A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Saint Augustine vs. Tallahassee for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Saint Augustine or Tallahassee?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Augustine or Tallahassee, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine is a colonial, historic, and notable city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Tallahassee

Tallahassee is a vibrant, youthful, and lively city. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Saint Augustine and Tallahassee: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Saint Augustine or Tallahassee?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Saint Augustine than Tallahassee, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Saint Augustine is more touristy than Tallahassee and is popular for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States. Also, Saint Augustine is famous for the Colonial Quarter. Tallahassee is well known for its capital building and many universities.

How is Saint Augustine different from Tallahassee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Augustine or Tallahassee?

Saint Augustine
Tallahassee

Both Saint Augustine and Tallahassee have high quality landmarks and museums for visitors.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Saint Augustine can be an interesting and educational experience. It's history is brought to life with many monuments and museums. The Lightner Museum, the Old Jail Museum, the Lincolnville Museum, and Castillo De San Marcos are among the city's most notable sights. Also worth a visit is the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Tallahassee. 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.


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

Saint Augustine
Tallahassee

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

Saint Augustine has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The food scene is influenced by the long history of the city. You'll find flavors that are influenced by Spanish, African, and Native American cultures. There are several popular dishes around town such as fried shrimp, clam chowder, and shrimp and grits.

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 Saint Augustine or Tallahassee Better for Nightlife?

Saint Augustine
Tallahassee

It's hard to distinguish whether Saint Augustine or Tallahassee has a better nightlife scene.

Saint Augustine has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are wineries, pubs, live music venues, and a number of activities that take advantage of the outdoor setting.

If you're looking for night time activities Tallahassee has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is mostly centered around the student population. There are many bars and pubs that fill up with students on weekends.

Is Saint Augustine or Tallahassee Better for Beaches?

Saint Augustine
Tallahassee

Saint Augustine is great for the beach. However, Tallahassee is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Saint Augustine attract visitors from all over. Head to the beach to relax and swim. There are miles of sandy beach nearby, with some of the most popular being Ponte Vedra Beach, known for its golf courses, Vilano Beach, with its charming atmosphere, and the scenic Anastasia State Park.

Tallahassee is not a beach destination.


Is Saint Augustine or Tallahassee Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine
Tallahassee

Saint Augustine is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Tallahassee does not have a historic old town.

Saint Augustine offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. As the longest running, continuously occupied city in the United States, the Historic Downtown is at the heart of the city. It's filled with quaint restaurants, historic hotels, and charming streets. You can take carriage rides or wander through the historic sites. Many of the buildings date back to the 1700s and offer a glimpse into Florida's past.

Tallahassee does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Augustine or Tallahassee?

Saint Augustine
Tallahassee

Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine. The Historic Downtown has unique art galleries and boutiques. St. George Street is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir and Aviles Street is the oldest street in the United States. It's also filled with artisan boutiques. Plaza de la ConstituciĆ³n is known for its long running public market and it often has live entertainment.

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 Saint Augustine or Tallahassee Better for Families?

Saint Augustine
Tallahassee

Saint Augustine is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Tallahassee is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Saint Augustine. Kids will love the Alligator Farm but there's also a surprisingly fascinating archaeological park - The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. The Colonial Quarter is fun for all ages as well, as is a visit to Fort Castillo De San Marcos. If you have some time, head outside of town to the Marineland Dolphin Adventure, which is well worth the trip.

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 Saint Augustine or Tallahassee Better for Couples?

Saint Augustine
Tallahassee

Saint Augustine is great for couples. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for romance.

Saint Augustine is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The Ancient City has a charm that is unique in Florida. There is beautiful architecture and a historical atmosphere that is romantic and genuine. You can enjoy a carriage ride and then sample some local cuisine before heading to the beach.

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 Saint Augustine or Tallahassee Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Saint Augustine
Tallahassee

Tallahassee is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Saint Augustine is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Tallahassee. The student population creates an environment that is welcoming to backpackers. There's also a hostel in town with affordable rooms.

Saint Augustine is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a hostel in town as well as a couple of affordable inns.

Is Saint Augustine or Tallahassee Better for Students?

Saint Augustine
Tallahassee

Tallahassee is a great destination for students. However, Saint Augustine is not popular with students.

Tallahassee is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

Saint Augustine is not popular with students.


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

Saint Augustine
Tallahassee

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Saint Augustine and Tallahassee.

Public transit is generally limited in Saint Augustine. The Old Town Trolley travels through the historic center. There's also a bus service through the region, but you really need a private vehicle to explore everything.

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

Is Saint Augustine or Tallahassee a more walkable city?

Saint Augustine
Tallahassee

Saint Augustine is great for its ease of walking around. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for its walkability.

Saint Augustine is a very walkable destination. It's one of the more walkable cities in the area. Downtown, Uptown, and even near the beach have accessible areas with sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly zones.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Tallahassee or Saint Augustine?

How long in Saint Augustine or Tallahassee?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Saint Augustine or Tallahassee to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Saint Augustine than Tallahassee because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Augustine, and 1-2 days is enough time in Tallahassee.

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

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


  • How many days in Saint Augustine or Tallahassee? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Augustine 3-4 
    Tallahassee 1-2

One day in Saint Augustine or Tallahassee?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the notable city of Saint Augustine. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

The youthful destination of Tallahassee offers shopping and museums. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.


A weekend in Saint Augustine or Tallahassee?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the colonial destination of Saint Augustine. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

The city of Tallahassee offers museums and nightlife. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Saint Augustine or Tallahassee?

The notable city of Saint Augustine offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Saint Augustine or Tallahassee?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Saint Augustine. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Tallahassee. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Tallahassee or Saint Augustine?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Augustine is $159, while the average daily cost in Tallahassee is $156. 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 Saint Augustine and Tallahassee in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Augustine $86
    Tallahassee $89
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Augustine $172
    Tallahassee $178
Compare Hotels in Saint Augustine and Tallahassee

Looking for a hotel in Saint Augustine or Tallahassee? 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 Saint Augustine


Hotels in Tallahassee


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: Saint Augustine Hotel Prices and Tallahassee Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Augustine $39
    Tallahassee $33

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Augustine or Tallahassee?

Prices for flights to both Tallahassee and Saint Augustine 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
    Saint Augustine $49
    Tallahassee $47

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Augustine

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

  • Cooking Class/Dinner W/ Celebrity French Chef OR Private Chef Ser: $105
  • Feast of Saint Augustine Walking Food Tour: $139

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Augustine $18
    Tallahassee $12

Tours and Activities in Saint Augustine

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

  • Arcimoto Electric Vehicle Adventure Rental in St. Augustine: $96
  • 1-Hour Your Studiyo Admission Ticket: $34
  • : Step back in time with pastime private historical tours: $38
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour of St Augustine's Twisted History: $20
  • Adventure Boat Tours - Ghost Boat - Boo Cruise: $40
  • Adventure Boat Tours - Sunset Water Tour in St. Augustine: $38
  • Adventure Meets History Tour in St Augustine: $89
  • Afterlife Tours- Beyond the Grave Tour: $25
  • Airboat Adventure in Saint Augustine with a Guide: $80
  • Bay to City Nights of Lights Tour by Boat and Cart: $150
  • Best of St. Augustine with Scenic Cruise: $193
  • Bones Under Us, Ghost Tour with Archeology: $30

Tours and Activities in Tallahassee

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

  • Luxury Picnic Experience at Pedrick Pond Park: $120
  • Experience Tranquility with a Picnic at Pedrick Pond Park: $120
  • Tallahassee Tranquility: A Scenic Walking Tour: $192
  • Tallahassee Delights: A Christmas Tour Through Art and Parks: $247
  • Tallahassee Tranquility: A Scenic Walking Tour: $375
  • Tallahassee Delights: A Christmas Tour Through Art and Parks: $482

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Augustine $25
    Tallahassee $53

Sample the Local Flavors in Saint Augustine

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Saint Augustine:

  • The Original Haunted Pub Tour: $24
  • St. Augustine Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Ghosts and Spirits of St Augustine Pub Crawl Tour: $39
  • Toast of St. Augustine Walking Pub Crawl - drinks included: $63


When comparing the travel costs between Saint Augustine and Tallahassee, we can see that Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine Expensive? and Is Tallahassee Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Augustine or Tallahassee?

Tallahassee has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Saint Augustine. When comparing the sizes of Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine or Tallahassee?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Tallahassee in the Summer?

Both Tallahassee and Saint Augustine during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint Augustine this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Tallahassee for the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Tallahassee, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Augustine. In the summer, Saint Augustine often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Tallahassee. Saint Augustine gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tallahassee receives 283 hours of full sun.

Tallahassee gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Augustine. Saint Augustine usually gets less rain in July than Tallahassee. Saint Augustine gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Tallahassee receives 8.9 inches (227 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Augustine 82°F (28°C) 
    Tallahassee 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Tallahassee in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Augustine and Tallahassee. Many travelers come to Saint Augustine for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Tallahassee in the autumn for the shopping scene.

Saint Augustine is around the same temperature as Tallahassee in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Tallahassee fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tallahassee this time of the year. In Saint Augustine, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Augustine usually receives less sunshine than Tallahassee during autumn. Saint Augustine gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Tallahassee receives 256 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Augustine usually receives around the same amount of rain as Tallahassee. Saint Augustine gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Tallahassee receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Saint Augustine is June to November. The hurricane season in Tallahassee is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Augustine 70°F (21°C) 
    Tallahassee 69°F (20°C)

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Tallahassee in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Augustine as well as Tallahassee. Many visitors come to Saint Augustine in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Tallahassee for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Saint Augustine is around the same temperature as Tallahassee. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Augustine in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Tallahassee averages at about 51°F (11°C).

In the winter, Saint Augustine often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Tallahassee. Saint Augustine gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tallahassee receives 185 hours of full sun.

Saint Augustine usually gets less rain in January than Tallahassee. Saint Augustine gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Tallahassee receives 3.7 inches (95 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Augustine 53°F (12°C) 
    Tallahassee 51°F (11°C)

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Tallahassee in the Spring?

Both Tallahassee and Saint Augustine are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Saint Augustine for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Saint Augustine is generally around the same temperature as Tallahassee. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 68°F (20°C), and Tallahassee fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

It's quite sunny in Tallahassee. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Augustine. Saint Augustine usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Tallahassee during spring. Saint Augustine gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Tallahassee receives 295 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tallahassee. In April, Saint Augustine usually receives less rain than Tallahassee. Saint Augustine gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Tallahassee receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Augustine. June to November is the hurricane season in Tallahassee.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Augustine 68°F (20°C) 
    Tallahassee 67°F (19°C)

Typical Weather for Tallahassee and Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine Tallahassee
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 51°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (121 mm)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 60°F (16°C) 5.9 inches (151 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 67°F (19°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 80°F (27°C) 6.6 inches (168 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 82°F (28°C) 8.9 inches (227 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 82°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (175 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 78°F (26°C) 6.7 inches (169 mm)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 69°F (20°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 60°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 54°F (12°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)