A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Tallahassee vs. Carmel-by-the-Sea for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Tallahassee or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 lively, vibrant, and youthful city. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a quaint, charming, and picturesque town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and beaches.

Tallahassee and Carmel-by-the-Sea: Pros and Cons

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
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Pebble Beach Golf Course
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Tallahassee or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Although Tallahassee and Carmel-by-the-Sea are popular destinations, Carmel-by-the-Sea has more sights and attractions for tourists. Carmel-by-the-Sea is very popular for its food, beaches, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Tallahassee attracts visitors for its museums and nightlife. Carmel-by-the-Sea is more touristy than Tallahassee and is popular for its storybook architecture, its opulent setting, and its popularity with golf enthusiasts. It is also well known for Pebble Beach Golf Course. Tallahassee is famous for its capital building and many universities.

How is Tallahassee different from Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Tallahassee
Carmel-by-the-Sea

Tallahassee is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The Carmel Mission is a beautiful and fascinating Spanish mission that dates back to 1770. It's also well worth visiting the nearby Pebble Beach Golf Course. There are also a few fairytale style cottages in the area with some of the most notable being the Hansel cottage, the Gretel cottage, and the Tuck Box cottage.


Is the Food Better in Tallahassee or Carmel-by-the-Sea? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Tallahassee
Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Carmel-by-the-Sea has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. For such a small town there is a huge number of bistros and local cafes. Seafood is popular, but you'll also find international restaurants and more casual eateries.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Nightlife?

Tallahassee
Carmel-by-the-Sea

Tallahassee is a city with good options for its evening party scene. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for nightlife.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's not a late night town, but there are a couple of bars and some decent Happy Hours around town.

Is Tallahassee or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Beaches?

Tallahassee
Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is great for the beach. However, Tallahassee is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Carmel-by-the-Sea attract visitors from all over. It's easy to walk to the beach from the village center. Just head down Ocean Avenue and you'll be at a beautiful beach with great scenery, surfing, and fun activities.

Tallahassee is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Tallahassee or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Tallahassee
Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's easy to walk around the heart of town and pop in the many shops and galleries. The highest concentration of shops is found around the Carmel Plaza which has upscale brands as well as local items.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Families?

Tallahassee
Carmel-by-the-Sea

Tallahassee is a city with good options for its family-friendly activities. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not always a place people visit with their families. Carmel is a good place to let the kids stretch their legs. There are also some good kid-friendly walks in the area.

Is Tallahassee or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Couples?

Tallahassee
Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is great for couples. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for romance.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. It's a charming town with a beautiful coastline and plenty of cute hotels that makes for a great romantic getaway. There's wonderful shopping and many great restaurants where you can enjoy a local meal.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallahassee
Carmel-by-the-Sea

Tallahassee is a city with good options for backpackers. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't any real hostels or accommodation options that appeal to backpackers.

Is Tallahassee or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Students?

Tallahassee
Carmel-by-the-Sea

Tallahassee is a well-known place for students. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not popular with students.

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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not popular with students.

Is Tallahassee or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Tallahassee
Carmel-by-the-Sea

Tallahassee and Carmel-by-the-Sea both offer reasonable 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea. There are a couple of buses, but you can't really depend on them to get around.


Is Tallahassee or Carmel-by-the-Sea a more walkable city?

Tallahassee
Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is great for its ease of walking around. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for its walkability.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a very walkable destination. The village center is very walkable so it's easy to park you car and shop or walk to the beach.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Tallahassee?

How long in Tallahassee or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tallahassee than Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Tallahassee.


  • How many days in Tallahassee or Carmel-by-the-Sea? Ideal Length of Stay
    Tallahassee 1-2 
    Carmel-by-the-Sea 1-3

One day in Tallahassee or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

With nightlife and shopping around the destination of Tallahassee, there's plenty to do. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town with plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Tallahassee or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

With shopping and museums around the vibrant city of Tallahassee, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Carmel-by-the-Sea might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the vibrant destination of Tallahassee. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Because Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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.

A week in Tallahassee or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Tallahassee is a popular choice for travelers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Since Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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.


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, Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea is $0.00. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tallahassee $89
    Carmel-by-the-Sea -
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tallahassee $178
    Carmel-by-the-Sea $0.00
Compare Hotels in Tallahassee and Carmel-by-the-Sea

Looking for a hotel in Tallahassee or Carmel-by-the-Sea? 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea


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 Carmel-by-the-Sea Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tallahassee $33
    Carmel-by-the-Sea $125

Is it cheaper to fly into Tallahassee or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Prices for flights to both Carmel-by-the-Sea 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
    Carmel-by-the-Sea $153

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

  • Thai Cooking Class in Monterey: $99

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tallahassee $12
    Carmel-by-the-Sea -

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: $245
  • Tallahassee Tranquility: A Scenic Walking Tour: $376
  • Tallahassee Delights: A Christmas Tour Through Art and Parks: $483

Tours and Activities in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Carmel-by-the-Sea are as follows:

  • 1-Hour Monterey and Cannery Row Sea Car Tour: $79
  • 17 Mile Drive: A Self-Guide Audio Tour of Pebble Beach’s Historical Highlights: $9.99
  • 17-Mile Drive Electric Bike Guided Tour: $68
  • 2-Hour Monterey and Pacific Grove Sea Car Tour: $149
  • 2.5-Hour Electric Bike Tour Along 17 Mile Drive of Coastal Monterey: $65
  • 3-Hour Monterey Bay Winter Whale-Watching Tour: $70
  • 3-Hour Monterey, Cannery Row and Pacific Grove Sea Car Tour: $189
  • Big Sur Self-Driving Audio Tour: Highway 1, Pacific Coast Highway: $17
  • Carmel Small Group Walking Food & Cultural Tour: $139
  • Carmel by the Sea 2-Hour Private Walking Tour: $20
  • Carmel-By-The-Sea Electric Bike Guided Tour: $68
  • Fairy Tale Houses Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tallahassee $53
    Carmel-by-the-Sea -

Sample the Local Flavors in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Carmel-by-the-Sea:

  • Wine Tasting and Walking Tour of Carmel-by-the-Sea: $149
  • Wine Tasting and Walking Tour of Carmel-by-the-Sea: $149


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tallahassee and Carmel-by-the-Sea, we can see that Tallahassee is more expensive. And not only is Carmel-by-the-Sea much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Carmel-by-the-Sea would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea.

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


Which is Bigger, Tallahassee or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Tallahassee has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Carmel-by-the-Sea. When comparing the sizes of Tallahassee and Carmel-by-the-Sea, 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Summer?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Tallahassee during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Tallahassee because of the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Carmel-by-the-Sea this time of year.

Tallahassee is much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea in the summer. The daily temperature in Tallahassee averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tallahassee. Tallahassee usually gets more rain in July than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Tallahassee gets 8.9 inches (227 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tallahassee 82°F (28°C) 
    Carmel-by-the-Sea 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Tallahassee or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallahassee and Carmel-by-the-Sea. The shopping scene are the main draw to Tallahassee this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Tallahassee is a little warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tallahassee in October average around 69°F (20°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea averages at about 62°F (17°C).

In October, Tallahassee usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Tallahassee gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Tallahassee is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tallahassee 69°F (20°C) 
    Carmel-by-the-Sea 62°F (17°C)

Should I visit Tallahassee or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tallahassee as well as Carmel-by-the-Sea. Many travelers come to Tallahassee for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Tallahassee is generally around the same temperature as Carmel-by-the-Sea. Daily temperatures in Tallahassee average around 51°F (11°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Tallahassee usually gets more rain in January than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Tallahassee gets 3.7 inches (95 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tallahassee 51°F (11°C) 
    Carmel-by-the-Sea 51°F (11°C)

Should I visit Tallahassee or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Spring?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Tallahassee are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

Tallahassee is a little warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea in the spring. The daily temperature in Tallahassee averages around 67°F (19°C) in April, and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

It's quite rainy in Tallahassee. In April, Tallahassee usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Tallahassee gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Tallahassee is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tallahassee 67°F (19°C) 
    Carmel-by-the-Sea 56°F (13°C)

Typical Weather for Carmel-by-the-Sea and Tallahassee

Tallahassee Carmel-by-the-Sea
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (121 mm) 53°F (12°C) 1.8 inches (47 mm)
Mar 60°F (16°C) 5.9 inches (151 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.1 inches (55 mm)
Apr 67°F (19°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 56°F (13°C) 1.1 inches (29 mm)
May 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 59°F (15°C) 0.2 inches (4 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 6.6 inches (168 mm) 62°F (16°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.9 inches (227 mm) 63°F (17°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (175 mm) 64°F (18°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 6.7 inches (169 mm) 64°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm)
Oct 69°F (20°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.6 inches (14 mm)
Nov 60°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 56°F (13°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Dec 54°F (12°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2 inches (51 mm)