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

Should you visit Jacksonville or Minneapolis?

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 Minneapolis. 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 under-rated, lively, and youthful city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a diverse, dynamic, and innovative 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 Minneapolis: 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
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Jacksonville or Minneapolis?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Jacksonville than Minneapolis, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Jacksonville is more popular for its food and beaches, while Minneapolis is known for its shopping. Minneapolis is more touristy than Jacksonville and is known for its professional sports teams, countless outdoor activities, and friendly people. 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 Minneapolis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Jacksonville
Minneapolis

You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both Minneapolis 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.

Minneapolis offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There's a wide variety of museums that include art, history, science, and local culture. Some of the favorite museums in the city are the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Walker Art Center, the American Swedish Institute, and the Weisman Art Museum.


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

Jacksonville
Minneapolis

Jacksonville is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Jacksonville has a huge number of terrific 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Minneapolis area. Dishes in the Midwest are known for being hearty comfort foods, and the food in Minneapolis is no exception. You'll find cheese-stuffed burgers that are known as Juicy Lucys, Tator Tot casseroles, and deep-fried cheese curds. For international food, there's a variety of Scandinavian options around town.

Is Jacksonville or Minneapolis Better for Nightlife?

Jacksonville
Minneapolis

Both Jacksonville and Minneapolis have great 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 Minneapolis know how to have a good time. There are diverse neighborhoods that each have their own personality. You'll find rooftop lounges in Uptown, international venues in Whittier, and trendy bars in the North Loop. But at the heart of the city's nightlife scene is Downtown Minneapolis.

Is Jacksonville or Minneapolis Better for Beaches?

Jacksonville
Minneapolis

Jacksonville is a very popular place for the beache. However, Minneapolis is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Jacksonville. 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.

Minneapolis is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Jacksonville or Minneapolis?

Jacksonville
Minneapolis

Minneapolis is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Minneapolis specifically to go shopping. Known for the megamall, Mall of America, this is a shopper's paradise. Mall of America is the largest shopping mall in the country and it even has an aquarium and a theme park within it. In addition to this iconic shopping mall, Minneapolis also has many shopping districts including the Minnehaha Mile.

Jacksonville is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Is Jacksonville or Minneapolis Better for Families?

Jacksonville
Minneapolis

Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis. Mall of America is at the top of the list for most families, but there's also plenty of kid-friendly museums around town as well as nature centers, parks, and playgrounds. There's the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, the Minnesota Zoo, and Afton Apple Orchard. For museums, kids will love the Minnesota Children's Museum or the Science Museum of Minnesota.

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 Minneapolis Better for Couples?

Jacksonville
Minneapolis

Jacksonville and Minneapolis 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.

Minneapolis is a nice destination for couples. There are beautiful parks and outdoor spaces to explore as well as museums and fine dining. Couples will appreciate stopping by the Stone Arch Bridge or wandering through the Lyndale Park Rose Garden.


Is Jacksonville or Minneapolis Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jacksonville
Minneapolis

Jacksonville is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Minneapolis is lacking in good options for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Minneapolis is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not a popular destination for backpackers, there is at least one hostel in town.

Is Jacksonville or Minneapolis Better for Students?

Jacksonville
Minneapolis

Minneapolis is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Many students visit Minneapolis. There are a number of colleges and universities in the area including the University of Minnesota. The city is known for its academic and intellectual focus, and students will enjoy being challenged educationally while enjoying a dynamic city.

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.

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

Jacksonville
Minneapolis

Visitors will find good public transit in both Jacksonville and Minneapolis.

Jacksonville has some public transit options. The public transportation system includes trolleys, the Skyway, buses, water taxis, and the ferry.

You'll find some public transit in Minneapolis, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses, light rail, and commuter trains that stop at many of the major entertainment centers around town.


Is Jacksonville or Minneapolis a more walkable city?

Jacksonville
Minneapolis

Jacksonville and Minneapolis are good when it comes to walkability.

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

Minneapolis is somewhat walkable. There are neighborhoods that are dense enough to be walkable, but the city is still very car-focused.

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

Should I spend more time in Minneapolis or Jacksonville?

How long in Jacksonville or Minneapolis?

It's fun to spend time in either Jacksonville or Minneapolis. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Minneapolis due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Jacksonville, and 2-4 days is enough time in Minneapolis.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Jacksonville than Minneapolis 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 Jacksonville.


  • How many days in Jacksonville or Minneapolis? Ideal Length of Stay
    Jacksonville 2-3 
    Minneapolis 2-4

One day in Jacksonville or Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant city of Jacksonville. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

In Minneapolis, 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 Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the vibrant destination of Jacksonville. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Minneapolis 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. Lots of people come for the shopping. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.


Five days in Jacksonville or Minneapolis?

The fun city of Jacksonville offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the innovative destination of Minneapolis. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the shopping. 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 Minneapolis?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Jacksonville. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Minneapolis 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis is $206. 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 Minneapolis in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jacksonville $92
    Minneapolis $110
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jacksonville $184
    Minneapolis $220
Compare Hotels in Jacksonville and Minneapolis

Looking for a hotel in Jacksonville or Minneapolis? 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 Minneapolis


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 Minneapolis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jacksonville $53
    Minneapolis $43

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jacksonville

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

  • Private Transfer from Carnival Port to Jacksonville Airport (JAX): $55
  • Miami: One Way To/From Airport Transfer: $78
  • One Way Airport Transfer to/from City Center: $85
  • Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville Cruise Port -Arrival Private Transfer: $55
  • Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $124
  • Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville City - Arrival Private Transfer: $62
  • JAX Airport Transfer to One Ocean Resort and Spa: $181
  • JAX Airport Transfer to Amelia Island: $195
  • Carnival Cruise Port Transfer to Jacksonville: $342

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Minneapolis

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

  • Rochester: One-Way Shared Transfer to or from MSP: $49
  • Private Departure Transfer to Minneapolis Airport MSP: $88
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Minneapolis Airport MSP: $88
  • Minneapolis Airport (MSP) to Minneapolis - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $140
  • Minneapolis Airport (MSP) to Minneapolis - Arrival Private Transfer: $70

Is it cheaper to fly into Jacksonville or Minneapolis?

Prices for flights to both Minneapolis 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
    Minneapolis $40

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jacksonville $20
    Minneapolis $27

Tours and Activities in Jacksonville

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

  • Jacksonville Ghosts and Ghouls Tour By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • 20 Minutes Chocolate & Candy Factory Tour in Jacksonville: $6.00
  • 90 Minute Self-Guided Arcimoto FUV Adventure: $100
  • Amelia Island Area Kayak Rental on Lofton Creek with Adventures Up The Creek: $36
  • Amelia Island Guided Kayak Tour of Lofton Creek : $60
  • Best of the Beaches E-Bike Tour: $100
  • Big Talbot Island Self Guided Tour with Smart Helmets: $115
  • CraigCat Boat Tour from Fernandina Beach: $145
  • Daytona Beach: 3 Hour Coastal Discovery Boat Cruise: $150
  • Downtown Fernandina Historical Walking Tour: $30
  • Eight Flags Road Tour: $59
  • Electric Bike Art and Architecture Guided Tour in Jacksonville : $60

Tours and Activities in Minneapolis

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

  • 2-Hour Historic Heartbeats of Minneapolis Senior Tour with Guide: $196
  • Candlelight Ghost Trolley Tour in Minneapolis: $55
  • Challah Baking Experience: $72
  • Christmas in the City: A Minneapolis Walking Tour: $701
  • Complete Minneapolis Walking Tour: $99
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Minneapolis with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • Ghost Walking Tour in Minneapolis: $29
  • In the Footsteps of Prince: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • In the Footsteps of Prince: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Downtown Minneapolis: $9.99
  • Lost Souls Tour: $20
  • Mall of America: Crayola Experience Flexible Date Ticket: $31
  • Mighty Mississippi Self Guided Minneapolis Riverside Tour: $8.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jacksonville $20
    Minneapolis $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Jacksonville

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Jacksonville:

  • Jacksonville Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Jax Brewery Tour (Drinks Included): $135

Sample the Local Flavors in Minneapolis

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

  • Highest Rated 3-Hour Craft Brewery Tour in Minneapolis: $80
  • All-Inclusive Minneapolis Craft Brewery Tour: $85
  • History and 4-Bar Crawl Guided Walking Tour: $99


When comparing the travel costs between Jacksonville and Minneapolis, we can see that Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville Expensive? and Is Minneapolis Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Jacksonville or Minneapolis?

Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Minneapolis. When comparing the sizes of Jacksonville and Minneapolis, 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 Minneapolis?

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 Jacksonville or Minneapolis in the Summer?

Both Minneapolis and Jacksonville are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Jacksonville in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Minneapolis for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Jacksonville is generally a little warmer than Minneapolis. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 82°F (28°C), and Minneapolis fluctuates around 76°F (25°C).

It's quite sunny in Minneapolis. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jacksonville. Jacksonville usually receives less sunshine than Minneapolis during summer. Jacksonville gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 357 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Jacksonville. In July, Jacksonville usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. Jacksonville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Jacksonville 82°F (28°C) 
    Minneapolis 76°F (25°C)

Should I visit Jacksonville or Minneapolis in the Autumn?

Both Minneapolis and Jacksonville during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Jacksonville for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Minneapolis because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Jacksonville is much warmer than Minneapolis in the autumn. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Minneapolis fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

It's quite sunny in Jacksonville. In the autumn, Jacksonville often gets more sunshine than Minneapolis. Jacksonville gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 178 hours of full sun.

Jacksonville usually gets more rain in October than Minneapolis. Jacksonville gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Jacksonville.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Jacksonville 70°F (21°C) 
    Minneapolis 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Jacksonville or Minneapolis in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Jacksonville and Minneapolis. The winter months attract visitors to Jacksonville because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Minneapolis this time of year.

It's quite cold in Minneapolis in the winter. In the winter, Jacksonville is much warmer than Minneapolis. Typically, the winter temperatures in Jacksonville in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Minneapolis averages at about 15°F (-10°C).

Jacksonville usually receives more sunshine than Minneapolis during winter. Jacksonville gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 157 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Jacksonville usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. Jacksonville gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Jacksonville 53°F (12°C) 
    Minneapolis 15°F (-10°C)

Should I visit Jacksonville or Minneapolis in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Jacksonville as well as Minneapolis. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Jacksonville this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Minneapolis for the activities around the city.

In April, Jacksonville is generally much warmer than Minneapolis. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 68°F (20°C), and Minneapolis fluctuates around 49°F (10°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Minneapolis. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jacksonville this time of the year. In the spring, Jacksonville often gets more sunshine than Minneapolis. Jacksonville gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 244 hours of full sun.

Jacksonville usually gets more rain in April than Minneapolis. Jacksonville gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Jacksonville is the hurricane season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Jacksonville 68°F (20°C) 
    Minneapolis 49°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Minneapolis and Jacksonville

Jacksonville Minneapolis
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 15°F (-10°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 0.7 inches (19 mm)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 34°F (1°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 49°F (10°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 62°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 76°F (25°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 64°F (18°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 52°F (11°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 36°F (2°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)