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

Should you visit Tampa or New York City?

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

Should I visit Tampa or New York City? 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 low-key, laid-back, and easy-going city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food and beaches.

New York City

New York City is a one-of-a-kind, vibrant, and energetic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Tampa and New York City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tampa or New York City?

You'll generally find more things to do in New York City than Tampa. New York City is bigger than Tampa, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. New York City is better known for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, christmas markets, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Tampa is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling and beaches. New York City is more touristy than Tampa and is known for its high-reaching skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, world-class theater scene, and endless energy. Also, New York City is famous for The Statue of Liberty. Tampa is well known for its amusement parks, wildlife parks, and popularity as a cruise ship port.

How is Tampa different from New York City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between New York City 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 New York City?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. However, Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, New York City has many famous sights for visitors. The sights and museums around the city are too numerous to list, but some of the most famous include the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. This is a city that is filled with iconic landmarks and you could spend weeks here and still not see it all.

Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Tampa or New York City Better for Theater?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for its shows and theatre. However, Tampa is not a theatre destination.

The theater and performance venues in New York City draw crowds from around the world. Visiting Broadway is a quintessential NYC experience. Whether you enjoy the theater or simply want to experience something new, seeing a Broadway show is a true bucket list activity.

Tampa is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Tampa or New York City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. Also, Tampa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, New York City is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city has a diverse variety of restaurants, with everything from local dives to Michelin star options. There are many neighborhoods that are notable for their ethnic cuisine, particularly Little Italy and Chinatown. Quintessential NYC dishes include NYC pizza, NYC hot dogs, bagels, and Chinese dim sum.

Tampa offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

Is Tampa or New York City Better for Nightlife?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. However, Tampa is lacking in options for nightlife.

New York City has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Known as the city that never sleeps, you can be assured that NYC has some of the best nightlife in the world. There are world class bars and clubs, but also local venues that have a more relaxed atmosphere. Several famous clubs include Paul's Cocktail Lounge, Le Bain, and Avant Gardner.

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 New York City Better for Music?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Tampa is not a live music destination.

New York City has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Popular music venues include Music Hall of Williamsburg, Radio City Music Hall, Beacon Theatre, and Forest Hills Stadium.

Tampa is not a live music destination.

Is Tampa or New York City Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tampa is a decent place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, New York City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

New York City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tampa or New York City Better for Beaches?

Tampa is an excellent place to visit for its beaches. However, New York City 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.

New York City is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tampa or New York City?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. However, Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many people travel to New York City specifically to go shopping. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Head for Fifth Avenue for high end shopping or check out any of the many street markets for local items. New York is known for its many flea markets where you can find vintage items at a good price. And if you're looking to pick up a souvenir shirt or knick knack, there are plenty of souvenir shops around town as well.

Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Tampa or New York City Better for Christmas?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Tampa does not offer Christmas activities.

Known for its popular Christmas activities, New York City draws large crowds. Christmas in the city is a quintessential experience. From the Christmas tree and ice skating at Rockefeller Center to seeing a live performance of the Nutcracker, everyone enjoys the holidays in New York.

Tampa does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Tampa or New York City Better for Christmas Markets?

New York City is an excellent place to visit for visiting Christmas markets. However, Tampa does not offer Christmas markets.

The Christmas markets in New York City offer plenty to see during the holidays. There are a number of Christmas markets that pop up around town during the holiday season. Nothing will get you more in the holiday spirit than wandering these unique venues.

Tampa does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Tampa or New York City Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Tampa or New York City.

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.

New York City is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has many activities for kids of all ages including world class museums, beautifully designed playgrounds, and theater shows designed just for young ones. There are many kid-friendly restaurants as well and older kids will enjoy visiting the iconic landmarks in this world-class city.

Is Tampa or New York City Better for Couples?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for couples. However, Tampa is lacking in options for romance.

New York City makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. From a beautiful carriage ride through Central Park, to a romantic river cruise at night, there is an endless list of unique activities that couples can enjoy in the city. Whether you're interested in theater, the arts, music, or nightlife, this city has it all.

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 New York City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

New York City is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Tampa is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit New York City. It isn't a particularly budget-friendly destination, but it does get its share of backpackers, so you'll find a nice list of hostels and affordable hangouts that are perfect for the backpacker crowd. This is probably one of the most popular cities for backpackers in the entire United States.

Tampa is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Tampa or New York City Better for Students?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Tampa is not popular with students.

Many students frequent New York City. The city has a diverse population, and international students will feel right at home here exploring the city. There are also plenty of major universities including NYU, Columbia University, and Cornell University.

Tampa is not popular with students.

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

New York City 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 New York City is top-notch. The city has one of the largest subway systems in the world. There's also an elaborate bus system, ferry system, and yellow taxis all around town.

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 New York City a more walkable city?

New York City 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 New York City. The majority of the neighborhoods in Manhattan are very walkable and easy to explore on foot. Most people prefer not to drive here as it can be overwhelming and chaotic.

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 New York City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in New York City or Tampa?

How long in Tampa or New York City?

Both Tampa and New York City have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in New York City than in Tampa. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Tampa, and 3-7 days is enough time in New York City.

Families should spend more time in New York City than Tampa. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in New York City, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in New York City 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 New York City.

One day in Tampa or New York City?

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the laid-back destination of Tampa. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Each neighborhood in New York City has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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 New York City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tampa. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in New York City. 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 New York City?

Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the easy-going destination of Tampa. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

New York City is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in New York City has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Tampa or New York City?

You'll find food around the city of Tampa. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Each neighborhood in New York City has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

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 New York City, we can see that New York City 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 New York City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in New York City than you might in Tampa.

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

Which is Bigger, Tampa or New York City?

New York City has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Tampa. When comparing the sizes of Tampa and New York City, 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 New York City?

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 New York City in the Summer?

Both New York City 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 New York City because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Tampa is a little warmer than New York City. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tampa in July average around 82°F (28°C), and New York City averages at about 77°F (25°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in New York City. It's quite rainy in Tampa. In July, Tampa usually receives more rain than New York City. Tampa gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tampa or New York City in the Autumn?

Both New York City 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. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to New York City this time of year.

In October, Tampa is generally much warmer than New York City. Daily temperatures in Tampa average around 75°F (24°C), and New York City fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

Tampa usually gets less rain in October than New York City. Tampa gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tampa or New York City in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tampa and New York City. The cuisine are the main draw to Tampa this time of year. Also, many travelers come to New York City for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in New York City. Tampa is much warmer than New York City in the winter. The daily temperature in Tampa averages around 60°F (15°C) in January, and New York City fluctuates around 31°F (-1°C).

In January, Tampa usually receives less rain than New York City. Tampa gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tampa or New York City in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tampa as well as New York City. Many travelers come to Tampa for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to New York City in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Tampa is much warmer than New York City. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tampa in April average around 71°F (22°C), and New York City averages at about 52°F (11°C).

Tampa usually gets less rain in April than New York City. Tampa gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 3.8 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for New York City and Tampa