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

Should you visit Veracruz or Tampa?

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 Tampa can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Veracruz or Tampa?

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.

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.

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 Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Tampa 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 Tampa is $179. 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 Tampa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Veracruz $54
    Tampa $85
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Veracruz $108
    Tampa $170
Compare Hotels in Veracruz and Tampa

Looking for a hotel in Veracruz or Tampa? 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 Tampa


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 Tampa Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Veracruz $28
    Tampa $69

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Veracruz

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

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tampa

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

  • Tampa Bay Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Tampa hotels: $302
  • Tampa Airport (TPA): Transfer tо Tampa Bay Cruise Port: $302
  • Tampa Airport (TPA): Private Transfer to Tampa hotel/address: $203
  • Private Transfer from Tampa Airport (TPA) to Clearwater Beach: $187
  • Private Transfer from Tampa Airport TPA to Lakeland/Winter Haven: $187
  • Private Transfer from Tampa Airport (TPA) to St Petersburg Accommodation: $187
  • Private Transfer from Tampa Airport (TPA) to Tampa hotel or address : $187
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to Clearwater Beach - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $175
  • Private transfer from Tampa airport To Zephyrhills, FL: $155
  • Private Transfer from Tampa Airport to Clearwater: $120
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to Lakeland / Winter Haven - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $107
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to Tampa Bay Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $100

Is it cheaper to fly into Veracruz or Tampa?

Prices for flights to both Tampa 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
    Tampa $53

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Veracruz $15
    Tampa $20

Tours and Activities in Veracruz

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

  • 1 day tour of Tlacotalpan and Alvarado from Veracruz: $103
  • 3-hour tour to the San Juan de Ulúa Fortress: $25
  • Adventure through the Chachalacas Beach and Dunes from Veracruz: $125
  • Alvarado And Tlacotalpan Tour From Veracruz Or Boca Del Rio: $112
  • Antigua and Zempoala Tour from Veracruz: $86
  • Aquatico Inbursa Waterpark: Veracruz - Ticket: $27
  • Bird Watching Adventure in La Mancha Ecological Reserve: $138
  • Catemaco And Los Tuxtlas Tour From Veracruz Or Boca Del Rio: $112
  • City Tour en Veracruz y Acuario: $100
  • From Veracruz or Boca del río: Coffee Tour in Coatepec: $96
  • From Alvarado, Tlacotalpan and Agustín Lara Tour: $100
  • From Catemaco, Nature, Waterfalls & Monkeys Tour: $100

Tours and Activities in Tampa

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

  • Tampa Terrors Ghost Tour By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • 1.5-hour Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise from Tampa: $31
  • 2 Hour Guided Segway Tour: $69
  • Adventure Island Water Park Ticket: $50
  • Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Admission Ticket: $108
  • Downtown Tampa Historic Walking Tour: $30
  • Escape to Paradise: Private Island Boat Adventure in Tampa: $630
  • Ghost Hunters Paranormal Ghost Tour: $39
  • Ghost Investigation Tour Interactive Paranormal Experience 18Plus: $35
  • Guided Tampa Sightseeing Tour in 2023 Street Legal Golf Cart: $41
  • Guided Tampa Sightseeing Tour in a Deluxe Street Legal Golf Cart: $49
  • Haunted Tampa Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour - Ybor City: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Veracruz $17
    Tampa $26

Sample the Local Flavors in Tampa

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

  • Tampa Bar Crawl on a 2023 Street Legal Golf Cart: $40
  • Haunted Pub Crawl: $40
  • Ybor City Private Brewery Tour by Custom Golf Cart: $200


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Veracruz and Tampa, we can see that Tampa 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 Tampa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tampa 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 Tampa Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Veracruz or Tampa?

Veracruz has a larger population, and is about 75% larger than the population of Tampa. When comparing the sizes of Veracruz and Tampa, 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 Tampa?

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 Veracruz or Tampa in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Veracruz and Tampa. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Tampa because of the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Veracruz is around the same temperature as Tampa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Veracruz in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Tampa averages at about 82°F (28°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tampa this time of the year. In Veracruz, it's very sunny this time of the year. Veracruz usually receives less sunshine than Tampa during summer. Veracruz gets 208 hours of sunny skies, while Tampa receives 265 hours of full sun in the summer.

Tampa receives a lot of rain in the summer. Veracruz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Veracruz usually receives more rain than Tampa. Veracruz gets 410 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Tampa receives 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Veracruz or Tampa in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Veracruz as well as Tampa. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions are the main draw to Tampa this time of year.

In October, Veracruz is generally around the same temperature as Tampa. Daily temperatures in Veracruz average around 26°C (79°F), and Tampa fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tampa. In the autumn, Veracruz often gets less sunshine than Tampa. Veracruz gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tampa receives 234 hours of full sun.

Veracruz receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Veracruz usually gets more rain in October than Tampa. Veracruz gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Tampa receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Veracruz 26°C (79°F) 
    Tampa 75°F (24°C)

Should I visit Veracruz or Tampa in the Winter?

Both Tampa and Veracruz are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Tampa for the cuisine.

Veracruz is a little warmer than Tampa in the winter. The daily temperature in Veracruz averages around 21°C (71°F) in January, and Tampa fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in Tampa. Veracruz usually receives less sunshine than Tampa during winter. Veracruz gets 156 hours of sunny skies, while Tampa receives 200 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Veracruz usually receives less rain than Tampa. Veracruz gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Tampa receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Veracruz 21°C (71°F) 
    Tampa 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Veracruz or Tampa in the Spring?

Both Tampa and Veracruz during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Tampa in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Veracruz is a little warmer than Tampa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Veracruz in April average around 26°C (78°F), and Tampa averages at about 71°F (22°C).

In Tampa, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Veracruz. In the spring, Veracruz often gets less sunshine than Tampa. Veracruz gets 203 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tampa receives 299 hours of full sun.

Veracruz usually gets less rain in April than Tampa. Veracruz gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Tampa receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Veracruz 26°C (78°F) 
    Tampa 71°F (22°C)

Typical Weather for Tampa and Veracruz

Veracruz Tampa
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°C (71°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 60°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm)
Feb 22°C (71°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 61°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 24°C (74°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 67°F (19°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Apr 26°C (78°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 71°F (22°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
May 28°C (82°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 77°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 290 mm (11.4 in) 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 410 mm (16.1 in) 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 351 mm (13.8 in) 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 346 mm (13.6 in) 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 75°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)
Nov 25°C (76°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 68°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Dec 23°C (73°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)