baltimore is a nice destination for couples. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.


Is Jacksonville or Baltimore Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jacksonville
Baltimore

Jacksonville and Baltimore are both good destinations for backpackers.

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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Baltimore. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

Is Jacksonville or Baltimore Better for Students?

Jacksonville
Baltimore

Jacksonville is very good for students. However, Baltimore 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.

Baltimore is not popular with students.

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

Jacksonville
Baltimore

Baltimore is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Baltimore. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail system.

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.


Is Jacksonville or Baltimore a more walkable city?

Jacksonville
Baltimore

Baltimore 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.

Baltimore is a very walkable destination. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Baltimore or Jacksonville?

How long in Jacksonville or Baltimore?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Jacksonville and Baltimore. In our opinion, Baltimore has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Baltimore than Jacksonville. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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


  • How many days in Jacksonville or Baltimore? Ideal Length of Stay
    Jacksonville 2-3 
    Baltimore 2-3

One day in Jacksonville or Baltimore?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Jacksonville. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Baltimore, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this diverse city offers. 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.

A weekend in Jacksonville or Baltimore?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the lively destination of Jacksonville. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Baltimore is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.


Five days in Jacksonville or Baltimore?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant city of Jacksonville. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the diverse destination of Baltimore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Jacksonville or Baltimore?

Jacksonville is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Baltimore is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


Which place is cheaper, Baltimore or Jacksonville?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Jacksonville is $220, while the average daily cost in Baltimore is $184. 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 Jacksonville and Baltimore in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jacksonville $92
    Baltimore $93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jacksonville $184
    Baltimore $186
Compare Hotels in Jacksonville and Baltimore

Looking for a hotel in Jacksonville or Baltimore? 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 Jacksonville


Hotels in Baltimore


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: Jacksonville Hotel Prices and Baltimore Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jacksonville $53
    Baltimore $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jacksonville

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

  • Carnival Cruise Port Jacksonville to Jacksonville - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $128
  • Carnival Cruise Port Jacksonville to Jacksonville, FL - Arrival Private Transfer: $64
  • Carnival Cruise Port Transfer to Jacksonville: $341
  • JAX Airport Transfer to Amelia Island: $195
  • JAX Airport Transfer to Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront: $147
  • Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville City - Arrival Private Transfer: $62
  • Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $123
  • Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville Cruise Port -Arrival Private Transfer: $55

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Baltimore

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Baltimore:

  • San Francisco Airport to Oakland: Round Trip Private Transfer: $88
  • Private Transfer from Baltimore Port to Baltimore Airport: $42
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Baltimore Washington Airport BWI: $56
  • Oakland to San Francisco Airport (SFO)-Departure Private Transfer: $44
  • Departure Private Transfer Baltimore to Baltimore Airport BWI - Business Vehicle: $111
  • Private Transfer to BWI or Washington DC/Airports: $160
  • Baltimore Washington Airport (BWI) to Washington - Arrival Private Transfer: $68
  • Baltimore City to Washington City - Private Car Transfer: $64
  • BWI Airport: Transfer to Baltimore or Washington DC: $150
  • Airport Transfer Baltimore/Washington International Airport BWI to Washington,DC: $240
  • Airport Transfer BWI Airport to Baltimore Downtown Area Only: $160

Is it cheaper to fly into Jacksonville or Baltimore?

Prices for flights to both Baltimore and Jacksonville 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
    Jacksonville $96
    Baltimore $46

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jacksonville

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

  • 1 Hour of Chocolate Pizza Making Class in Jacksonville: $18

Typical Food Prices in Baltimore

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


  • Seafood Dinner (for 2) in Fells Point
    $76

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Baltimore

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

  • Federal Hill Food Tour: $71
  • Little Italy and Jonestown Food Tour: $73
  • Fells Point Food Tour in Baltimore: $74
  • Inner Harbor Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner: $76
  • Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $84
  • Christmas Day Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $84
  • Baltimore Father's Day Buffet Dinner Cruise : $119
  • Baltimore Buffet Dinner/Dance Cruise of the Inner Harbor: $119
  • Baltimore New Year's Eve Buffet Dinner Cruise: $251

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jacksonville $20
    Baltimore $18

Tours and Activities in Jacksonville

For Jacksonville, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 20 Minutes Chocolate & Candy Factory Tour in Jacksonville: $6.00
  • Murray Hill Walking Mural Tour: $25
  • Downtown Fernandina Historical Walking Tour: $30
  • Jacksonville Ghosts and Ghouls Tour By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Amelia Island Area Kayak Rental on Lofton Creek with Adventures Up The Creek: $36
  • The Escape Game Epic 60-Minute Adventures: $41
  • 1-Hour Escape Room Adventure: $41
  • Self-Guided Kayaking: Real Florida Adventure: $45
  • Eight Flags Road Tour: $50
  • Guided Kayak Eco Tour: Real Florida Adventure: $55
  • Amelia Island Guided Kayak Tour of Lofton Creek : $60
  • Electric Bike Art and Architecture Guided Tour in Jacksonville : $60

Tours and Activities in Baltimore

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

  • Antietam National Battlefield Self-Guided Audio Tour: $13
  • Assateague Island Cruise Departs from Ocean Pines: $45
  • Baltimore Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
  • Baltimore Father's Day Buffet Brunch Cruise Tour: $88
  • Baltimore Ghosts By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Baltimore Harbor Tour: $31
  • Baltimore Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate: $92
  • Baltimore Orioles Baseball Game Ticket at Oriole Park: $15
  • Baltimore Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • Baltimore Signature Lunch Cruise: $76
  • Baltimore Walking Foodie Tour in Fells Point: $99
  • Baltimore's Cruise ship Tour-shuttle service: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jacksonville $20
    Baltimore $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Baltimore

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

  • Original Fells Point Haunted Pub Tour by Baltimore Ghost Tours: $33
  • Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Chesapeake Region Wine Tour: $171


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jacksonville and Baltimore, we can see that Jacksonville is more expensive. And not only is Baltimore much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Baltimore would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Baltimore 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 Baltimore.

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


Which is Bigger, Jacksonville or Baltimore?

Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 31% larger than the population of Baltimore. When comparing the sizes of Jacksonville and Baltimore, 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 Jacksonville or Baltimore?

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 Jacksonville or Baltimore in the Summer?

Both Baltimore and Jacksonville during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Jacksonville for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Baltimore in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Jacksonville is generally a little warmer than Baltimore. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 82°F (28°C), and Baltimore fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

In Baltimore, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Jacksonville. In the summer, Jacksonville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Baltimore. Jacksonville gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Baltimore receives 283 hours of full sun.

Baltimore gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Jacksonville. Jacksonville usually gets more rain in July than Baltimore. Jacksonville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Baltimore receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Jacksonville 82°F (28°C) 
    Baltimore 78°F (25°C)

Should I visit Jacksonville or Baltimore in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Jacksonville and Baltimore. Many visitors come to Jacksonville in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Baltimore for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Jacksonville is much warmer than Baltimore in the autumn. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Baltimore fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In Jacksonville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jacksonville usually receives more sunshine than Baltimore during autumn. Jacksonville gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Baltimore receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of rain as Baltimore. Jacksonville gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Baltimore receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Jacksonville is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Jacksonville 70°F (21°C) 
    Baltimore 57°F (14°C)

Should I visit Jacksonville or Baltimore in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Jacksonville as well as Baltimore. Most visitors come to Jacksonville for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Baltimore because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Baltimore can be very cold. In the winter, Jacksonville is much warmer than Baltimore. Typically, the winter temperatures in Jacksonville in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Baltimore averages at about 32°F (0°C).

In the winter, Jacksonville often gets more sunshine than Baltimore. Jacksonville gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Baltimore receives 153 hours of full sun.

Jacksonville usually gets more rain in January than Baltimore. Jacksonville gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Baltimore receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Jacksonville 53°F (12°C) 
    Baltimore 32°F (0°C)

Should I visit Jacksonville or Baltimore in the Spring?

Both Baltimore and Jacksonville are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Jacksonville because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Baltimore this time of year.

In April, Jacksonville is generally much warmer than Baltimore. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 68°F (20°C), and Baltimore fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Baltimore. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jacksonville. Jacksonville usually receives more sunshine than Baltimore during spring. Jacksonville gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Baltimore receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Jacksonville 68°F (20°C) 
    Baltimore 54°F (12°C)

Typical Weather for Baltimore and Jacksonville

Jacksonville Baltimore
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 32°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 35°F (2°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 78°F (25°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 76°F (25°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 47°F (9°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 37°F (3°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)