A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Tallahassee vs. Sun Valley for Families, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Tallahassee or Sun Valley?

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 Sun Valley 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.

Sun Valley

Sun Valley is a active, adventurous, and outdoorsy town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the skiing, nightlife, and food.

Tallahassee and Sun Valley: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Tallahassee or Sun Valley?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Sun Valley than Tallahassee, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Sun Valley is better known for its skiing, food, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Tallahassee is more popular for its museums. Sun Valley is more touristy than Tallahassee and is popular for its ski resorts as well as being the home of Ernest Hemingway. Also, Sun Valley is famous for Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Tallahassee is well known for its capital building and many universities.

How is Tallahassee different from Sun Valley?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Tallahassee or Sun Valley Better for Skiing?

Tallahassee
Sun Valley

Sun Valley is an amazing town to visit for skiing. However, Tallahassee is not a skiing destination.

Visitors will find world class skiing in Sun Valley. There are plenty of slopes that are accessible by lift as well as backcountry terrain for those who are more adventurous. The ski areas include Bald Mountain, which is next to Ketchum, and Dollar Mountain, by Sun Valley. Bald Mountain is best for advanced skiers and Dollar Mountain has options for beginners and intermediates.

Tallahassee is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Tallahassee or Sun Valley?

Tallahassee
Sun Valley

Tallahassee is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Sun Valley is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

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.

While most people don't head to Sun Valley specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Museums in the area include the Sun Valley Museum of Art and the Wood River Museum of History and Culture.

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

Tallahassee
Sun Valley

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

Sun Valley has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Many restaurants pride themselves in using local, organic, and sustainable ingredients. You'll find everything from cafes and bakeries to sushi, pizza, and Mediterranean.

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 Sun Valley Better for Nightlife?

Tallahassee
Sun Valley

The vibe at night is notable in both Tallahassee and Sun Valley.

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 Sun Valley. It's a low key town with relaxing bars and breweries where you can enjoy a cold drink after a day on the slopes. It's not a party town that's high energy, but there are plenty of places where you can hang out in a mellow setting.


Is Tallahassee or Sun Valley Better for Resorts?

Tallahassee
Sun Valley

Sun Valley is great for its luxury resorts. However, Tallahassee is not a resort destination.

In Sun Valley, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. The most popular place to stay is Sun Valley Lodge, but there are also other small lodges and hotels in the area.

Tallahassee is not a resort destination.

Is Tallahassee or Sun Valley Better for Hiking?

Tallahassee
Sun Valley

Sun Valley is great for hiking. However, Tallahassee is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Sun Valley for the hiking trails. During the warmer months you'll enjoy miles of hiking trails in the area that take you by fields of wildflowers and to scenic mountain overlooks. White Cloud Trails is a relatively easy 4 mile trail that many visitors enjoy. Baker Lake and Taylor Canyon are also nice options.

Tallahassee is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tallahassee or Sun Valley?

Tallahassee
Sun Valley

If you're looking to go shopping, Tallahassee and Sun Valley 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.

Sun Valley is a great destination for shopping. While most visitors spend their time adventuring outdoors, there are also plenty of shopping options in the area. Whether you need to pick up hiking or ski gear, or you want to browse some local boutiques, you'll find shops that meet your need.


Is Tallahassee or Sun Valley Better for Families?

Tallahassee
Sun Valley

Sun Valley is an amazing town to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Tallahassee is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Sun Valley is an extremely popular town to visit for families. During the winter months there's skiing, ice skating, and other winter activities. During the warmer months families will enjoy riding the Roundhouse Express Gondola, hiking through the mountains, or horseback riding.

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.

Is Tallahassee or Sun Valley Better for Couples?

Tallahassee
Sun Valley

Sun Valley is an amazing town to visit for couples. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for romance.

Sun Valley is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Couples who enjoy winter sports and outdoor activities will love a romantic getaway to the area. There's also a charming downtown area that has great restaurants. In the surrounding countryside there's plenty of spectacular hikes that couples will enjoy as well.

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 Sun Valley Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallahassee
Sun Valley

Sun Valley is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Tallahassee is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Sun Valley. There are a couple of hostels in the area and plenty of activities that appeal to the backpacker crowd.

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.


Is Tallahassee or Sun Valley Better for Students?

Tallahassee
Sun Valley

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

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.

Sun Valley is not popular with students.

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

Tallahassee
Sun Valley

Sun Valley is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for its public transit.

Sun Valley offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are free shuttle buses that run through Wood River Valley including connections between the Village and Dollar and Bald Mountains. It's also connected to Ketchum and Elkhorn Springs.

Public transit is generally limited in Tallahassee. There is a bus system operated by StarMetro.

Is Tallahassee or Sun Valley a more walkable city?

Tallahassee
Sun Valley

Sun Valley is an amazing town to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for its walkability.

Sun Valley is a very easy town to get around on foot. It's easy to walk to almost anything you need if you stay at a conveniently located hotel.

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 Sun Valley Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sun Valley or Tallahassee?

How long in Tallahassee or Sun Valley?

Both Tallahassee and Sun Valley have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sun Valley than in Tallahassee. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Tallahassee, and 3-7 days is enough time in Sun Valley.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sun Valley than Tallahassee 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 Sun Valley.


  • How many days in Tallahassee or Sun Valley? Ideal Length of Stay
    Tallahassee 1-2 
    Sun Valley 3-7

One day in Tallahassee or Sun Valley?

With museums and nightlife around the youthful city of Tallahassee, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Tallahassee, one day is sufficent for most.

Visitors enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the outdoorsy town of Sun Valley. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the skiing. 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 Sun Valley?

With nightlife and shopping around the destination of Tallahassee, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Sun Valley. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This town offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Tallahassee or Sun Valley?

Tallahassee, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the active town of Sun Valley. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Sun Valley?

Tallahassee is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting the destination of Sun Valley. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people visit for the skiing. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this town.


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, Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley is $184. 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 Sun Valley in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tallahassee $89
    Sun Valley $95
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tallahassee $178
    Sun Valley $190
Compare Hotels in Tallahassee and Sun Valley

Looking for a hotel in Tallahassee or Sun Valley? 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 Sun Valley


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 Sun Valley Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tallahassee $33
    Sun Valley $61

Is it cheaper to fly into Tallahassee or Sun Valley?

Prices for flights to both Sun Valley 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
    Sun Valley $48

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tallahassee $12
    Sun Valley $42

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tallahassee $53
    Sun Valley $49


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tallahassee and Sun Valley, we can see that Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Tallahassee or Sun Valley?

Tallahassee has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Sun Valley. When comparing the sizes of Tallahassee and Sun Valley, 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.