A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Tampa vs. Alexandria for Families, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Tampa or Alexandria?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Tampa or Alexandria? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

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.

Alexandria

Alexandria is a charming, quaint, and historic city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Tampa and Alexandria: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tampa or Alexandria?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Alexandria than Tampa. While Tampa is larger than Alexandria, Alexandria has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Alexandria is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Tampa attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities. Alexandria is more touristy than Tampa and is known for its long-running history, beautiful architecture, and small town atmosphere. It is also well known for Mount Vernon. Tampa is famous for its amusement parks, wildlife parks, and popularity as a cruise ship port.

How is Tampa different from Alexandria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Tampa or Alexandria?

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

Alexandria offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. George Washington's Mount Vernon home is an iconic destination in Alexandria. There are also many other museums in town that focus on the region's history. The Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum and the Gadsby's Tavern Museum are both interesting. There's Gunston Hall and the Carlyle House, as well as an archeology museum and many historic landmarks around town.

Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Tampa and Alexandria can be difficult as they are each nice in their own way.

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.

Alexandria offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The food, like the city itself, reflects the area's history. There are many southern classic dishes as well as a lot of seafood. You'll find lots of local restaurants that serve high quality dishes and a quaint atmosphere.

Is Tampa or Alexandria Better for Nightlife?

Alexandria 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 Alexandria. There's a great bar scene, as well as tons of restaurants that make for a relaxing night out.

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 Tampa or Alexandria Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tampa is adequate for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Alexandria 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.

Alexandria is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tampa or Alexandria Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Tampa for it's beautiful beaches. Popular beaches near Tampa include Ben T. Davis Beach, Fred Howard Park, and Indian Rocks Beach.

Alexandria is not a beach destination.

Is Tampa or Alexandria Better for its Old Town?

Alexandria is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Tampa does not have a historic old town.

Alexandria offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. At the heart of the city is the historic old town. Its lined with townhomes that date back to the 18th century. There are many historic sights that have stories from the early days of the country. There are also cobblestone streets and a great waterfront.

Tampa does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Tampa or Alexandria?

Alexandria is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Alexandria. King Street is the main shopping street in town and it offers the largest concentration of independently owned boutiques in the Washington D.C. area. It's the perfectly place to spend an afternoon shopping.

Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Tampa or Alexandria Better for Families?

Tampa is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Alexandria is not a good destination 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.

Alexandria is not the most family-friendly destination. The waterfront area is nice to walk around. You can break up the history with an ice cream shop and kids will also enjoy taking a boat tour.

Is Tampa or Alexandria Better for Couples?

Alexandria is an excellent place to visit for couples. However, Tampa is lacking in options for romance.

Alexandria makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The charm of the old town makes this a quaint and romantic destination. There's a waterfront area and many historic buildings. There are also romantic restaurants and plenty of places to grab brunch.

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 Tampa or Alexandria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Alexandria. There aren't any true hostels in town, but you will find some cheap motels.

Tampa is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Alexandria is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Tampa is lacking in options for its public transit.

Public transit in Alexandria is top-notch. DASH is the local bus system, but the city is also connected into the Washington DC metro system.

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 Tampa or Alexandria a more walkable city?

Alexandria is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Tampa is lacking in options for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Alexandria. It's a very easy city to walk around, particularly in the historic heart where most tourists spend their time.

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 Tampa Worth Visiting? and Is Alexandria Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Alexandria or Tampa?

How long in Tampa or Alexandria?

It's fun to spend time in either Tampa or Alexandria. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Alexandria due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Tampa, and 2-4 days is enough time in Alexandria.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Alexandria 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 Alexandria.

One day in Tampa or Alexandria?

With food around the laid-back city of Tampa, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Alexandria, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this quaint destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Tampa or Alexandria?

With food around the destination of Tampa, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Alexandria. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

Five days in Tampa or Alexandria?

Tampa, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Alexandria is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Alexandria. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Tampa or Alexandria?

Tampa 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Alexandria. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Tampa or Alexandria?

Tampa has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Alexandria. When comparing the sizes of Tampa and Alexandria, 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 Tampa or Alexandria?

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 Tampa or Alexandria in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tampa and Alexandria. Most visitors come to Tampa for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Alexandria because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Tampa is around the same temperature as Alexandria in the summer. The daily temperature in Tampa averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Alexandria fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Alexandria this time of the year. In Tampa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tampa usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Alexandria during summer. Tampa gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Alexandria receives 278 hours of full sun in the summer.

Tampa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Tampa usually receives more rain than Alexandria. Tampa gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tampa or Alexandria in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tampa as well as Alexandria. The autumn months attract visitors to Tampa because of the city's sights and attractions. Additionally, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Alexandria this time of year.

In the autumn, Tampa is much warmer than Alexandria. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tampa in October average around 75°F (24°C), and Alexandria averages at about 60°F (15°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tampa this time of the year. In the autumn, Tampa often gets more sunshine than Alexandria. Tampa gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alexandria receives 197 hours of full sun.

Tampa usually gets less rain in October than Alexandria. Tampa gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tampa or Alexandria in the Winter?

Both Alexandria and Tampa are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The cuisine are the main draw to Tampa this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Alexandria for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Alexandria. In January, Tampa is generally much warmer than Alexandria. Daily temperatures in Tampa average around 60°F (15°C), and Alexandria fluctuates around 35°F (1°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tampa. Tampa usually receives more sunshine than Alexandria during winter. Tampa gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Alexandria receives 139 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tampa usually receives less rain than Alexandria. Tampa gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tampa or Alexandria in the Spring?

Both Alexandria and Tampa during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Tampa for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Alexandria in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Tampa is much warmer than Alexandria in the spring. The daily temperature in Tampa averages around 71°F (22°C) in April, and Alexandria fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

In Alexandria, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tampa. In the spring, Tampa often gets more sunshine than Alexandria. Tampa gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alexandria receives 228 hours of full sun.

Tampa usually gets less rain in April than Alexandria. Tampa gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Alexandria and Tampa