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

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Should you visit Tampa or Minneapolis?

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

Should I visit Tampa or Minneapolis? 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 Minneapolis?

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.

Minneapolis

Known as one of the Twin Cities with its neighbor, Saint Paul, the Minneapolis area is the second largest economic center in the Midwest, behind Chicago. Originally a city of lumber and flour milling, the city has grown to prosper in commerce, rail and trucking, health care, industry, education, publishing, milling, and food processing amongst others. In addition to housing the headquarters for five Fortune 500 Companies, Minneapolis is a city of thriving culture. From visual arts, music, and theater to sporting events and award-winning restaurants, the entertainment is never lacking.

Which city is cheaper, Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis is $164. 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 Minneapolis in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tampa $68
    Minneapolis $88
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tampa $136
    Minneapolis $176
Compare Hotels in Tampa and Minneapolis

Looking for a hotel in Tampa or Minneapolis? 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 Minneapolis


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 Minneapolis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tampa $58
    Minneapolis $34

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Minneapolis

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

  • Private transfer: Minneapolis to Minneapolis Airport (MSP): $622
  • Private Departure Transfer to Minneapolis Airport MSP: $75
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Minneapolis Airport MSP: $75
  • Minneapolis to Minneapolis Airport (MSP) - Departure Private Transfer: $92

Is it cheaper to fly into Tampa or Minneapolis?

Prices for flights to both Minneapolis 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
    Minneapolis $32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Minneapolis

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

  • Historic Northeast Minneapolis Food Tour: $52
  • Private Dining: Mediterranean dinner in Minneapolis with local chef: $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tampa $15
    Minneapolis $21

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

Tours and Activities in Minneapolis

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

  • "Crooked" St. Paul Gangsters Private Riding Tour (2 hrs): $325
  • City of Lakes Tour With An Interpreter In Minneapolis: $179
  • Minneapolis & St. Paul Highlights Private Riding & Walking Tour (2 hrs): $325
  • Minneapolis & St. Paul Highlights Private Riding & Walking Tour (3 hrs): $425
  • 3-Hour Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
  • Romantic tour in Minneapolis: $498
  • St Paul Minnesota: Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
  • The Twin Cities St Paul Tour With An Interpreter: $179
  • The best of Minneapolis walking tour: $498
  • Walking Minneapolis Downtown & Skyways Private Tour (2 hrs): $175
  • Walking Minneapolis Downtown Parks, Fountains & Sculpture Private Tour (2 hrs): $175
  • Walking Minneapolis Mississippi River, Falls & Historic Mills Private Tour(2hrs): $175

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tampa $20
    Minneapolis $19

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 Minneapolis

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

  • All Inclusive 3hr Craft Brewery Tour: $82
  • Minneapolis Distillery Tour: $87

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tampa and Minneapolis, we can see that Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Minneapolis than you might in Tampa.


When is the best time to visit Tampa or Minneapolis?

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 Minneapolis in the Summer?

Both Minneapolis and Tampa are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tampa for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Tampa is generally a little warmer than Minneapolis. Temperatures in Tampa average around 82°F (28°C), and Minneapolis stays around 76°F (25°C).

It's quite sunny in Minneapolis. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tampa. Tampa usually receives less sunshine than Minneapolis during summer. Tampa gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 357 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Tampa. In July, Tampa usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. Tampa gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tampa 82°F (28°C) 
    Minneapolis 76°F (25°C)

Should I visit Tampa or Minneapolis in the Autumn?

Both Minneapolis and Tampa during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tampa in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions.

Tampa is much warmer than Minneapolis in the autumn. The temperature in Tampa is usually 75°F (24°C) in October, and Minneapolis stays around 52°F (11°C).

It's quite sunny in Tampa. In the autumn, Tampa often gets more sunshine than Minneapolis. Tampa gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 178 hours of full sun.

Tampa usually gets more rain in October than Minneapolis. Tampa gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tampa 75°F (24°C) 
    Minneapolis 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Tampa or Minneapolis in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tampa and Minneapolis. Most visitors come to Tampa for the cuisine during these months.

The weather in Minneapolis can be very cold. In the winter, Tampa is much warmer than Minneapolis. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tampa in January are around 60°F (15°C), and Minneapolis is about 15°F (-10°C).

In Tampa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tampa usually receives more sunshine than Minneapolis during winter. Tampa gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 157 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tampa usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. Tampa gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tampa 60°F (15°C) 
    Minneapolis 15°F (-10°C)

Should I visit Tampa or Minneapolis in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tampa as well as Minneapolis. The spring months attract visitors to Tampa because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Tampa is generally much warmer than Minneapolis. Temperatures in Tampa average around 71°F (22°C), and Minneapolis stays around 49°F (10°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Minneapolis. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tampa this time of the year. In the spring, Tampa often gets more sunshine than Minneapolis. Tampa gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 244 hours of full sun.

Tampa usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Minneapolis. Tampa gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tampa 71°F (22°C) 
    Minneapolis 49°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Minneapolis and Tampa

Tampa Minneapolis
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 60°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 15°F (-10°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Feb 61°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 0.7 inches (19 mm)
Mar 67°F (19°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 34°F (1°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm)
Apr 71°F (22°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 49°F (10°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
May 77°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 62°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 76°F (25°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 64°F (18°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Oct 75°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 52°F (11°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Nov 68°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 36°F (2°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)


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Tampa vs. Minneapolis Travel Comparison

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