Which place is cheaper, Valdosta 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 Valdosta?
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 Valdosta can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Destin or Valdosta?
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.
Valdosta
Valdosta is a fast-growing city located in Southern Georgia in the United States. With a humid, subtropical climate, Valdosta is sometimes called the Azalea City, as the blossoms thrive in the area. The city is also home to many museums, galleries, restaurants, and venues for entertainment, as well as Valdosta State University.
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 PricesValdosta Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDestin $229Valdosta $169
The average daily cost (per person) in Destin is $229, while the average daily cost in Valdosta is $169. 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 Valdosta in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDestin $111Valdosta $70
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDestin $222Valdosta $140
Compare Hotels in Destin and Valdosta
Looking for a hotel in Destin or Valdosta? 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 Valdosta Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Destin $50Valdosta $34
Is it cheaper to fly into Destin or Valdosta?
Prices for flights to both Valdosta 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 $89Valdosta $77
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Destin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Destin.
- 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 $17Valdosta $19
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 Cruise in Destin FL : $37
- 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
- Buccaneer Pirate Cruise in Destin: $55
- Clear Kayak Glow Tour Destin Ft. Walton Beach: $80
- Crab Island Boat Tour – Half Day in Destin: $69
- Crab Island Dolphin & Sunset Cruise – 3-Hour Tour: $65
- Crab Island Dolphin Jet Ski Adventure : $227
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDestin $49Valdosta $27
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Destin and Valdosta, we can see that Destin is more expensive. And not only is Valdosta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Valdosta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Valdosta 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 Valdosta.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Destin Expensive? and Is Valdosta Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Destin or Valdosta?
Valdosta has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Destin. When comparing the sizes of Destin and Valdosta, 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 Destin or Valdosta?
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 Destin or Valdosta in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Destin as well as Valdosta. Most visitors come to Destin for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Destin is around the same temperature as Valdosta. Typically, the summer temperatures in Destin in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Valdosta averages at about 82°F (28°C).
It's quite rainy in Valdosta. Destin receives a lot of rain in the summer. Destin usually gets less rain in July than Valdosta. Destin gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Valdosta receives 8.9 inches (227 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDestin 82°F (28°C)Valdosta 82°F (28°C)
Should I visit Destin or Valdosta in the Autumn?
Both Valdosta and Destin are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Destin because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Destin is generally around the same temperature as Valdosta. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 69°F (21°C), and Valdosta fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).
It's quite rainy in Destin. In October, Destin usually receives more rain than Valdosta. Destin gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Valdosta receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDestin 69°F (21°C)Valdosta 69°F (20°C)
Should I visit Destin or Valdosta in the Winter?
Both Valdosta and Destin during the winter are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Destin this time of year.
Destin is around the same temperature as Valdosta in the winter. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 50°F (10°C) in January, and Valdosta fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Destin. Destin usually gets more rain in January than Valdosta. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Valdosta receives 3.7 inches (95 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDestin 50°F (10°C)Valdosta 51°F (11°C)
Should I visit Destin or Valdosta in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Destin and Valdosta. Many travelers come to Destin for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Destin is around the same temperature as Valdosta. Typically, the spring temperatures in Destin in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Valdosta averages at about 67°F (19°C).
Valdosta receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Destin usually receives less rain than Valdosta. Destin gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Valdosta receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDestin 68°F (20°C)Valdosta 67°F (19°C)
Typical Weather for Valdosta and Destin
| Destin | Valdosta | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 50°F (10°C) | 4.6 inches (117 mm) | 51°F (11°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) |
| Feb | 54°F (12°C) | 5.4 inches (137 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 4.8 inches (121 mm) |
| Mar | 60°F (16°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) | 60°F (16°C) | 5.9 inches (151 mm) |
| Apr | 68°F (20°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | 67°F (19°C) | 4.1 inches (103 mm) |
| May | 74°F (23°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 4.1 inches (103 mm) |
| Jun | 80°F (27°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) | 80°F (27°C) | 6.6 inches (168 mm) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 7.4 inches (189 mm) | 82°F (28°C) | 8.9 inches (227 mm) |
| Aug | 82°F (28°C) | 7.4 inches (188 mm) | 82°F (28°C) | 6.9 inches (175 mm) |
| Sep | 79°F (26°C) | 5.3 inches (135 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 6.7 inches (169 mm) |
| Oct | 69°F (21°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) | 69°F (20°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) |
| Nov | 61°F (16°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) | 60°F (16°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Dec | 54°F (12°C) | 4.3 inches (109 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) |
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.