Should you visit Jacksonville or Norfolk?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the prices of travel for Jacksonville and Norfolk. 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. So, let's dig into it.
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.
Norfolk
The city of Norfolk in the U.S. state of Virginia is a port city holding a large Navy and shipping presence in its harbor. With a long history as a strategic military point, Norfolk is home to the largest Navy base in the world, Naval Station Norfolk. Other attractions include opportunities for dining, shopping, and entertainment as well as many parks and memorials.
Which city is cheaper, Norfolk or Jacksonville?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Jacksonville is $176, while the average daily cost in Norfolk is $133. 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 city. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Jacksonville and Norfolk in more detail.
Accommodation
For a normal double-occupancy room in Jacksonville, $148 is the average cost for a hotel room. Also in Jacksonville, the typical price for a place to stay for one person is $74, such as in a hostel.
If you're traveling alone, you may be able to find a budget hotel or hostel for around $68. But for two people in a standard two-person hotel room in Norfolk the cost is $136 on average.
Food
The price of a meal in Jacksonville can vary widely. However, the average price for food per day is $77 per person, and a typical meal will cost around $31 based on the spending of previous visitors. Less expensive dining options can be found by eating street food or at fast food restaurants.
Norfolk food costs typically run travelers around $39 per day. Eating every meal in a nicer restaurant will drive the cost up, and grabbing fast food or casual meals will help you save money.
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Food
Meals for one day
Jacksonville $77
Norfolk $39
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jacksonville
For Jacksonville, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
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Private Progressive Dinner in Jacksonville for 2 to 6 People:
$300
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Norfolk
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Norfolk.
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Spirit of Norfolk Dinner Cruise on the Elizabeth River:
$84
Local Transportation
Jacksonville's transportation costs can vary by the type of transport chosen by visitors. Naturally, taxis and private drivers cost much more than public transportation options. On average, visitors spend $43 per person, per day on transportation in Jacksonville.
The cost of a taxi ride in Norfolk is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $44 per person, per day, on local transportation in Norfolk.
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jacksonville
Also for Jacksonville, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
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Airport to Hotel Jacksonville Private Transfer:
$125
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JAX Airport Transfer to Amelia Island:
$129
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JAX Airport Transfer to Downtown Jacksonville:
$97
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JAX Airport Transfer to Jacksonville Beach:
$129
-
JAX Airport Transfer to Ponte Vedra Beach:
$149
-
JAX Airport Transfer to St Augustine:
$215
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Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville City - Arrival Private Transfer:
$164
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Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville City - Round-Trip Private Transfer:
$328
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Jacksonville City to Jacksonville Airport (JAX) - Departure Private Transfer:
$164
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Jacksonville Private Transfer - Hotel to Airport:
$125
-
Private Jacksonville to Orlando Transfer up to 11-One Price-Mercedes Sprinter:
$300
-
Private Transfer from Jacksonville to Orlando (MCO) Airport:
$453
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Norfolk
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Norfolk:
-
Private Arrival Transfer: PFH to Outer Banks North Carolina by Luxury Vehicle:
$283
Is it cheaper to fly into Jacksonville or Norfolk?
Prices for flights to both Norfolk 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.
Entertainment
Sightseeing, admission tickets, things to do, and other entertainment expenses in Jacksonville can vary widely by price. On average, visitors spend around $16 per person, per day on entertainment and sightseeing here.
Entertainment and activities in Norfolk typically cost an average of $11 per person, per day. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
Tours and Activities in Jacksonville
For Jacksonville, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
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The Escape Game Epic 60-Minute Adventures:
$37
-
Half-Day City Tour in Downtown Jacksonville:
$55
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Jacksonville Residential Architecture & History Tour:
$55
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Public Art Tour in Jacksonville:
$60
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Ride To Jax Port Cruise Terminal:
$60
-
Ride From Jax Port Cruise Terminal:
$60
Tours and Activities in Norfolk
Here are a few actual costs in Norfolk for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
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1/2 Day E-Bike Tour of Norfolk's History and Art:
$79
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1/2 Day E-Bike Tour of Norfolk's History and Art:
$78
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Candle Making Experience:
$69
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City Sightseeing Norwich Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour:
$19
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E-Bike Cannonball Trail Guided History Tour of Norfolk:
$59
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Neon District Contemporary Art Walking Tour:
$32
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Norfolk Chronicles History Walking Tour:
$36
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Norfolk Passport to Fun City Sightseeing and Discount Book:
$52
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Best of Norfolk Guided E-Bike Tour:
$60
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Self-Guided E-Bike Tour Elizabeth River Trail 2-Hour/3rd Hour Free:
$50
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Spirit of Norfolk Lunch Cruise on the Elizabeth River:
$61
Alcohol
Typically, people visiting Jacksonville spend on average $16 on alcoholic beverages per person, per day.
While the amount that someone spends on alcohol while visiting Norfolk may vary from person to person, on average a person spends $8.39 per day on alcoholic beverages.
Sample the Local Flavors in Jacksonville
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Jacksonville:
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Jax Urban Core Brewery Tour in Jacksonville:
$48
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jacksonville and Norfolk, we can see that Jacksonville is more expensive. And not only is Norfolk much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Norfolk would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Norfolk 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 Norfolk.
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