Travel Budget for Sarasota Visit Sarasota on a Budget or Travel in Style

Sarasota, Florida, United States of America

Sarasota is a relaxing city known for its sandy beaches and its fun activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.

How much does it cost to travel to Sarasota?

You should plan to spend around $350 per day on your vacation in Sarasota. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $238 on meals
  • $217 on hotels

A one week trip to Sarasota for two people costs, on average, $4,900. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $350
  • One Week Per person
    $2,450
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $4,900
  • One Month Per person
    $10,500
  • One Week For a couple
    $4,900
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $9,800
  • One Month For a couple
    $21,000
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Sarasota cost?

A one week trip to Sarasota usually costs around $2,450 for one person and $4,900 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Sarasota on average costs around $4,900 for one person and $9,800 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Sarasota will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Sarasota on average costs around $10,500 for one person and $21,000 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Sarasota expensive to visit?

Sarasota is a popular city that attracts many visitors who have various travel styles and spending habits. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.

If you're not cautious, Sarasota can become costly, but you can save with strategies like eating at less expensive restaurants and looking for discounts and coupons.

On average, budget travelers spend $281 per day, mid-range travelers spend $350 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $537 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Sarasota.

Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Sarasota is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Vail or Aspen.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Sarasota Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Sarasota?

The average Sarasota trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Sarasota travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Sarasota cost?

Sarasota on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
$42 $108 $292
Food 2 $238 $238 $238
Entertainment 1 $4.69 $11 $26

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. Many people think they can visit Sarasota on a tight budget, but most travelers aren't comfortable with a low "shoestring" budget. Think about what you enjoy during your vacations and how you typically travel. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you want to visit museums, sights, and participate in activities? Is dining out a priority? These factors will shape both your budget and your itinerary.

Sarasota on a Shoestring Budget?

While you might think you're a budget traveler, without giving up many of your usual comforts, you'll likely need to spend more than the $281 per day that backpackers often spend.

Backpackers often work within this tight budget by staying in hostel dorms, eating fast food or street food, using public transit, and mainly visiting free attractions.

Do You Fit the Profile of an Average Traveler?

Couples and families enjoying a vacation will probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular dining spots, and explore the key museums and attractions that have entry fees. A trip to Sarasota wouldn't be complete without visiting its major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Keep in mind that most activities cost money. Thus, it's reasonable to expect your daily budget to be around $350 per person, per day.

Sarasota offers a diverse selection of hotels and vacation rentals. If you're traveling with companions, you can share a hotel room with a partner, friend, or your kids, making it easier on your wallet. Families should look for hotels and restaurants that are family-friendly. The Hotel Indigo - Sarasota is an excellent option for kids, and Lido Beach Resort - Sarasota is another fantastic choice. For more family and couple-friendly accommodations, check out our hotel guide for Sarasota here.

Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?

If you're looking for a luxurious getaway that offers top-notch amenities and exceptional service, you should budget around $537 per day. To enjoy a nicer hotel, dine at renowned restaurants, indulge in extravagant activities, and use taxis or private drivers to explore the city, prepare for a luxury price tag. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Private Airport Arrival Transfer From Sarasota Airport - offered by Viator.

Accommodation Budget in Sarasota

In Sarasota, the price of hotels can really surprise you. Some are much more expensive, offering higher luxury and amenities. Peak season rates soar, with off-season averages around $189 and peak season rising to an average of $353. Prices typically range from $111 to $743, but hostels remain cheaper, especially in dorms. To save money, book during the low season or take advantage of special promotions and advance deals.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Sarasota for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $217. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $108 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $108
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $217

Hotels in Sarasota

Looking for a hotel in Sarasota? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Sarasota

The average hotel room price in Sarasota based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $189 in the low season and $353 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Sarasota include:

  • Art Ovation Hotel Autograph Collection starting at $180
  • The Westin Sarasota starting at $203
  • Carlisle Inn Sarasota starting at $160
  • Homewood Suites by Hilton Sarasota-Lakewood Ranch starting at $180
  • Siesta Key Palms Resort starting at $186
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Sarasota

Sarasota is a great destination for families, and if you're traveling with kids, an apartment with extra space might be ideal.

Many people spend up to a week in Sarasota. If you're here for an extended time, a vacation rental with a kitchen could be helpful for preparing your own meals.

If you travel during the low or shoulder season (and skip ), you'll enjoy lower accommodation prices and fewer tourists.


Recommended Properties


Food Budget in Sarasota

While the cuisine in Sarasota is enjoyable, there are other things that usually bring in visitors. Still, you can discover some wonderful spots around the city. You'll find plenty of seafood around town, but there are also international restaurants and quirky local joints.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Sarasota can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Sarasota is $238 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $238

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Sarasota is around $238 ($238) per person, with previous travelers spending from $238 to $238. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Sarasota are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $24 to $71
  • Lunch: $36 to $95
  • Dinner: $71 to $166
  • Coffee: $19
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $36

Like any popular vacation destination, Sarasota has plenty of dining options to satisfy all tastes and budgets. There are a number of places serving anything from small bites to indulgent meals, especially in the downtown area. With its location along the gulf coast, Sarasota also has a number of great seafood restaurants to match. From rustic oyster bars and open-air cafes to candlelit restaurants, any eatery in in the city will offer a wide variety of fresh fish and seafood. Though the seafood is sure to please, you can also find familiar chain restaurants and other eateries serving just about anything you could crave - steak, sushi, wood-oven-fired pizzas, authentic Asian cuisine, or a hearty hamburger. Some of the top restaurants as rated on TripAdvisor include Antoine's Restaurant, Sofrito Mama's, Solorzanos Late Night Pizzeria, Dolce Italia, Mozzarella Fella, Duval's, KaCey's Seafood and More, Selva Grill, Clayton's Siesta Grille, Michael's On East, Shore Diner, and Toasted Mango, amongst others. Most dining options can be found in the downtown area or in the vicinity of St. Armand's Circle.

Food & Dining Tips

When you're out with kids, seek restaurants that provide a kids' menu. This can help you save a good chunk of change, as these meals are usually priced lower. Remember, some places may not display their kids' options, so be sure to ask the server before ordering.

Many accommodations throw in breakfast at no extra cost, though others might charge you for it. The price and quality can greatly vary by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you figure out if you need to spend more money. You might find the hotel's buffet is worth it, or you may prefer to grab a cheaper bite at a local bakery or cafe.

Instead of constantly buying drinks, bring along a water bottle. It's also great for the planet.

Before you head out on a tour, be sure to find out which meals are included. You could end up paying for some meals out of pocket, which can impact your budget.

If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Sarasota, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:

  • Sip & Dine Sarasota- A Walking/Food Tour (adults 21+) for $130 details
  • Downtown Sarasota Street Food -Casual Lunchtime Walking/Food Tour for $77 details

Recommended


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Sarasota

Visitors find Sarasota irresistible, especially for its family-friendly activities, museums and attractions, food, and nightlife.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Sarasota typically cost an average of $11 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $11

Once the winter home of the Ringling Brothers Circus, Sarasota houses the Ringling Estate which features Mable's Rose Garden, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the Circus Museum, the Ca d'Zan Mansion, the Tibbals Learning Center, and the Historic Asolo Theater located in the Visitor's Pavilion. The Museum of Art, built by John Ringling to house his personal collection of masterpieces, today features pieces from some of the great Old Masters plus internationally renowned European, American, and Asian art with masterpieces from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The Circus Museum exhibits the rich history of the circus with a collection of items from posters and art prints to costumes, props, and other performance equipment. As far as the Ca d'Zan Mansion goes, the architecture takes on the air of a Venetian palace, while the interior has 56 incredible rooms filled with art and original furnishings. Other attractions include the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, Sarasota National Cemetery, Myakka River State Park, and the Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary.



The beaches are a major draw to the Sarasota area. Siesta Key Beach is consistently ranked among the most beautiful beaches on Earth, with some of the cleanest whitest sand in the world. Amenities on this beach include an athletic area equipped with volleyball courts, a cookout area complete with grills (bring your own charcoal), and life guards on duty all day. Crescent Beach, Turtle Beach, Lido Beach, and the beach running the 15 mile span of Longboat Key are just as beautiful and accessible to visitors.

For those seeking an experience closer to outdoor adventure, there is a vast wilderness area of more than 100,000 acres within driving distance from Sarasota. The beautiful wilderness of the Myakka River State Park can be explored via horseback, mountain bike, canoe or kayak, and on foot.

Sightseeing Tips

Museums and Attractions:
Sarasota stands out for its impressive museums and notable landmarks. There are some decent museums in town such as the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the Sarasota Classic Car Museum, and the Ca' da'Zan. Another highlight is the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium.

Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Sarasota. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • The Island Tour for $65 details
  • Robinson Preserve Mangrove Tour for $55 details
  • Palmetto: Ghost and Haunted History Tour for $40 details

Recommended Activities


Travel cost data last updated: Dec 21, 2024

Budgeting and Travel Tips for Sarasota

  • Peak season in usually results in inflated prices and heavy crowds. To keep costs down and avoid the hustle, try visiting during the shoulder or low seasons instead.
  • Traveling more slowly can help you save some cash while enjoying the beauty of the area. When you fill your days with activities, expenses can skyrocket. But taking it easy often means enjoying yourself more and spending less.

Budgeting Challenges

  • Sarasota doesn't offer many public transportation choices. It might be a good idea to rent a car or arrange for transportation ahead of time, like booking a tour. Just keep in mind that this could affect your budget in other areas.
  • Sarasota isn't exactly a hotspot for hostels, so if you're expecting to stay in a cheap dorm to save money, you might want to adjust your plans. Instead, find a cheap hotel or apartment rental.
Traveling in Sarasota
Sarasota Sarasota, Florida

Located on the Gulf Coast of southwest Florida, Sarasota is a popular city known for its thriving arts scene, selection of restaurants, plenty of shopping, and beautiful beaches. The metropolitan area is a hub of city culture, while the beaches offer escapes of fine white sand and aqua waters.



Neighborhoods & Around

The best known hub of downtown Sarasota is the Historic Palm Avenue. Lined with palm trees, galleries, restaurants, antique and specialty shops, this street is known as the best walk in town. "Palm Avenue's First Friday Art Walks" are held the first Friday of every month from 6PM-9PM. Here visitors and locals alike enjoy gallery openings, live performances, and hors d'oeuvres served by the Palm Avenue Merchants. St. Armands Circle, located just across the John Ringling Causeway over Sarasota Bay, is a quieter hub removed from the bustling downtown. The charming circular landscape is lined with a selection of shops, galleries, and restaurants, and is a pleasant atmosphere for an afternoon walk by the air of the ocean.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.