Which place is cheaper, Tucson or Cocoa Beach?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Cocoa Beach or Tucson?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Cocoa Beach and Tucson. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Cocoa Beach or Tucson?
Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach, Florida has long been a favorite vacation spot for travelers looking for sun, sand, and waves. The location was also made famous as the setting for the 1960's television show, "I Dream of Jeannie". The town of just over 11,000 is located in Brevard County along the Atlantic coast. Many people visit the area because of its excellent surfing. There are many surfing festivals and competitions held here yearly and the famous Ron Jon's surf shop receives about 2 million visitors a year. The city is also home to the East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame.
Tucson
Tucson, Arizona, is a vibrant city nestled in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, renowned for its dramatic mountain landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and sunny, dry climate. As a gateway to the American Southwest, Tucson blends a laid-back atmosphere with strong Mexican and Native American influences, creating a unique desert city experience. Its historic neighborhoods feature colorful adobe architecture, lively murals, and a thriving arts scene. Nature lovers are drawn to Tucson for its easy access to saguaro-studded national parks, hiking trails, and breathtaking sunsets. With a strong university presence, the city pulses with youthful energy, affordable entertainment, and a dynamic culinary scene. Budget travelers will appreciate Tucson’s range of low-cost attractions and accessible public spaces, making it an excellent base for exploring both city sights and the nearby wilderness. Whether you’re interested in history, outdoor adventures, or simply soaking up desert vibes, Tucson offers something for every traveler.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.
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Cocoa Beach Prices
USA PricesTucson Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCocoa Beach $176Tucson $184
The average daily cost (per person) in Cocoa Beach is $176, while the average daily cost in Tucson is $184. 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 Cocoa Beach and Tucson in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCocoa Beach $85Tucson $93
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCocoa Beach $170Tucson $186
Compare Hotels in Cocoa Beach and Tucson
Looking for a hotel in Cocoa Beach or Tucson? 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.
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: Cocoa Beach Hotel Prices and Tucson Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cocoa Beach $26Tucson $27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cocoa Beach
Also for Cocoa Beach, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Melbourne to Port Canaveral: $295
Is it cheaper to fly into Cocoa Beach or Tucson?
Prices for flights to both Tucson and Cocoa Beach 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
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Food Meals for one dayCocoa Beach $75Tucson $63
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cocoa Beach
For Cocoa Beach, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 3 Hour Indian River Queen Cruise with Dinner: $79
- Village Food Tours Lunch & History Tour: $100
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cocoa Beach $16Tucson $16
Tours and Activities in Cocoa Beach
For Cocoa Beach, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1-Hour Virtual Reality Experience Skull & Books VR - Cocoa Beach: $45
- LED Bio Comb Jelly Clear Bottom Kayak or Paddleboard Tour!: $75
- 2 Hour Guided Sunset Boat Tour of the Indian River Lagoon: $75
- 2 Hour Tiki Dolphin Sightseeing Tour in Cocoa Beach: $65
- 2 Hr Dolphin & Manatee River Cruise . Melbourne, Cocoa Beach,Fl. : $30
- 2 hour Dolphin Sightseeing Tour in Melbourne Florida : $49
- Bioluminescence Clear Kayak or Paddleboard Tour Near Orlando: $75
- Bioluminescence Kayak Tour: $70
- Bioluminescence Night Craigcat Tours : $190
- Bioluminescence Rafting Boat Tour Wildlife Refuge: $78
- Bioluminescence Rafting Tour - Wildlife Refuge (Titusville): $60
- Bioluminescence Rafting Tour Cocoa Beach: $79
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCocoa Beach $20Tucson $16
When comparing the travel costs between Cocoa Beach and Tucson, we can see that Tucson 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 Cocoa Beach Expensive? and Is Tucson Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cocoa Beach or Tucson?
Tucson has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Cocoa Beach. When comparing the sizes of Cocoa Beach and Tucson, 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.