A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Jacksonville vs. West Palm Beach for Beaches, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Jacksonville or West Palm Beach?

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 West Palm Beach. 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.

West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is a vibrant, fun-filled, and diverse beach area. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Jacksonville and West Palm Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jacksonville or West Palm Beach?

You'll generally find more things to do in Jacksonville than West Palm Beach. Jacksonville is bigger than West Palm Beach, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Jacksonville is better known for its museums, food, shopping, and big city activities, while West Palm Beach is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. West Palm Beach is more touristy than Jacksonville and is known for its nice resorts, a lively boardwalk, great seafood, and fun watersports. 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 West Palm Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach?

Jacksonville is a great city for its historical sights. However, West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Jacksonville or West Palm Beach? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Jacksonville is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. However, West Palm Beach is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Jacksonville. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in West Palm Beach. Oceanfront restaurants usually have a great view and offer local and fresh seafood. There are also many local restaurants concentrated around Clematis Street and CityPlace districts.

Is Jacksonville or West Palm Beach Better for Nightlife?

Both Jacksonville and West Palm Beach have superb vibes after the sun sets.

Jacksonville has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

The people in West Palm Beach know how to have a good time. With rooftop bars and clubs, oceanfront venues, and plenty of nightlife options downtown, this city rivals most places when it comes to nightlife. The nightlife scene is particularly active during spring break, when university students head to town.

Is Jacksonville or West Palm Beach Better for Resorts?

West Palm Beach is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Jacksonville is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to West Palm Beach for its luxury resorts. All of the major names are present including the Hilton, Marriott, and Four Seasons.

Jacksonville is not a resort destination.

Is Jacksonville or West Palm Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

West Palm Beach is an excellent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Jacksonville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near West Palm Beach. Check out Phil Foster Park in Rivera Beach. It's a man-made reef that is surprisingly clear.

Jacksonville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Jacksonville or West Palm Beach Better for Beaches?

West Palm Beach is renowned for the beach. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

West Palm Beach offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. From bustling beaches with a boardwalk to quieter, more relaxing beaches surrounded by parkland, there are are number of options in the area.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Jacksonville or West Palm Beach?

Jacksonville is a great city for shopping. However, West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Jacksonville or West Palm Beach Better for Families?

West Palm Beach is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in West Palm Beach. Animal lovers will appreciate the zoos and aquariums in the area. Check out McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary, Manatee Lagoon, the Palm Beach Zoo, and the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium.

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 West Palm Beach Better for Couples?

West Palm Beach is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

West Palm Beach makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy kayaking, dining out, or simply relaxing on the beach. It's fun to spend a day exploring the botanical gardens and an evening wandering around Clematis Street.

Jacksonville is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Is Jacksonville or West Palm Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jacksonville is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, West Palm Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

West Palm Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Jacksonville or West Palm Beach Better for Students?

Jacksonville is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, West Palm Beach is not popular with students.

It's common for students to 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.

West Palm Beach is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Jacksonville and West Palm Beach.

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

You'll find some public transit in West Palm Beach, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a downtown trolley, a commuter trail line (connecting West Palm Beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale), and a bus system with about 30 lines.

Is Jacksonville or West Palm Beach a more walkable city?

Jacksonville and West Palm Beach are notable when it comes to walkability.

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

West Palm Beach is somewhat walkable. West Palm Beach has a surprisingly walkable area and it's possible to explore the downtown area on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Jacksonville Worth Visiting? and Is West Palm Beach Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in West Palm Beach or Jacksonville?

How long in Jacksonville or West Palm Beach?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in West Palm Beach than Jacksonville. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in West Palm Beach that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Jacksonville than West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach?

The fun destination of Jacksonville offers nightlife and food. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In West Palm Beach, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife that this vibrant beach area offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 West Palm Beach?

The city of Jacksonville offers food and shopping. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

West Palm Beach is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Jacksonville or West Palm Beach?

Jacksonville is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

In West Palm Beach, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife that this diverse destination offers. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Lots of people come for the beaches. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Jacksonville or West Palm Beach?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Jacksonville. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

West Palm Beach is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 West Palm Beach, we can see that West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Jacksonville or West Palm Beach?

Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of West Palm Beach. When comparing the sizes of Jacksonville and West Palm Beach, 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 West Palm Beach?

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 West Palm Beach in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Jacksonville and West Palm Beach. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Jacksonville this time of year. Also, many travelers come to West Palm Beach for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Jacksonville is around the same temperature as West Palm Beach. Typically, the summer temperatures in Jacksonville in July average around 82°F (28°C), and West Palm Beach averages at about 82°F (28°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in West Palm Beach this time of the year. In Jacksonville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jacksonville usually receives less sunshine than West Palm Beach during summer. Jacksonville gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while West Palm Beach receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach. Jacksonville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Jacksonville or West Palm Beach in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Jacksonville as well as West Palm Beach. Many travelers come to Jacksonville for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Jacksonville is generally cooler than West Palm Beach. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 70°F (21°C), and West Palm Beach fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in West Palm Beach. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jacksonville this time of the year. In the autumn, Jacksonville often gets less sunshine than West Palm Beach. Jacksonville gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while West Palm Beach receives 275 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in West Palm Beach. Jacksonville usually gets less rain in October than West Palm Beach. Jacksonville gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Jacksonville is the hurricane season. Also, June to November in West Palm Beach is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Jacksonville or West Palm Beach in the Winter?

Both West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach for the cuisine during these months.

Jacksonville is much colder than West Palm Beach in the winter. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 53°F (12°C) in January, and West Palm Beach fluctuates around 65°F (19°C).

It's quite sunny in West Palm Beach. Jacksonville usually receives less sunshine than West Palm Beach during winter. Jacksonville gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while West Palm Beach receives 243 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Jacksonville usually receives more rain than West Palm Beach. Jacksonville gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Jacksonville or West Palm Beach in the Spring?

Both West Palm Beach 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. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to West Palm Beach because of the beaches.

In the spring, Jacksonville is cooler than West Palm Beach. Typically, the spring temperatures in Jacksonville in April average around 68°F (20°C), and West Palm Beach averages at about 74°F (23°C).

In West Palm Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Jacksonville. In the spring, Jacksonville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as West Palm Beach. Jacksonville gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while West Palm Beach receives 300 hours of full sun.

Jacksonville usually gets less rain in April than West Palm Beach. Jacksonville gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Jacksonville is June to November. Also, the hurricane season in West Palm Beach is June to November.

Typical Weather for West Palm Beach and Jacksonville