A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Orlando vs. Galveston for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

North America / Comparisons /
Jump to  down-arrow

Should you visit Orlando or Galveston?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Orlando or Galveston? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Orlando or Galveston?

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.

Galveston

Located on Galveston Island off the Texas Gulf Coast, Galveston is a popular destination for Texans and a departure point for cruise ships. It also makes a great beach destination for anyone looking to enjoy a week or weekend.

Galveston is a popular destination during the summer months, but the warm climate makes it comfortable year round. Even during the winter months you can enjoy mild temperatures, although on occasion it can have a cold spell.

Which city is cheaper, Galveston or Orlando?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Orlando is $255, while the average daily cost in Galveston is $147. 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 Orlando and Galveston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Orlando $123
    Galveston $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Orlando $246
    Galveston $128
Compare Hotels in Orlando and Galveston

Looking for a hotel in Orlando or Galveston? 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 Orlando


Hotels in Galveston


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: Orlando Hotel Prices and Galveston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Orlando $53
    Galveston $28
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:

  • Private transfer from or to MIA FLL MCO airports and Orlando FL: $1,000
  • Private Transfer from Orlando (MCO) Airport to Miami Beach: $904
  • Private Transfer from Orlando (MCO) Airport to Miami City: $871
  • Private Transfer from Orlando (MCO) Airport to Miami Cruise Port: $871
  • Private Transfer from Orlando (MCO) Airport to Miami Airport: $871
  • Private Transfer from Orlando (MCO) Airport to Saint Simons Island: $871
  • Orlando Airport (MCO) to Miami Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $834
  • Orlando Airport (MCO) to Miami accommodation - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $834
  • Private Transfer from Orlando (MCO) Airport to Cape Coral: $796
  • Private Transfer from Orlando (MCO) Airport to Fort Lauderdale: $754
  • Private Roundtrip Transfer: Orlando to Clearwater Beach: $750
  • Private Transfer from Orlando (MCO) Airport to Fort Myers: $671

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Galveston

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

  • Private Galveston Port to Houston Airport Transfer: $432

Is it cheaper to fly into Orlando or Galveston?

Prices for flights to both Galveston and Orlando 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
    Orlando $51
    Galveston $42
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: $34
  • Mango's Tropical Cafe Orlando Dinner and Show Ticket: $50
  • The Rock Dinner Show in Orlando: $51
  • Food Tour of Celebration: $55
  • Pirates Dinner Adventure Orlando: $57

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Orlando $163
    Galveston $12
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.

  • 8-Hour Automatic Polaris Slingshot SL Adventure Rental: $193
  • A Walk Around Lake Eola Audio Tour: $6.65
  • Central Florida Everglades Airboat Tour from Orlando: $59
  • Central Florida Everglades and Safari Park Tour: $129
  • Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens Admission Ticket: $20
  • Chef Nite Dining Experience: $150
  • Clearwater Beach Deep Sea Fishing Adventure with Lunch: $149
  • Clearwater Beach Pirate Cruise Adventure with Lunch: $115
  • Clearwater Beach Speedboat Adventure with Lunch: $95
  • Clermont: Clay Shooting Experience: $102
  • Clermont: Trophy Bass Fishing Experience with Expert Guide: $294
  • Comb Jelly Bioluminescence Kayak Tour: $55

Tours and Activities in Galveston

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Galveston.

  • Al's Galveston Ghost Tour: $9.99
  • Dolphin Sightseeing Tour in Galveston with a Guide: $15
  • E-bike Island Adventure Tour: $75
  • From Houston: Galveston Tour with Tall Ship Elissa Admission: $135
  • Galveston Ghost Tour: $10
  • Galveston Ghosts Walking Tour: $8.00
  • Galveston Island Ghost Tour: $13
  • Galveston Island Red Light District Tour: $26
  • Galveston Red Light District Tour: $22
  • Galveston's Haunted Cemetery Walking Tour: $20
  • Ghost Bus Tour in Galveston: $26
  • Ghost On the Strand Ghost Tour: $10

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Orlando $24
    Galveston $30

Sample the Local Flavors in Orlando

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Orlando:

  • Florida Craft Beer & Brewery Tour: $65

Sample the Local Flavors in Galveston

Also in Galveston, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30

About these numbers

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


When is the best time to visit Orlando or Galveston?

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 Orlando or Galveston in the Summer?

Both Galveston and Orlando are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Orlando this time of year.


Warning: Division by zero in /homepages/12/d310477359/htdocs/include/weatherdataDAO.php on line 267

In the summer, Orlando is around the same temperature as Galveston. Typically, the summer temperatures in Orlando in July are around 82°F (28°C), and Galveston is about 84°F (29°C).

It's quite rainy in Orlando. In July, Orlando usually receives more rain than Galveston. Orlando gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Orlando 82°F (28°C) 
    Galveston 84°F (29°C)

Should I visit Orlando or Galveston in the Autumn?

Both Galveston and Orlando during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Orlando for the shopping scene.


Warning: Division by zero in /homepages/12/d310477359/htdocs/include/weatherdataDAO.php on line 267

In October, Orlando is generally around the same temperature as Galveston. Temperatures in Orlando average around 75°F (24°C), and Galveston stays around 71°F (22°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Orlando. Orlando usually gets more rain in October than Galveston. Orlando gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Orlando 75°F (24°C) 
    Galveston 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Orlando or Galveston in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Orlando and Galveston. Many visitors come to Orlando in the winter for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.


Warning: Division by zero in /homepages/12/d310477359/htdocs/include/weatherdataDAO.php on line 267

Orlando is a little warmer than Galveston in the winter. The temperature in Orlando is usually 59°F (15°C) in January, and Galveston stays around 52°F (11°C).

In January, Orlando usually receives less rain than Galveston. Orlando gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Orlando 59°F (15°C) 
    Galveston 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Orlando or Galveston in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Orlando as well as Galveston.


Warning: Division by zero in /homepages/12/d310477359/htdocs/include/weatherdataDAO.php on line 267

In the spring, Orlando is around the same temperature as Galveston. Typically, the spring temperatures in Orlando in April are around 72°F (22°C), and Galveston is about 70°F (21°C).

Orlando usually gets more rain in April than Galveston. Orlando gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Orlando 72°F (22°C) 
    Galveston 70°F (21°C)

Typical Weather for Galveston and Orlando

Orlando Galveston
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 59°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 52°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Feb 62°F (16°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 55°F (13°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Mar 67°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Apr 72°F (22°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 70°F (21°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
May 77°F (25°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 76°F (25°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 7.1 inches (181 mm) 81°F (27°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.3 inches (211 mm) 84°F (29°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 6.7 inches (171 mm) 83°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 7.2 inches (183 mm) 80°F (27°C) 5.6 inches (141 mm)
Oct 75°F (24°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 71°F (22°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm)
Nov 68°F (20°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm) 63°F (17°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)


Budget Your Trip

Budget Your Trip has average travel costs for thousands of cities around the world, all provided by other travelers. You can also register to organize your spending by category and location with graphs, maps, charts, and tables.
Sign Up

More City Comparisons
Washington vs. Orlando
Washington vs. Galveston
Clearwater vs. Orlando
Clearwater vs. Galveston
Fort Lauderdale vs. Orlando
Fort Lauderdale vs. Galveston
Gainesville vs. Orlando
Gainesville vs. Galveston
Jacksonville vs. Orlando
Jacksonville vs. Galveston
Miami vs. Orlando
Miami vs. Galveston
Orlando vs. Saint Petersburg
Orlando vs. Tallahassee
Orlando vs. Tampa
Orlando vs. Atlanta
Orlando vs. Savannah
Orlando vs. New Orleans
Orlando vs. Baltimore
Orlando vs. Kansas City
Orlando vs. Saint Louis
Orlando vs. Asheville
Orlando vs. Charlotte
Orlando vs. Durham
Orlando vs. Greensboro
Orlando vs. Raleigh
Orlando vs. Winston-Salem
Orlando vs. Cincinnati
Share This Page
Pin This Page
Orlando vs. Galveston 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.