A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Pensacola vs. Baltimore for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Pensacola or Baltimore?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Pensacola and Baltimore can help you decide which place is right for you.

Pensacola

Pensacola is a active, entertaining, and fun-filled beach town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a vibrant, diverse, and colorful city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Pensacola and Baltimore: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in Pensacola or Baltimore?

You'll generally find more things to do in Baltimore than Pensacola. Baltimore is bigger than Pensacola, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Baltimore is better known for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Pensacola is more popular for its resorts, beaches, and hiking. Pensacola is more touristy than Baltimore and is known for its white sand beaches and long running naval history. Baltimore is well known for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities. Also, Baltimore is famous for the National Aquarium.

How is Pensacola different from Baltimore?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Pensacola or Baltimore?

Pensacola
Baltimore

Baltimore is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Pensacola is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Baltimore specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Pensacola. On a rainy day there are some nice museums in the area. You can visit the National Naval Aviation Museum, the Historic Pensacola Village, the Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum, or Pensacola Children's Museum.


Is the Food Better in Pensacola or Baltimore? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Pensacola
Baltimore

Foodies will find both Pensacola and Baltimore both to be very good destinations.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Pensacola. You'll find no shortage of seafood options around town. Oysters, shrimp, and fresh fish are popular on the menus. You'll also find lots of Cajun flavors as well as casual sandwiches and pizza.

Baltimore has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

Is Pensacola or Baltimore Better for Nightlife?

Pensacola
Baltimore

Baltimore is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Pensacola is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its evening party scene.

Baltimore has plenty to do after the sun goes down. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Pensacola. There's a casual nightlife scene with pubs, live music, and a mellow but fun setting.

Is Pensacola or Baltimore Better for Resorts?

Pensacola
Baltimore

Pensacola is well known for its resorts. However, Baltimore is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Pensacola. Family-friendly resorts with pools, waterslides, and lazy rivers are common. You'll also find beachfront hotels and more affordable options set back from the beach.

Baltimore is not a resort destination.


Is Pensacola or Baltimore Better for Beaches?

Pensacola
Baltimore

Pensacola is a world-class destination for the beache. However, Baltimore is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Pensacola is a very popular vacation destination. White sand beaches with blue water and mild temperatures make this a wonderful beach destination. Some of the best beaches include Casino Beach, Perdido Key Beach, and Opal Beach.

Baltimore is not a beach destination.

Is Pensacola or Baltimore Better for Hiking?

Pensacola
Baltimore

Pensacola is a beach town with a few options for its hiking experiences. However, Baltimore is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors include a hike while visiting Pensacola. Step away from the beachfront development and you'll find some nice nature parks with quiet walking trails.

Baltimore is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pensacola or Baltimore?

Pensacola
Baltimore

Baltimore is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Pensacola is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its shopping areas.

Baltimore is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

Pensacola has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are sprawling shopping malls and shopping centers as well as local boutiques and quintessential souvenir shops.


Is Pensacola or Baltimore Better for Families?

Pensacola
Baltimore

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Pensacola or Baltimore.

Pensacola is a very kid-friendly beach town. Kid-friendly beaches, minigolf, a zoo, and even a few museums make this a great family destination. There are family-friendly resorts and kid-friendly restaurants that make for an easy vacation that everyone will enjoy.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Baltimore. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

Is Pensacola or Baltimore Better for Couples?

Pensacola
Baltimore

Pensacola is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Pensacola frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Beautiful beaches and sunset cruises make this a great romantic getaway. You'll find great restaurants for a date night and plenty of activity once the sun goes down. During the day you can lounge on the beach or by the pool, sip drinks, and enjoy a vacation with your loved one.

Baltimore is a good beach town for couples to visit. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.

Is Pensacola or Baltimore Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pensacola
Baltimore

Baltimore is very good for backpackers. However, Pensacola is a mediocre beach town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Baltimore is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

Pensacola is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a few budget-friendly places to stay, particularly away from the beach.


Is Pensacola or Baltimore Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Pensacola
Baltimore

Baltimore is notable for its public transit. However, Pensacola is a mediocre beach town for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Baltimore can get you to some places easily. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail system.

Public transit is quite limited in Pensacola. There's a bus system, but it's not particularly helpful to vacationers.

Is Pensacola or Baltimore a more walkable city?

Pensacola
Baltimore

Baltimore is notable for its high level of walkability. However, Pensacola is a mediocre beach town for its ease of walking around.

Baltimore is a very walkable city. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.

Pensacola is generally not a very walkable beach town. It's not a particularly walkable city and you'll want to have a car to fully enjoy your vacation.

For even more information, also check out Is Pensacola Worth Visiting? and Is Baltimore Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Baltimore or Pensacola?

How long in Pensacola or Baltimore?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Baltimore than Pensacola 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 Baltimore.


  • How many days in Pensacola or Baltimore? Ideal Length of Stay
    Pensacola 3-7 
    Baltimore 2-3

One day in Pensacola or Baltimore?

You'll find shopping and museums around the beach town of Pensacola. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Baltimore. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A weekend in Pensacola or Baltimore?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the fun-filled destination of Pensacola. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This beach town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Baltimore. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Pensacola or Baltimore?

You'll find nightlife and food around the active beach town of Pensacola. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this beach town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this beach town has to offer.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic city of Baltimore. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Pensacola or Baltimore?

Pensacola is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Pensacola, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Baltimore is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Baltimore or Pensacola?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Pensacola is $198, while the average daily cost in Baltimore is $184. 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Pensacola and Baltimore in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pensacola $115
    Baltimore $93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pensacola $230
    Baltimore $186
Compare Hotels in Pensacola and Baltimore

Looking for a hotel in Pensacola or Baltimore? 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 Pensacola


Hotels in Baltimore


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: Pensacola Hotel Prices and Baltimore Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pensacola $64
    Baltimore $21
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Pensacola

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Pensacola:


  • Boca Grande Causeway Toll
    $5.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pensacola

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pensacola:

  • Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Destin, FL - Arrival Private Transfer: $71
  • Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Destin, FL - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $142
  • Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Pensacola - Arrival Private Transfer: $55
  • Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Pensacola - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $109
  • Pensacola to Pensacola International Airport (PNS) - Departure Private Transfer: $55

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Baltimore

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Baltimore:

  • Oakland to San Francisco Airport (SFO)-Departure Private Transfer: $44
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Baltimore Washington Airport BWI: $60
  • Baltimore City to Washington City - Private Car Transfer: $63
  • Baltimore Washington Airport (BWI) to Washington - Arrival Private Transfer: $93
  • Arrival Private Transfer Baltimore Airport BWI to Baltimore by Business Vehicle: $111
  • Departure Private Transfer Baltimore to Baltimore Airport BWI - Business Vehicle: $111
  • BWI Airport: Transfer to Baltimore or Washington DC: $150
  • Airport Transfer BWI Airport to Baltimore Downtown Area Only: $160
  • Private Transfer to BWI or Washington DC/Airports: $160
  • Airport transfer to or from Silver Spring, MD & Reagan Airport(DCA): $200
  • Private transfer To or Form Bethesda and Dulles International Airport: $209
  • Airport Transfer Baltimore/Washington International Airport BWI to Washington,DC: $240

Is it cheaper to fly into Pensacola or Baltimore?

Prices for flights to both Baltimore and Pensacola 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
    Pensacola $48
    Baltimore $46
Typical Food Prices in Pensacola

Some typical examples of dining costs in Pensacola are as follows:


  • Two Ice Creams
    $6.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pensacola

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Pensacola.

  • Seville Stroll Food Tour: $72

Typical Food Prices in Baltimore

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Baltimore:


  • Seafood Dinner (for 2) in Fells Point
    $76

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Baltimore

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Baltimore.

  • Inner Harbor Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner: $67
  • Federal Hill Food Tour: $71
  • Little Italy and Jonestown Food Tour: $73
  • Fells Point Food Tour in Baltimore: $74
  • Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $84
  • Christmas Day Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $84
  • Baltimore Signature Dinner Cruise: $101
  • Baltimore Buffet Dinner/Dance Cruise of the Inner Harbor: $119
  • Baltimore Father's Day Buffet Dinner Cruise : $126
  • Baltimore New Year's Eve Buffet Dinner Cruise: $251

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Pensacola $13
    Baltimore $18
Typical Entertainment Prices in Pensacola

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Pensacola are as follows:


  • Bike Rental
    $16

Tours and Activities in Pensacola

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Pensacola are as follows:

  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Pensacola by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Pensacola by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Public Dolphin & Scenic Bay Sightseeing Cruise, Pensacola FL: $30
  • Penscola Most Haunted: Ghost Tour and Scavenger Hunt: $30
  • Ghosts and Graveyard Tour of Pensacola: $34
  • Hop-on Hop-off Tour in Pensacola : $35
  • Frisky Mermaid Public Dolphin + Sightseeing Cruise Up to 49 Pax: $37
  • Pensacola Beach Jolly Dolphin Cruise and Scenic Bay Tour: $39
  • Pensacola Shared Trolley Ghost and Mystery Tour: $45
  • Seville Haunted Luncheon and Ghost Tour: $50
  • Land Paddle Tour in Pensacola: $50
  • Seville Quarter Haunted Ghost Tour, Investigation, and Luncheon: $50

Tours and Activities in Baltimore

Here are a few actual costs in Baltimore for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Self-guided Waterfall Hiking Tour through Great Falls National Park: $5.00
  • Downtown Baltimore In-App Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Historic & Cultural Baltimore Self-Driving Audio Guided Tour: $14
  • Antietam National Battlefield Self-Guided Driving Tour: $15
  • Historical Baltimore Self-Driving Sightseeing Audio Tour: $17
  • Baltimore Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • The Original Fells Point Ghost Walk by Baltimore Ghost Tours: $24
  • Baltimore Ghosts By US Ghost Adventures: $24
  • Baltimore's Cruise ship Tour-shuttle service: $25
  • Inner Harbor Sightseeing Cruise: $28
  • Baltimore Harbor Tour: $28
  • The Original Fells Point Ghost Walk by Baltimore Ghost Tours: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pensacola $44
    Baltimore $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Pensacola

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

  • Walking Pub Tour : $21

Sample the Local Flavors in Baltimore

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

  • Original Fells Point Haunted Pub Tour by Baltimore Ghost Tours: $33
  • Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • From Patapsco Region Wine Tour with Lunch: $175


When comparing the travel costs between Pensacola and Baltimore, we can see that Pensacola is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Pensacola or Baltimore?

Baltimore has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Pensacola. When comparing the sizes of Pensacola and Baltimore, 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 Pensacola or Baltimore?

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 Pensacola or Baltimore in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Pensacola and Baltimore. The summer months attract visitors to Pensacola because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Baltimore this time of year.

Pensacola is around the same temperature as Baltimore in the summer. The daily temperature in Pensacola averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Baltimore fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

Baltimore receives a lot of rain in the summer. Pensacola gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Pensacola usually receives more rain than Baltimore. Pensacola gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Baltimore receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Pensacola 82°F (28°C) 
    Baltimore 78°F (25°C)

Should I visit Pensacola or Baltimore in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Pensacola as well as Baltimore. The hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Pensacola this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Baltimore for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Pensacola is a little warmer than Baltimore. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pensacola in October average around 69°F (21°C), and Baltimore averages at about 57°F (14°C).

Pensacola receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Pensacola usually gets more rain in October than Baltimore. Pensacola gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Baltimore receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Pensacola is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Pensacola 69°F (21°C) 
    Baltimore 57°F (14°C)

Should I visit Pensacola or Baltimore in the Winter?

Both Baltimore and Pensacola are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Pensacola for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Baltimore in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Baltimore can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Pensacola is generally much warmer than Baltimore. Daily temperatures in Pensacola average around 51°F (10°C), and Baltimore fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

It's quite rainy in Pensacola. In January, Pensacola usually receives more rain than Baltimore. Pensacola gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Baltimore receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Pensacola 51°F (10°C) 
    Baltimore 32°F (0°C)

Should I visit Pensacola or Baltimore in the Spring?

Both Baltimore and Pensacola during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Pensacola in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Baltimore for the activities around the city during these months.

Pensacola is much warmer than Baltimore in the spring. The daily temperature in Pensacola averages around 67°F (20°C) in April, and Baltimore fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

Pensacola usually gets more rain in April than Baltimore. Pensacola gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Baltimore receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Pensacola.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Pensacola 67°F (20°C) 
    Baltimore 54°F (12°C)

Typical Weather for Baltimore and Pensacola

Pensacola Baltimore
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (10°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 32°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 35°F (2°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Mar 60°F (16°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Apr 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 7.4 inches (189 mm) 78°F (25°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.4 inches (188 mm) 76°F (25°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Oct 69°F (21°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Nov 61°F (16°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 47°F (9°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Dec 54°F (12°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 37°F (3°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)