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

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Should you visit Tampa or Philadelphia?

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

Should I visit Tampa or Philadelphia? 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 laid-back, easy-going, and low-key city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the beaches.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia is a cultural, diverse, and historic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Tampa and Philadelphia: Pros and Cons

Tampa
Pros
  • Family-friendly
Cons
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Philadelphia
Pros
  • Good nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities


How is Tampa different from Philadelphia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Tampa or Philadelphia Better for Food?

Tampa
Philadelphia

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Tampa and Philadelphia can be difficult as they are each unique in their own way.

Tampa may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Some favorite dishes include fresh caught seafood, Grouper sandwiches, and Cuban sandwiches.

Philadelphia offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city is famous for its Philly cheesesteak and roast pork sandwich. You can also grab some local favorites at Reading Terminal Market.


Is Tampa or Philadelphia Better for Nightlife?

Tampa
Philadelphia

Most visitors prefer the nightlife in Philadelphia.

Philadelphia has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city's nightlife scene carries late into the night with many rooftop and outdoor beer gardens.

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 Philadelphia Better for Families?

Tampa
Philadelphia

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Tampa or Philadelphia.

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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Philadelphia. Popular activities include a zoo and Sesame Place. Kids also love the hands-on Please Touch Museum.

Is Tampa or Philadelphia Better for Couples?

Tampa
Philadelphia

With fun activities for couples, both Tampa and Philadelphia make for a good place to visit.

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

Philadelphia is a nice destination for couples. Like many large cities, this city is a fun place to explore in the evening as a couple.

Is Tampa or Philadelphia Better for Public Transit?

Tampa
Philadelphia

Philadelphia generally offers a better public transit system than Tampa.

The public transit in Philadelphia can get you to most places easily. The system includes a subway, trolleys, buses, and a commuter rail.

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 Philadelphia a more walkable city?

Tampa
Philadelphia

Philadelphia is more walkable than Tampa.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Philadelphia. The Old City is particularly walkable, as is Avenue of the Arts, and Rittenhouse Square.

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.

Should I spend more time in Philadelphia or Tampa?

How long in Tampa or Philadelphia?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Tampa and Philadelphia. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Tampa is 2-3 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Philadelphia is 2-3 days.


  • How many days in Tampa or Philadelphia? Ideal Length of Stay
    Tampa 2-3 
    Philadelphia 2-3

One day in Tampa or Philadelphia?

In Tampa, many people enjoy the that this easy-going city offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Each neighborhood in Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia?

Tampa is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Philadelphia. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tampa or Philadelphia?

You'll find around the laid-back destination of Tampa. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Philadelphia is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the big city destination of Philadelphia. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.


A week in Tampa or Philadelphia?

Tampa is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find shopping and museums around the cultural big city of Philadelphia. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Which city is cheaper, Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia is $151. 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 Philadelphia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tampa $68
    Philadelphia $95
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tampa $136
    Philadelphia $190
Compare Hotels in Tampa and Philadelphia

Looking for a hotel in Tampa or Philadelphia? 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 Philadelphia


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 Philadelphia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tampa $58
    Philadelphia $22

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 Philadelphia

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

  • Transfer in executive private vehicle from Philadelphia City Center to Airport: $70
  • Transfer in executive private vehicle from Philadelphia Airport to City Center: $70
  • Transfer in executive private minivan from Philadelphia City Center to Airport: $95
  • Transfer in executive private minivan from Philadelphia Airport to City Center: $95
  • Transfer from Philadelphia International Airport to Philadelphia: $100
  • Shared Departure Transfer: Hotel to Philadelphia Airport: $51
  • Shared Arrival Transfer: Philadelphia Airport to Hotel: $51
  • RoundTrip transfer in executive private minivan from-to Airpt-Philadelphia City: $191
  • Round-Trip Transfer in Executive Private Car from-to Airport - Philadelphia City: $140
  • Private transfer from or to MDT , PHL airports , Philadelphia and Harrisburg, PA: $200
  • Private Transfer: Philadelphia to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL): $622
  • Private Transfer: Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to Philadelphia: $622

Is it cheaper to fly into Tampa or Philadelphia?

Prices for flights to both Philadelphia 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
    Philadelphia $39

Typical Food prices in Philadelphia

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


  • Casual Lunch (for 3)
    $27

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Philadelphia

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

  • Flavors of Philly Food Tour: $44
  • Decadent Gourmet Food Tour: $44
  • Flavors of Philly Food Tour: $52
  • Highlights of East Passyunk Food Tour: $54
  • South Philly Italian Family Dinner Tour: $75
  • Historic Food Tour: $78
  • Private Tour: Secret Food Tours Philadelphia: $90
  • Spirit of Philadelphia Dinner Cruise with Buffet: $107
  • Secret Food Tours Philadelphia w/ Private Tour Option: $193

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tampa $15
    Philadelphia $22

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 Philadelphia

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


  • Big Bus Tour (family of 3)
    $99

Tours and Activities in Philadelphia

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

  • 1776 History and Cheesesteak Tour: $28
  • Art and Controversy: An audio tour of Philadelphia's most infamous art scandals: $5.00
  • Badass Women's History Tour of Philadelphia: $40
  • Beyond the [Liberty] Bell History Tour: $40
  • Brandywine Valley Tour with Private Driver: $581
  • Cemetery and Serial Killers Walking Tour of Philadelphia: $35
  • City Sightseeing Philadelphia Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $36
  • Colonial Era Philadelphia Waterfront Walking Tour: $215
  • Dark Philly Adult Night Tour: $25
  • Discovering Colonial Philadelphia to now Walking Tour: $250
  • Double Decker Bus Tour of Philadelphia: $37
  • Double Decker Night-Time Tour of Philadelphia: $34

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tampa $20
    Philadelphia $17

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 Philadelphia

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

  • Haunted Pub Crawl: $45
  • Philadelphia Prohibition Pub Crawl: $45
  • Charleston: Haunted Bar Crawl with Tarot Reading: $64
  • Sip of Philly Brewery Tour: $79

About these numbers

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


When is the best time to visit Tampa or Philadelphia?

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 Philadelphia in the Summer?

Both Philadelphia 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. Also, many visitors come to Philadelphia in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Tampa is generally a little warmer than Philadelphia. Temperatures in Tampa average around 82°F (28°C), and Philadelphia stays around 77°F (25°C).

It's quite sunny in Philadelphia. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tampa. Tampa usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Philadelphia during summer. Tampa gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Philadelphia receives 273 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Philadelphia. It's quite rainy in Tampa. In July, Tampa usually receives more rain than Philadelphia. Tampa gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tampa 82°F (28°C) 
    Philadelphia 77°F (25°C)

Should I visit Tampa or Philadelphia in the Autumn?

Both Philadelphia 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. Also, most visitors come to Philadelphia for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Tampa is much warmer than Philadelphia in the autumn. The temperature in Tampa is usually 75°F (24°C) in October, and Philadelphia stays around 56°F (14°C).

In Philadelphia, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tampa. In the autumn, Tampa often gets more sunshine than Philadelphia. Tampa gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 202 hours of full sun.

Tampa usually gets more rain in October than Philadelphia. Tampa gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tampa 75°F (24°C) 
    Philadelphia 56°F (14°C)

Should I visit Tampa or Philadelphia in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tampa and Philadelphia. Most visitors come to Tampa for the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Philadelphia because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

The weather in Philadelphia can be very cold. In the winter, Tampa is much warmer than Philadelphia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tampa in January are around 60°F (15°C), and Philadelphia is about 30°F (-1°C).

In Tampa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tampa usually receives more sunshine than Philadelphia during winter. Tampa gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Philadelphia receives 152 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tampa usually receives around the same amount of rain as Philadelphia. Tampa gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tampa 60°F (15°C) 
    Philadelphia 30°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Tampa or Philadelphia in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tampa as well as Philadelphia. The spring months attract visitors to Tampa because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Philadelphia this time of year.

In April, Tampa is generally much warmer than Philadelphia. Temperatures in Tampa average around 71°F (22°C), and Philadelphia stays around 52°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Philadelphia. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tampa this time of the year. In the spring, Tampa often gets more sunshine than Philadelphia. Tampa gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 216 hours of full sun.

Tampa usually gets less rain in April than Philadelphia. Tampa gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tampa 71°F (22°C) 
    Philadelphia 52°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Philadelphia and Tampa

Tampa Philadelphia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 60°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Feb 61°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 33°F (1°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm)
Mar 67°F (19°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 42°F (6°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Apr 71°F (22°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 52°F (11°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
May 77°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 63°F (17°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 76°F (24°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Oct 75°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 56°F (14°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Nov 68°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 46°F (8°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 36°F (2°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)


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Tampa vs. Philadelphia Travel Comparison

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