Which place is cheaper, Tucson or Jacksonville?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Jacksonville or Tucson?
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 Tucson. 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 Tucson?
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.
Tucson
Tucson, Arizona, is a vibrant city nestled in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, renowned for its dramatic mountain landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and sunny, dry climate. As a gateway to the American Southwest, Tucson blends a laid-back atmosphere with strong Mexican and Native American influences, creating a unique desert city experience. Its historic neighborhoods feature colorful adobe architecture, lively murals, and a thriving arts scene. Nature lovers are drawn to Tucson for its easy access to saguaro-studded national parks, hiking trails, and breathtaking sunsets. With a strong university presence, the city pulses with youthful energy, affordable entertainment, and a dynamic culinary scene. Budget travelers will appreciate Tucson’s range of low-cost attractions and accessible public spaces, making it an excellent base for exploring both city sights and the nearby wilderness. Whether you’re interested in history, outdoor adventures, or simply soaking up desert vibes, Tucson offers something for every traveler.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.
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Jacksonville Prices
USA PricesTucson Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayJacksonville $289Tucson $184
The average daily cost (per person) in Jacksonville is $289, while the average daily cost in Tucson is $184. 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 Tucson in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personJacksonville $92Tucson $93
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomJacksonville $184Tucson $186
Compare Hotels in Jacksonville and Tucson
Looking for a hotel in Jacksonville or Tucson? 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.
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 Tucson Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Jacksonville $53Tucson $27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jacksonville
Also for Jacksonville, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Jacksonville to Cruise Port Jacksonville: $108
- Private Transfer from Carnival Port to Jacksonville Airport (JAX): $108
- Private Transfer from Carnival Cruise Port to Jacksonville City: $108
- Private Transfer Jacksonville Airport to Downtown Savannah Hotels: $300
- Private Transfer Jacksonville Airport to Carnival Cruise Port: $135
- Private Transfer JAX Airport to Ritz Carlton Amelia Island: $135
- Miami: One Way To/From Airport Transfer: $78
- Luxury Car Transfer Jacksonville Airport to Ponte Vedra Resorts: $145
- Luxury Car Transfer JAX Airport to Margaritaville Beach Hotel: $155
- Jacksonville to Carnival Cruise Port Jacksonville - Departure Private Transfer: $160
- Jacksonville Airport Private Lux Car Transfer to Downtown Hotels: $139
- Jacksonville Airport JAX to Jacksonville Arrival Private Transfer: $135
Is it cheaper to fly into Jacksonville or Tucson?
Prices for flights to both Tucson 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
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Food Meals for one dayJacksonville $166Tucson $63
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jacksonville
For Jacksonville, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 1 Hour of Chocolate Pizza Making Class in Jacksonville: $20
- San Marco Food Tour Culinary Journey in Jacksonville: $125
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Jacksonville $20Tucson $16
Tours and Activities in Jacksonville
For Jacksonville, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 20 Minutes Chocolate & Candy Factory Tour in Jacksonville: $8.00
- 90 Minute Self-Guided Arcimoto FUV Adventure: $145
- All-Inclusive Progressive Culinary & History Experience: $125
- Amelia Island Area Kayak Rental on Lofton Creek with Adventures Up The Creek: $36
- Amelia Island Floating Tiki Boat Cruise with BYOB Option: $75
- Amelia Island Guided Kayak Tour of Lofton Creek : $65
- Architecture and History Tour in San Marco: $96
- Avondale Brunch Tour (Jacksonville): $135
- Big Talbot Island Self Guided Tour with Smart Helmets: $115
- Bike Ride Through Ponte Vedra Beach Private Tour Florida: $27
- CraigCat Boat Tour from Fernandina Beach: $145
- Daytona Beach: 3 Hour Coastal Discovery Boat Cruise: $150
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayJacksonville $20Tucson $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Jacksonville
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Jacksonville:
- All-Inclusive Sips & Ships: Downtown Pub Crawl: $75
- Jax Brewery Tour (Drinks Included): $135
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jacksonville and Tucson, we can see that Jacksonville is more expensive. And not only is Tucson much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tucson would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tucson 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 Tucson.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Jacksonville Expensive? and Is Tucson Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Jacksonville or Tucson?
Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 54% larger than the population of Tucson. When comparing the sizes of Jacksonville and Tucson, 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.
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.