Should you visit Tampa or Savannah?
Should I visit Tampa or Savannah? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
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.
Savannah
Savanah is a reasonably priced city by U.S. standards. With a wide range of accommodation and food options, it's possible to experience this historical city on a cheaper budget, or, if you like, to live it up in luxury without spending an inordinate amount of money.
The oldest city in the state of Georgia, Savannah sits right on the Savannah River, a historic commercial port dating back to the Thirteen Colonies. The old port of the city still lies along this river, paved in traditional cobblestone roads and radiating with old southern charm. Savannah is also known for its many small parks, tunnels of oak trees and magnolias draped in southern moss, romantic horse-drawn carriages, as well as some of the most ornate antebellum architecture to be found in the south.
Whether you are interested in the past of a historically prosperous seaport or wish to enjoy the enchanting atmosphere that it still holds, Savannah is a quaint destination full of beauty with an arsenal of historic appeal to match.
Which city is cheaper, Savannah or Tampa?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Tampa is $119, while the average daily cost in Savannah is $128. 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. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Tampa and Savannah in more detail.
Accommodation
An average hotel room with basic furnishings costs about $120 in Tampa For the most convenient locations and nicer amenities you can expect to pay a bit more.
If you're traveling alone, you may be able to find a budget hotel or hostel for around $67. But for two people in a standard two-person hotel room in Savannah the cost is $134 on average.
Food
On average, meal and food prices in Tampa cost around $35 per person, per day. While this price can vary widely by location, the type of restaurant, and the amount of food ordered, a typical meal often costs around $14.
On average, meal and food prices in Savannah cost around $46 per person, per day. While this price can vary widely by location, the type of restaurant, and the amount of food ordered, a typical meal often costs around $18.
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Food
Meals for one day
Tampa $35
Savannah $46
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Savannah
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Savannah.
-
2-Hour Southern Food Tour:
$47
-
Savannah Southern Fried Expectations Walking Food Tour:
$47
-
3-Hour First Squares Food Tour:
$57
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Famous and Secret East Side Food Tour:
$57
-
Savannah's Historic & Secret East Side Walking Food Tour:
$61
-
Savannah Culinary & Cultural Walking Food Tour:
$61
-
Savannah Riverboat Gospel Music Dinner Cruise:
$72
-
Riverboat Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment:
$77
-
Savannah Riverboat Dinner Cruise:
$79
-
Savannah Walktails & Bar Bites Guided Food Tour:
$80
Local Transportation
Tampa's transportation costs can vary by the type of transport chosen by visitors. Naturally, taxis and private drivers cost much more than public transportation options. On average, visitors spend $38 per person, per day on transportation in Tampa.
The cost of a taxi ride in Savannah is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $22 per person, per day, on local transportation in Savannah.
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tampa
Also for Tampa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
-
Private Departure Transfer - to Tampa Airport (TPA):
$28
-
Private Arrival Transfer - from Tampa Airport (TPA):
$32
-
Private Airport Transfer: from Tampa to Tampa International Airport (TPA):
$44
-
Private Transfer from Tampa Airport to Land O' Lakes Florida:
$60
-
Private Airport Transfer: Tampa International Airport (TPA) to Tampa:
$61
-
Transfer from Tampa International Airport to Tampa:
$75
-
Tampa Airport (TPA) to Tampa hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer:
$82
-
Tampa hotel or address to Tampa Airport (TPA) - Departure Private Transfer:
$82
-
Tampa Airport (TPA) to St Petersburg hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer:
$83
-
Tampa Airport (TPA) to Clearwater Beach - Arrival Private Transfer:
$83
-
Private Transfer from Tampa Airport to Bradenton:
$110
-
Private Tampa Transfer: Cruise Port to Airport or Hotel:
$113
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Savannah
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Savannah:
-
Savannah to Savannah Hilton Airport (SAV) - Departure Private Transfer:
$62
-
Savannah Hilton Airport (SAV) to Savannah - Round-Trip Private Transfer:
$124
-
Savannah Hilton Airport (SAV) to Savannah - Arrival Private Transfer:
$62
-
SAV Airport Transfer To & From South Carolina:
$120
-
Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Savannah Airport:
$157
-
Private Departure Transfer to Savannah Airport SAV:
$73
-
Private Arrival Transfer: Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport to Hotel:
$157
-
Private Arrival Transfer from Savannah Airport SAV:
$73
Is it cheaper to fly into Tampa or Savannah?
Prices for flights to both Savannah 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.
Entertainment
Sightseeing, admission tickets, things to do, and other entertainment expenses in Tampa can vary widely by price. On average, visitors spend around $15 per person, per day on entertainment and sightseeing here.
Entertainment and activities in Savannah typically cost an average of $13 per person, per day. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
Tours and Activities in Tampa
For Tampa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
-
1 Hour Haunted History Walking Tour:
$23
-
Skip the Line: The Florida Aquarium in Tampa Bay Ticket:
$26
-
Tampa Celebrity Homes Boat Tour:
$30
-
Tampa History Cruise:
$31
-
1.5-hour Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise from Tampa:
$31
-
VIP Ghost Hunters Tour Semi Private:
$35
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Skip the Line: ZooTampa at Lowry Park Admission Ticket:
$45
-
Historic Ybor City Food and Drink Walking Tour:
$59
-
2-hour Tiki Boat BYOB Cruise in Tampa:
$60
-
ZooQuarium 1-Day Ticket:
$60
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Adventure Island Water Park Ticket:
$63
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Tampa Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate:
$70
Typical Entertainment prices in Savannah
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Savannah are as follows:
Tours and Activities in Savannah
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Savannah are as follows:
-
"Pedal through Savannah" 2-Hour Bike Tour:
$30
-
10:00 pm Restless Souls Tour:
$29
-
13 Ghosts of Christmas: Savannah Ghost Tour:
$26
-
60-Minute Guided Segway History Tour of Savannah:
$49
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8:00 pm Voices of the Dead Tour:
$29
-
90-Minute Segway History Tour of Savannah:
$71
-
America's Most Haunted City Savannah, Georgia Interpreter Tour:
$179
-
Bonaventure Cemetery Walking Tour with Transportation:
$30
-
Botanical Walking Tour of Savannah:
$32
-
Cayman Honey Beekeeping Adventure:
$67
-
Colonial Park Cemetery Segway and Walking Tour:
$69
-
Custom Savannah Private Tour:
$103
Alcohol
Typically, people visiting Tampa spend on average $20 on alcoholic beverages per person, per day.
The average person spends about $28 on alcoholic beverages in Savannah per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
Sample the Local Flavors in Tampa
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tampa:
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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 Savannah
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Savannah:
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Epic Savannah Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam:
$12
-
90 Minute Savannah Haunted Pub Crawl:
$15
-
Spanish Moss Haunted Savannah Pub Crawl:
$20
-
Savannah Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour:
$24
-
Haunted Pub Tour:
$28
-
Haunted Savannah Ghost & Pub Walking Tour:
$28
-
Bad Kitty Haunted Pub Crawl - The Best Savannah Ghost and Spirits Experience:
$29
-
Spooky Savannah Haunted Pub Crawl and Walking Ghost Tour:
$30
-
Creepy Crawl Night-Time Haunted Pub Walking Tour of Savannah's Historic District:
$30
-
Haunted Savannah Pub Crawl:
$30
-
Haunted Savannah Pub Crawl:
$30
-
Drag Queen Guided Pub Crawl with Sing-a-Longs:
$34
When comparing the travel costs between Tampa and Savannah, we can see that Savannah 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.
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