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

Should you visit Tallahassee or Norfolk?

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 Norfolk 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 vibrant, youthful, and lively city. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Norfolk

Norfolk is a authentic, blue collar, and maritime city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Tallahassee and Norfolk: 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 with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Tallahassee or Norfolk?

Both Norfolk and Tallahassee have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Tallahassee is better known for its museums, while Norfolk is more popular for its food. Tallahassee is well known for its capital building and many universities. Norfolk is well known for its naval base and military presence.

How is Tallahassee different from Norfolk?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Tallahassee
Norfolk

Tallahassee is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Tallahassee offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Norfolk offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting museums in town like the Chrysler Museum, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, and the Norfolk Police and Fire Museum. You should also check out the Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin.


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

Tallahassee
Norfolk

Norfolk is a city with good options for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Norfolk is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find a decent collection of restaurants in the downtown area. Food options include local seafood, brunch, casual eateries, and fine dining.

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 Norfolk Better for Nightlife?

Tallahassee
Norfolk

The vibe at night is notable in both Tallahassee and Norfolk.

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 Norfolk. Downtown is where you'll find the most busy nightlife venues. The city has great breweries, and the live music scene has taken off. There are also lounges, dance clubs, and wine bars to choose from.

Is the Shopping Better in Tallahassee or Norfolk?

Tallahassee
Norfolk

If you're looking to go shopping, Tallahassee and Norfolk both offer plenty of notable spots.

Tallahassee has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Norfolk is a great destination for shopping. There's a mix of shopping malls, local boutiques, farmer's markets, and shopping centers around town.


Is Tallahassee or Norfolk Better for Families?

Tallahassee
Norfolk

Both Tallahassee and Norfolk are notable 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.

Norfolk is a family-friendly place to visit. The Norfolk Zoo is always a hit with kids. You should also visit the USS Wisconsin which offers tours, as well as the Douglas MacArthur Memorial Museum.

Is Tallahassee or Norfolk Better for Couples?

Tallahassee
Norfolk

Neither Tallahassee or Norfolk is generally regarded as a top spot for a couple to visit.

Tallahassee is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Head to a restaurant or bar. You could also check out a concert or explore a garden or park in town.

Norfolk is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are some nice hotels and several great parks and outdoor activities.

Is Tallahassee or Norfolk Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallahassee
Norfolk

Tallahassee is a popular place for backpackers. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Norfolk is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This is an often overlooked area for backpackers.


Is Tallahassee or Norfolk Better for Students?

Tallahassee
Norfolk

Tallahassee is a great destination for students. However, Norfolk is not popular with students.

Tallahassee is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Norfolk is not popular with students.

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

Tallahassee
Norfolk

Tallahassee and Norfolk both offer respectable 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 Norfolk. While there are buses, ferries, and even lightrail in the area, you really want to have a car to get around.

Is Tallahassee or Norfolk a more walkable city?

Tallahassee
Norfolk

Norfolk is a city with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for its walkability.

Norfolk is a somewhat walkable city. Downtown is the most walkable part of the city.

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 Norfolk Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Norfolk or Tallahassee?

How long in Tallahassee or Norfolk?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Tallahassee or Norfolk to fill your time. In our opinion, Tallahassee has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Tallahassee than Norfolk. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Tallahassee or Norfolk?

In Tallahassee, you'll find museums and nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the maritime city of Norfolk. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Tallahassee or Norfolk?

In Tallahassee, you'll find nightlife and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Tallahassee has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the maritime destination of Norfolk. This city 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 Norfolk?

Tallahassee is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

The authentic city of Norfolk offers shopping and museums. 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 Norfolk?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tallahassee. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Tallahassee. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Norfolk. 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, Norfolk 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 Norfolk is $166. 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 Norfolk in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tallahassee $89
    Norfolk $84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tallahassee $178
    Norfolk $168
Compare Hotels in Tallahassee and Norfolk

Looking for a hotel in Tallahassee or Norfolk? 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 Norfolk


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 Norfolk Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tallahassee $33
    Norfolk $54

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Norfolk

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Norfolk:

  • Bamville Transportation (Private & Airport Transfers): $275

Is it cheaper to fly into Tallahassee or Norfolk?

Prices for flights to both Norfolk 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
    Norfolk $49

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Norfolk

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

  • Norfolk Buffet Dinner Cruise : $101
  • Buffet Dinner Cruise: $101
  • Norfolk Father's Day Buffet Dinner Cruise: $126
  • Norfolk Mother's Day Signature Dinner Cruise: $140
  • Norfolk 4th of July Buffet Dinner Cruise: $182

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tallahassee $12
    Norfolk $14

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: $191
  • Tallahassee Delights: A Christmas Tour Through Art and Parks: $246
  • Tallahassee Tranquility: A Scenic Walking Tour: $375
  • Tallahassee Delights: A Christmas Tour Through Art and Parks: $481

Tours and Activities in Norfolk

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

  • Electric Bike Rental Downtown Norfolk (self guided tour) : $60
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Norfolk with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • Mother's Day Signature Brunch Cruise Norfolk: $124
  • Neon District Contemporary Art Walking Tour: $32
  • Norfolk Buffet Brunch Cruise : $84
  • Norfolk Father's Day Buffet Brunch Cruise: $104
  • Elizabeth River Candlelit Buffet Lunch Cruise: $76
  • Elizabeth River Sunday Buffet Brunch Cruise: $84
  • Virginia Zoo & Battleship Wisconsin Combo Ticket: $38
  • Skip the Line: Virginia Living Museum Admission Ticket: $22

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tallahassee $53
    Norfolk $10

Sample the Local Flavors in Norfolk

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Norfolk:

  • Party Bike Pub Crawl in Downtown Norfolk: $30


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


Which is Bigger, Tallahassee or Norfolk?

Norfolk has a larger population, and is about 53% larger than the population of Tallahassee. When comparing the sizes of Tallahassee and Norfolk, 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 Norfolk?

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 Norfolk in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tallahassee as well as Norfolk. Many travelers come to Tallahassee for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Norfolk in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Tallahassee is around the same temperature as Norfolk. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tallahassee in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Norfolk averages at about 79°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Norfolk. 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 Norfolk. Tallahassee gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Norfolk receives 279 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Norfolk. Tallahassee receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tallahassee usually gets more rain in July than Norfolk. Tallahassee gets 8.9 inches (227 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tallahassee 82°F (28°C) 
    Norfolk 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Tallahassee or Norfolk in the Autumn?

Both Norfolk and Tallahassee are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Tallahassee in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Norfolk for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Tallahassee is generally a little warmer than Norfolk. Daily temperatures in Tallahassee average around 69°F (20°C), and Norfolk fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

It's quite sunny in Norfolk. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tallahassee. Tallahassee usually receives more sunshine than Norfolk during autumn. Tallahassee gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Norfolk receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Tallahassee usually receives around the same amount of rain as Norfolk. Tallahassee gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Tallahassee.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tallahassee 69°F (20°C) 
    Norfolk 62°F (16°C)

Should I visit Tallahassee or Norfolk in the Winter?

Both Norfolk and Tallahassee during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Tallahassee for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Norfolk because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Norfolk can be very cold. Tallahassee is much warmer than Norfolk in the winter. The daily temperature in Tallahassee averages around 51°F (11°C) in January, and Norfolk fluctuates around 39°F (4°C).

In the winter, Tallahassee often gets more sunshine than Norfolk. Tallahassee gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Norfolk receives 168 hours of full sun.

Tallahassee usually gets more rain in January than Norfolk. Tallahassee gets 3.7 inches (95 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tallahassee 51°F (11°C) 
    Norfolk 39°F (4°C)

Should I visit Tallahassee or Norfolk in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallahassee and Norfolk.

In the spring, Tallahassee is a little warmer than Norfolk. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tallahassee in April average around 67°F (19°C), and Norfolk averages at about 58°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Norfolk this time of the year. In Tallahassee, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tallahassee usually receives more sunshine than Norfolk during spring. Tallahassee gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Norfolk receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

Tallahassee gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Tallahassee usually receives more rain than Norfolk. Tallahassee gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Tallahassee is the hurricane season.


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

Typical Weather for Norfolk and Tallahassee

Tallahassee Norfolk
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (121 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Mar 60°F (16°C) 5.9 inches (151 mm) 49°F (10°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Apr 67°F (19°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
May 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3.3 inches (85 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) 79°F (26°C) 5.7 inches (145 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (175 mm) 78°F (25°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 6.7 inches (169 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Oct 69°F (20°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 62°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Nov 60°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Dec 54°F (12°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)