A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Jacksonville vs. Niagara Falls for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Jacksonville or Niagara Falls?

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 Niagara Falls. 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: Jacksonville or Niagara Falls?

Jacksonville

As the sky above you darkens, the city around you glows with a vividness of a thousand colors as you hear the soft swell of waves upon the shore. Such an urban paradise is none other than Jacksonville, Florida. Located on the northeastern side of the sunshine state, Jacksonville stands where the St. John's River meets the Atlantic Ocean. Estimated to be the 12th most populous city in the United States, Jacksonville works as the cultural, commercial and financial hive of north Florida. The large city is known for its exquisite beaches, interactive museums, and golf course areas. Surf, shop, and socialize in one of Florida's most popular metropolitan areas.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls, Ontario sits on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, across the border from Niagara Falls, New York. Together these cities have claimed themselves to be the "Honeymoon Capital of the World" a status that is probably little more than a marketing ploy. That said, Niagara Falls, Ontario, is perhaps a quainter and more natural version of its American counterpart. The town has existed as a tourist destination for hundreds of years, with its main attraction, obviously, being Niagara Falls. Today, millions of visitors come to see the falls every year. It's truly an impressive sight, and there is no shortage of entertainment options while you're in the area.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada, and The Best Camping Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls is $122. 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 Niagara Falls in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jacksonville $92
    Niagara Falls $74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jacksonville $184
    Niagara Falls $148
Compare Hotels in Jacksonville and Niagara Falls

Looking for a hotel in Jacksonville or Niagara Falls? 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 Niagara Falls


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 Niagara Falls Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jacksonville $53
    Niagara Falls $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jacksonville

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

  • Carnival Cruise Port to Jacksonville Airport (JAX) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
  • Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville Cruise Port -Arrival Private Transfer: $55
  • Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville City - Arrival Private Transfer: $61
  • Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $123
  • JAX Airport Transfer to Hyatt Place/ St. Johns Town Center: $164
  • JAX Airport Transfer to Amelia Island: $195
  • Carnival Cruise Port Transfer to Jacksonville: $336

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Niagara Falls

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Niagara Falls:

  • Transfer in Private Minivan from Niagara Falls Ontario to Toronto (YYZ) Airport: $159
  • Transfer Niagara-on-the-Lake,Canada to Buffalo Niagara Int Airport (BUF): $107
  • Transfer Niagara-on-the-Lake Canada to Toronto Pearson International Airport YYZ: $160
  • Transfer Niagara Falls, Canada to Toronto, Canada (Downtown): $178
  • Transfer Niagara Falls, Canada to Toronto Pearson International Airport YYZ: $160
  • Transfer Buffalo Niagara International Airport BUF to Niagara-on-the-Lake,Canada: $107
  • Transfer Buffalo Niagara International Airport BUF to Niagara Falls,Canada: $103
  • Shared Airport Transfer: Buffalo Niagara International Airport to Niagara Falls NY: $99
  • Round-Trip Private-Safe Transfer Between Buffalo Airport & Niagara Falls Canada: $262
  • ROUNDTRIP Ground Transfer Buffalo Niagara Int Airport (BUF)-Niagara Falls Canada: $207
  • Private-Safe Transfer from Niagara Falls, Canada to Buffalo Intl, Airport (BUF): $111
  • Private Transfer: Niagara Int’l Airport (IAG) USA to Niagara Falls, ON: $194

Is it cheaper to fly into Jacksonville or Niagara Falls?

Prices for flights to both Niagara Falls 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
    Niagara Falls $28

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Niagara Falls

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

  • The Wing Ride: The Hidden History of Chicken Wings Food Tour: $105
  • Walking Food Tour in Niagara Falls: $108
  • Niagara Falls Sightseeing Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $130
  • Sunset Wine Tour with Dinner Niagara On The Lake: $146
  • Guided Night Tour w/ Dinner & Hotel Transfer: $149
  • Light up The Falls Small Group Tour with Fallsview Dinner: $155
  • Evening Lights Tour with Skylon Tower Dinner: $177
  • Sunset Niagara-on-the-Lake Small Group Wine Tour with Dinner: $178
  • Niagara Wine Tasting and three courses Dinner: $192
  • Niagara Falls Evening Lights Tour With Skylon Tower Dinner: $192
  • Night on Niagara Walking Tour with Fireworks Cruise + Dinner: $200
  • Small Group Night Tour w/ Dinner & Light Show: $204

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jacksonville $20
    Niagara Falls $20

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
  • 1-Hour Escape Room Adventure: $41
  • Self-Guided Kayaking: Real Florida Adventure: $45
  • Self Guided Family Friendly Kayak Rental Experience Old Florida : $48
  • Eight Flags Road Tour: $50
  • Electric Bike Tour with Free Application for Navigation: $50
  • Guided Kayak Eco Tour: Real Florida Adventure: $55
  • Amelia Island Guided Kayak Tour of Lofton Creek : $60

Typical Entertainment Prices in Niagara Falls

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Niagara Falls are as follows:


  • Maid of the Mist
    $37

Tours and Activities in Niagara Falls

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Niagara Falls are as follows:

  • Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds Made in America Tour: $92
  • Niagara Falls USA Winter Tour Cave, Tower, winery & Much More : $90
  • Private Custom Niagara Falls, Canada Winery Tour from Buffalo,NY: $298
  • 1 Hour Private Vineyard Dome Experience in Niagara-on-the-Lake: $45
  • 30 Minute Niagara Falls Airplane Tour: $156
  • 45 Minutes Whirlpool Tour in Niagara Falls: $32
  • 7 Hour Niagara Falls USA Tour from Buffalo: $269
  • All American Tour : $99
  • All Attractions Niagara Falls American Tour with Boat Much More: $120
  • All Inclusive Niagara Falls USA Tour W/Boat Ride,Cave & Much MORE: $126
  • All Niagara Falls USA Tour Maid of Mist Boat & So Much More : $130
  • All inclusive Niagara Evening Light Show, Boat Ride & Cave Tour: $140

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jacksonville $20
    Niagara Falls $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Jacksonville

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

  • Jax Brewery Tour (Drinks Included): $135

Sample the Local Flavors in Niagara Falls

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

  • Niagara Wine Tour and Tastings with Included Transportation : $56
  • Small Group Niagara-on-the-Lake Wine Tasting Tour: $96
  • Sip, Swirl and Savour Chocolate & Wine Tour : $103
  • Niagara Craft Brewery Tour Niagara Falls: $110
  • 3.5 Hours NOTL E-Bike Wine Tour: $111
  • Niagara All American All inclusive Boutique Wine Tour : $114
  • Half Day Wine & Cheese Tour - Niagara On The Lake Wine Tour: $119
  • Full-Day Group Wine Tour (with cheese and charcuterie) in Niagara-on-the-Lake: $141
  • myWineCountry Experience Premium Wine Tours and Tastings: $148
  • Relaxing three courses Lunch & Wine Tour through Niagara's Wine Country: $148
  • Niagara-on-the-Lake Small Group Wine Tour with Picnic Lunch: $149
  • Luxury Buffalo Brewery Tour: $149


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

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


Which is Bigger, Jacksonville or Niagara Falls?

Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Niagara Falls. When comparing the sizes of Jacksonville and Niagara Falls, 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 Niagara Falls?

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 Niagara Falls in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Jacksonville as well as Niagara Falls. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Jacksonville this time of year.

In July, Jacksonville is generally a little warmer than Niagara Falls. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 82°F (28°C), and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Niagara Falls. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jacksonville this time of the year. In the summer, Jacksonville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Niagara Falls. Jacksonville gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Niagara Falls receives 306 hours of full sun.

Jacksonville receives a lot of rain in the summer. Jacksonville usually gets more rain in July than Niagara Falls. Jacksonville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Jacksonville 82°F (28°C) 
    Niagara Falls 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Jacksonville or Niagara Falls in the Autumn?

Both Niagara Falls and Jacksonville are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Jacksonville for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Jacksonville is much warmer than Niagara Falls in the autumn. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jacksonville. Jacksonville usually receives more sunshine than Niagara Falls during autumn. Jacksonville gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Niagara Falls receives 148 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Jacksonville usually receives more rain than Niagara Falls. Jacksonville gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 61 mm (2.4 in) 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) 
    Niagara Falls 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Jacksonville or Niagara Falls in the Winter?

Both Niagara Falls and Jacksonville during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Jacksonville in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Niagara Falls can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Jacksonville is much warmer than Niagara Falls. Typically, the winter temperatures in Jacksonville in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Niagara Falls averages at about -4°C (26°F).

In the winter, Jacksonville often gets more sunshine than Niagara Falls. Jacksonville gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Niagara Falls receives 89 hours of full sun.

Jacksonville usually gets more rain in January than Niagara Falls. Jacksonville gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Jacksonville 53°F (12°C) 
    Niagara Falls -4°C (26°F)

Should I visit Jacksonville or Niagara Falls in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Jacksonville and Niagara Falls. Most visitors come to Jacksonville for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Niagara Falls this time of the year. In Jacksonville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jacksonville usually receives more sunshine than Niagara Falls during spring. Jacksonville gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Niagara Falls receives 203 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Jacksonville usually receives more rain than Niagara Falls. Jacksonville gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 63 mm (2.5 in) 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) 
    Niagara Falls 10°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Niagara Falls and Jacksonville

Jacksonville Niagara Falls
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) -4°C (26°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) -3°C (28°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 2°C (36°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 10°C (49°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 15°C (59°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 20°C (68°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 23°C (74°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 22°C (72°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 6°C (43°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) -0°C (31°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)


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