A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Tampa vs. Los Angeles for Food, Nightlife, Beaches, and Families

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Should you visit Tampa or Los Angeles?

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

Should I visit Tampa or Los Angeles? 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 beaches.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a glamourous, diverse, and multicultural city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Tampa and Los Angeles: Pros and Cons

Tampa
Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
Cons
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Not as popular for scuba diving and snorkeling
  • Less popular with couples
  • Public transit not as usable
Los Angeles
Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Good nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities


How is Tampa different from Los Angeles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Tampa or Los Angeles Better for Food?

Tampa
Los Angeles

For a nice culinary experience, head to Los Angeles, which is well known for it's local dishes and restaurants.

For foodies, Los Angeles is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. As a huge and diverse city, there is no shortage of amazing food options around town. Popular dishes include Cobb Salads, Mexican Tacos, and the French Dip Sandwich.

Tampa offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Some favorite dishes include fresh caught seafood, Grouper sandwiches, and Cuban sandwiches.


Is Tampa or Los Angeles Better for Nightlife?

Tampa
Los Angeles

Most visitors prefer the nightlife in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The city's nightlife scene is as diverse as the city itself. There are glamorous clubs where you might spot a celebrity, as well as local dives with a more down-to-earth vibe. Some of the most famous clubs in the city include Academy, Avalon, and Boardner's.

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 Los Angeles Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tampa
Los Angeles

There's scuba diving or snorkeling available in both Tampa and Los Angeles.

It's possible to 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.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Los Angeles. Popular snorkeling or diving spots near the city include Santa Catalina Island, Diver's Cove, and Crystal Cove State Park.

Is Tampa or Los Angeles Better for Beaches?

Tampa
Los Angeles

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Tampa and Los Angeles are good choices.

Tampa is considered a top beach destination. Popular beaches near Tampa include Ben T. Davis Beach, Fred Howard Park, and Indian Rocks Beach.

With world-famous beaches, Los Angeles is a very popular vacation destination. Ranging from beaches with stunning natural beauty to those with glamourous high energy, this city has a number of beaches to choose from. Some of the most popular are Santa Monica, Malibu, Huntington Beach, and Redondo Beach.

Is Tampa or Los Angeles Better for Families?

Tampa
Los Angeles

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Tampa or Los Angeles.

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.

Los Angeles is one of the most popular family destinations. With its many amusement parks, including nearby Disneyland, and its countless family friendly parks and playgrounds, there is no shortage of things to do with kids around the city.


Is Tampa or Los Angeles Better for Couples?

Tampa
Los Angeles

There's generally more to do as a couple in Los Angeles than Tampa.

Los Angeles makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It is a large, sprawling city with tucked away romantic scenes that are perfect for a couple's getaway or a dream honeymoon.

Tampa is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The area does have great restaurants and some fun places to explore.

Is Tampa or Los Angeles Better for Public Transit?

Tampa
Los Angeles

Los Angeles generally offers a better public transit system than Tampa.

Los Angeles has some public transit options. Many of the public transit options are overlooked by visitors for a number of reasons, but options include the subway, light rail, and buses.

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 Los Angeles a more walkable city?

Tampa
Los Angeles

Tampa and Los Angeles are similar when it comes to walkability.

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

Los Angeles is somewhat walkable. The city is sprawling, but some of the neighborhoods are more walkable than others. Some of the more walkable neighborhoods include Hollywood, Koreatown, Downtown, and MacArthur Park.

Should I spend more time in Los Angeles or Tampa?

How long in Tampa or Los Angeles?

Both Tampa and Los Angeles have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Los Angeles than Tampa.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Tampa is 2-3 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Los Angeles is 5-7 days.


  • How many days in Tampa or Los Angeles? Ideal Length of Stay
    Tampa 2-3 
    Los Angeles 5-7

One day in Tampa or Los Angeles?

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the easy-going 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.

Each neighborhood in Los Angeles has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Los Angeles?

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the laid-back 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Los Angeles. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tampa or Los Angeles?

The low-key city of Tampa offers . 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.

Los Angeles is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Los Angeles has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Tampa or Los Angeles?

Many people enjoy the 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.

Each neighborhood in Los Angeles has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Which city is cheaper, Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles is $203. 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 Los Angeles in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tampa $68
    Los Angeles $111
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tampa $136
    Los Angeles $222
Compare Hotels in Tampa and Los Angeles

Looking for a hotel in Tampa or Los Angeles? 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 Los Angeles


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 Los Angeles Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tampa $58
    Los Angeles $33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tampa

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

  • Transfer from Tampa International Airport to Tampa: $75
  • Tampa hotel or address to Tampa Airport (TPA) - Departure Private Transfer: $82
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to Tampa hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $164
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to Tampa hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $82
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to St Petersburg hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $83
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to St Petersburg - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $167
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to Clearwater Beach - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $167
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to Clearwater Beach - Arrival Private Transfer: $83
  • Private Transfer from Tampa to Port Canaveral: $526
  • Private Transfer from Tampa to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $457
  • Private Transfer from Tampa to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $393
  • Private Transfer from Tampa Airport to Sarasota: $120

Typical Local Transportation prices in Los Angeles

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Los Angeles:


  • Hotel Parking for a Day
    $22
  • Taxi to Airport
    $55

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Los Angeles

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

  • Universal Studios Private Transfer To Anaheim Resort or OC Central.: $123
  • Universal Studios Hollywood with transfers from Los Angeles or Anaheim: $160
  • Transfer to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): $39
  • Transfer Los Angeles to or from Anaheim: $115
  • Stress free transfers from A through Z.: $160
  • Small-Group Amazing Hollywood Sign Tour with Transfer: $32
  • San Diego Private Transfer From Hollywood or Burbank.: $398
  • Round Trip Los Angeles Airport (LAX) Transfer to Los Angeles City Center: $132
  • Private transfer from Los Angeles International Airport to Los Angeles: $100
  • Private Van Airport Arrival Transfer: LAX Airport to Anaheim Resort Area: $53
  • Private Universal City Transfer: Hotel to Airport: $138
  • Private Universal City Transfer: Airport to Hotel: $155

Is it cheaper to fly into Tampa or Los Angeles?

Prices for flights to both Los Angeles 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
    Los Angeles $46

Typical Food prices in Los Angeles

For Los Angeles, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Mexican Dinner (family of 4)
    $32
  • Burritos for Two
    $15
  • Coffee and Danish
    $7.70

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Los Angeles

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

  • How to Cook the Perfect Steak Virtual Cooking Class: $42
  • West Hollywood Food Tour: $75
  • Downtown Los Angeles Food Tour: $77
  • Private Tour: Secret Food Tours Los Angeles Venice Beach: $96
  • Private Authentic Middle Eastern Cooking Class in Reseda, Los Angeles: $102
  • Luxury Vegan Food Tours of Los Angeles: $125
  • Secret Food Tour of Venice Beach, Los Angeles w/ Private Tour Option: $207

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tampa $15
    Los Angeles $64

Tours and Activities in Tampa

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

  • 1.5-hour Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise from Tampa: $31
  • 2-hour Tiki Boat BYOB Cruise in Tampa: $60
  • Adventure Island Water Park Ticket: $63
  • Bayshore Drive Motorbike Tour: $199
  • Bicycle Tour Orlando, Over Tampa Bay Ride: $150
  • Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Admission Ticket: $110
  • Historic Ybor City Food and Drink Walking Tour: $59
  • Motorcycle Tour of Sunshine Skyway Bridge: $299
  • Nature Coast Private Day Tour From Tampa with Photographer , Max Group of 4: $250
  • Orlando: Aquatica Water Park Admission Ticket: $128
  • Skip the Line: The Florida Aquarium in Tampa Bay Ticket: $26
  • Skip the Line: ZooTampa at Lowry Park Admission Ticket: $45

Typical Entertainment prices in Los Angeles

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Los Angeles's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Santa Monica Pier Rides (family of 4)
    $37
  • Bowling
    $13
  • Hollywood Tour for Two
    $30
  • Six Flags for 2
    $96

Tours and Activities in Los Angeles

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

  • 1 Hour Instagram Pics Hollywood Sign Tour: $39
  • 15 mins Driving Tour in a Ferrari California T spider in hollywood: $69
  • 1HOUR FERRARI CALIFORNIA driving Tour from Hollywood to Beverly Hills: $300
  • 2 Hour Celebrity Homes Tour: $39
  • 2 Hour Venice Beach Bike Tour: $61
  • 2 hour Horseback Riding Tour near the Hollywood Sign with Transportation: $127
  • 2-Hour Hollywood Bike Tour: $60
  • 2-Hour Hollywood Walking and Hiking Tour with Skyline Views: $34
  • 3 Hour Hollywood to Beverly Hills small group Tour: $41
  • 3 Hour Venice Beach Bike Tour: $71
  • 3 Hours Los Angeles VIP Tour: $49
  • 3 Hours Private Los Angeles Tour: $357

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tampa $20
    Los Angeles $11

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 Los Angeles

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

  • Brews Cruise- DTLA Brewery tour by bike: $50
  • Brewery Walking Tour -- Downtown / Arts District: $81
  • Santa Barbara Wine Tasting Day Tour from Los Angeles: $249
  • Los Angeles Wine Tour: $250
  • The Private Malibu Wine Tour: $419
  • Food and Wine Tasting Party: $750
  • Private Tour: Malibu Wine Tasting for Two by Limousine from Los Angeles: $999

About these numbers

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


When is the best time to visit Tampa or Los Angeles?

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 Los Angeles in the Summer?

Both Los Angeles and Tampa are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Tampa for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Los Angeles because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Tampa is a little warmer than Los Angeles in the summer. The temperature in Tampa is usually 82°F (28°C) in July, and Los Angeles stays around 72°F (22°C).

It's quite rainy in Tampa. In July, Tampa usually receives more rain than Los Angeles. Tampa gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tampa 82°F (28°C) 
    Los Angeles 72°F (22°C)

Should I visit Tampa or Los Angeles in the Autumn?

Both Los Angeles and Tampa during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Tampa because of the city's sights and attractions. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Los Angeles this time of year.

In the autumn, Tampa is a little warmer than Los Angeles. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tampa in October are around 75°F (24°C), and Los Angeles is about 64°F (18°C).

Tampa usually gets more rain in October than Los Angeles. Tampa gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tampa 75°F (24°C) 
    Los Angeles 64°F (18°C)

Should I visit Tampa or Los Angeles in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tampa and Los Angeles. The cuisine are the main draw to Tampa this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Los Angeles for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

In January, Tampa is generally a little warmer than Los Angeles. Temperatures in Tampa average around 60°F (15°C), and Los Angeles stays around 55°F (13°C).

In January, Tampa usually receives less rain than Los Angeles. Tampa gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tampa 60°F (15°C) 
    Los Angeles 55°F (13°C)

Should I visit Tampa or Los Angeles in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tampa as well as Los Angeles. Many travelers come to Tampa for the beaches and the activities around the city. Additionally, many visitors come to Los Angeles in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Tampa is a little warmer than Los Angeles in the spring. The temperature in Tampa is usually 71°F (22°C) in April, and Los Angeles stays around 61°F (16°C).

Tampa usually gets more rain in April than Los Angeles. Tampa gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 1 inches (25 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tampa 71°F (22°C) 
    Los Angeles 61°F (16°C)

Typical Weather for Los Angeles and Tampa

Tampa Los Angeles
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 60°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Feb 61°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
Mar 67°F (19°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Apr 71°F (22°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 61°F (16°C) 1 inches (25 mm)
May 77°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 63°F (17°C) 0.4 inches (10 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0 inches (0 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0 inches (0 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 70°F (21°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Oct 75°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 64°F (18°C) 0.6 inches (15 mm)
Nov 68°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)


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Tampa vs. Los Angeles Travel Comparison

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