A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Jacksonville vs. Orlando for Families, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

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.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a fun, vibrant, and under-rated city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Orlando

Orlando is a active, family-friendly, and entertaining city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and theater.

Jacksonville and Orlando: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jacksonville or Orlando?

You'll generally find more things to do in Jacksonville than Orlando. Jacksonville is bigger than Orlando, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Jacksonville is better known for its museums, nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Orlando is more popular for its theatre productions and resorts. Orlando is more touristy than Jacksonville and is known for being the home of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and many other theme parks and family-friendly activities. Jacksonville is well known for its beautiful beaches and lively downtown area. Also, Jacksonville is famous for Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens.

How is Jacksonville different from Orlando?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Jacksonville is great for its historical sights. However, Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

Jacksonville offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Jacksonville or Orlando Better for Theater?

Orlando is a good destination for its shows and theatre. However, Jacksonville is not a theatre destination.

You'll find a nice selection of shows in Orlando. The city has a number of local theaters that are fun to explore. As home to Disney World and Universal Studios, there are also a number of shows available that are affiliated with the parks.

Jacksonville is not a theatre destination.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at superb restaurants in both Jacksonville and Orlando.

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, Orlando makes for a great culinary experience. There are a diversity of restaurants on the Disney grounds and nearby. You'll also find many restaurants at Universal CityWalk and Disney Springs. Food can be expensive, and the quality can vary dramatically. Many people enjoy going to dinner shows as well. Restaurants can be challenging also, as reservations must be made months in advance.

Is Jacksonville or Orlando Better for Nightlife?

Jacksonville is great for nightlife. Also, Orlando is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Jacksonville for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Orlando. If you need a break from the kids, you'll find some of the best nightlife around Orlando at Disney Springs, Wall Street Plaza and Universal CityWalk.

Is Jacksonville or Orlando Better for Resorts?

Orlando is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Jacksonville is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Orlando for its luxury resorts. Disney World is famous for its many iconic resorts. Some of the most popular are the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Port Orleans Resort, and the Grand Floridian Resort. There are also many resorts that aren't affiliated with the major theme parks. These tend to be more affordable, but transportation options to and from the park are limited. You'll also miss out on the perks that come with staying at a theme park resort.

Jacksonville is not a resort destination.

Is Jacksonville or Orlando Better for Beaches?

Jacksonville is great for its beaches. However, Orlando is not a beach destination.

Jacksonville is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Orlando is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Jacksonville or Orlando?

Shoppers can find a variety of superb stores in both Jacksonville and Orlando.

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.

Orlando is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Shopping is a dream for any Disney enthusiast. There are countless malls and shops, both on and off the Disney grounds, that sell all of the Disney paraphernalia. Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk are the most famous areas. During the evenings, these areas can be very crowded, but during the day they're less popular as most people are at the theme parks.

Is Jacksonville or Orlando Better for Christmas?

Orlando is renowned for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Jacksonville does not offer Christmas activities.

Known for its popular Christmas activities, Orlando draws large crowds. Christmas at Disney World is lots of fun. There are decorations and all kinds of seasonal activities around town.

Jacksonville does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Jacksonville or Orlando Better for Families?

Orlando is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Orlando is very family-friendly. Known as a theme park capital, here you'll find the iconic Disney World, as well as Universal Studios, SeaWorld and many more. While most people spend their vacation at the Disney or Universal resorts, there is also an endless supply of less mainstream parks and activities in the area.

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 Orlando Better for Couples?

Jacksonville and Orlando both notable 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.

Orlando is a nice destination for couples. While most people visit the area with family, there is a niche crowd that enjoys honeymooning or vacationing here as a couple. There are many beautiful restaurants and interesting activities that couples can enjoy together. This is the perfect trip for fun loving couples who don't take themselves to seriously.

Is Jacksonville or Orlando Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jacksonville is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Orlando is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

Orlando is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not exactly a backpacker destination, but there are a surprising number of cheap motels that aren't affiliated with the major parks.

Is Jacksonville or Orlando Better for Students?

Both Jacksonville and Orlando are notable destinations for students.

Plenty of students visit Jacksonville. There are a few colleges and universities in town. The city's population is also very young, making it a great place to study.

Orlando is popular with students. Most people don't think about education when they think about Orlando, but there are actually a diversity of internships and opportunities for students to learn in a fun setting.

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

Jacksonville is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Orlando is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Jacksonville offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The public transportation system includes trolleys, the Skyway, buses, water taxis, and the ferry.

Public transit is generally limited in Orlando. If you're staying at a Disney Property, there is excellent transportation around the complex, but otherwise, a car is essential.

Is Jacksonville or Orlando a more walkable city?

Jacksonville is a popular place for its walkability. However, Orlando is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

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

Orlando is not a walkable city. The city is sprawling, so unless you stay on the Disney grounds, it's best to rent a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Orlando or Jacksonville?

How long in Jacksonville or Orlando?

Both Jacksonville and Orlando have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Orlando than in Jacksonville. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Jacksonville, and 7 days is enough time in Orlando.

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

Couples should spend more time in Jacksonville than Orlando. 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 Orlando 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.

One day in Jacksonville or Orlando?

In Jacksonville, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Orlando, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this entertaining city offers. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 Orlando?

In Jacksonville, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Jacksonville has to offer.

Orlando is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Orlando?

Jacksonville is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

In Orlando, many people enjoy the theater and nightlife that this entertaining destination offers. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Jacksonville or Orlando?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Jacksonville. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Jacksonville. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Orlando is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. It's also a relaxing resort destination. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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 Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.

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.

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

Which is Bigger, Jacksonville or Orlando?

Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Orlando. When comparing the sizes of Jacksonville and Orlando, 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 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. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Jacksonville this time of year. 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 average around 82°F (28°C), and Orlando averages at 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.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Orlando in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Jacksonville as well as Orlando. Many travelers come to Jacksonville for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Orlando in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In October, Jacksonville is generally cooler than Orlando. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 70°F (21°C), and Orlando fluctuates 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. Also, June to November in Jacksonville is the hurricane season.

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. Many visitors come to Jacksonville in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. 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 daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 53°F (12°C) in January, and Orlando fluctuates 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.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Orlando in the Spring?

Both Orlando and Jacksonville during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Jacksonville for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Jacksonville is around the same temperature as Orlando. Typically, the spring temperatures in Jacksonville in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Orlando averages at 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. Also, the hurricane season in Jacksonville is June to November.

Typical Weather for Orlando and Jacksonville