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 place 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 $220, while the average daily cost in Orlando is $321. 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 Orlando in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jacksonville $92
    Orlando $154
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jacksonville $184
    Orlando $308
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 $53
    Orlando $66

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jacksonville

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

  • Carnival Cruise Port Transfer to Jacksonville: $335
  • JAX Airport Transfer to Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront: $147
  • Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville City - Arrival Private Transfer: $61

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:

  • Transfer: Lake Buena Vista Area Hotels to Orlando Airport (MCO): $19
  • Transfer in private minivan Orlando downtown -Orlando Airport (MCO): $63
  • Transfer in private minivan Orlando Airport (MCO) - Orlando downtown: $63
  • SUV Port Transfer TO or FROM Orlando International Airport MCO: $187
  • Roundtrip transfer Orlando Airport-Hotels in Disney and Universal: $94
  • RoundTrip transfer in private minivan Orlando Airport (MCO) -Orlando downtown: $127
  • Private Transfer: Orlando Airport MCO to Orlando in Luxury SUV: $91
  • Private Transfer from Universal Studios to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $108
  • Private Transfer from Pointe Orlando to Port Canaveral: $230
  • Private Transfer from Orlando City to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $102
  • Private Transfer from Orlando Airport To Port Canaveral Cruise Ship and Hotel: $190
  • Private Transfer from Orlando (MCO) Airport to Vistana Centre Drive: $109

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 $96
    Orlando $65

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: $36
  • The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show: $36
  • Dinner Show with Comedy, Magic, Music and Stunts: $49
  • Pirates Adventure Dinner Show with Drinks: $51
  • Mango's Tropical Cafe Dinner and Show: $70
  • Mango's LIVE! - Dinner & Show: $72
  • Polynesian Fire Luau and Dinner Show Ticket in Orlando: $75
  • Pirates Dinner Adventure - Top Orlando Dinner Attraction: $78
  • Food Tour of Local Orlando's Ivanhoe Village : $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jacksonville $20
    Orlando $204

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: $29
  • 2-Flights Indoor Skydiving Experience in Jacksonville: $91
  • 90 Minute Self-Guided Arcimoto FUV Adventure: $125
  • 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: $100
  • CraigCat Boat Tour from Fernandina Beach: $145
  • Downtown Fernandina Historical Walking Tour: $30
  • Eight Flags Road Tour: $50
  • Electric Bike Guided Tour in Jacksonville Art and Architecture : $60
  • Electric Bike Tours in Amelia Island: $100

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.

  • 2 HR Interactive Walking Ghost Tour in Downtown Orlando: $77
  • 2 Hour Investigative Walking Ghost Tour of Downtown Orlando: $50
  • 2-Hour Clear Kayak Tour in Rainbow Springs: $85
  • 2-Hour Clear Kayak Tour in Silver Springs (Small-Groups): $75
  • 2-Hour Glass Bottom Guided Kayak Eco Tour in Rainbow Springs (Small-Group): $69
  • 2-Hour Glass Bottom Guided Kayak Eco Tour in Rock Springs (Small-Group): $99
  • 2-Hour Guided Cypress Forest Nature Kayak Tour: $69
  • 25 Minutes Adventure Rooms in Max Action Arena ICON Park: $12
  • 4-Park 4-Day Magic Ticket at Walt Disney World Resort: $422
  • 90-Minute Sunset paddle at Secret Lake Guided Kayak Tour in Casselberry : $45
  • 90-min Everglades Airboat Tour in Central Florida: $89
  • Admission Ticket to Museum of Illusions Orlando: $29

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jacksonville $20
    Orlando $30

Sample the Local Flavors in Orlando

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Orlando:

  • Orlando Haunts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Orlando's Boos And Booze Haunted Pub Crawl By US Ghost Adventures: $35
  • Pontoon Pub Crawl, 5 Lakeside Pubs and Restaurants Visit by Boat: $85

How are these travel costs calculated?

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.

Which is Bigger, Jacksonville or Orlando?

Jacksonville is bigger, and its population is about 3.8 times larger than the population of Orlando. When comparing the population of Jacksonville vs. 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 and the activities 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. 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.


  • 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. 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.


  • 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 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.


  • 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 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.


  • 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 is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
About BudgetYourTrip.com
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.