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

Should you visit Tallahassee or Phoenix?

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 Phoenix 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. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Phoenix

Phoenix is a laid back, sprawling, and desert city. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Tallahassee and Phoenix: 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
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Tallahassee or Phoenix?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Phoenix than Tallahassee. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Phoenix is very popular for its food and hiking, while Tallahassee attracts visitors for its museums. Tallahassee is famous for its capital building and many universities. Phoenix is famous for its desert landscapes, high number of golf courses, and year round warm weather. It is also well known for Desert Botanical Garden.

How is Tallahassee different from Phoenix?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Tallahassee
Phoenix

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

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.

Phoenix is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. You'll find art, science, and cultural museums around town. Favorites include the Heard Museum, the Phoenix Art Museum, S'edav Va'aki Museum, and the Arizona Science Museum.


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

Tallahassee
Phoenix

Phoenix 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.

Phoenix is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are many mom-and-pop shops around town that serve everything from casual meals to quality steaks. There's also a huge selection of Mexican restaurants, as well as other international options such as sushi, dim sum, and Italian.

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 Phoenix Better for Nightlife?

Tallahassee
Phoenix

The vibe at night is nice in both Tallahassee and Phoenix.

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 Phoenix. The best nightlife scene is found in downtown and central Phoenix. There are bars, restaurants, and venues where you can catch a show. North Phoenix also has grown into a popular evening spot with cocktail bars and pubs.

Is Tallahassee or Phoenix Better for Hiking?

Tallahassee
Phoenix

Phoenix is a city with good options for hiking. However, Tallahassee is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Phoenix. You don't have to head far out of town for impressive hiking opportunities. You'll find trails that range from easy to challenging, and many pass through other-worldly landscapes. You'll find popular trails in Usery Mountain Regional Park, Papago Park, White Tank Mountain Regional Park, South Mountain Park and many others.

Tallahassee is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Tallahassee or Phoenix?

Tallahassee
Phoenix

If you're looking to go shopping, Tallahassee and Phoenix both offer plenty of nice 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.

Phoenix is a great destination for shopping. There are plenty of shopping centers, outlets, and malls where you'll find the standard chain stores. You'll also find farmer's markets around town.

Is Tallahassee or Phoenix Better for Families?

Tallahassee
Phoenix

Both Tallahassee and Phoenix are nice 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.

Phoenix is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the Phoenix Zoo, the Arizona Science Center, the SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, and the Bearizona Wildlife Park. There's also a number of parks and gardens as well as a children's museum and several other interactive museums for kids.

Is Tallahassee or Phoenix Better for Couples?

Tallahassee
Phoenix

Phoenix is a city with good options for couples. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for romance.

Phoenix is a good city for couples to visit. There are many parks and gardens in town as well as beautiful hikes and outdoor activities that couples will enjoy. In the evening, there's theater, shows, and many romantic restaurants.

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 Phoenix Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallahassee
Phoenix

Tallahassee is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Phoenix is not known for backpackers.

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.

Phoenix is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel or two around town for budget travelers.

Is Tallahassee or Phoenix Better for Students?

Tallahassee
Phoenix

Tallahassee is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Phoenix 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.

Phoenix is not popular with students.

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

Tallahassee
Phoenix

Tallahassee and Phoenix 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 Phoenix. There's a bus and light rail system, but you really need your own vehicle to get around.


Is Tallahassee or Phoenix a more walkable city?

Tallahassee
Phoenix

Tallahassee and Phoenix are reasonable 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.

Phoenix is generally not very walkable. It's a sprawling city and the only real area that's walkable is the downtown.

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

Should I spend more time in Phoenix or Tallahassee?

How long in Tallahassee or Phoenix?

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

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

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

One day in Tallahassee or Phoenix?

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 desert city of Phoenix. 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 Phoenix?

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 laid back destination of Phoenix. 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 Phoenix?

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 sprawling city of Phoenix 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 Phoenix?

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 Phoenix. 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 Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Phoenix 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 Phoenix is $238. 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 Phoenix in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tallahassee $89
    Phoenix $144
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tallahassee $178
    Phoenix $288
Compare Hotels in Tallahassee and Phoenix

Looking for a hotel in Tallahassee or Phoenix? 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 Phoenix


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 Phoenix Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tallahassee $33
    Phoenix $39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phoenix

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

  • Departure Private Transfer: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury Van: $149
  • Phoenix International Airport (PHX) - Private transfer From/to Hotels: $118
  • Arrival Private Transfer Phoenix Airport PHX to Phoenix City : $117
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Luxury SUV: $110
  • Private Transfer from Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury SUV: $110
  • Private Transfer from Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Luxury SUV: $110
  • Departure Private Transfer: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury SUV: $110
  • Departure Private Transfer Phoenix City to Phoenix Airport PHX : $110
  • One-Way Transfer Sky Harbor Airport to Phoenix: $104
  • Private Transfer from Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Business Car: $96
  • Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) to Phoenix - Arrival Private Transfer: $59
  • Private Transfer From Hotels To Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport PHX : $41

Is it cheaper to fly into Tallahassee or Phoenix?

Prices for flights to both Phoenix 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
    Phoenix $52

Typical Food Prices in Phoenix

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Phoenix:


  • Nice Lunch (for 2)
    $36
  • Indian Food Dinner (for 2)
    $32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phoenix

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

  • Old Town Scottsdale Food Tour: $92
  • Downtown Phoenix Food Tour: $92
  • Scottsdale Waterfront Food Tour: $95
  • Quiche Lorraine French Cooking Class in Scottsdale: $129

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tallahassee $12
    Phoenix $40

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: $249
  • Tallahassee Delights: A Christmas Tour Through Art and Parks: $491
  • Tallahassee Tranquility: A Scenic Walking Tour: $194
  • Tallahassee Tranquility: A Scenic Walking Tour: $382

Tours and Activities in Phoenix

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

  • 1.5 Hour Stretch Limo Golf Cart Tour, Ultimate Old Town Exploration: $79
  • 1/2 DAY SONORAN DESERT HIKE. Tour, Workout or Challenge Pace.: $115
  • 2 Hour Scottsdale Segway Tours - Ultimate Old Town Exploration: $76
  • 2 Hour Segway Tour - Sunsets, Segways & City Lights: $76
  • 2-Hour Arizona Desert Guided E-Bike Tour: $135
  • 2.5 Hour FAT Tire E-Bike Tour – Scottsdale Greenbelt Adventure: $119
  • 3 Cities & Nature Tour. Shop, Art, History, Food. Scottsdale, Phoenix, & Tempe.: $168
  • 3 Hour Guided TomCar ATV Tour in Sonoran Desert: $219
  • 3 Hour Sonoran Desert Private Guided Mountain Bike Tour: $135
  • Apache Trail and Dolly Steamboat Van Tour: $160
  • Beautiful Boat Cruise in Lake Pleasant Arizona: $89
  • Black Ops Experience: $259

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tallahassee $53
    Phoenix $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Phoenix

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Phoenix:

  • Scottsdale Bar Hunt: Scorching Scottsdale Bar Crawl: $12
  • Pedal Bar Crawl of Old Town Scottsdale: $55
  • Verde Valley Wine Tasting From Scottsdale/Phoenix/Tempe: $199
  • Haunted Jerome Wine & Brewery tasting from Scottsdale: $225
  • Custom Arizona Brewery / Vineyard Tour: $245


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

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


Which is Bigger, Tallahassee or Phoenix?

Phoenix has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Tallahassee. When comparing the sizes of Tallahassee and Phoenix, 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 Phoenix?

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 Phoenix in the Summer?

Both Phoenix and Tallahassee are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Tallahassee because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Phoenix this time of year.

The heat can be very extreme in Phoenix. Tallahassee is cooler than Phoenix in the summer. The daily temperature in Tallahassee averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Phoenix fluctuates around 98°F (36°C).

It's quite sunny in Phoenix. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tallahassee. Tallahassee usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during summer. Tallahassee gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 380 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Tallahassee. In July, Tallahassee usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Tallahassee gets 8.9 inches (227 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tallahassee 82°F (28°C) 
    Phoenix 98°F (36°C)

Should I visit Tallahassee or Phoenix in the Autumn?

Both Phoenix and Tallahassee during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Tallahassee this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Phoenix for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Tallahassee is cooler than Phoenix. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tallahassee in October average around 69°F (20°C), and Phoenix averages at about 79°F (26°C).

In Phoenix, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tallahassee. In the autumn, Tallahassee often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Tallahassee gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 305 hours of full sun.

Tallahassee usually gets more rain in October than Phoenix. Tallahassee gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Tallahassee is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tallahassee 69°F (20°C) 
    Phoenix 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Tallahassee or Phoenix in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallahassee and Phoenix. Many travelers come to Tallahassee for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Phoenix in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Tallahassee is generally cooler than Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Tallahassee average around 51°F (11°C), and Phoenix fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phoenix this time of the year. Tallahassee usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during winter. Tallahassee gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 254 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tallahassee usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Tallahassee gets 3.7 inches (95 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tallahassee 51°F (11°C) 
    Phoenix 58°F (14°C)

Should I visit Tallahassee or Phoenix in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tallahassee as well as Phoenix.

Tallahassee is cooler than Phoenix in the spring. The daily temperature in Tallahassee averages around 67°F (19°C) in April, and Phoenix fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phoenix. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tallahassee this time of the year. In the spring, Tallahassee often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Tallahassee gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 355 hours of full sun.

Tallahassee receives a lot of rain in the spring. Tallahassee usually gets more rain in April than Phoenix. Tallahassee gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Tallahassee.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tallahassee 67°F (19°C) 
    Phoenix 74°F (23°C)

Typical Weather for Phoenix and Tallahassee

Tallahassee Phoenix
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 58°F (14°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (121 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Mar 60°F (16°C) 5.9 inches (151 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Apr 67°F (19°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 74°F (23°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm)
May 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 83°F (28°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 6.6 inches (168 mm) 92°F (34°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.9 inches (227 mm) 98°F (36°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (175 mm) 96°F (35°C) 0.9 inches (24 mm)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 6.7 inches (169 mm) 90°F (32°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Oct 69°F (20°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 79°F (26°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Nov 60°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
Dec 54°F (12°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 58°F (15°C) 1 inches (25 mm)