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

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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.

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 $240, 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 $112
    Galveston $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Orlando $224
    Galveston $128

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Orlando $48
    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 $50
    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.

Budget Your Trip

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Orlando vs. Galveston Travel Comparison

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