A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Veracruz vs. Pensacola for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Veracruz or Pensacola?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Veracruz and Pensacola can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Veracruz or Pensacola?

Veracruz

Veracruz is the name of both a state and city in the country of Mexico. Locals often call the city "Puerto" (port) in order to differentiate the city from the state. The general area runs along the Gulf of Mexico and encompasses ruins, old colonial cities, lush green mountains, and delicious seafood.

Pensacola

With sands as white as sugar grain and a sky devoid of grey clouds and innumerable downpours, Pensacola is known by many as the "Western Gate to the Sunshine State." Located in northern Florida, Pensacola is a waterfront city known for its pristine beaches and rich Floridian history. As one of the earliest European settlements in the U.S., Pensacola is riddled with museums and landmarks that commemorate the state's history, making the city quite appetizing for history buffs and students alike. However, if you are simply looking to get the most out of the all-around good weather of Florida, Pensacola's protected beaches complemented with high-class restaurants and stores make this a vacation capital for many.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.


Which place is cheaper, Pensacola or Veracruz?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Veracruz is $122, while the average daily cost in Pensacola is $198. 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 Veracruz and Pensacola in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Veracruz $54
    Pensacola $115
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Veracruz $108
    Pensacola $230
Compare Hotels in Veracruz and Pensacola

Looking for a hotel in Veracruz or Pensacola? 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 Veracruz


Hotels in Pensacola


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: Veracruz Hotel Prices and Pensacola Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Veracruz $28
    Pensacola $64

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Veracruz

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

  • Shared Arrival Transfer: General Heriberto Jara International Airport to Veracruz Hotels: $23
  • Airport Transfer: $25
  • Colima Airport (CLQ) to Colima - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $28
  • Transfer from Veracruz Airport to Hotel in Veracruz Port: $32

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Pensacola

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Pensacola:


  • Boca Grande Causeway Toll
    $5.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pensacola

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pensacola:

  • Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Destin, FL - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $142
  • Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Pensacola - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $109
  • Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Destin, FL - Arrival Private Transfer: $71
  • Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Pensacola - Arrival Private Transfer: $55
  • Pensacola to Pensacola International Airport (PNS) - Departure Private Transfer: $55

Is it cheaper to fly into Veracruz or Pensacola?

Prices for flights to both Pensacola and Veracruz 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
    Veracruz $50
    Pensacola $48

Typical Food Prices in Pensacola

Some typical examples of dining costs in Pensacola are as follows:


  • Two Ice Creams
    $6.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pensacola

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

  • Seville Stroll Food Tour: $72

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Veracruz $15
    Pensacola $13

Tours and Activities in Veracruz

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Veracruz.

  • Hop-On Hop-Off Double-Decker Bus Tour: $7.87
  • Panoramic Sightseeing Tour of Veracruz: $8.00
  • San Juan de Ulua Fortress Skip-the-Line Ticket: $12
  • San Juan de Ulua Fortress of Veracruz Skip-the-Line Ticket: $12
  • Sightseeing City Tour and Aquarium: $22
  • From Nature & Seafood Boat Tour to Madinga: $23
  • Sightseeing City Tour and Wax & Ripley´s Museums: $25
  • 3-hour tour to the San Juan de Ulúa Fortress: $25
  • From San Juan de Ulua Prison Tour: $26
  • Mandinga And Boat Trip Tour: $26
  • Aquatico Inbursa Waterpark: Veracruz - Ticket: $27
  • San Juan De Ulua Tour: $29

Typical Entertainment Prices in Pensacola

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Pensacola are as follows:


  • Bike Rental
    $16

Tours and Activities in Pensacola

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

  • 1hr Segway Tour Downtown : $57
  • 2hr Segway Tour of Downtown : $72
  • 3 Hour Sandbar Adventure on Motorized Floats: $69
  • 3 hours cruise with swimming: $81
  • Dolphin & Sightseeing Cruise + Private Beach Stop: $64
  • Fourth of July Fireworks Cruise: $59
  • Frisky Mermaid Fireworks Cruise Up to 49 Pax: $64
  • Frisky Mermaid Public Dolphin + Sightseeing Cruise Up to 49 Pax: $37
  • Ghosts and Graveyard Tour of Pensacola: $34
  • Hop-on Hop-off Tour in Pensacola : $35
  • Land Paddle Tour in Pensacola: $50
  • Pensacola Beach Jolly Dolphin Cruise and Scenic Bay Tour: $39

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Veracruz $17
    Pensacola $44

Sample the Local Flavors in Pensacola

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

  • Walking Pub Tour : $21


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Veracruz and Pensacola, we can see that Pensacola is more expensive. And not only is Veracruz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Veracruz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Veracruz 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 Pensacola would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pensacola than you might in Veracruz.

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


Which is Bigger, Veracruz or Pensacola?

Veracruz has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Pensacola. When comparing the sizes of Veracruz and Pensacola, 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 Veracruz or Pensacola?

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 Veracruz or Pensacola in the Summer?

Both Pensacola and Veracruz during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pensacola this time of year.

Veracruz is around the same temperature as Pensacola in the summer. The daily temperature in Veracruz averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Pensacola fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

Pensacola gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Veracruz. Veracruz usually gets more rain in July than Pensacola. Veracruz gets 410 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Pensacola receives 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Veracruz 27°C (81°F) 
    Pensacola 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Veracruz or Pensacola in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Veracruz and Pensacola. Furthermore, many travelers come to Pensacola for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Veracruz is a little warmer than Pensacola. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Veracruz in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Pensacola averages at about 69°F (21°C).

Pensacola receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Veracruz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Veracruz usually receives more rain than Pensacola. Veracruz gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Pensacola receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Pensacola is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Veracruz 26°C (79°F) 
    Pensacola 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit Veracruz or Pensacola in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Veracruz as well as Pensacola. Additionally, many visitors come to Pensacola in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Veracruz is generally much warmer than Pensacola. Daily temperatures in Veracruz average around 21°C (71°F), and Pensacola fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

It's quite rainy in Pensacola. Veracruz usually gets less rain in January than Pensacola. Veracruz gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Pensacola receives 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Veracruz 21°C (71°F) 
    Pensacola 51°F (10°C)

Should I visit Veracruz or Pensacola in the Spring?

Both Pensacola and Veracruz are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Pensacola for the beaches during these months.

Veracruz is a little warmer than Pensacola in the spring. The daily temperature in Veracruz averages around 26°C (78°F) in April, and Pensacola fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

In April, Veracruz usually receives less rain than Pensacola. Veracruz gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Pensacola receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Pensacola is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Veracruz 26°C (78°F) 
    Pensacola 67°F (20°C)

Typical Weather for Pensacola and Veracruz

Veracruz Pensacola
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°C (71°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 51°F (10°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)
Feb 22°C (71°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 54°F (12°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Mar 24°C (74°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 60°F (16°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Apr 26°C (78°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
May 28°C (82°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 74°F (24°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 290 mm (11.4 in) 80°F (27°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 410 mm (16.1 in) 82°F (28°C) 7.4 inches (189 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 351 mm (13.8 in) 82°F (28°C) 7.4 inches (188 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 346 mm (13.6 in) 78°F (26°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 69°F (21°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Nov 25°C (76°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 61°F (16°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Dec 23°C (73°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 54°F (12°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm)