A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Orlando vs. Tallahassee for Families, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Orlando or Tallahassee?

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

Should I visit Orlando or Tallahassee? 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 active, family-friendly, and entertaining city. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and food.

Tallahassee

Tallahassee is a vibrant, youthful, and lively city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Orlando and Tallahassee: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orlando or Tallahassee?

You'll generally find more things to do in Orlando than Tallahassee. Orlando is bigger than Tallahassee, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Orlando is better known for its theatre productions, food, resorts, and shopping, while Tallahassee is more popular for its museums. Orlando is more touristy than Tallahassee and is known for being the home of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and many other theme parks and family-friendly activities. Also, Orlando is famous for Disney World, Universal Studios, and the city's many amusement parks. Tallahassee is well known for its capital building and many universities.

How is Orlando different from Tallahassee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Tallahassee and Orlando. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Orlando or Tallahassee?

Tallahassee is great for its historical sights. However, Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

Tallahassee offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. As the capital city of Florida, you'll find a number of museums around town. Tallahassee Museum has outdoor and indoor space to explore. You can also visit the Tallahassee Automobile Museum, the Museum of Florida History, or the Florida Historic Capital Museum.

Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Orlando or Tallahassee Better for Theater?

Orlando is a city with good options for its shows and theatre. However, Tallahassee is not a theatre destination.

If you have some extra time in Orlando, take in a show. The city has a number of local theaters that are fun to explore. As home to Disney World and Universal Studios, there are also a number of shows available that are affiliated with the parks.

Tallahassee is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Orlando or Tallahassee? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Orlando is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Orlando has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are a diversity of restaurants on the Disney grounds and nearby. You'll also find many restaurants at Universal CityWalk and Disney Springs. Food can be expensive, and the quality can vary dramatically. Many people enjoy going to dinner shows as well. Restaurants can be challenging also, as reservations must be made months in advance.

Tallahassee offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find plenty of chain restaurants and cheap eateries that cater to the students. The main options are classic American restaurants with a few international restaurants mixed in as well.

Is Orlando or Tallahassee Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is notable in both Orlando and Tallahassee.

If you're looking for night time activities Orlando has a few options to choose from. If you need a break from the kids, you'll find some of the best nightlife around Orlando at Disney Springs, Wall Street Plaza and Universal CityWalk.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Tallahassee. The nightlife scene is mostly centered around the student population. There are many bars and pubs that fill up with students on weekends.

Is Orlando or Tallahassee Better for Resorts?

Orlando is an amazing city to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Tallahassee is not a resort destination.

Orlando is a world class resort vacation destination. Disney World is famous for its many iconic resorts. Some of the most popular are the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Port Orleans Resort, and the Grand Floridian Resort. There are also many resorts that aren't affiliated with the major theme parks. These tend to be more affordable, but transportation options to and from the park are limited. You'll also miss out on the perks that come with staying at a theme park resort.

Tallahassee is not a resort destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orlando or Tallahassee?

Orlando is great for its shopping areas. Also, Tallahassee is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Orlando. Shopping is a dream for any Disney enthusiast. There are countless malls and shops, both on and off the Disney grounds, that sell all of the Disney paraphernalia. Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk are the most famous areas. During the evenings, these areas can be very crowded, but during the day they're less popular as most people are at the theme parks.

Tallahassee is a great destination for shopping. There is no shortage of strip malls and shopping centers in the area. Some of the most interesting shopping is found at Railroad Square and Market Square.

Is Orlando or Tallahassee Better for Christmas?

Orlando is an amazing city to visit for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Tallahassee does not offer Christmas activities.

With so many activities, Orlando is a top place to visit during Christmas. Christmas at Disney World is lots of fun. There are decorations and all kinds of seasonal activities around town.

Tallahassee does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Orlando or Tallahassee Better for Families?

Orlando is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Tallahassee is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Orlando is an extremely popular city to visit for families. Known as a theme park capital, here you'll find the iconic Disney World, as well as Universal Studios, SeaWorld and many more. While most people spend their vacation at the Disney or Universal resorts, there is also an endless supply of less mainstream parks and activities in the area.

Tallahassee is a family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of outdoor parks and adventure activities for kids. You could also see the wild manatees at Wakulla Springs.

Is Orlando or Tallahassee Better for Couples?

Orlando is a city with good options for couples. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for romance.

Orlando is a good city for couples to visit. While most people visit the area with family, there is a niche crowd that enjoys honeymooning or vacationing here as a couple. There are many beautiful restaurants and interesting activities that couples can enjoy together. This is the perfect trip for fun loving couples who don't take themselves to seriously.

Tallahassee is not the best destination for a couple to visit. Head to a restaurant or bar. You could also check out a concert or explore a garden or park in town.

Is Orlando or Tallahassee Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallahassee is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Orlando is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Tallahassee. The student population creates an environment that is welcoming to backpackers. There's also a hostel in town with affordable rooms.

Orlando is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not exactly a backpacker destination, but there are a surprising number of cheap motels that aren't affiliated with the major parks.

Is Orlando or Tallahassee Better for Students?

Tallahassee is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, Orlando is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Tallahassee is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. Both Florida State University and Florida A&M University are located here. There's a large student population with many activities and cheap restaurants that appeal to the student crowd.

Orlando is a good city to visit for students. Most people don't think about education when they think about Orlando, but there are actually a diversity of internships and opportunities for students to learn in a fun setting.

Is Orlando or Tallahassee Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Orlando and Tallahassee both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Orlando. If you're staying at a Disney Property, there is excellent transportation around the complex, but otherwise, a car is essential.

Public transit is generally limited in Tallahassee. There is a bus system operated by StarMetro.

Is Orlando or Tallahassee a more walkable city?

Tallahassee is adequate for its walkability. However, Orlando is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

Tallahassee is generally not a very walkable city. There are a couple of walkable areas around Railroad Square, Downtown, and Midtown, but for the most part the city is not pedestrian-friendly.

Orlando is not a walkable city. The city is sprawling, so unless you stay on the Disney grounds, it's best to rent a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Orlando Worth Visiting? and Is Tallahassee Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Tallahassee or Orlando?

How long in Orlando or Tallahassee?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Orlando or Tallahassee to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Tallahassee than Orlando because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Orlando, and 1-2 days is enough time in Tallahassee.

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

Couples should spend more time in Orlando than Tallahassee. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Orlando that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tallahassee than Orlando 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 Tallahassee.

One day in Orlando or Tallahassee?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the active city of Orlando. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Tallahassee, you'll find museums and nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Orlando or Tallahassee?

You'll find food and shopping around the entertaining destination of Orlando. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This city offers something for everyone. A weekend may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

In Tallahassee, you'll find nightlife and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Tallahassee has to offer.

Five days in Orlando or Tallahassee?

The family-friendly city of Orlando offers shopping and theater. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Tallahassee is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Orlando or Tallahassee?

Many people enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting Orlando. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tallahassee. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Tallahassee. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Orlando Expensive? and Is Tallahassee Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Orlando or Tallahassee?

Orlando has a larger population, and is about 35% larger than the population of Tallahassee. When comparing the sizes of Orlando and Tallahassee, 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 Orlando or Tallahassee?

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 Tallahassee in the Summer?

Both Tallahassee and Orlando are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Orlando in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Tallahassee for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Orlando is generally around the same temperature as Tallahassee. Daily temperatures in Orlando average around 82°F (28°C), and Tallahassee fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tallahassee. It's quite rainy in Orlando. In July, Orlando usually receives around the same amount of rain as Tallahassee. Orlando gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Tallahassee receives 8.9 inches (227 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Orlando or Tallahassee in the Autumn?

Both Tallahassee and Orlando during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Orlando for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Tallahassee because of the shopping scene.

Orlando is a little warmer than Tallahassee in the autumn. The daily temperature in Orlando averages around 75°F (24°C) in October, and Tallahassee fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Orlando. Orlando usually gets more rain in October than Tallahassee. Orlando gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Tallahassee receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Tallahassee.

Should I visit Orlando or Tallahassee in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Orlando and Tallahassee. The winter months attract visitors to Orlando because of the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Tallahassee this time of year.

In the winter, Orlando is a little warmer than Tallahassee. Typically, the winter temperatures in Orlando in January average around 59°F (15°C), and Tallahassee averages at about 51°F (11°C).

In January, Orlando usually receives less rain than Tallahassee. Orlando gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Tallahassee receives 3.7 inches (95 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Orlando or Tallahassee in the Spring?

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

In April, Orlando is generally a little warmer than Tallahassee. Daily temperatures in Orlando average around 72°F (22°C), and Tallahassee fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

It's quite rainy in Tallahassee. Orlando usually gets less rain in April than Tallahassee. Orlando gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Tallahassee receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Tallahassee is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Tallahassee and Orlando