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

Should you visit Tallahassee or Charlottesville?

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 Charlottesville 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. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Charlottesville

Charlottesville is a young, collegiate, and southern university town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and hiking.

Tallahassee and Charlottesville: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Tallahassee or Charlottesville?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Charlottesville. Although Tallahassee and Charlottesville are both popular with visitors, Charlottesville has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Charlottesville is more popular for its historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Tallahassee is known for its museums and shopping. Tallahassee is popular for its capital building and many universities. Charlottesville is popular for being home to the University of Virginia, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, and serving as a gateway to Shenandoah National Park. It is also home to The University of Virginia Campus.

How is Tallahassee different from Charlottesville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Tallahassee
Charlottesville

Tallahassee is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its sights and museums.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Charlottesville. A highlight of a trip to the area is a visit to Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. The city is also famously home to the beautiful University of Virginia, which has a manicured and beautiful campus. History buffs will also appreciate visiting the Civil War Sites that are nearby as well.


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

Tallahassee
Charlottesville

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Tallahassee and Charlottesville can be difficult as they are each decent in their own way.

Tallahassee may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. 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.

Charlottesville offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Head to the Historic Downtown Mall to enjoy an outdoor meal at a top rated restaurant. There are also restaurants that cater specifically to students and offer affordable and quick meals.

Is Tallahassee or Charlottesville Better for Nightlife?

Tallahassee
Charlottesville

The vibe at night is good in both Tallahassee and Charlottesville.

If you're looking for night time activities Tallahassee has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is mostly centered around the student population. There are many bars and pubs that fill up with students on weekends.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Charlottesville. Charlottesville is a university town with an active nightlife. The best areas for nightlife are found around the Downtown Mall, Belmont neighborhood, the Corner, and University Ave west near the mall. Even though there are a number of activities to enjoy at night, this is still a small town and the nightlife scene reflects that.

Is Tallahassee or Charlottesville Better for its Old Town?

Tallahassee
Charlottesville

Charlottesville is a university town with good options for its historic old town charm. However, Tallahassee does not have a historic old town.

Charlottesville has an old town worth visiting. The Historic Downtown Mall is filled with restaurants and shops. It's a pedestrian only area with a lot of character and energy.

Tallahassee does not have a historic old town.


Is Tallahassee or Charlottesville Better for Hiking?

Tallahassee
Charlottesville

Charlottesville is a university town with good options for hiking. However, Tallahassee is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Charlottesville. Just outside of town there are plenty of hiking opportunities including in and around Shenandoah National Park. Hiking is at its best during the fall season when the leaves are changing.

Tallahassee is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tallahassee or Charlottesville?

Tallahassee
Charlottesville

Tallahassee is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Charlottesville is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Tallahassee. 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.

Charlottesville is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Tallahassee or Charlottesville Better for Christmas?

Tallahassee
Charlottesville

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

Charlottesville is a very popular destination during Christmas. From Christmas lights on campus to a festive atmosphere at the Monticello, the town is beautiful for Christmas.

Tallahassee does not offer Christmas activities.


Is Tallahassee or Charlottesville Better for Families?

Tallahassee
Charlottesville

Both Tallahassee and Charlottesville are good to visit with kids.

Tallahassee offers lots of family activities. There are plenty of outdoor parks and adventure activities for kids. You could also see the wild manatees at Wakulla Springs.

Charlottesville is a family-friendly place to visit. Wandering the campus of UVA, picking fruit at Carter Mountain Orchard or exploring the downtown mall, including the Virginia Discovery Museum are all activities that everyone can enjoy. There are also great hiking trails just outside of town.

Is Tallahassee or Charlottesville Better for Couples?

Tallahassee
Charlottesville

Charlottesville is a university town with good options for couples. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for romance.

Charlottesville is a good university town for couples to visit. The UVA campus is beautiful to explore, as is Monticello. The Downtown Mall has many great restaurants and activities that make for a nice date night and during the day, there's also beautiful hikes nearby that are at their peak during the fall season.

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 Charlottesville Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallahassee
Charlottesville

Tallahassee is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Charlottesville is not known for backpackers.

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.

Charlottesville is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is camping an hiking in the area that is a good option for backpackers.


Is Tallahassee or Charlottesville Better for Students?

Tallahassee
Charlottesville

Charlottesville is an amazing university town to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Tallahassee is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Charlottesville is a very popular university town for students. The town is home to the beautiful University of Virginia and it's a popular destination for international students as well as local students. Much of the town is focused around student life, and the city's proximity to Washington, DC means it has access to global opportunities.

Many students visit 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.

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

Tallahassee
Charlottesville

Tallahassee and Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville. There is a bus system that runs between campus, downtown, and several neighborhoods in Charlottesville.

Is Tallahassee or Charlottesville a more walkable city?

Tallahassee
Charlottesville

Tallahassee and Charlottesville are decent when it comes to walkability.

Tallahassee is generally not a very walkable city. There are a couple of walkable areas around Railroad Square, Downtown, and Midtown, but for the most part the city is not pedestrian-friendly.

Charlottesville is generally not very walkable. While the University of Virginia campus and the Downtown Mall are both very walkable, most of the town is not.


For even more information, also check out Is Tallahassee Worth Visiting? and Is Charlottesville Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Charlottesville or Tallahassee?

How long in Tallahassee or Charlottesville?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tallahassee than Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville? Ideal Length of Stay
    Tallahassee 1-2 
    Charlottesville 2-3

One day in Tallahassee or Charlottesville?

The lively destination of Tallahassee offers shopping and museums. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Charlottesville is a small town with plenty to do. 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 Charlottesville?

The city of Tallahassee offers museums and nightlife. 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.

Charlottesville might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. This university 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 Charlottesville?

Tallahassee is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Because Charlottesville is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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 Charlottesville?

Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Tallahassee. 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.

Since Charlottesville is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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, Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville is $154. 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 Charlottesville in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tallahassee $89
    Charlottesville $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tallahassee $178
    Charlottesville $160
Compare Hotels in Tallahassee and Charlottesville

Looking for a hotel in Tallahassee or Charlottesville? 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 Charlottesville


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 Charlottesville Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tallahassee $33
    Charlottesville $53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Charlottesville

Also for Charlottesville, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Arrival Transfer from Charlotteville Airport (CHO): $50
  • Private Departure Transfer to Charlottesville Airport (CHO): $50

Is it cheaper to fly into Tallahassee or Charlottesville?

Prices for flights to both Charlottesville 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
    Charlottesville $42

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Charlottesville

For Charlottesville, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • The UVA Corner Food Tour: Private Walking Food Tour in Charlottesville: $139
  • The Downtown Mall Food Tour: $149

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tallahassee $12
    Charlottesville $18

Tours and Activities in Tallahassee

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tallahassee.

  • Experience Tranquility with a Picnic at Pedrick Pond Park: $120
  • Luxury Picnic Experience at Pedrick Pond Park: $120
  • Tallahassee Delights: A Christmas Tour Through Art and Parks: $245
  • Tallahassee Delights: A Christmas Tour Through Art and Parks: $483
  • Tallahassee Tranquility: A Scenic Walking Tour: $192
  • Tallahassee Tranquility: A Scenic Walking Tour: $376

Tours and Activities in Charlottesville

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Charlottesville.

  • Charlottesville Dark History Ghost Tour : $30
  • Charlottesville Historic Downtown APP/GPS Smartphone Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Ghosts of Court Square Walking Tour: $26
  • Shenandoah National Park Self-Driving Audio Tour: $17

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tallahassee $53
    Charlottesville $53

Sample the Local Flavors in Charlottesville

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

  • Private Wine Tours (Minimum 3 & Maximum 6 ) Pickup Maximum 30 Mi : $85


When comparing the travel costs between Tallahassee and Charlottesville, we can see that Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee Expensive? and Is Charlottesville Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Tallahassee or Charlottesville?

Tallahassee has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Charlottesville. When comparing the sizes of Tallahassee and Charlottesville, 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 Charlottesville?

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 Tallahassee or Charlottesville in the Summer?

Both Charlottesville and Tallahassee are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tallahassee this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Charlottesville for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Tallahassee is generally around the same temperature as Charlottesville. Daily temperatures in Tallahassee average around 82°F (28°C), and Charlottesville fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Charlottesville. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tallahassee. Tallahassee usually receives less sunshine than Charlottesville during summer. Tallahassee gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Charlottesville receives 305 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Charlottesville. It's quite rainy in Tallahassee. In July, Tallahassee usually receives more rain than Charlottesville. Tallahassee gets 8.9 inches (227 mm) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 5 inches (128 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tallahassee 82°F (28°C) 
    Charlottesville 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Tallahassee or Charlottesville in the Autumn?

Both Charlottesville and Tallahassee during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Tallahassee for the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Charlottesville in the autumn for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Tallahassee is a little warmer than Charlottesville in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tallahassee averages around 69°F (20°C) in October, and Charlottesville fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

In Charlottesville, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tallahassee. In the autumn, Tallahassee often gets more sunshine than Charlottesville. Tallahassee gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charlottesville receives 221 hours of full sun.

Tallahassee usually gets less rain in October than Charlottesville. Tallahassee gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Tallahassee.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tallahassee 69°F (20°C) 
    Charlottesville 59°F (15°C)

Should I visit Tallahassee or Charlottesville in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallahassee and Charlottesville. Many visitors come to Tallahassee in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Charlottesville for the museums, the Christmas ambience, and the cuisine during these months.

Charlottesville can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Tallahassee is much warmer than Charlottesville. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tallahassee in January average around 51°F (11°C), and Charlottesville averages at about 36°F (2°C).

Tallahassee usually receives more sunshine than Charlottesville during winter. Tallahassee gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Charlottesville receives 169 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tallahassee usually receives more rain than Charlottesville. Tallahassee gets 3.7 inches (95 mm) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tallahassee 51°F (11°C) 
    Charlottesville 36°F (2°C)

Should I visit Tallahassee or Charlottesville in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tallahassee as well as Charlottesville. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Charlottesville because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Tallahassee is generally a little warmer than Charlottesville. Daily temperatures in Tallahassee average around 67°F (19°C), and Charlottesville fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charlottesville. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tallahassee this time of the year. In the spring, Tallahassee often gets more sunshine than Charlottesville. Tallahassee gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charlottesville receives 265 hours of full sun.

Tallahassee receives a lot of rain in the spring. Tallahassee usually gets more rain in April than Charlottesville. Tallahassee gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Tallahassee is the hurricane season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tallahassee 67°F (19°C) 
    Charlottesville 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Charlottesville and Tallahassee

Tallahassee Charlottesville
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 36°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (83 mm)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (121 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (80 mm)
Mar 60°F (16°C) 5.9 inches (151 mm) 49°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Apr 67°F (19°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 58°F (14°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
May 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3.8 inches (98 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 6.6 inches (168 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.9 inches (227 mm) 78°F (26°C) 5 inches (128 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (175 mm) 77°F (25°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 6.7 inches (169 mm) 71°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Oct 69°F (20°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Nov 60°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Dec 54°F (12°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)