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

Should you visit Orlando or Tampa?

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

Should I visit Orlando or Tampa? 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 food, shopping, and theater.

Tampa

Tampa is a low-key, laid-back, and easy-going city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food and beaches.

Orlando and Tampa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orlando or Tampa?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Orlando than Tampa. While Tampa is larger than Orlando, Orlando has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Orlando is better known for its theatre productions, food, nightlife, resorts, and shopping, while Tampa is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities. Orlando is more touristy than Tampa 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. Tampa is well known for its amusement parks, wildlife parks, and popularity as a cruise ship port.

How is Orlando different from Tampa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Orlando or Tampa Better for Theater?

Orlando is a popular place for its shows and theatre. However, Tampa is not a theatre destination.

You'll find a nice selection of shows in Orlando. 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.

Tampa is not a theatre destination.

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

Orlando is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Tampa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Tampa offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a surprising number of great local restaurants around town as well as a good food truck scene. Some favorite dishes include fresh caught seafood, Grouper sandwiches, and Cuban sandwiches.

Is Orlando or Tampa Better for Nightlife?

Orlando is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Tampa is lacking in options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Orlando. 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.

Tampa is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The city has some good nightclubs, sports bars, and other spots where locals enjoy spending the evening.

Is Orlando or Tampa Better for Resorts?

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

For the ultimate resort vacation, Orlando is a great choice. 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.

Tampa is not a resort destination.

Is Orlando or Tampa Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tampa is adequate for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Orlando is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are few places where you can go snorkeling in Tampa. While the water isn't always the clearest, there are some nice snorkeling and diving spots in the area. Options include Shell Key and Egmont Key, Crystal River, and Fort De Soto.

Orlando is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Orlando or Tampa Better for Beaches?

Tampa is great for its beaches. However, Orlando is not a beach destination.

Tampa is considered a top beach destination. Popular beaches near Tampa include Ben T. Davis Beach, Fred Howard Park, and Indian Rocks Beach.

Orlando is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orlando or Tampa?

Orlando is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Orlando or Tampa Better for Christmas?

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

Known for its popular Christmas activities, Orlando draws large crowds. Christmas at Disney World is lots of fun. There are decorations and all kinds of seasonal activities around town.

Tampa does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Orlando or Tampa Better for Families?

Orlando is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Tampa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Orlando is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Tampa is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of kid-oriented attractions including Busch Gardens Amusement Park, several kid-friendly museums, and a number of animal centers, aquariums, and wildlife rescue facilities.

Is Orlando or Tampa Better for Couples?

Orlando is a popular place for couples. However, Tampa is lacking in options 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.

Tampa is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The area does have great restaurants and some fun places to explore, but the downtown area has room for improvement and much of the city is suburban.

Is Orlando or Tampa Better for Students?

Orlando is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Tampa is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Orlando. 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.

Tampa is not popular with students.

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

Orlando is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Tampa is lacking in options for its public transit.

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 limited or non-existant in Tampa. There is the street car that runs from downtown Tampa to Ybor City and stops at 11 stations.

Is Orlando or Tampa a more walkable city?

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

Tampa is generally not a very walkable city. While there are some neighborhoods that are considered walkable, you really need a car if you hope to explore Tampa in depth.

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 Tampa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Tampa or Orlando?

How long in Orlando or Tampa?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Orlando and Tampa. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Tampa than in Orlando. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Orlando, and 2-3 days is enough time in Tampa.

Families should spend more time in Orlando than Tampa. 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 Tampa. 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 Orlando than Tampa 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 Orlando.

One day in Orlando or Tampa?

In Orlando, many people enjoy the shopping and theater that this family-friendly destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Tampa, you'll find food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Orlando or Tampa?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Orlando. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

In Tampa, you'll find food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Tampa has to offer.

Five days in Orlando or Tampa?

Orlando is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Orlando. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Tampa is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Tampa?

You'll find food and shopping around the family-friendly destination of Orlando. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tampa. Many people enjoy the food when visiting Tampa. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Orlando or Tampa?

Tampa has a larger population, and is about 56% larger than the population of Orlando. When comparing the sizes of Orlando and Tampa, 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 Tampa?

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 Tampa in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Orlando and Tampa. The summer months attract visitors to Orlando because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tampa this time of year.

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

Tampa receives a lot of rain in the summer. Orlando gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Orlando usually receives around the same amount of rain as Tampa. Orlando gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Tampa receives 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Orlando or Tampa in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Orlando as well as Tampa. The shopping scene are the main draw to Orlando this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Tampa for the city's sights and attractions.

Orlando is around the same temperature as Tampa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Orlando averages around 75°F (24°C) in October, and Tampa fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

Orlando receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Orlando usually gets more rain in October than Tampa. Orlando gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Tampa receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orlando or Tampa in the Winter?

Both Tampa and Orlando are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Orlando for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Tampa in the winter for the cuisine.

In the winter, Orlando is around the same temperature as Tampa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Orlando in January average around 59°F (15°C), and Tampa averages at about 60°F (15°C).

In January, Orlando usually receives around the same amount of rain as Tampa. Orlando gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Tampa receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Orlando or Tampa in the Spring?

Both Tampa and Orlando during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Tampa for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Orlando is generally around the same temperature as Tampa. Daily temperatures in Orlando average around 72°F (22°C), and Tampa fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

Orlando usually gets more rain in April than Tampa. Orlando gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Tampa receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Tampa and Orlando