A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Jacksonville vs. Richmond for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Jacksonville or Richmond?

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 Richmond. 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 vibrant, under-rated, and lively city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Richmond

Richmond is a friendly, historical, and growing city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Jacksonville and Richmond: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jacksonville or Richmond?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Jacksonville than Richmond. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Richmond is more touristy than Jacksonville and is popular for its cultural and historical sights. Jacksonville is famous for its beautiful beaches and lively downtown area. It is also well known for Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens.

How is Jacksonville different from Richmond?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of high quality museums and attractions in both Richmond and Jacksonville.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Jacksonville. 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.

Richmond offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city has a long history which you can learn about at one of the many museums. There's the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, and the Black History Museum. There are also landmarks and historical homes.

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

Jacksonville is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Richmond is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Jacksonville is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Richmond. The food scene has been growing around town, and there are food halls and local restaurants that serve diverse and interesting dishes. You'll find Indian, Asian, and European restaurants in addition to local classics.

Is Jacksonville or Richmond Better for Nightlife?

Jacksonville is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Richmond is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Jacksonville has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Richmond. You'll find diverse bars and clubs around town. Pubs are usually laid back with a relaxed atmosphere. You'll also find live music that includes bluegrass, country, and jazz.

Is Jacksonville or Richmond Better for Beaches?

Jacksonville is notable for the beach. However, Richmond is not a beach destination.

Jacksonville is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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.

Richmond is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Jacksonville or Richmond?

Jacksonville is notable for its shopping areas. Also, Richmond is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Richmond. You'll find shopping malls and shopping centers around town, but there are also eclectic shopping streets and boutique outlets.

Is Jacksonville or Richmond Better for Families?

Both Jacksonville and Richmond are nice family-friendly destinations.

Jacksonville is a family-friendly city. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Richmond. The Children's Museum of Richmond offers hands-on exhibits that will keep young ones entertained. Another fun option is the Science Museum of Virginia. The city also has parks and outdoor places to explore as well as playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants.

Is Jacksonville or Richmond Better for Couples?

Jacksonville and Richmond both nice 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.

Richmond is a nice destination for couples. Kayaking or tubing on the James River is a great activity for couples. There are also museums and many restaurants that are perfect for a date night.

Is Jacksonville or Richmond Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jacksonville is very good for backpackers. However, Richmond is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Jacksonville is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Richmond is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not a popular backpacker destination, and most people breeze through town.

Is Jacksonville or Richmond Better for Students?

Both Jacksonville and Richmond are nice 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.

Richmond is popular with students. There are a couple of colleges and universities in town such as Virginia Commonwealth University.

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

Jacksonville is very good for its public transit. However, Richmond is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

Jacksonville has a few public transit options. The public transportation system includes trolleys, the Skyway, buses, water taxis, and the ferry.

Public transit is mostly limited in Richmond. There are buses around town, but the availability and reliability is limited.

Is Jacksonville or Richmond a more walkable city?

Jacksonville and Richmond are nice when it comes to walkability.

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

Richmond is somewhat walkable. There are some walkable neighborhoods such as the Fan and Museum District, but most people prefer to get around by car.

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

Should I spend more time in Richmond or Jacksonville?

How long in Jacksonville or Richmond?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Jacksonville or Richmond to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Jacksonville than Richmond because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Jacksonville, and 1-2 days is enough time in Richmond.

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

Couples should spend more time in Jacksonville than Richmond. 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 Richmond 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 Richmond?

The city of Jacksonville offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Richmond, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this historical city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Jacksonville or Richmond?

Jacksonville is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Jacksonville, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Richmond is a fun place to experience. 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 Richmond?

Jacksonville is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historical destination of Richmond. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Jacksonville or Richmond?

Jacksonville is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Richmond is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. 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 Richmond, we can see that Jacksonville is more expensive. And not only is Richmond much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Richmond would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Richmond 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 Richmond.

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

Which is Bigger, Jacksonville or Richmond?

Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Richmond. When comparing the sizes of Jacksonville and Richmond, 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 Richmond?

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 Richmond in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Jacksonville as well as Richmond. Many travelers come to Jacksonville for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Richmond in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Jacksonville is around the same temperature as Richmond in the summer. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Richmond fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Richmond. 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 Richmond. Jacksonville gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Richmond receives 305 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Richmond. Jacksonville receives a lot of rain in the summer. Jacksonville usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Richmond. Jacksonville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 5 inches (128 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Richmond in the Autumn?

Both Richmond and Jacksonville are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Jacksonville in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Richmond for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Jacksonville is a little warmer than Richmond. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Jacksonville in October average around 70°F (21°C), and Richmond averages at about 59°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in Richmond. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jacksonville. Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Richmond during autumn. Jacksonville gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Richmond receives 221 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Jacksonville usually receives less rain than Richmond. Jacksonville gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Jacksonville is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Richmond in the Winter?

Both Richmond and Jacksonville during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Jacksonville for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Richmond because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Richmond can be very cold. In January, Jacksonville is generally much warmer than Richmond. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 53°F (12°C), and Richmond fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).

In the winter, Jacksonville often gets more sunshine than Richmond. Jacksonville gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Richmond receives 169 hours of full sun.

Jacksonville usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Richmond. Jacksonville gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Richmond in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Jacksonville and Richmond. The spring months attract visitors to Jacksonville because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

Jacksonville is a little warmer than Richmond in the spring. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Richmond fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Richmond this time of the year. In Jacksonville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Richmond during spring. Jacksonville gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Richmond receives 265 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of rain as Richmond. Jacksonville gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Jacksonville is June to November.

Typical Weather for Richmond and Jacksonville