A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Saint Augustine vs. Tampa for Food, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Saint Augustine or Tampa?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Augustine or Tampa, 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 beaches, shopping, and museums.

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. It's also known for food and beaches.

Saint Augustine and Tampa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Augustine or Tampa?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Saint Augustine than Tampa, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Saint Augustine is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Tampa is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling and big city activities. Saint Augustine is more touristy than Tampa and is popular for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States. Also, Saint Augustine is famous for the Colonial Quarter. Tampa is well known for its amusement parks, wildlife parks, and popularity as a cruise ship port.

How is Saint Augustine different from Tampa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Tampa 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 Tampa?

Saint Augustine is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

Saint Augustine offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

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.

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 Saint Augustine or Tampa Better for Nightlife?

Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine. There are wineries, pubs, live music venues, and a number of activities that take advantage of the outdoor setting.

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 Saint Augustine or Tampa Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tampa is a city with a few options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Saint Augustine is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Tampa has a few snorkeling spots. 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.

Saint Augustine is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Saint Augustine or Tampa Better for Beaches?

Both Saint Augustine and Tampa have very good beaches worth visiting.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Saint Augustine. 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.

The beaches at Tampa attract visitors from all over. Popular beaches near Tampa include Ben T. Davis Beach, Fred Howard Park, and Indian Rocks Beach.

Is Saint Augustine or Tampa Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Tampa 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.

Tampa does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Augustine or Tampa?

Saint Augustine 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 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 Constitución is known for its long running public market and it often has live entertainment.

Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Saint Augustine or Tampa Better for Families?

Saint Augustine and Tampa are both very good destinations for the whole family.

Saint Augustine is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Tampa is very family-friendly. 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 Saint Augustine or Tampa Better for Couples?

Saint Augustine is an excellent place to visit for couples. However, Tampa is lacking in options for romance.

Saint Augustine makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

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

Saint Augustine 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 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 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 Saint Augustine or Tampa a more walkable city?

Saint Augustine is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Tampa is lacking in options 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.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Tampa or Saint Augustine?

How long in Saint Augustine or Tampa?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint Augustine and Tampa. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Saint Augustine than in Tampa. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Augustine, and 2-3 days is enough time in Tampa.

Families should spend more time in Saint Augustine than Tampa. 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 Tampa. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine.

One day in Saint Augustine or Tampa?

In Saint Augustine, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

The easy-going destination of Tampa offers food. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Saint Augustine or Tampa?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Augustine. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

The city of Tampa offers food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Tampa?

Saint Augustine is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Saint Augustine. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Tampa is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Tampa?

You'll find food and shopping around the notable destination of Saint Augustine. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many people enjoy the food when visiting Tampa. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Saint Augustine or Tampa?

Tampa has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Saint Augustine. When comparing the sizes of Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine or Tampa?

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 Tampa in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint Augustine as well as Tampa. Many visitors come to Saint Augustine in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Tampa for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tampa. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Augustine this time of the year. In the summer, Saint Augustine often gets more sunshine than Tampa. Saint Augustine gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tampa receives 265 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Tampa. Saint Augustine receives a lot of rain in the summer. Saint Augustine usually gets less rain in July than Tampa. Saint Augustine gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Tampa receives 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Tampa in the Autumn?

Both Tampa and Saint Augustine are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Saint Augustine for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Tampa because of the city's sights and attractions.

Saint Augustine is cooler than Tampa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Tampa fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Tampa. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Augustine. Saint Augustine usually receives less sunshine than Tampa during autumn. Saint Augustine gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Tampa receives 234 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Augustine usually receives more rain than Tampa. Saint Augustine gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Tampa receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Saint Augustine is June to November.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Tampa in the Winter?

Both Tampa and Saint Augustine during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Saint Augustine because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the cuisine are the main draw to Tampa this time of year.

In the winter, Saint Augustine is cooler than Tampa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Augustine in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Tampa averages at about 60°F (15°C).

In Tampa, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Saint Augustine often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Tampa. Saint Augustine gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tampa receives 200 hours of full sun.

Saint Augustine usually gets more rain in January than Tampa. Saint Augustine gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Tampa receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Tampa in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Augustine and Tampa. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Saint Augustine this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Tampa for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Saint Augustine is generally around the same temperature as Tampa. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 68°F (20°C), and Tampa fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tampa this time of the year. In Saint Augustine, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Augustine usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Tampa during spring. Saint Augustine gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Tampa receives 299 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Augustine usually receives more rain than Tampa. Saint Augustine gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Tampa receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Augustine.

Typical Weather for Tampa and Saint Augustine