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

Should you visit Tampa or Richmond?

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

Should I visit Tampa or Richmond? 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. Other popular activities here include food and beaches.

Richmond

Richmond is a friendly, historical, and growing city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Tampa and Richmond: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students


Is there more to do in Tampa or Richmond?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Tampa than Richmond. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Tampa is very popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities, while Richmond attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Richmond is more touristy than Tampa and is popular for its cultural and historical sights. Tampa is famous for its amusement parks, wildlife parks, and popularity as a cruise ship port. It is also well known for Busch Gardens.

How is Tampa different from Richmond?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Richmond 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 Richmond?

Tampa
Richmond

Richmond is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

Richmond offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city has a long history which you can learn about at one of the many museums. There's the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, and the Black History Museum. There are also landmarks and historical homes.

Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Tampa or Richmond? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Tampa
Richmond

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

Tampa is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Richmond offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The food scene has been growing around town, and there are food halls and local restaurants that serve diverse and interesting dishes. You'll find Indian, Asian, and European restaurants in addition to local classics.

Is Tampa or Richmond Better for Nightlife?

Tampa
Richmond

Richmond is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Tampa is lacking in options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Richmond. You'll find diverse bars and clubs around town. Pubs are usually laid back with a relaxed atmosphere. You'll also find live music that includes bluegrass, country, and jazz.

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 Richmond Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tampa
Richmond

Tampa is a moderate city for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Richmond is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Snorkeling is an option 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.

Richmond is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Tampa or Richmond Better for Beaches?

Tampa
Richmond

Tampa is notable for the beach. However, Richmond is not a beach destination.

Tampa is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Popular beaches near Tampa include Ben T. Davis Beach, Fred Howard Park, and Indian Rocks Beach.

Richmond is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tampa or Richmond?

Tampa
Richmond

Richmond is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Richmond has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find shopping malls and shopping centers around town, but there are also eclectic shopping streets and boutique outlets.

Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Tampa or Richmond Better for Families?

Tampa
Richmond

Tampa is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Richmond is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Tampa is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Richmond is a family-friendly city. The Children's Museum of Richmond offers hands-on exhibits that will keep young ones entertained. Another fun option is the Science Museum of Virginia. The city also has parks and outdoor places to explore as well as playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants.


Is Tampa or Richmond Better for Couples?

Tampa
Richmond

Richmond is a popular place for couples. However, Tampa is lacking in options for romance.

Richmond is a good city for couples to visit. Kayaking or tubing on the James River is a great activity for couples. There are also museums and many restaurants that are perfect for a date night.

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 Richmond Better for Students?

Tampa
Richmond

Richmond is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Tampa is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Richmond. There are a couple of colleges and universities in town such as Virginia Commonwealth University.

Tampa is not popular with students.

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

Tampa
Richmond

Richmond is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Tampa is lacking in options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Richmond. There are buses around town, but the availability and reliability is limited.

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 Richmond a more walkable city?

Tampa
Richmond

Richmond is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Tampa is lacking in options for its walkability.

Richmond is a somewhat walkable city. There are some walkable neighborhoods such as the Fan and Museum District, but most people prefer to get around by car.

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 Richmond Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Richmond or Tampa?

How long in Tampa or Richmond?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Tampa or Richmond to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Tampa than Richmond because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Tampa, and 1-2 days is enough time in Richmond.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Richmond 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 Richmond.


  • How many days in Tampa or Richmond? Ideal Length of Stay
    Tampa 2-3 
    Richmond 1-2

One day in Tampa or Richmond?

The city of Tampa offers food. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Richmond, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this growing destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Tampa or Richmond?

Tampa is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Tampa, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Richmond. 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 Richmond?

Tampa is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

A week in Tampa or Richmond?

Tampa is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

You'll find food and shopping around the friendly destination of Richmond. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.


Which place is cheaper, Richmond or Tampa?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Tampa is $179, while the average daily cost in Richmond is $161. 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Tampa and Richmond in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tampa $85
    Richmond $101
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tampa $170
    Richmond $202
Compare Hotels in Tampa and Richmond

Looking for a hotel in Tampa or Richmond? 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 Richmond


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 Richmond Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tampa $69
    Richmond $72

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tampa

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

  • Private transfer: From Tampa to airport and vice versa : $18
  • Private Arrival Transfer In Tampa International Airport (TPA) : $35
  • Private Arrival Transfer - from Tampa Airport (TPA): $36
  • Private One-way Tampa Airport Transfer To/From Tampa: $46
  • Tampa Bay Cruise Port to Tampa hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $51
  • Tampa Airport to Tampa Bay Cruise Port Private Arrival Transfer: $51
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to Tampa Bay Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $51
  • Tampa hotels to Tampa Bay Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer : $51
  • Tampa Bay Cruise Port to Tampa hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $51
  • Tampa hotels to Tampa Bay Cruise Port-Departure Private Transfer : $51
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to Lakeland / Winter Haven - Arrival Private Transfer: $54
  • Tampa hotel or address to Tampa Airport (TPA) - Departure Private Transfer: $54

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Richmond

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Richmond:

  • Richmond City to Richmond Airport (RIC) - Departure Private Transfer: $39
  • Richmond Airport (RIC) to Richmond city - Arrival Private Transfer: $36
  • Richmond Airport (RIC) to Richmond City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $73

Is it cheaper to fly into Tampa or Richmond?

Prices for flights to both Richmond 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 $53
    Richmond $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tampa

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

  • Cooking Class near Disney in Tampa Florida: $88
  • Ybor City Food Tour On Sundays: $89

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Richmond

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

  • The Carytown Food Tour in Richmond: $80
  • Church Hill Food Tour in Richmond, VA: $80
  • Church Hill Food Tour: $80
  • Trendy Carytown Food Tour: $80
  • Pizza & Ice Cream Tour: $80
  • Arts District Food Tour in Richmond: $85
  • Arts District Walking Food Tour: $85
  • Delicious Pizza & Ice Cream Tour of Richmond: $90

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tampa $20
    Richmond $13

Tours and Activities in Tampa

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

  • Tampa Riverwalk: A Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $7.33
  • Smartphone Audio Private Walking Tour in Tampa Riverwalk: $7.99
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Tampa by Crazy Dash: $10
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Tampa with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • Tampa Terrors Ghost Tour: $26
  • Tampa Terrors Ghost Tour By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Shared Ybor City Historic Walking Tour: $30
  • Sunset and Night Cruises Tour: $30
  • Downtown Tampa Historic Walking Tour: $30
  • The Official Downtown Tampa Ghost Tour: $30
  • Tampa Celebrity Homes Boat Tour: $31
  • 1.5-hour Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise from Tampa: $31

Tours and Activities in Richmond

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

  • Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Richmond: $44
  • Church Hill Chillers Ghost Tour: $25
  • Church Hill Segway Tour in Richmond: $80
  • Discover Downtown Richmond Bike Tour: $125
  • Guided Walking Tour of Richmond: $38
  • Haunted Capitol Hill Ghost Tour: $30
  • Highlights of Hollywood Cemetery Walking Tour: $30
  • Historic Trolley Tour: $38
  • Hollywood Cemetery Segway Tour in Richmond: $76
  • Hollywood Cemetery Tour Richmond Lore and Civil War: $24
  • Phantoms of Franklin Ghost Tour: $30
  • Private Sightseeing Tour by Electric Cart in Richmond: $165

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tampa $26
    Richmond -

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
  • Tampa Bar Crawl on a 2023 Street Legal Golf Cart: $40
  • Haunted Pub Crawl: $40

Sample the Local Flavors in Richmond

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

  • Richmond Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl : $34
  • Richmond Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Drink Richmond Craft Brewery Crawl: $74
  • Richmond Craft Brewery Crawl By Junket: $74
  • Brewery Tour of Richmond, VA: $90


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

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


Which is Bigger, Tampa or Richmond?

Tampa has a larger population, and is about 70% larger than the population of Richmond. When comparing the sizes of Tampa and Richmond, 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 Richmond?

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 Richmond in the Summer?

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

Tampa is around the same temperature as Richmond in the summer. The daily temperature in Tampa averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Richmond fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Richmond. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tampa this time of the year. In the summer, Tampa often gets less sunshine than Richmond. Tampa gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Richmond receives 305 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Richmond. Tampa receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tampa usually gets more rain in July than Richmond. Tampa gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 5 inches (128 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tampa 82°F (28°C) 
    Richmond 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Tampa or Richmond in the Autumn?

Both Richmond 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. Also, many visitors come to Richmond in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Tampa is much warmer than Richmond. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tampa in October average around 75°F (24°C), and Richmond averages at about 59°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in Richmond. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tampa. Tampa usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Richmond during autumn. Tampa gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Richmond receives 221 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Tampa usually receives less rain than Richmond. Tampa gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tampa 75°F (24°C) 
    Richmond 59°F (15°C)

Should I visit Tampa or Richmond in the Winter?

Both Richmond and Tampa during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tampa in the winter for the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Richmond for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Richmond can be very cold during winter. In January, Tampa is generally much warmer than Richmond. Daily temperatures in Tampa average around 60°F (15°C), and Richmond fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).

It's quite sunny in Tampa. In the winter, Tampa often gets more sunshine than Richmond. Tampa gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Richmond receives 169 hours of full sun.

Tampa usually gets less rain in January than Richmond. Tampa gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tampa 60°F (15°C) 
    Richmond 36°F (2°C)

Should I visit Tampa or Richmond in the Spring?

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

Tampa is much warmer than Richmond in the spring. The daily temperature in Tampa averages around 71°F (22°C) in April, and Richmond fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Richmond this time of the year. In Tampa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tampa usually receives more sunshine than Richmond during spring. Tampa gets 299 hours of sunny skies, while Richmond receives 265 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tampa usually receives less rain than Richmond. Tampa gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tampa 71°F (22°C) 
    Richmond 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Richmond and Tampa

Tampa Richmond
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 60°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 36°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (83 mm)
Feb 61°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (80 mm)
Mar 67°F (19°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 49°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Apr 71°F (22°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 58°F (14°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
May 77°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3.8 inches (98 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 78°F (26°C) 5 inches (128 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 77°F (25°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 71°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Oct 75°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Nov 68°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)