A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Sarasota vs. Rapid City for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Sarasota or Rapid 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 Rapid 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 relaxing, entertaining, and underrated city. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Rapid City

Rapid City is a activity-filled, friendly, and fascinating city. Visitors also love the museums, food, and hiking.

Sarasota and Rapid City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sarasota or Rapid City?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Rapid City. Although Sarasota and Rapid City are about the same size, Rapid City has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Rapid City is better known for its museums and hiking, while Sarasota is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Sarasota is well known for its sandy beaches and its fun activities. Rapid City is well known for its proximity to Mount Rushmore and many other iconic parks. Also, Rapid City is famous for Mount Rushmore.

How is Sarasota different from Rapid City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rapid 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 Rapid City are world-renowned. You'll find a wide variety of museums and landmarks nearby. Popular places to visit that aren't far from town include the Mammoth Site of Hot Springs, the South Dakota Air & Space Museum, and the Journey Museum & Learning Center. There's also the Museum of Geology and the National Presidential Wax Museum. And of course, there's the iconic Mount Rushmore.

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 the Food Better in Sarasota or Rapid City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at notable restaurants in both Sarasota and Rapid City.

Sarasota has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find plenty of seafood around town, but there are also international restaurants and quirky local joints.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Rapid City area. You'll find local restaurants in town that serve local specialties such as chislic (grilled meat), fry bread, and walleye (a local fish.

Is Sarasota or Rapid City Better for Nightlife?

Sarasota is very good for nightlife and partying. However, Rapid City is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

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

Rapid City is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. You'll find some places with live music and good drinks, but the city isn't really known for its nightlife scene.

Is Sarasota or Rapid City Better for Resorts?

Sarasota is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Rapid City is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Sarasota makes a nice vacation spot. You'll find beachfront resorts with pools and nice views.

Rapid City is not a resort destination.

Is Sarasota or Rapid City Better for Beaches?

Sarasota is very good for the beache. However, Rapid City is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Sarasota to enjoy the beach. 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.

Rapid City is not a beach destination.

Is Sarasota or Rapid City Better for Hiking?

Rapid City is great for hiking. However, Sarasota is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Rapid City for the hiking trails. The region is filled with national parks, state parks, and natural areas with wonderful hiking trails. You don't have to travel far to get into nature and experience some of South Dakota's best natural beauty.

Sarasota is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sarasota or Rapid City?

If you're looking to go shopping, Sarasota and Rapid City both offer plenty of notable spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Sarasota. 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.

Many visitors go to Rapid City to go shopping. Rapid City has some interesting local shops as well as larger malls and shopping centers.

Is Sarasota or Rapid City Better for Families?

Both Sarasota and Rapid City are first-rate family-friendly destinations.

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.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Rapid City is a very family-friendly destination. Nearby national parks and outdoor activities, this is the perfect base for exploring the area with kids. Nearby you'll find the Big Thunder Gold Mine, which has tours and lets you pan for gold, and Custer State Park, which is filled with wildlife. Wall Drug is worth a stopoff, as is Dinosaur Park.

Is Sarasota or Rapid City Better for Couples?

Rapid City is great for its romantic activities. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Rapid City is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples will enjoy the amazing national parks in the area and the easy access to iconic landmarks like Mount Rushmore. There are many opportunities for wildlife spotting as well as great hiking trails and unique landscapes.

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 Rapid City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers visit Rapid City. Backpackers will appreciate the surrounding natural beauty and the nearby national parks.

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 Rapid City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sarasota and Rapid City both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Rapid City. While there are a few buses, this isn't a realistic option for traveling through the region.

Is Sarasota or Rapid City a more walkable city?

Sarasota and Rapid City are respectable when it comes to walkability.

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

Rapid City is generally not very walkable. While the downtown is walkable, most visitors use the city as a base for exploring the surrounding areas, and this requires a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Rapid City or Sarasota?

How long in Sarasota or Rapid City?

It's fun to spend time in either Sarasota or Rapid City. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Sarasota due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Sarasota, and 2-4 days is enough time in Rapid City.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rapid 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 Rapid City.

One day in Sarasota or Rapid City?

With museums and nightlife around the relaxing city of Sarasota, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The city of Rapid City offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Rapid City?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Sarasota, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Rapid City is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Rapid City, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Sarasota or Rapid City?

Sarasota, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Rapid City is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Sarasota or Rapid City?

Sarasota is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Rapid City is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sarasota and Rapid City, we can see that Sarasota is more expensive. And not only is Rapid City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Rapid City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rapid City 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 Sarasota would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sarasota than you might in Rapid City.

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

Which is Bigger, Sarasota or Rapid City?

Rapid City has a larger population, and is about 16% larger than the population of Sarasota. When comparing the sizes of Sarasota and Rapid 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.