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

Should you visit Tallahassee or Santa Fe?

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 Santa Fe 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.

Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a charming, artsy, and cultural historic town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the museums, skiing, and live music.

Tallahassee and Santa Fe: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Tallahassee or Santa Fe?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Santa Fe than Tallahassee. While Tallahassee is larger than Santa Fe, Santa Fe has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Santa Fe is very popular for its skiing, food, music, historical sights, hiking, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Tallahassee attracts visitors for its museums and nightlife. Santa Fe is more touristy than Tallahassee and is known for its strong arts scene, its Pueblo-style architecture, and its unique local cuisine. It is also well known for The Museum of New Mexico Complex. Tallahassee is famous for its capital building and many universities.

How is Tallahassee different from Santa Fe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Tallahassee or Santa Fe Better for Skiing?

Tallahassee
Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a historic town with good options for skiing. However, Tallahassee is not a skiing destination.

Head to Santa Fe for some great skiing and other winter activities. There are a few good ski resorts not far from Santa Fe. Popular options include Taos Ski Valley, Ski Santa Fe, Pajarito Mountain Ski Area, and Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort.

Tallahassee is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Tallahassee or Santa Fe?

Tallahassee
Santa Fe

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

Many visitors head to Tallahassee specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Santa Fe is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Head to the Museum of New Mexico Complex, which has four museums that give a great overview of the history of the area. Also make sure you visit the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi and the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum.

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

Tallahassee
Santa Fe

Santa Fe is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Santa Fe has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are many local restaurants that use regional ingredients and offer great flavors. There are also cafes and bistros where you can enjoy breakfast or brunch. Local dishes include sopaipillas made with Native American fry bread, slow-cooked beans, and anything made with red and green chili peppers.

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 Santa Fe Better for Nightlife?

Tallahassee
Santa Fe

Tallahassee is very good for its evening party scene. However, Santa Fe is not known for nightlife.

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.

Most people don't head to Santa Fe specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. While most of the town quiets down at night, the city has a few areas that stay active late into the night. Live music is popular and diverse. It often includes different genres such as the blues, country, salsa or bluegrass.


Is Tallahassee or Santa Fe Better for Music?

Tallahassee
Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a historic town with good options for its music scene. However, Tallahassee is not a live music destination.

You'll find some good live music in Santa Fe. The town has an eclectic music scene that includes a mix of the blues, country, Latin American music, and bluegrass.

Tallahassee is not a live music destination.

Is Tallahassee or Santa Fe Better for its Old Town?

Tallahassee
Santa Fe

Santa Fe is great for its historic old town charm. However, Tallahassee does not have a historic old town.

Santa Fe is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. As the 2nd oldest city in the United States, the old town historic district is filled with charm. The Pueblo-style buildings are brightly colored and there are churches throughout.

Tallahassee does not have a historic old town.

Is Tallahassee or Santa Fe Better for Hiking?

Tallahassee
Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a historic town with good options for hiking. However, Tallahassee is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Santa Fe. Because it's located right by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, there are many beautiful hikes right outside of town. Popular trails include the Picacho Peak Trail and the Nambe Lake Trail. Bandelier National also has many places to hike.

Tallahassee is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Tallahassee or Santa Fe?

Tallahassee
Santa Fe

Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe. There are many unique shops and art galleries that feature local artists and craftsmen.

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 Santa Fe Better for Families?

Tallahassee
Santa Fe

Both Tallahassee and Santa Fe 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.

Santa Fe is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a few kids' museums in Santa Fe including the Santa Fe Children's Museum and the Meow Wolf Art Complex. Kids also enjoy the botanical gardens at Museum Hill and Bandelier National Monument just outside of the city.

Is Tallahassee or Santa Fe Better for Couples?

Tallahassee
Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a historic town with good options for couples. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for romance.

Santa Fe is a good historic town for couples to visit. There are many romantic inns around town, each with a lot of character. The town also has a lot of atmosphere that makes for a romantic getaway.

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 Santa Fe Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallahassee
Santa Fe

Tallahassee is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Santa Fe is not known for backpackers.

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

Santa Fe is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a hostel in town as well as several campgrounds.

Is Tallahassee or Santa Fe Better for Students?

Tallahassee
Santa Fe

Tallahassee is a great city for its student-friendly activities. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town for students.

Tallahassee is very popular with students. 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.

Santa Fe is a good city to visit for students. There are a few colleges and universities in town and students will appreciate the reasonable cost of living and outdoor activities nearby.

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

Tallahassee
Santa Fe

Tallahassee and Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe. There is a bus system - the Santa Fe Trails Bus Service.


Is Tallahassee or Santa Fe a more walkable city?

Tallahassee
Santa Fe

Santa Fe is great for its ease of walking around. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for its walkability.

Santa Fe is a very walkable destination. The historic district is walkable and it's easy to visit most of the tourist sights in this area on foot.

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 Santa Fe Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Fe or Tallahassee?

How long in Tallahassee or Santa Fe?

In either Tallahassee or Santa Fe, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Santa Fe than Tallahassee because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Tallahassee, and 2-5 days is enough time in Santa Fe.

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

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


  • How many days in Tallahassee or Santa Fe? Ideal Length of Stay
    Tallahassee 1-2 
    Santa Fe 2-5

One day in Tallahassee or Santa Fe?

The city of Tallahassee offers nightlife and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the artsy historic town of Santa Fe. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Santa Fe?

Tallahassee is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Tallahassee, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the artsy destination of Santa Fe. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This historic 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 Santa Fe?

Tallahassee is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Visitors enjoy the museums and skiing when visiting the cultural historic town of Santa Fe. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Tallahassee or Santa Fe?

Tallahassee is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the skiing and live music when visiting Santa Fe. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 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, Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe is $159. 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 Santa Fe in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tallahassee $89
    Santa Fe $81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tallahassee $178
    Santa Fe $162
Compare Hotels in Tallahassee and Santa Fe

Looking for a hotel in Tallahassee or Santa Fe? 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 Santa Fe


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 Santa Fe Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tallahassee $33
    Santa Fe $61

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santa Fe

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

  • Private Departure Transfer to Santa Fe Airport SAF: $125
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Santa Fe Airport (SAF): $62

Is it cheaper to fly into Tallahassee or Santa Fe?

Prices for flights to both Santa Fe 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
    Santa Fe $43

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santa Fe

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

  • Wander NM Food Tour - Tuesday Farmers' Market: $149
  • New Mexican Flavors Food Tour of the Santa Fe Plaza: $184
  • Wander New Mexico Food Tour - Railyard Arts District: $189
  • Wander New Mexico Food Tour - Downtown Plaza 'Sip & Savor': $209
  • Downtown Plaza "Sip and Savor" Half-day Food Tour: $209
  • Savor Wine Pairing Dinner: $228

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tallahassee $12
    Santa Fe $17

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 Santa Fe

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

  • 2 Hours Historic E Bike Tour of Santa Fe: $169
  • Adventurers Ready To Jump Into the Void Santa Fe Style Wanted: $39
  • 2 Hour Pottery Experience (Wheel or Hand-Building): $160
  • 2-Hour Photography Class While Touring Downtown Santa Fe, Smart Phones Welcome!: $85
  • A Walking Tour of Santa Fe's Most Beautiful and Historic Sites: $216
  • Canyon Road Arts District Tour: $70
  • Enchanted Eats of Santa Fe Half-Day Tour: $960
  • Explore Santa Fe's Old Town & the Museum of Art: Private Tour: $195
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience Santa Fe, NM: $15
  • Our Lady of Guadalupe Walking Tour in Santa Fe: $70
  • Private Canyon Road Arts District Tour: $138
  • Railyard Sip, Savor, & History Walking Tour in Santa Fe: $105

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tallahassee $53
    Santa Fe $9.68

Sample the Local Flavors in Santa Fe

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

  • Tumbleroot Brewery and Distillery Tour and Tasting: $18


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


Which is Bigger, Tallahassee or Santa Fe?

Tallahassee has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Santa Fe. When comparing the sizes of Tallahassee and Santa Fe, 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.