A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Tallahassee vs. Tampa for Families, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Tallahassee or Tampa?

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 Tampa 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.

Tampa

Tampa is a easy-going, low-key, and laid-back city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food and beaches.

Tallahassee and Tampa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tallahassee or Tampa?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Tampa than Tallahassee. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Tampa is very popular for its food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities, while Tallahassee attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Tallahassee is famous for its capital building and many universities. Tampa is famous for its amusement parks, wildlife parks, and popularity as a cruise ship port. It is also well known for Busch Gardens.

How is Tallahassee different from Tampa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Tallahassee is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Tampa 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.

Tampa is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are a surprising number of great local restaurants around town as well as a good food truck scene. Some favorite dishes include fresh caught seafood, Grouper sandwiches, and Cuban sandwiches.

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 Tampa Better for Nightlife?

Tallahassee is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Tampa is lacking in options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Tallahassee. The nightlife scene is mostly centered around the student population. There are many bars and pubs that fill up with students on weekends.

Tampa is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The city has some good nightclubs, sports bars, and other spots where locals enjoy spending the evening.

Is Tallahassee or Tampa Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tampa is adequate for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Tallahassee is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are few places where you can go snorkeling in Tampa. While the water isn't always the clearest, there are some nice snorkeling and diving spots in the area. Options include Shell Key and Egmont Key, Crystal River, and Fort De Soto.

Tallahassee is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tallahassee or Tampa Better for Beaches?

Tampa is great for the beach. However, Tallahassee is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Tampa attract visitors from all over. Popular beaches near Tampa include Ben T. Davis Beach, Fred Howard Park, and Indian Rocks Beach.

Tallahassee is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tallahassee or Tampa?

Tallahassee is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Tallahassee or Tampa Better for Families?

Tampa is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Tallahassee is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Tampa. The city has a number of kid-oriented attractions including Busch Gardens Amusement Park, several kid-friendly museums, and a number of animal centers, aquariums, and wildlife rescue facilities.

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 Tampa Better for Couples?

Neither Tallahassee or Tampa 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.

Tampa is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The area does have great restaurants and some fun places to explore, but the downtown area has room for improvement and much of the city is suburban.

Is Tallahassee or Tampa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallahassee is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Tampa is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Tampa is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Tallahassee or Tampa Better for Students?

Tallahassee is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Tampa 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.

Tampa is not popular with students.

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

Tallahassee is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Tampa is lacking in options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Tampa. There is the street car that runs from downtown Tampa to Ybor City and stops at 11 stations.

Is Tallahassee or Tampa a more walkable city?

Tallahassee and Tampa 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.

Tampa is generally not very walkable. While there are some neighborhoods that are considered walkable, you really need a car if you hope to explore Tampa in depth.

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

Should I spend more time in Tampa or Tallahassee?

How long in Tallahassee or Tampa?

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

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

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

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

One day in Tallahassee or Tampa?

In Tallahassee, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this vibrant destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the laid-back city of Tampa. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Tampa?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tallahassee. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the easy-going destination of Tampa. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Tampa?

Tallahassee is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Tallahassee. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

The laid-back city of Tampa offers food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Tampa?

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the youthful destination of Tallahassee. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many people enjoy the food when visiting Tampa. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Tallahassee or Tampa?

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

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 Tampa in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallahassee and Tampa. Many travelers come to Tallahassee for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Tampa in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Tallahassee is around the same temperature as Tampa in the summer. The daily temperature in Tallahassee averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Tampa fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tampa this time of the year. In Tallahassee, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tallahassee usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Tampa during summer. Tallahassee gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Tampa receives 265 hours of full sun in the summer.

Tampa receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tallahassee gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Tallahassee usually receives around the same amount of rain as Tampa. Tallahassee gets 8.9 inches (227 mm) of rain, while Tampa receives 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tallahassee or Tampa in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tallahassee as well as Tampa. Many visitors come to Tallahassee in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Tampa for the city's sights and attractions during these months.

In the autumn, Tallahassee is cooler than Tampa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tallahassee in October average around 69°F (20°C), and Tampa averages at about 75°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tampa. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tallahassee this time of the year. In the autumn, Tallahassee often gets more sunshine than Tampa. Tallahassee gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tampa receives 234 hours of full sun.

Tallahassee usually gets more rain in October than Tampa. Tallahassee gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Tampa receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Tallahassee is June to November.

Should I visit Tallahassee or Tampa in the Winter?

Both Tampa and Tallahassee are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Tallahassee for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Tampa because of the cuisine.

In January, Tallahassee is generally cooler than Tampa. Daily temperatures in Tallahassee average around 51°F (11°C), and Tampa fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in Tampa. Tallahassee usually receives less sunshine than Tampa during winter. Tallahassee gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Tampa receives 200 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tallahassee usually receives more rain than Tampa. Tallahassee gets 3.7 inches (95 mm) of rain, while Tampa receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tallahassee or Tampa in the Spring?

Both Tampa and Tallahassee during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Tampa this time of year.

Tallahassee is cooler than Tampa in the spring. The daily temperature in Tallahassee averages around 67°F (19°C) in April, and Tampa fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

In Tampa, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tallahassee. In the spring, Tallahassee often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Tampa. Tallahassee gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tampa receives 299 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tallahassee. Tallahassee usually gets more rain in April than Tampa. Tallahassee gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Tampa receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Tallahassee.

Typical Weather for Tampa and Tallahassee