A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Sarasota vs. New York City for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Sarasota or New York City?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Sarasota and New York City. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Sarasota

Sarasota is a underrated, relaxing, and entertaining city. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping. See Sarasota travel costs.

New York City

New York City is a energetic, cosmopolitan, and one-of-a-kind city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. New York City is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping. See New York City travel costs.

Sarasota and New York City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sarasota or New York City?

Tourists will generally find more to do in New York City than Sarasota. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. New York City is very popular for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, christmas markets, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Sarasota attracts visitors for its resorts and beaches. New York City is more touristy than Sarasota and is known for its high-reaching skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, world-class theater scene, and endless energy. It is also well known for The Statue of Liberty. Sarasota is famous for its sandy beaches and its fun activities.

How is Sarasota different from New York City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Sarasota or New York City?

New York City is renowned for its historical sights. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in New York City are world-renowned. The sights and museums around the city are too numerous to list, but some of the most famous include the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. This is a city that is filled with iconic landmarks and you could spend weeks here and still not see it all.

Sarasota offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are some decent museums in town such as the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the Sarasota Classic Car Museum, and the Ca' da'Zan. Another highlight is the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium.

Is Sarasota or New York City Better for Theater?

New York City is renowned for its theatre productions. However, Sarasota is not a theatre destination.

New York City is considered to be a world-class theater destination. Visiting Broadway is a quintessential NYC experience. Whether you enjoy the theater or simply want to experience something new, seeing a Broadway show is a true bucket list activity.

Sarasota is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Sarasota or New York City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New York City is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through New York City, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city has a diverse variety of restaurants, with everything from local dives to Michelin star options. There are many neighborhoods that are notable for their ethnic cuisine, particularly Little Italy and Chinatown. Quintessential NYC dishes include NYC pizza, NYC hot dogs, bagels, and Chinese dim sum.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Sarasota area. You'll find plenty of seafood around town, but there are also international restaurants and quirky local joints.

Is Sarasota or New York City Better for Nightlife?

New York City is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

New York City is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. Known as the city that never sleeps, you can be assured that NYC has some of the best nightlife in the world. There are world class bars and clubs, but also local venues that have a more relaxed atmosphere. Several famous clubs include Paul's Cocktail Lounge, Le Bain, and Avant Gardner.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Sarasota. You'll find beach clubs, live entertainment such as drum circles, and plenty of bars around town. There are also evening cruises and late night parties.

Is Sarasota or New York City Better for Music?

New York City is renowned for its live music scene. However, Sarasota is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in New York City. Popular music venues include Music Hall of Williamsburg, Radio City Music Hall, Beacon Theatre, and Forest Hills Stadium.

Sarasota is not a live music destination.

Is Sarasota or New York City Better for Resorts?

Sarasota is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, New York City is not a resort destination.

Sarasota has a handful of resorts to choose from. You'll find beachfront resorts with pools and nice views.

New York City is not a resort destination.

Is Sarasota or New York City Better for Beaches?

Sarasota is a good destination for its beaches. However, New York City is not a beach destination.

Sarasota offers a nice beach destination. There's no shortage of beaches in the area where you can spend a relaxing day playing the water and lounging in the sun. Siesta Key, Sarasota Gay Beach, Crescent Beach, and Coquina Beach are some of the favorites.

New York City is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sarasota or New York City?

New York City is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, New York City draws large crowds to its stores. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Head for Fifth Avenue for high end shopping or check out any of the many street markets for local items. New York is known for its many flea markets where you can find vintage items at a good price. And if you're looking to pick up a souvenir shirt or knick knack, there are plenty of souvenir shops around town as well.

Many visitors go to Sarasota to go shopping. Upscale shopping can be found at St. Armand's Circle. There's also Sarasota Square Mall and the Mall at University Town Center. If you want to pick up some local items you can check out Sarasota Farmers Market.

Is Sarasota or New York City More Beautiful?

New York City is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Sarasota is not a destination known for its beauty.

New York City is a beautiful place to visit, too. The beauty of the skyline at night or the views from the top of the Empire State Building will take your breath away.

Sarasota is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Sarasota or New York City Better for Families?

Sarasota is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, New York City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Sarasota is very family-friendly. There's a huge number of hands on activities for kids and families in the area. Many families enjoy a visit to Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. There are also botanical gardens, science museums, and outdoor adventure centers. Animal lovers will appreciate a visit to Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary. The city also has many performing arts and entertainment options for kids. And make sure you check out the museum dedicated to the Ringling Brothers Circus.

New York City is a very kid-friendly city. The city has many activities for kids of all ages including world class museums, beautifully designed playgrounds, and theater shows designed just for young ones. There are many kid-friendly restaurants as well and older kids will enjoy visiting the iconic landmarks in this world-class city.

Is Sarasota or New York City Better for Couples?

New York City is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

New York City is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. From a beautiful carriage ride through Central Park, to a romantic river cruise at night, there is an endless list of unique activities that couples can enjoy in the city. Whether you're interested in theater, the arts, music, or nightlife, this city has it all.

Sarasota is a good city for couples to visit. A night out at St. Armands Circle is a fun way to spend the evening. There are also sunset cruises, nice restaurants, comedy clubs, and more.

Is Sarasota or New York City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

New York City is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Sarasota is not a good destination for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit New York City. It isn't a particularly budget-friendly destination, but it does get its share of backpackers, so you'll find a nice list of hostels and affordable hangouts that are perfect for the backpacker crowd. This is probably one of the most popular cities for backpackers in the entire United States.

Sarasota is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are budget friendly places to stay, but there isn't a large backpacker or young crowd hanging around.

Is Sarasota or New York City Better for Students?

New York City is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Sarasota is not popular with students.

New York City is a very popular place to visit for students. The city has a diverse population, and international students will feel right at home here exploring the city. There are also plenty of major universities including NYU, Columbia University, and Cornell University.

Sarasota is not popular with students.

Is Sarasota or New York City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

New York City is renowned for times when you don't have a car. However, Sarasota is not a good destination for its public transit.

New York City has a great public transit system. The city has one of the largest subway systems in the world. There's also an elaborate bus system, ferry system, and yellow taxis all around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Sarasota. There's a bus system around town but most visitors depend on their own car for transportation.

Is Sarasota or New York City a more walkable city?

New York City is renowned for its high level of walkability. However, Sarasota is not a good destination for its ease of walking around.

New York City is a very easy city to get around on foot. The majority of the neighborhoods in Manhattan are very walkable and easy to explore on foot. Most people prefer not to drive here as it can be overwhelming and chaotic.

Sarasota is generally not very walkable. While the downtown has some walkable parts, you'll need a car to access most things around town.

For even more information, also check out Is Sarasota Worth Visiting? and Is New York City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in New York City or Sarasota?

How long in Sarasota or New York City?

Both Sarasota and New York City have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in New York City than in Sarasota. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Sarasota, and 3-7 days is enough time in New York City.

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

Couples should spend more time in New York City than Sarasota. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in New York City that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in New York City than Sarasota 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 New York City.

One day in Sarasota or New York City?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the relaxing destination of Sarasota. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

New York City is a big city with plenty to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Sarasota or New York City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sarasota. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

New York City is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Sarasota or New York City?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the entertaining destination of Sarasota. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

New York City is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in New York City, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Sarasota or New York City?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Sarasota. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

New York City is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that New York City has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.

When comparing the travel costs between Sarasota and New York City, we can see that New York City 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 Sarasota Expensive? and Is New York City Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Sarasota or New York City?

New York City has a larger population, and is about 150 times larger than the population of Sarasota. When comparing the sizes of Sarasota and New York City, 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 Sarasota or New York City?

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 Sarasota or New York City in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sarasota and New York City. The summer months attract visitors to Sarasota because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to New York City this time of year.

In July, Sarasota is generally a little warmer than New York City. Daily temperatures in Sarasota average around 82°F (28°C), and New York City fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

New York City receives a lot of rain in the summer. Sarasota gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Sarasota usually receives more rain than New York City. Sarasota gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Sarasota or New York City in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Sarasota as well as New York City. The shopping scene are the main draw to Sarasota this time of year. Also, many travelers come to New York City for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Sarasota is much warmer than New York City in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sarasota averages around 76°F (24°C) in October, and New York City fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

Sarasota usually gets less rain in October than New York City. Sarasota gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while New York City 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 Sarasota.

Should I visit Sarasota or New York City in the Winter?

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

New York City can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Sarasota is much warmer than New York City. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sarasota in January average around 59°F (15°C), and New York City averages at about 31°F (-1°C).

In January, Sarasota usually receives less rain than New York City. Sarasota gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Sarasota or New York City in the Spring?

Both New York City and Sarasota during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Sarasota in the spring for the beaches. Furthermore, most visitors come to New York City for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Sarasota is generally much warmer than New York City. Daily temperatures in Sarasota average around 73°F (23°C), and New York City fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

Sarasota usually gets less rain in April than New York City. Sarasota gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 3.8 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Sarasota is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for New York City and Sarasota