A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Tallahassee vs. West Palm Beach for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Tallahassee or West Palm Beach?

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 West Palm Beach 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. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Tallahassee travel costs.

West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is a vibrant, fun-filled, and diverse beach area. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See West Palm Beach travel costs.

Tallahassee and West Palm Beach: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance


Is there more to do in Tallahassee or West Palm Beach?

Visitors will generally find more to do in West Palm Beach than Tallahassee. While Tallahassee is larger than West Palm Beach, West Palm Beach has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. West Palm Beach is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Tallahassee is more popular for its museums and attractions and shopping. West Palm Beach is more touristy than Tallahassee and is known for its nice resorts, a lively boardwalk, great seafood, and fun watersports. Also, West Palm Beach is famous for Rosemary Square. Tallahassee is well known for its capital building and many universities.

How is Tallahassee different from West Palm Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach?

Tallahassee
West Palm Beach

Tallahassee is a great city for its historical sights. However, West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Tallahassee or West Palm Beach? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Tallahassee
West Palm Beach

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Tallahassee and West Palm Beach can be difficult as they are each respectable in their own way.

Tallahassee may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. 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.

West Palm Beach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Oceanfront restaurants usually have a great view and offer local and fresh seafood. There are also many local restaurants concentrated around Clematis Street and CityPlace districts.

Is Tallahassee or West Palm Beach Better for Nightlife?

Tallahassee
West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is great for its evening party scene. Also, Tallahassee is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Many people head to West Palm Beach for the nightlife scene. With rooftop bars and clubs, oceanfront venues, and plenty of nightlife options downtown, this city rivals most places when it comes to nightlife. The nightlife scene is particularly active during spring break, when university students head to town.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

Is Tallahassee or West Palm Beach Better for Resorts?

Tallahassee
West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is an amazing beach area to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Tallahassee is not a resort destination.

West Palm Beach is a world class resort vacation destination. All of the major names are present including the Hilton, Marriott, and Four Seasons.

Tallahassee is not a resort destination.


Is Tallahassee or West Palm Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tallahassee
West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is great for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Tallahassee is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

West Palm Beach is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. Check out Phil Foster Park in Rivera Beach. It's a man-made reef that is surprisingly clear.

Tallahassee is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tallahassee or West Palm Beach Better for Beaches?

Tallahassee
West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is an amazing beach area to visit for the beach. However, Tallahassee is not a beach destination.

West Palm Beach is considered to be a world-class beach destination. From bustling beaches with a boardwalk to quieter, more relaxing beaches surrounded by parkland, there are are number of options in the area.

Tallahassee is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tallahassee or West Palm Beach?

Tallahassee
West Palm Beach

Tallahassee is a popular place for shopping. However, West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Tallahassee. 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.

West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Tallahassee or West Palm Beach Better for Families?

Tallahassee
West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach. Animal lovers will appreciate the zoos and aquariums in the area. Check out McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary, Manatee Lagoon, the Palm Beach Zoo, and the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium.

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 West Palm Beach Better for Couples?

Tallahassee
West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is great for couples. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for romance.

West Palm Beach is a great beach area if you're traveling as a couple. Couples will enjoy kayaking, dining out, or simply relaxing on the beach. It's fun to spend a day exploring the botanical gardens and an evening wandering around Clematis Street.

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 West Palm Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallahassee
West Palm Beach

Tallahassee is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.


Is Tallahassee or West Palm Beach Better for Students?

Tallahassee
West Palm Beach

Tallahassee is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach is not popular with students.

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

Tallahassee
West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is a beach area with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for its public transit.

While West Palm Beach offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a downtown trolley, a commuter trail line (connecting West Palm Beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale), and a bus system with about 30 lines.

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

Is Tallahassee or West Palm Beach a more walkable city?

Tallahassee
West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is a beach area with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for its walkability.

West Palm Beach is a somewhat walkable beach area. West Palm Beach has a surprisingly walkable area and it's possible to explore the downtown 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 West Palm Beach Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in West Palm Beach or Tallahassee?

How long in Tallahassee or West Palm Beach?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tallahassee than West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach? Ideal Length of Stay
    Tallahassee 1-2 
    West Palm Beach 3-7

One day in Tallahassee or West Palm Beach?

The lively destination of Tallahassee offers shopping and museums. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the vibrant beach area of West Palm Beach. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the beaches. 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 West Palm Beach?

The city of Tallahassee offers museums and nightlife. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the diverse destination of West Palm Beach. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This beach area 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 West Palm Beach?

Tallahassee is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the fun-filled beach area of West Palm Beach. 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 West Palm Beach?

Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Tallahassee. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the destination of West Palm Beach. 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 beaches. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this beach area.


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, West Palm Beach or Tallahassee?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Tallahassee Prices
    USA Prices
    West Palm Beach Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Tallahassee $190
    West Palm Beach $378

The average daily cost (per person) in Tallahassee is $190, while the average daily cost in West Palm Beach is $378. 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 West Palm Beach in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tallahassee $89
    West Palm Beach $234
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tallahassee $178
    West Palm Beach $468
Compare Hotels in Tallahassee and West Palm Beach

Looking for a hotel in Tallahassee or West Palm Beach? 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 West Palm Beach


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 West Palm Beach Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tallahassee $33
    West Palm Beach $49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in West Palm Beach

Also for West Palm Beach, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Arrival Private Transfer: Palm Beach Airport PBI to Palm Beach in Luxury SUV: $110
  • Departure Private Transfer: Palm Beach to Palm Beach Airport PBI in Luxury SUV: $109
  • Private Transfer from PBI to Palm Beach City : $105
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Palm Beach Airport PBI to Palm Beach in Business Car: $95
  • Departure Private Transfer: Palm Beach to Palm Beach Airport PBI in Business Car: $95
  • Palm Beach Intl Airport (PBI) to Port of Palm Beach - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $84
  • One Way Palm Beach International Transfer: $72
  • Palm Beach International Airport: Transfer to Palm Beach: $70
  • Palm Beach to Palm Beach Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $42
  • Palm Beach hotels to Cruise Port of Palm Beach - Departure Private Transfer : $42
  • Palm Beach Intl Airport (PBI) to Port of Palm Beach - Arrival Private Transfer : $42
  • Port of Palm Beach to Palm Beach Intl Airport (PBI) - Departure Private Transfer: $42

Is it cheaper to fly into Tallahassee or West Palm Beach?

Prices for flights to both West Palm Beach 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 $82
    West Palm Beach $114

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in West Palm Beach

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

  • Mornings in the Market Food Tour: $75
  • Mornings in the Market Food Tour: $75
  • Downtown West Palm Beach Food Tour: $85
  • Downtown Food Tour: $85
  • Prohibition Dinner & Drinks Tour: $101
  • Food Tour of Historic West Palm Beach Neighborhoods: $101
  • Prohibition Dinner & Drinks Tour: $101
  • Historic Neighborhood Food Tour: $101

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tallahassee $12
    West Palm Beach $19

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: $251
  • Tallahassee Delights: A Christmas Tour Through Art and Parks: $491
  • Tallahassee Tirade Amazing Race & Tour: $24
  • Tallahassee Tranquility: A Scenic Walking Tour: $195
  • Tallahassee Tranquility: A Scenic Walking Tour: $383
  • Trecherous Tallahassee Haunted Walking Tour: $26

Tours and Activities in West Palm Beach

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for West Palm Beach.

  • 2-Hour Guided Snorkel Tour of Phil Foster Park, Blue Heron Bridge: $44
  • 3 Hour Cruise & Swimming Excursion off Peanut Island Park: $77
  • Beginner Scuba Diving Experience With Videos in West Palm Beach: $79
  • Bulk Candy Store Tour: $13
  • Clear Kayak Eco Tour in Jupiter, Florida: $75
  • Clear Kayak Tour in Jupiter: $79
  • Experience Peanut Island Adventures: $50
  • Flamingle Happy Hour Cruise: $40
  • Florida Backcountry Overnight Camping Adventure : $199
  • Guided Haunted Ghosts Tour in Stuart By US Ghost Adventures: $16
  • Guided Jet Snorkel Experience, Free Videos in West Palm Beach: $99
  • Guided Mermaid Snorkel Experience, Free Videos in West Palm Beach: $89

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tallahassee $53
    West Palm Beach $39


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


Which is Bigger, Tallahassee or West Palm Beach?

Tallahassee has a larger population, and is about 87% larger than the population of West Palm Beach. When comparing the sizes of Tallahassee and West Palm Beach, 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 West Palm Beach?

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 West Palm Beach in the Summer?

Both West Palm Beach and Tallahassee are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tallahassee for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to West Palm Beach in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in West Palm Beach. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tallahassee. Tallahassee usually receives less sunshine than West Palm Beach during summer. Tallahassee gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while West Palm Beach receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in West Palm Beach. It's quite rainy in Tallahassee. In July, Tallahassee usually receives more rain than West Palm Beach. Tallahassee gets 8.9 inches (227 mm) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tallahassee 82°F (28°C) 
    West Palm Beach 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Tallahassee or West Palm Beach in the Autumn?

Both West Palm Beach and Tallahassee during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tallahassee in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In October, Tallahassee is generally cooler than West Palm Beach. Daily temperatures in Tallahassee average around 69°F (20°C), and West Palm Beach fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

In West Palm Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tallahassee. In the autumn, Tallahassee often gets around the same amount of sunshine as West Palm Beach. Tallahassee gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while West Palm Beach receives 275 hours of full sun.

West Palm Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Tallahassee usually gets less rain in October than West Palm Beach. Tallahassee gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Tallahassee is the hurricane season. Also, June to November in West Palm Beach is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tallahassee 69°F (20°C) 
    West Palm Beach 78°F (25°C)

Should I visit Tallahassee or West Palm Beach in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallahassee and West Palm Beach. Most visitors come to Tallahassee for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to West Palm Beach because of the cuisine.

Tallahassee is much colder than West Palm Beach in the winter. The daily temperature in Tallahassee averages around 51°F (11°C) in January, and West Palm Beach fluctuates around 65°F (19°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in West Palm Beach this time of the year. Tallahassee usually receives less sunshine than West Palm Beach during winter. Tallahassee gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while West Palm Beach receives 243 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tallahassee usually receives more rain than West Palm Beach. Tallahassee gets 3.7 inches (95 mm) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tallahassee 51°F (11°C) 
    West Palm Beach 65°F (19°C)

Should I visit Tallahassee or West Palm Beach in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tallahassee as well as West Palm Beach. Additionally, the beaches are the main draw to West Palm Beach this time of year.

In the spring, Tallahassee is cooler than West Palm Beach. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tallahassee in April average around 67°F (19°C), and West Palm Beach averages at about 74°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in West Palm Beach. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tallahassee this time of the year. In the spring, Tallahassee often gets around the same amount of sunshine as West Palm Beach. Tallahassee gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while West Palm Beach receives 300 hours of full sun.

Tallahassee receives a lot of rain in the spring. Tallahassee usually gets more rain in April than West Palm Beach. Tallahassee gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Tallahassee is June to November. Also, the hurricane season in West Palm Beach is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tallahassee 67°F (19°C) 
    West Palm Beach 74°F (23°C)

Typical Weather for West Palm Beach and Tallahassee

Tallahassee West Palm Beach
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 65°F (19°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (121 mm) 66°F (19°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Mar 60°F (16°C) 5.9 inches (151 mm) 70°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Apr 67°F (19°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 74°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
May 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 78°F (25°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 6.6 inches (168 mm) 81°F (27°C) 8.1 inches (207 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.9 inches (227 mm) 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (166 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (175 mm) 83°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (176 mm)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 6.7 inches (169 mm) 81°F (27°C) 9.8 inches (250 mm)
Oct 69°F (20°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 78°F (25°C) 8.7 inches (222 mm)
Nov 60°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 72°F (22°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm)
Dec 54°F (12°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)