A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Jacksonville vs. Orlando for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

North America / Comparisons /
Jump to  down-arrow

Should you visit Jacksonville or Orlando?

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 Orlando. 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 Orlando?

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.

Orlando

Orlando is a haven for tourists from the entire United States and abroad. The most famous sight in Orlando, Walt Disney World, is not actually located in the city at all, but in nearby Lake Buena Vista. The area attracts over 50 million visitors a year and the city's sprawling development has created amenities and entertainment options for tourists of all ages.

Which city is cheaper, Orlando 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 Orlando is $255. 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. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Jacksonville and Orlando in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jacksonville $74
    Orlando $123
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jacksonville $148
    Orlando $246
Compare Hotels in Jacksonville and Orlando

Looking for a hotel in Jacksonville or Orlando? 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 Orlando


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 Orlando Hotel Prices.

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jacksonville

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

  • Private Transfer from Jacksonville to Port Canaveral: $658
  • Private transfer: Jacksonville to Jacksonville Airport (JAX): $622
  • Private transfer: Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville: $622
  • Private Transfer from Jacksonville to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $457
  • Private Transfer from Jacksonville to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $453
  • Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $328
  • Private Jacksonville to Orlando Transfer up to 11-One Price-Mercedes Sprinter: $300
  • JAX Airport Transfer to St Augustine: $215
  • Jacksonville City to Jacksonville Airport (JAX) - Departure Private Transfer: $164
  • Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville City - Arrival Private Transfer: $164
  • JAX Airport Transfer to Ponte Vedra Beach: $149
  • JAX Airport Transfer to Jacksonville Beach: $129

Typical Local Transportation prices in Orlando

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Orlando are as follows:


  • Parking
    $14
  • Taxi Ride
    $45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Orlando

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

  • Universal/North I-Drive Hotels to Orlando Airport Private Transfer: $69
  • Universal Studios to Cruise Port Canaveral. Private Transfer Up to 10 pax: $128
  • Universal Studios Resorts to Orlando Airport MCO. Private Transfer Up to 10 pax: $58
  • Universal Studios Resort to Cruise Port Canaveral. Private Transfer up to 4 pax: $112
  • Transfer to / from Miami Area and Ports: $325
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Orlando downtown to Orlando Airport: $55
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Orlando Airport to Orlando downtown: $55
  • Transfer in private minivan from Orlando downtown to Orlando Airport: $67
  • Transfer in private minivan from Orlando Airport to Orlando downtown: $67
  • Transfer from Orlando to Cape Canaveral/Cruises/Cocoa Beach: $98
  • Transfer from Orlando International Airport to Orlando: $87
  • Transfer from Orlando International Airport to Central Florida: $80

Is it cheaper to fly into Jacksonville or Orlando?

Prices for flights to both Orlando 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 $77
    Orlando $51

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jacksonville

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

  • Private Progressive Dinner in Jacksonville for 2 to 6 People: $300

Typical Food prices in Orlando

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Orlando:


  • Lunch for Two at Epcot
    $29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Orlando

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

  • The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show, Orlando: $34
  • Mango's Tropical Cafe Orlando Dinner and Show Ticket: $50
  • The Rock Dinner Show in Orlando: $51
  • Food Tour of Celebration: $55
  • Pirates Dinner Adventure Orlando: $57

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jacksonville $16
    Orlando $163

Tours and Activities in Jacksonville

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

  • Half-Day City Tour in Downtown Jacksonville: $55
  • Jacksonville Residential Architecture & History Tour: $55
  • Public Art Tour in Jacksonville: $60
  • Ride From Jax Port Cruise Terminal: $60
  • Ride To Jax Port Cruise Terminal: $60
  • The Escape Game Epic 60-Minute Adventures: $37

Typical Entertainment prices in Orlando

For Orlando, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Universal Studios for Two
    $110

Tours and Activities in Orlando

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Orlando.

  • 8-Hour Automatic Polaris Slingshot SL Adventure Rental: $193
  • A Walk Around Lake Eola Audio Tour: $6.65
  • Central Florida Everglades Airboat Tour from Orlando: $59
  • Central Florida Everglades and Safari Park Tour: $129
  • Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens Admission Ticket: $20
  • Chef Nite Dining Experience: $150
  • Clearwater Beach Deep Sea Fishing Adventure with Lunch: $149
  • Clearwater Beach Pirate Cruise Adventure with Lunch: $115
  • Clearwater Beach Speedboat Adventure with Lunch: $95
  • Clermont: Clay Shooting Experience: $102
  • Clermont: Trophy Bass Fishing Experience with Expert Guide: $294
  • Comb Jelly Bioluminescence Kayak Tour: $55

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jacksonville $16
    Orlando $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Jacksonville

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

  • Jax Urban Core Brewery Tour in Jacksonville: $48

Sample the Local Flavors in Orlando

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Orlando:

  • Florida Craft Beer & Brewery Tour: $65

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jacksonville and Orlando, we can see that Orlando is more expensive. And not only is Jacksonville much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Jacksonville would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Jacksonville 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 Orlando would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Orlando than you might in Jacksonville.


When is the best time to visit Jacksonville or Orlando?

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 Orlando in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Jacksonville and Orlando. Furthermore, many travelers come to Orlando for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Jacksonville is around the same temperature as Orlando. Typically, the summer temperatures in Jacksonville in July are around 82°F (28°C), and Orlando is about 82°F (28°C).

Orlando receives a lot of rain in the summer. Jacksonville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Jacksonville usually receives less rain than Orlando. Jacksonville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Orlando receives 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Jacksonville 82°F (28°C) 
    Orlando 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Jacksonville or Orlando in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Jacksonville as well as Orlando. Additionally, many visitors come to Orlando in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In October, Jacksonville is generally cooler than Orlando. Temperatures in Jacksonville average around 70°F (21°C), and Orlando stays around 75°F (24°C).

It's quite rainy in Orlando. Jacksonville usually gets less rain in October than Orlando. Jacksonville gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Orlando receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Jacksonville 70°F (21°C) 
    Orlando 75°F (24°C)

Should I visit Jacksonville or Orlando in the Winter?

Both Orlando and Jacksonville are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Orlando for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

Jacksonville is cooler than Orlando in the winter. The temperature in Jacksonville is usually 53°F (12°C) in January, and Orlando stays around 59°F (15°C).

In January, Jacksonville usually receives more rain than Orlando. Jacksonville gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Orlando receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Jacksonville 53°F (12°C) 
    Orlando 59°F (15°C)

Should I visit Jacksonville or Orlando in the Spring?

Both Orlando and Jacksonville during the spring are popular places to visit.

In the spring, Jacksonville is around the same temperature as Orlando. Typically, the spring temperatures in Jacksonville in April are around 68°F (20°C), and Orlando is about 72°F (22°C).

Jacksonville usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Orlando. Jacksonville gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Orlando receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Jacksonville 68°F (20°C) 
    Orlando 72°F (22°C)

Typical Weather for Orlando and Jacksonville

Jacksonville Orlando
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 59°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 62°F (16°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 72°F (22°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 81°F (27°C) 7.1 inches (181 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 82°F (28°C) 8.3 inches (211 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 82°F (28°C) 6.7 inches (171 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 81°F (27°C) 7.2 inches (183 mm)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 75°F (24°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 68°F (20°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 62°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)


Budget Your Trip

Budget Your Trip has average travel costs for thousands of cities around the world, all provided by other travelers. You can also register to organize your spending by category and location with graphs, maps, charts, and tables.
Sign Up

More City Comparisons
Washington vs. Jacksonville
Washington vs. Orlando
Clearwater vs. Jacksonville
Clearwater vs. Orlando
Fort Lauderdale vs. Jacksonville
Fort Lauderdale vs. Orlando
Gainesville vs. Jacksonville
Gainesville vs. Orlando
Jacksonville vs. Miami
Jacksonville vs. Saint Petersburg
Jacksonville vs. Tallahassee
Jacksonville vs. Tampa
Jacksonville vs. Atlanta
Jacksonville vs. Savannah
Jacksonville vs. New Orleans
Jacksonville vs. Baltimore
Jacksonville vs. Kansas City
Jacksonville vs. Saint Louis
Jacksonville vs. Asheville
Jacksonville vs. Charlotte
Jacksonville vs. Durham
Jacksonville vs. Greensboro
Jacksonville vs. Raleigh
Jacksonville vs. Winston-Salem
Jacksonville vs. Cincinnati
Jacksonville vs. Columbus
Jacksonville vs. Dayton
Jacksonville vs. Philadelphia
Share This Page
Pin This Page
Jacksonville vs. Orlando Travel Comparison

Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.