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

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Should you visit Tampa or Dallas?

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

Should I visit Tampa or Dallas? 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 Dallas?

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.

Dallas

Located in the north central part of the state, Dallas is a prominent city in Texas and is one of the most populated metropolitan areas in the United States of America. The business reputation of Dallas rose from its historical status as the center for cotton and oil industries. It was also positioned among numerous railroads.

Which city is cheaper, Dallas or Tampa?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Tampa is $136, while the average daily cost in Dallas is $112. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Tampa and Dallas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tampa $68
    Dallas $67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tampa $136
    Dallas $134
Compare Hotels in Tampa and Dallas

Looking for a hotel in Tampa or Dallas? 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 Dallas


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 Dallas Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tampa $58
    Dallas $23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tampa

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

  • Private Departure Transfer - to Tampa Airport (TPA): $28
  • Private Arrival Transfer - from Tampa Airport (TPA): $32
  • Private Airport Transfer: from Tampa to Tampa International Airport (TPA): $44
  • Private Transfer from Tampa Airport to Land O' Lakes Florida: $60
  • Private Airport Transfer: Tampa International Airport (TPA) to Tampa: $61
  • Transfer from Tampa International Airport to Tampa: $75
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to Tampa hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $82
  • Tampa hotel or address to Tampa Airport (TPA) - Departure Private Transfer: $82
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to St Petersburg hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $83
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to Clearwater Beach - Arrival Private Transfer: $83
  • Private Transfer from Tampa Airport to Bradenton: $110
  • Private Tampa Transfer: Cruise Port to Airport or Hotel: $113

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dallas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dallas:

  • Transfer in private minivan from Dallas Love Field Airport to City Center: $93
  • Transfer in private minivan from Dallas City Center to Love Field Airport: $93
  • Transfer in private minivan from Dallas City Center to Fort Worth Airport: $93
  • Transfer in executive private car from Dallas Love Field Airport to City Center: $73
  • Transfer in executive private car from Dallas City Center to Love Field Airport: $73
  • Transfer in executive private car from Dallas City Center to Fort Worth Airport: $70
  • Transfer from Dallas Love Field to Dallas: $100
  • RoundTrip transfer in executive private car from-to Love Field Airpt-Dallas City: $147
  • Round trip transfer in private minivan from-to Love Field Airport in Dallas City: $187
  • Private transfer: Dallas to Dallas Airport (DAL): $622
  • Private Transfer Downtown Dallas to Fort Worth Airport DFW Luxury Vehicle: $63
  • Private Transfer Dallas Airport DAL to Las Colinas, Irving by Luxury Vehicle: $54

Is it cheaper to fly into Tampa or Dallas?

Prices for flights to both Dallas 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 $34
    Dallas $28

Typical Food prices in Dallas

Some typical examples of dining costs in Dallas are as follows:


  • Cowboys Stadium Tour (for 2)
    $55
  • Whataburger Lunch (family of 4)
    $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dallas

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Dallas.

  • Live from Eggs Benedict Cooking Class with Bri from MasterChef: $33
  • Live from Eggs Benedict Brunch Cooking Class with Bri from MasteChef: $33
  • Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament Admission Ticket in Dallas: $73
  • Secret Food Tour of Dallas w/ Private Tour Option: $221

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tampa $15
    Dallas $10

Tours and Activities in Tampa

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

  • 1 Hour Haunted History Walking Tour: $23
  • Skip the Line: The Florida Aquarium in Tampa Bay Ticket: $26
  • Tampa Celebrity Homes Boat Tour: $30
  • 1.5-hour Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise from Tampa: $31
  • Tampa History Cruise: $31
  • VIP Ghost Hunters Tour Semi Private: $35
  • Skip the Line: ZooTampa at Lowry Park Admission Ticket: $45
  • Historic Ybor City Food and Drink Walking Tour: $59
  • 2-hour Tiki Boat BYOB Cruise in Tampa: $60
  • Adventure Island Water Park Ticket: $63
  • Tampa Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate: $70
  • ZooQuarium 1-Day Ticket: $79

Tours and Activities in Dallas

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dallas are as follows:

  • 2-Hour Historic Dallas Segway Tour: $59
  • Best of Dallas Sightseeing Bus Tour: Reunion Tower GeO-Deck or CityPass: $60
  • Create Your Own Dallas Ft. Worth Combination Tour: $129
  • Dallas City Highlights Tour: $29
  • Dallas City Tour: $51
  • Dallas Cowboys Stadium Tour with Transport: $90
  • Dallas Cruizer Tour: $25
  • Dallas Food and Culture Tour: $36
  • Dallas Highlights Tour: $69
  • Dallas Shopping Tour: $106
  • Dallas and Cowboys Stadium Combo Tour: $150
  • Dallas and JFK Full-Day Tour with Sixth Floor Museum and Oswald Rooming House: $133

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tampa $20
    Dallas $9.82

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
  • Haunted Tampa Ghost and Pub Walking Tour - Ybor City: $26
  • Private Tampa Brewery Tour - Party Bus: $600

Sample the Local Flavors in Dallas

Also in Dallas, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Dallas Bar Hunt: Dallas Dynasty Bar Crawl: $12
  • Haunted Dallas Ghost and Pub Walking Tour: $27
  • Party Bike Pub Crawl in Deep Ellum and Downtown Dallas: $55

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tampa and Dallas, we can see that Tampa is more expensive. And not only is Dallas much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Dallas would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dallas 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 Dallas.


When is the best time to visit Tampa or Dallas?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Tampa or Dallas in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tampa as well as Dallas. The beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tampa this time of year.

In July, Tampa is generally around the same temperature as Dallas. Temperatures in Tampa average around 82°F (28°C), and Dallas stays around 88°F (31°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dallas. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tampa this time of the year. In the summer, Tampa often gets less sunshine than Dallas. Tampa gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dallas receives 337 hours of full sun.

Tampa receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tampa usually gets more rain in July than Dallas. Tampa gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tampa 82°F (28°C) 
    Dallas 88°F (31°C)

Should I visit Tampa or Dallas in the Autumn?

Both Dallas and Tampa are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tampa for the city's sights and attractions.

Tampa is a little warmer than Dallas in the autumn. The temperature in Tampa is usually 75°F (24°C) in October, and Dallas stays around 69°F (21°C).

It's quite sunny in Dallas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tampa. Tampa usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dallas during autumn. Tampa gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Dallas receives 222 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Tampa usually receives less rain than Dallas. Tampa gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tampa 75°F (24°C) 
    Dallas 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit Tampa or Dallas in the Winter?

Both Dallas and Tampa during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tampa in the winter for the cuisine.

In the winter, Tampa is much warmer than Dallas. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tampa in January are around 60°F (15°C), and Dallas is about 46°F (8°C).

It's quite sunny in Tampa. In the winter, Tampa often gets more sunshine than Dallas. Tampa gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dallas receives 183 hours of full sun.

Tampa usually gets more rain in January than Dallas. Tampa gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tampa 60°F (15°C) 
    Dallas 46°F (8°C)

Should I visit Tampa or Dallas in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tampa and Dallas. Most visitors come to Tampa for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Tampa is generally around the same temperature as Dallas. Temperatures in Tampa average around 71°F (22°C), and Dallas stays around 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dallas this time of the year. In Tampa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tampa usually receives more sunshine than Dallas during spring. Tampa gets 299 hours of sunny skies, while Dallas receives 251 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tampa usually receives less rain than Dallas. Tampa gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tampa 71°F (22°C) 
    Dallas 68°F (20°C)

Typical Weather for Dallas and Tampa

Tampa Dallas
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 60°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 46°F (8°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Feb 61°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm)
Mar 67°F (19°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 60°F (15°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Apr 71°F (22°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
May 77°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 76°F (24°C) 5 inches (128 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 83°F (29°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 88°F (31°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 87°F (31°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 80°F (27°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Oct 75°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Nov 68°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 59°F (15°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 50°F (10°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)


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Tampa vs. Dallas Travel Comparison

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