Which place is cheaper, Tucson or Destin?
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 Destin or Tucson?
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 Destin and Tucson can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Destin or Tucson?
Destin
An upscale resort town located on the Florida Panhandle, Destin is best known for its white sand beaches and clear green waters, golfing opportunities, and world renowned fishing. The stretch of beach here (on a peninsula between the Gulf of Mexico and the Choctawhatchee Bay) is nicknamed Florida's Emerald Coast.
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 Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska.
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Destin Prices
USA PricesTucson Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDestin $229Tucson $184
The average daily cost (per person) in Destin is $229, 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 Destin and Tucson in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDestin $111Tucson $93
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDestin $222Tucson $186
Compare Hotels in Destin and Tucson
Looking for a hotel in Destin 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: Destin Hotel Prices and Tucson Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Destin $50Tucson $27
Is it cheaper to fly into Destin or Tucson?
Prices for flights to both Tucson and Destin 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 dayDestin $89Tucson $63
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Destin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Destin.
- Halloween Dinner Cruise & Costume Contest: $115
- Murder Mystery Dinner Cruise with Sunset Views: $125
- 3 Hour Sunset Dinner Cruise by Solaris Yacht in Miramar Beach: $128
- Sunset Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $128
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Destin $17Tucson $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Destin
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Destin are as follows:
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1 Day Rental Umbrella and Chairs$40
Tours and Activities in Destin
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Destin are as follows:
- Dolphin & Sunset Cruises in Destin FL aboard the Hydrojet : $35
- Dolphin Cruise in Destin FL : $37
- 1 Hour and 30 Minutes Island Sightseeing Cruise on the Sound: $60
- 10-Hour Deep Sea Fishing Adventure: $224
- 2-Stop Snorkeling and Dolphin Cruise from Destin: $50
- 3 Hour Crab Island Sandbar Cruise : $89
- 3 Hour Crab Island and Harbor Tour from Destin Non-Private: $70
- 3 hour Crab Island Adventure with Cruise Destin Bay: $75
- 5-Hour Deep Sea Family Fishing Adventure: $112
- 8-Hour Deep Sea Fishing Adventure: $151
- All Inclusive Cypress Springs Eco Adventure with GoPro: $125
- Back Porch on the water Fall/Winter Harbor Sightseeing Cruise: $69
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDestin $49Tucson $16
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Destin and Tucson, we can see that Destin is more expensive. And not only is Tucson much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tucson would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tucson 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 Destin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Destin than you might in Tucson.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Destin Expensive? and Is Tucson Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Destin or Tucson?
Tucson has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Destin. When comparing the sizes of Destin 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.