A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Freeport vs. Sarasota for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Freeport or Sarasota?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Freeport and Sarasota can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Freeport or Sarasota?

Freeport

When you picture the Bahamas you likely picture the beaches, resorts and playgrounds of Nassau. Just to the northwest of this tourist paradise is a tropical city founded on industry. Freeport began as mostly swampland and is now the second most populous city in the Bahamas.

This city is less of a tourist attraction - a place where you'll find the true Bahaman culture mixed in with some relaxing spots to help you unwind and get into your island vacation.

Sarasota

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Bahamas, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Bahamas, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.


Which place is cheaper, Sarasota or Freeport?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Freeport Prices
    Bahamas Prices
    Sarasota Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Freeport $290
    Sarasota $350

The average daily cost (per person) in Freeport is $290, while the average daily cost in Sarasota is $350. 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 Freeport and Sarasota in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Freeport $141
    Sarasota $108
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Freeport $282
    Sarasota $216
Compare Hotels in Freeport and Sarasota

Looking for a hotel in Freeport or Sarasota? 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 Freeport


Hotels in Sarasota


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: Freeport Hotel Prices and Sarasota Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Freeport $59
    Sarasota -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Freeport

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

  • Private Transfer from FPO to Old Bahama Bay resort : $256
  • Private Transfer from FPO to Freeport hotels or resorts: $183
  • Private One way Airport Transfer in Freeport : $180
  • Grand Bahama Airport (FPO) to Old Bahama Bay -Round-Trip Transfer: $155
  • Grand Bahama Airport(FPO) to Freeport -RoundTrip Private Transfer: $155
  • Shared Round Trip Limousine Transfer : $150
  • Luxury SUV Transfer from Airport, cruise port, Celebration Key : $133
  • Grand Bahama Airport (FPO) to Old Bahama Bay - Private Transfer: $78
  • Grand Bahama Airport (FPO) to Freeport - Arrival Private Transfer: $78
  • Old Bahama Bay to Grand Bahama Airport (FPO) - Private Transfer: $78
  • Freeport to Grand Bahama Airport (FPO) Departure Private Transfer: $78
  • Private Transfer from Grand Bahama Airport (FPO) to Freeport Port: $68

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sarasota

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

  • Sarasota Airport (SRQ) to Anna Maria island - Round-Trip Transfer: $251
  • Sarasota Airport(SRQ) to Anna Maria island hotel-Arrival Transfer: $125
  • Sarasota–Bradenton Airport (SRQ) to Sarasota Round-Trip Transfer: $55
  • Sarasota–Bradenton Intl. Airport (SRQ) to Sarasota - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
  • Private Airport Departure Transfer To Sarasota (SRQ) Airport: $24
  • Private Airport Arrival Transfer From Sarasota (SRQ) Airport: $24

Is it cheaper to fly into Freeport or Sarasota?

Prices for flights to both Sarasota and Freeport 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
    Freeport $110
    Sarasota $238

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Freeport

For Freeport, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Around Town/Bahamian Cooking Experience: $175

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sarasota

For Sarasota, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Downtown Sarasota Dinner Tour: $153

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Freeport $40
    Sarasota $11
Typical Entertainment Prices in Freeport

For Freeport, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • 10 Dive Package
    $299
  • 4 Hr. Kayak Tour
    $70
  • 1/2 Day Snorkel Trip
    $75

Tours and Activities in Freeport

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

  • Jet Ski Tour: Explore the Bahamas Coastlines -90 minutes: $206
  • Swim with the Pigs Freeport @Creative Eco Adventures: $72
  • Bahamas Sea Scooter Snorkeling Adventure: $120
  • Clear Kayak Tour: $120
  • CocoNutz Cruisers Electric Bicycle Tour: $123
  • East End Private Day Trip Experience Tour : $270
  • Eleuthera Adventure: Swings, Pigs, and Reefs: $600
  • Freeport Shore Excursion: Garden of the Groves and City Tour: $127
  • Freeport Shore Excursion: Garden of the Groves and City Tour: $126
  • Grand Bahama Culture, History & Local Flavors Tour: $280
  • Junkanoo Adventure with Bahamian Cuisine Tasting: $850
  • Go Kart Adventure Caves Pirates Beaches: $109

Tours and Activities in Sarasota

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

  • Anna Maria Island - Clear Kayak LED Night Glass Bottom Tour : $65
  • Parasailing Adventure above the Gulf of Mexico: $95
  • Sarasota Waterways Tour for All Ages: $60
  • 2 Hour Sunset Cabaret Tour in Sarasota: $92
  • 3-Hour Clear Kayak Beach Hopping Adventure in Sarasota: $65
  • Amish Experience Trolley Tour: Bridges to Understanding: $80
  • Anna Maria Island Dolphin Sightseeing Adventure : $55
  • Anna Maria Island Dolphin Sunset Boat Tour: $58
  • Boca Grande Kayaking Tour: $130
  • Christmas Carol Trolley Holiday Music & Lights Tour in Sarasota: $77
  • City Sightseeing Trolley Tour of Sarasota: $73
  • Clear Kayak Ecotour at Robinson Preserve in Bradenton, Florida : $73

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Freeport $30
    Sarasota -

Sample the Local Flavors in Freeport

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

  • Brewery & Taste with Beach & Shop at Largest Market on Freeport 4-hrs : $85


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Freeport and Sarasota, we can see that Sarasota is more expensive. And not only is Freeport much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Freeport is in Caribbean Islands and Sarasota is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Freeport would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Freeport 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 Sarasota would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sarasota than you might in Freeport.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Freeport Expensive? and Is Sarasota Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Freeport or Sarasota?

Sarasota has a larger population, and is about 98% larger than the population of Freeport. When comparing the sizes of Freeport and Sarasota, 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.