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

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Should you visit Jacksonville or Tampa?

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 Tampa. 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 Tampa?

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.

Tampa

On the north shore of Tampa Bay, across the water from Saint Peterburg, is the city of Tampa. The city has a population of almost 350,000. The metropolitan area includes Tampa, St. Peterburg, and Clearwater. It has about 2.9 million residents and is the second largest metropolitan area in the state. The city is a popular destination for outdoor activities and in 2008 it was ranked the 5th best outdoor city by Forbes.

Which city is cheaper, Tampa 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 Tampa is $136. 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 Tampa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jacksonville $74
    Tampa $68
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jacksonville $148
    Tampa $136
Compare Hotels in Jacksonville and Tampa

Looking for a hotel in Jacksonville or Tampa? 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 Tampa


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 Tampa Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jacksonville $43
    Tampa $58

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jacksonville

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

  • Private transfer: Jacksonville to Jacksonville Airport (JAX): $622
  • Private transfer: Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville: $622
  • Private Transfer from Jacksonville to Port Canaveral: $658
  • Private Transfer from Jacksonville to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $457
  • Private Transfer from Jacksonville to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $453
  • Private Jacksonville to Orlando Transfer up to 11-One Price-Mercedes Sprinter: $300
  • Jacksonville Private Transfer - Hotel to Airport: $125
  • Jacksonville City to Jacksonville Airport (JAX) - Departure Private Transfer: $164
  • Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $328
  • Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville City - Arrival Private Transfer: $164
  • JAX Airport Transfer to St Augustine: $215
  • JAX Airport Transfer to Ponte Vedra Beach: $149

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tampa

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

  • Transfer from Tampa International Airport to Tampa: $75
  • Tampa hotel or address to Tampa Airport (TPA) - Departure Private Transfer: $82
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to Tampa hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $164
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to Tampa hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $82
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to St Petersburg hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $83
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to St Petersburg - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $167
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to Clearwater Beach - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $167
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to Clearwater Beach - Arrival Private Transfer: $83
  • Private Transfer from Tampa to Port Canaveral: $526
  • Private Transfer from Tampa to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $457
  • Private Transfer from Tampa to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $393
  • Private Transfer from Tampa Airport to Sarasota: $120

Is it cheaper to fly into Jacksonville or Tampa?

Prices for flights to both Tampa 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
    Tampa $34

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jacksonville $16
    Tampa $15

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

Tours and Activities in Tampa

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

  • 1.5-hour Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise from Tampa: $31
  • 2-hour Tiki Boat BYOB Cruise in Tampa: $60
  • Adventure Island Water Park Ticket: $63
  • Bayshore Drive Motorbike Tour: $199
  • Bicycle Tour Orlando, Over Tampa Bay Ride: $150
  • Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Admission Ticket: $110
  • Historic Ybor City Food and Drink Walking Tour: $59
  • Motorcycle Tour of Sunshine Skyway Bridge: $299
  • Nature Coast Private Day Tour From Tampa with Photographer , Max Group of 4: $250
  • Orlando: Aquatica Water Park Admission Ticket: $128
  • Skip the Line: The Florida Aquarium in Tampa Bay Ticket: $26
  • Skip the Line: ZooTampa at Lowry Park Admission Ticket: $45

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jacksonville $16
    Tampa $20

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 Tampa

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

  • Tampa Bar Hunt: Tampa Takeover Bar Crawl: $12
  • Haunted Tampa Ghost and Pub Walking Tour - Ybor City: $26
  • Private Tampa Brewery Tour - Party Bus: $600

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jacksonville and Tampa, we can see that Jacksonville is more expensive. And not only is Tampa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tampa would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tampa 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 Tampa.


When is the best time to visit Jacksonville or Tampa?

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 Tampa in the Summer?

Both Tampa and Jacksonville are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Tampa for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Jacksonville is around the same temperature as Tampa in the summer. The temperature in Jacksonville is usually 82°F (28°C) in July, and Tampa stays around 82°F (28°C).

It's quite sunny in Tampa. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jacksonville. Jacksonville usually receives more sunshine than Tampa during summer. Jacksonville gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Tampa receives 265 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tampa. It's quite rainy in Jacksonville. In July, Jacksonville usually receives less rain than Tampa. Jacksonville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Tampa receives 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Jacksonville or Tampa in the Autumn?

Both Tampa and Jacksonville during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Tampa in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions.

In the autumn, Jacksonville is cooler than Tampa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Jacksonville in October are around 70°F (21°C), and Tampa is about 75°F (24°C).

In Tampa, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Jacksonville. In the autumn, Jacksonville often gets less sunshine than Tampa. Jacksonville gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tampa receives 234 hours of full sun.

Jacksonville usually gets more rain in October than Tampa. Jacksonville gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Tampa receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Jacksonville or Tampa in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Jacksonville and Tampa. Also, most visitors come to Tampa for the cuisine during these months.

In January, Jacksonville is generally cooler than Tampa. Temperatures in Jacksonville average around 53°F (12°C), and Tampa stays around 60°F (15°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tampa this time of the year. Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Tampa during winter. Jacksonville gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Tampa receives 200 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Jacksonville usually receives more rain than Tampa. Jacksonville gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Tampa receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Jacksonville 53°F (12°C) 
    Tampa 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Jacksonville or Tampa in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Jacksonville as well as Tampa. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Tampa because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

Jacksonville is around the same temperature as Tampa in the spring. The temperature in Jacksonville is usually 68°F (20°C) in April, and Tampa stays around 71°F (22°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tampa. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jacksonville this time of the year. In the spring, Jacksonville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Tampa. Jacksonville gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tampa receives 299 hours of full sun.

Jacksonville usually gets more rain in April than Tampa. Jacksonville gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Tampa receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Jacksonville 68°F (20°C) 
    Tampa 71°F (22°C)

Typical Weather for Tampa and Jacksonville

Jacksonville Tampa
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 60°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 61°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 71°F (22°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 77°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 75°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 68°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)


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Jacksonville vs. Tampa Travel Comparison

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