A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Tampa vs. Charlotte for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Tampa or Charlotte?

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

Should I visit Tampa or Charlotte? 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.

Where Should I go: Tampa or Charlotte?

Tampa

On the north shore of Tampa Bay, across the water from Saint Peterburg, is the city of Tampa. The city has a population of almost 350,000. The metropolitan area includes Tampa, St. Peterburg, and Clearwater. It has about 2.9 million residents and is the second largest metropolitan area in the state. The city is a popular destination for outdoor activities and in 2008 it was ranked the 5th best outdoor city by Forbes.

Charlotte

With a population of almost 800,000, Charlotte is the largest city in the state of North Carolina. The city has grown rapidly in recent years and the thriving economy has led to major revitalization efforts in the city's central district. The city is a center for finance, industry, technology, and entertainment within the state. It is the location of the corporate headquarters of Bank of America as well as the east coast operations of Wells Fargo, making it the second largest banking center in the United States. Although Charlotte has never been considered a significant tourist destination, recent efforts to enhance the urban core and develop entertainment venues have begun to appeal to outside visitors.

Which place is cheaper, Charlotte or Tampa?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Tampa is $179, while the average daily cost in Charlotte is $191. 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 Tampa and Charlotte in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tampa $85
    Charlotte $118
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tampa $170
    Charlotte $236
Compare Hotels in Tampa and Charlotte

Looking for a hotel in Tampa or Charlotte? 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 Tampa


Hotels in Charlotte


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: Tampa Hotel Prices and Charlotte Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tampa $69
    Charlotte $33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tampa

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

  • Private Transfer from Tampa to Port Canaveral: $454
  • Tampa Airport (TPA): Private Transfer to Tampa hotel/address: $208
  • Tampa Airport (TPA): Transfer tо Tampa Bay Cruise Port: $199
  • Tampa Bay Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Tampa hotels: $199
  • Private Transfer from Tampa Airport to Clearwater: $120
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to Tampa hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $78
  • Private Transfer to/from Tampa Airport (TPA): $71
  • Tampa Bay Cruise Port to Tampa Airport (TPA) - Departure Transfer: $38
  • Tampa Bay Cruise Port to Tampa Airport (TPA) - Departure Private Transfer: $37
  • Private Arrival Transfer - from Tampa Airport (TPA): $32
  • Private Departure Transfer - to Tampa Airport (TPA): $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Charlotte

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

  • Private Departure Transfer to Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT): $54
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT: $54
  • Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT): 1-Way Transfer to Charlotte: $99

Is it cheaper to fly into Tampa or Charlotte?

Prices for flights to both Charlotte and Tampa 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
    Tampa $53
    Charlotte $46

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tampa

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

  • Ybor City Food Tour On Sundays: $89

Typical Food prices in Charlotte

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Charlotte:


  • Pizza at Airport
    $4.03
  • Cracker Barrel Lunch (family of 4)
    $29

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tampa $20
    Charlotte $43

Tours and Activities in Tampa

For Tampa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Tampa Terrors Ghost Tour By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • 1.5-hour Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise from Tampa: $31
  • 2 Hour Guided Segway Tour: $65
  • Adventure Island Water Park Ticket: $41
  • Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Admission Ticket: $95
  • Downtown Tampa Historic Walking Tour: $30
  • Ghost Hunters Paranormal Ghost Tour: $45
  • Ghost Investigation Tour Interactive Paranormal Experience 18Plus: $35
  • Ghost Investigation Tours with Interactive Paranormal Experience: $35
  • Guided Tampa Sightseeing Tour in 2023 Street Legal Golf Cart: $36
  • Guided Tampa Sightseeing Tour in a Deluxe Street Legal Golf Cart: $49
  • Haunted Tampa Golf Cart Tour: $49

Tours and Activities in Charlotte

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

  • 90 Minute Historic Uptown Neighborhood Segway Tour of Charlotte: $75
  • Carolina History and Haunts Charlotte Historical Ghost Walking Tour : $25
  • Carolina Panthers Football Game Ticket at Bank of America Stadium: $21
  • Charlotte Ghost Walking Tour - Smartphone guided audio/gps Tour at your own pace: $6.75
  • Charlotte Ghost Walking Tour: Smartphone Audio & GPS Tour: $6.50
  • Charlotte Haunted Booze and Boos Tour: $35
  • Charlotte Historic : Queen Bee City Tour: $39
  • Charlotte Historical City Tour: $45
  • Charlotte Hornets Basketball Game Ticket at Spectrum Center: $21
  • Charlotte Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate: $90
  • Charlotte Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Charlotte's Only Southern Charm Haunted/True Crime Golf Cart Tour: $48

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tampa $26
    Charlotte $20

Sample the Local Flavors in Tampa

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

  • Tampa Bar Hunt: Tampa Takeover Bar Crawl: $12
  • Tampa Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $27
  • Haunted Tampa Ghost and Pub Walking Tour - Ybor City: $35
  • Tampa Bar Crawl on a 2023 Street Legal Golf Cart: $40
  • Ybor City Brewery Tour by Private Golf Cart: $200
  • Tampa Heights Private Brewery Tour by Custom Golf Cart: $225
  • Tampa Heights Private Brewery Tour by Private Golf Cart: $225

Sample the Local Flavors in Charlotte

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

  • Trolley Pub Tour of Charlotte: $42
  • Charlotte Brewery Crawl Tour: $48
  • Original Charlotte Brewery Tour - Craft Beer Experience : $125

How are these travel costs calculated?

When comparing the travel costs between Tampa and Charlotte, we can see that Charlotte 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.

Which is Bigger, Tampa or Charlotte?

Charlotte is bigger, and its population is about 84% larger than the population of Tampa. When comparing the population of Tampa vs. Charlotte, 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 and the activities that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Tampa or Charlotte?

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 Charlotte in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tampa and Charlotte. The beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tampa this time of year.

Tampa is around the same temperature as Charlotte in the summer. The daily temperature in Tampa averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Charlotte fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Charlotte this time of the year. In Tampa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tampa usually receives less sunshine than Charlotte during summer. Tampa gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Charlotte receives 289 hours of full sun in the summer.

Charlotte receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tampa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Tampa usually receives more rain than Charlotte. Tampa gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Charlotte receives 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tampa 82°F (28°C) 
    Charlotte 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Tampa or Charlotte in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tampa as well as Charlotte. Many travelers come to Tampa for the city's sights and attractions.

In the autumn, Tampa is a little warmer than Charlotte. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tampa in October average around 75°F (24°C), and Charlotte averages at about 63°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charlotte. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tampa this time of the year. In the autumn, Tampa often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Charlotte. Tampa gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charlotte receives 223 hours of full sun.

Tampa usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Charlotte. Tampa gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Charlotte receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tampa 75°F (24°C) 
    Charlotte 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Tampa or Charlotte in the Winter?

Both Charlotte and Tampa are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Tampa in the winter for the cuisine.

In January, Tampa is generally much warmer than Charlotte. Daily temperatures in Tampa average around 60°F (15°C), and Charlotte fluctuates around 42°F (6°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tampa. Tampa usually receives more sunshine than Charlotte during winter. Tampa gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Charlotte receives 173 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tampa usually receives less rain than Charlotte. Tampa gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Charlotte receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tampa 60°F (15°C) 
    Charlotte 42°F (6°C)

Should I visit Tampa or Charlotte in the Spring?

Both Charlotte and Tampa during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Tampa for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

Tampa is a little warmer than Charlotte in the spring. The daily temperature in Tampa averages around 71°F (22°C) in April, and Charlotte fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In Charlotte, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tampa. In the spring, Tampa often gets more sunshine than Charlotte. Tampa gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charlotte receives 273 hours of full sun.

Tampa usually gets less rain in April than Charlotte. Tampa gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Charlotte receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tampa 71°F (22°C) 
    Charlotte 63°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for Charlotte and Tampa

Tampa Charlotte
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 60°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 61°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Mar 67°F (19°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 54°F (12°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Apr 71°F (22°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 63°F (17°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
May 77°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 71°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 81°F (27°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 80°F (27°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Oct 75°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 63°F (17°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Nov 68°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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Tampa vs. Charlotte Travel Comparison

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