A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Tallahassee vs. Asheville for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Tallahassee or Asheville?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tallahassee and Asheville can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Tallahassee

Tallahassee is a youthful, lively, and vibrant city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Asheville

Asheville is a open-minded, eclectic, and outdoorsy mountain town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the nightlife, live music, and food.

Tallahassee and Asheville: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Known for Christmas markets
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Tallahassee or Asheville?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Asheville than Tallahassee. While Tallahassee is larger than Asheville, Asheville has more sights and attractions for tourists. Asheville is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, historical sights, hiking, shopping, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Tallahassee is known for its museums. Asheville is more touristy than Tallahassee and is popular for its fall foliage, artsy downtown, local North Carolina barbecue, and being home to the Biltmore Estate. It is also home to The Biltmore Estate. Tallahassee is popular for its capital building and many universities.

How is Tallahassee different from Asheville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Tallahassee or Asheville?

Tallahassee
Asheville

Tallahassee is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Tallahassee
Asheville

Asheville is a mountain town with good options for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Asheville is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Downtown Asheville is filled with local restaurants that serve everything from brunch to late night snacks. There are many vegan and vegetarian options as well as a number of international restaurants. Popular local dishes include North Carolina barbeque and country ham biscuits.

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 Tallahassee or Asheville Better for Nightlife?

Tallahassee
Asheville

Asheville is great for its evening party scene. Also, Tallahassee is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Many people head to Asheville for the nightlife scene. The city has a fun and eclectic nightlife scene that centers around the city's breweries and live music venues.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Tallahassee. The nightlife scene is mostly centered around the student population. There are many bars and pubs that fill up with students on weekends.

Is Tallahassee or Asheville Better for Music?

Tallahassee
Asheville

Asheville is great for its music scene. However, Tallahassee is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Asheville draws a good crowd. The city has grown into a world famous music destination that holds true to its mountain roots and independent artists.

Tallahassee is not a live music destination.


Is Tallahassee or Asheville Better for Resorts?

Tallahassee
Asheville

Asheville is a mountain town with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Tallahassee is not a resort destination.

Asheville has a few great resort options. The most famous resorts in the area are the Biltmore Estate and the Grove Park Inn. Both offer luxury restaurants and beautiful grounds that are particularly nice during the holidays.

Tallahassee is not a resort destination.

Is Tallahassee or Asheville Better for its Old Town?

Tallahassee
Asheville

Asheville is adequate for its historic old town charm. However, Tallahassee does not have a historic old town.

The old town area in Asheville is worth visiting. Downtown Asheville maintains much of its historic vibe, but it's smaller than some of the more notable old cities around the country.

Tallahassee does not have a historic old town.

Is Tallahassee or Asheville Better for Hiking?

Tallahassee
Asheville

Asheville is great for hiking. However, Tallahassee is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Asheville for the hiking trails. Just outside of town are many great hikes to waterfalls or through the mountains. The hikes range in skill level and length but many pass through local forests or along the beautiful skyline.

Tallahassee is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Tallahassee or Asheville?

Tallahassee
Asheville

Asheville 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 Asheville. The city has many local shops that sell local crafts and independent art. The downtown area is filled with art vendors and you'll find the greatest concentration of shopping along the pedestrian-friendly Lexington Avenue.

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 Tallahassee or Asheville Better for Christmas?

Tallahassee
Asheville

Asheville is great for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Tallahassee does not offer Christmas activities.

Asheville is a very popular destination during Christmas. Head to the Biltmore Estate to see it fully decorated for the Christmas season. It's also worth going to see the winning Gingerbread Houses on display at the Grove Park Inn.

Tallahassee does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Tallahassee or Asheville Better for Christmas Markets?

Tallahassee
Asheville

Asheville is adequate for visiting Christmas markets. However, Tallahassee does not offer Christmas markets.

During the holidays, visitors often browse through the Christmas markets in Asheville. There are a handful of local Christmas shops around town where you can buy personalized gifts.

Tallahassee does not offer Christmas markets.


Is Tallahassee or Asheville Better for Families?

Tallahassee
Asheville

Asheville 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 Asheville. With its beautiful hiking, interesting nature centers, and outdoor adventure activities, this mountain town makes a great kid-friendly destination. There are outdoor adventure parks where kids can zipline or climb. There are also hands on farms and orchards for fruit-picking.

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 Tallahassee or Asheville Better for Couples?

Tallahassee
Asheville

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

Asheville is a great mountain town if you're traveling as a couple. Couples enjoy exploring the beautiful Biltmore Estates or visiting the spa at the Grove Park Inn. The quaint town makes a great honeymoon destination or a nice romantic getaway. There are luxury hotels or intimate bed and breakfasts that offer different options for couples on a romantic trip.

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 Tallahassee or Asheville Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallahassee
Asheville

Asheville is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Tallahassee is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Asheville. The town has an eclectic vibe that backpackers appreciate. There are a few good hostels around town as well as nearby campgrounds that are perfect for budget travelers or hikers.

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


Is Tallahassee or Asheville Better for Students?

Tallahassee
Asheville

For students, both Tallahassee and Asheville are very good places to visit.

Students come from all over to stay in Tallahassee. 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.

Many students visit Asheville. With its progressive personality and charming downtown, students enjoy spending time in this great town.

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

Tallahassee
Asheville

Tallahassee and Asheville both offer decent public transit to get you around.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Asheville. There are buses around town, but almost everyone gets around town with their own vehicle.

Is Tallahassee or Asheville a more walkable city?

Tallahassee
Asheville

Asheville is a mountain town with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for its walkability.

Asheville is a somewhat walkable mountain town. If you stay downtown and don't plan to explore the outlying areas, then it's possible to walk around town. Otherwise, you'll need a car.

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 Tallahassee Worth Visiting? and Is Asheville Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Asheville or Tallahassee?

How long in Tallahassee or Asheville?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Tallahassee and Asheville. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Asheville than in Tallahassee. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Tallahassee, and 2-3 days is enough time in Asheville.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Asheville than Tallahassee 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 Asheville.


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

One day in Tallahassee or Asheville?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Tallahassee. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Tallahassee has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the eclectic mountain town of Asheville. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

A weekend in Tallahassee or Asheville?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the lively destination of Tallahassee. 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.

Visitors enjoy the live music and food when visiting the progressive destination of Asheville. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This mountain town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Tallahassee or Asheville?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the youthful city of Tallahassee. 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.

The eclectic mountain town of Asheville offers food and shopping. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.


A week in Tallahassee or Asheville?

Tallahassee 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.

Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Asheville. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


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.


Which place is cheaper, Asheville or Tallahassee?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Tallahassee is $156, while the average daily cost in Asheville is $133. 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 Tallahassee and Asheville in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Tallahassee or Asheville? 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 Tallahassee


Hotels in Asheville


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: Tallahassee Hotel Prices and Asheville Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tallahassee $33
    Asheville $14

Is it cheaper to fly into Tallahassee or Asheville?

Prices for flights to both Asheville and Tallahassee 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
    Tallahassee $47
    Asheville $33

Typical Food Prices in Asheville

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


  • Biltmore Estate Entrance Fee
    $60

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Asheville

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

  • Electric Bike Tour of Asheville's Best Pizza: $98
  • Best Pizza E-bike Tour: $111

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tallahassee $12
    Asheville $16

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Asheville

Here are a few typical costs in Asheville for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Massage
    $40

Tours and Activities in Asheville

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

  • (3 HR) Guided Safari Jeep Mile-High & Waterfall Adventure: $100
  • (3 HR) Off-Road UTV Wilderness Adventure : $175
  • (4 HR) UTV Sunset, Waterfall, and Eco Elk Wilderness Adventure : $275
  • 2.5-Hour Blue Ridge Parkway Guided Jeep Tour: $99
  • Amazing Asheville Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
  • Asheville Child-Focused Mountain and Waterfall Tour: $250
  • Asheville Coffee Tours: $65
  • Asheville Ghost Tour: A Walk Through Riverside Cemetery & Montford Neighborhood: $27
  • Asheville Historic Downtown Guided Electric Bike Tour with Scenic Views: $75
  • Asheville Historic Highlights: Self-Guided Walking Tour: $8.49
  • Asheville Insider Guided Walking Tour: $35
  • Asheville Night-Time Walking Ghost Tour : $27

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tallahassee $53
    Asheville $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Asheville

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

  • Terrors, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Ultimate Late Night Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Asheville Terrors Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl: $39
  • Expert-Led Brewery Walking Tour with Beer Samples: $65
  • Downtown Asheville Guided Brewery Walking Tour: $69
  • 3-Hour Guided Walking Brewery Tour Through Downtown Asheville: $69
  • Electric Bike Brewery Crawl of Asheville: $74
  • Guided Craft Brewery Tour with a Snack: $99
  • Asheville Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $105


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tallahassee and Asheville, we can see that Tallahassee is more expensive. And not only is Asheville much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Asheville would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Asheville 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 Tallahassee would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tallahassee than you might in Asheville.

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


Which is Bigger, Tallahassee or Asheville?

Tallahassee has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Asheville. When comparing the sizes of Tallahassee and Asheville, 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 Tallahassee or Asheville?

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 Tallahassee or Asheville in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tallahassee as well as Asheville. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tallahassee this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Asheville for the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Asheville. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tallahassee this time of the year. In the summer, Tallahassee often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Asheville. Tallahassee gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Asheville receives 268 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Asheville. Tallahassee receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tallahassee usually gets more rain in July than Asheville. Tallahassee gets 8.9 inches (227 mm) of rain, while Asheville receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Tallahassee or Asheville in the Autumn?

Both Asheville and Tallahassee are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tallahassee for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Asheville in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Tallahassee is a little warmer than Asheville in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tallahassee averages around 69°F (20°C) in October, and Asheville fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

It's quite sunny in Asheville. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tallahassee. Tallahassee usually receives more sunshine than Asheville during autumn. Tallahassee gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Asheville receives 229 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Tallahassee usually receives less rain than Asheville. Tallahassee gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Asheville receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Tallahassee is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tallahassee 69°F (20°C) 
    Asheville 64°F (18°C)

Should I visit Tallahassee or Asheville in the Winter?

Both Asheville and Tallahassee during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tallahassee in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Asheville for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Tallahassee is much warmer than Asheville. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tallahassee in January average around 51°F (11°C), and Asheville averages at about 44°F (7°C).

In the winter, Tallahassee often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Asheville. Tallahassee gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Asheville receives 176 hours of full sun.

Asheville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Tallahassee usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Asheville. Tallahassee gets 3.7 inches (95 mm) of rain, while Asheville receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tallahassee 51°F (11°C) 
    Asheville 44°F (7°C)

Should I visit Tallahassee or Asheville in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallahassee and Asheville. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Asheville because of the natural beauty.

In April, Tallahassee is generally around the same temperature as Asheville. Daily temperatures in Tallahassee average around 67°F (19°C), and Asheville fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Asheville this time of the year. In Tallahassee, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tallahassee usually receives more sunshine than Asheville during spring. Tallahassee gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Asheville receives 266 hours of full sun in the spring.

Asheville receives a lot of rain in the spring. Tallahassee gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Tallahassee usually receives less rain than Asheville. Tallahassee gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Asheville receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Tallahassee.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tallahassee 67°F (19°C) 
    Asheville 64°F (18°C)

Typical Weather for Asheville and Tallahassee

Tallahassee Asheville
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (121 mm) 47°F (8°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm)
Mar 60°F (16°C) 5.9 inches (151 mm) 55°F (13°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Apr 67°F (19°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 64°F (18°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm)
May 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 6.6 inches (168 mm) 79°F (26°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.9 inches (227 mm) 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (175 mm) 81°F (27°C) 4.6 inches (118 mm)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 6.7 inches (169 mm) 75°F (24°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Oct 69°F (20°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Nov 60°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Dec 54°F (12°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 47°F (8°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)