A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Jacksonville vs. Kamloops for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Jacksonville or Kamloops?

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 Jacksonville and Kamloops. 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.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a lively, youthful, and fun city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and beaches. See Jacksonville travel costs.

Kamloops

Kamloops is a laid-back, outdoorsy, and nature-filled city. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Kamloops travel costs.

Jacksonville and Kamloops: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Jacksonville or Kamloops?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Jacksonville than Kamloops, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Jacksonville is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Kamloops is known for its skiing and hiking. Jacksonville is popular for its beautiful beaches and lively downtown area. It is also home to Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens. Kamloops is popular for its hiking trails, bike paths, and golf courses.

How is Jacksonville different from Kamloops?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Kamloops and Jacksonville. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Jacksonville or Kamloops Better for Skiing?

Jacksonville
Kamloops

Kamloops is an excellent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Jacksonville is not a skiing destination.

Kamloops draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. There's a long ski season that runs from mid-November to mid-April. The region has two major ski resorts - Sun Peaks Resorts and Harper Mountain.

Jacksonville is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Jacksonville or Kamloops?

Jacksonville
Kamloops

Jacksonville is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Kamloops is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Jacksonville. The city has a number of museums that range from art museums to science or kid-friendly museums. Some favorites are the Museum of Science and History, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Mandarin Museum and Historical Society, and Kingsley Plantation.

Kamloops offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of museums in the area that highlight the local culture and the region's heritage.

Is the Food Better in Jacksonville or Kamloops? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Jacksonville
Kamloops

Jacksonville is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Kamloops is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Jacksonville has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Local cuisine has its own identity. Unique dishes around town include garlic crabs, seafood boil, gumbo, and shrimp and grits. The local cuisine is similar to Lowcountry dishes with a lot of Cajun influence. If you want something different from seafood, you should try the barbecue.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Kamloops area. You'll find restaurants that range from casual to fine dining. There are also international options like Jamaican, Indian, or Chinese.

Is Jacksonville or Kamloops Better for Nightlife?

Jacksonville
Kamloops

Jacksonville is an excellent place to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Kamloops is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Jacksonville has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The young population brings out the nightlife scene. There's a great concentration of bars and clubs in the area known as The Elbow, which is at the intersection of N. Ocean and E. Bay Street. You'll find plenty of cocktail bars, lounges, and clubs around town that make for a fun night out.

Kamloops has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find pubs, bars, breweries and night clubs around town that range in personality and style.


Is Jacksonville or Kamloops Better for Beaches?

Jacksonville
Kamloops

Jacksonville is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Kamloops is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Jacksonville attract visitors from all over. There are a number of beaches that are just a short distance from the city. Some have a historic vibe while others are more lively. Atlantic Beach is about a half hour drive from the city. For a laid back vibe head to Neptune Beach and the most popular beach in the area is Jacksonville Beach.

Kamloops is not a beach destination.

Is Jacksonville or Kamloops Better for Hiking?

Jacksonville
Kamloops

Kamloops is a good destination for its hiking trails. However, Jacksonville is not a hiking destination.

Kamloops offers some nice hiking trails. The area is filled with hiking trails that pass through grasslands, desert landscapes, and pine forests. There is something for every skill level.

Jacksonville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Jacksonville or Kamloops?

Jacksonville
Kamloops

Jacksonville is an excellent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kamloops is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Jacksonville is well-known for its shopping. There are countless malls and shopping districts around town. Some of the best shopping is found at St. John's Center, Five Points, and Avondale.

Many visitors go to Kamloops to go shopping. Downtown you'll find local boutiques and eclectic shops. You could also head to Aberdeen Mall for all of the major brands and recognizable stores.


Is Jacksonville or Kamloops Better for Families?

Jacksonville
Kamloops

Kamloops is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Kamloops. There are great parks and outdoor spaces for kids as well as the Deep Creek Tool Museum, Westsyde Centennial Park and Petting Zoo, and Hells Gate Air Tram. You can also take a ride on the Kettle Valley Railway Steam Engine. Animal lovers will enjoy a visit to either Kamloops Wildlife Park or Kangaroo Creek Farm.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Jacksonville. It's filled with adventure parks, zoos, animal farms, nature centers, and gardens. Adults will have as much fun as kids exploring the city and all of its family-friendly attractions.

Is Jacksonville or Kamloops Better for Couples?

Jacksonville
Kamloops

Jacksonville and Kamloops both good destinations for a couple.

Jacksonville is a good city for couples to visit. It's a young city that's near nature and has plenty of adventurous activities. There's sailing, botanical gardens, restaurants, and plenty of bars around town.

Kamloops is a nice destination for couples. The area is filled with great hikes and nice parks. There are also great restaurants that make for a good date night.

Is Jacksonville or Kamloops Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jacksonville
Kamloops

Jacksonville is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Kamloops is lacking in options for backpackers.

Jacksonville is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a few hostels in town as well as affordable motels. The city has a young population with plenty to do. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there's a surprising and underrated appeal to the backpacker crowd.

Kamloops is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's often overlooked by backpackers, but there is a hostel in town.


Is Jacksonville or Kamloops Better for Students?

Jacksonville
Kamloops

Jacksonville is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Kamloops is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Jacksonville. There are a few colleges and universities in town. The city's population is also very young, making it a great place to study.

Kamloops is not popular with students.

Is Jacksonville or Kamloops Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Jacksonville
Kamloops

Jacksonville is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Kamloops is lacking in options for its public transit.

Jacksonville has some public transit options. The public transportation system includes trolleys, the Skyway, buses, water taxis, and the ferry.

Public transit is generally limited in Kamloops. There is a bus system through the city.

Is Jacksonville or Kamloops a more walkable city?

Jacksonville
Kamloops

Jacksonville is a city with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Kamloops is lacking in options for its ease of walking around.

Jacksonville is a somewhat walkable place. Downtown Jacksonville is the most walkable part of the city.

Kamloops is generally not very walkable. The downtown is the most walkable part of town.


For even more information, also check out Is Jacksonville Worth Visiting? and Is Kamloops Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kamloops or Jacksonville?

How long in Jacksonville or Kamloops?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Jacksonville or Kamloops to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Jacksonville than Kamloops because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Jacksonville, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kamloops.

Families should spend more time in Kamloops than Jacksonville. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Kamloops, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Jacksonville than Kamloops. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Jacksonville that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Jacksonville than Kamloops if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Jacksonville.


  • How many days in Jacksonville or Kamloops? Ideal Length of Stay
    Jacksonville 2-3 
    Kamloops 1-2

One day in Jacksonville or Kamloops?

The city of Jacksonville offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Kamloops, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this laid-back city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Jacksonville or Kamloops?

Jacksonville is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Jacksonville, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Kamloops is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Jacksonville or Kamloops?

Jacksonville is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find shopping and skiing around the nature-filled destination of Kamloops. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.


A week in Jacksonville or Kamloops?

Jacksonville is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Kamloops is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Kamloops or Jacksonville?

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

  • Jacksonville Prices
    USA Prices
    Kamloops Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Jacksonville $289
    Kamloops $99

The average daily cost (per person) in Jacksonville is $289, while the average daily cost in Kamloops is $99. 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 Jacksonville and Kamloops in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jacksonville $92
    Kamloops $44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jacksonville $184
    Kamloops $88
Compare Hotels in Jacksonville and Kamloops

Looking for a hotel in Jacksonville or Kamloops? 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 Jacksonville


Hotels in Kamloops


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: Jacksonville Hotel Prices and Kamloops Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jacksonville $53
    Kamloops $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jacksonville

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

  • Private Transfer from Jacksonville to Cruise Port Jacksonville: $108
  • Private Transfer Jacksonville Airport to Downtown Savannah Hotels: $300
  • Private Transfer JAX Airport to Ritz Carlton Amelia Island: $135
  • Miami: One Way To/From Airport Transfer: $78
  • Luxury Car Transfer JAX Airport to Margaritaville Beach Hotel: $155
  • Jacksonville Airport Private Lux Car Transfer to Downtown Hotels: $139
  • Jacksonville Airport Limo Transfer to Hammock Beach Golf Resort: $275
  • Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville Cruise Port -Arrival Private Transfer: $168
  • Jacksonville Airport to Casa Monica Resort and Spa Transfer: $189

Is it cheaper to fly into Jacksonville or Kamloops?

Prices for flights to both Kamloops and Jacksonville 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
    Jacksonville $166
    Kamloops $41

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jacksonville

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

  • San Marco Food Tour Culinary Journey in Jacksonville: $125

Typical Food Prices in Kamloops

For Kamloops, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Pastries
    $5.80
  • Lunch for Two
    $25
  • Coffee and Gelato
    $12

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jacksonville $20
    Kamloops $13

Tours and Activities in Jacksonville

For Jacksonville, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 20 Minutes Chocolate & Candy Factory Tour in Jacksonville: $8.00
  • 90 Minute Self-Guided Arcimoto FUV Adventure: $145
  • All-Inclusive Progressive Culinary & History Experience: $125
  • Amelia Island Area Kayak Rental on Lofton Creek with Adventures Up The Creek: $36
  • Amelia Island Floating Tiki Boat Cruise with BYOB Option: $75
  • Amelia Island Guided Kayak Tour of Lofton Creek : $65
  • Architecture and History Tour in San Marco: $96
  • Avondale Brunch Tour (Jacksonville): $135
  • Big Talbot Island Self Guided Tour with Smart Helmets: $115
  • Bike Ride Through Ponte Vedra Beach Private Tour Florida: $27
  • CraigCat Boat Tour from Fernandina Beach: $145
  • Daytona Beach: 3 Hour Coastal Discovery Boat Cruise: $150

Tours and Activities in Kamloops

For Kamloops, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • BC Wildlife Park Entry Ticket: $14
  • Scenic Kamloops Self Guided Audio Driving Tour to Lake Louise : $12
  • Skip the Line: Kamloops BC Wildlife Park Admission Ticket: $15
  • Smartphone Audio Driving Tour between Kamloops & Revelstoke: $8.07
  • Smartphone Audio Driving Tour between Kamloops and Vancouver: $8.08
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Kamloops by Zombie Scavengers: $21

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jacksonville $20
    Kamloops $6.77

Sample the Local Flavors in Jacksonville

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

  • Jax Brewery Tour (Drinks Included): $135


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jacksonville and Kamloops, we can see that Jacksonville is more expensive. And not only is Kamloops much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kamloops would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kamloops 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 Jacksonville would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Jacksonville than you might in Kamloops.

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


Which is Bigger, Jacksonville or Kamloops?

Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Kamloops. When comparing the sizes of Jacksonville and Kamloops, 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 Jacksonville or Kamloops?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Kamloops in the Summer?

Both Kamloops and Jacksonville are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Jacksonville for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Kamloops because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Jacksonville is generally a little warmer than Kamloops. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 82°F (28°C), and Kamloops fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite rainy in Jacksonville. In July, Jacksonville usually receives more rain than Kamloops. Jacksonville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Jacksonville 82°F (28°C) 
    Kamloops 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Jacksonville or Kamloops in the Autumn?

Both Kamloops and Jacksonville during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Jacksonville because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Kamloops this time of year.

Jacksonville is much warmer than Kamloops in the autumn. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Kamloops fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Jacksonville usually gets more rain in October than Kamloops. Jacksonville gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Jacksonville.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Jacksonville 70°F (21°C) 
    Kamloops 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Jacksonville or Kamloops in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Jacksonville and Kamloops. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Jacksonville this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kamloops for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Kamloops. In the winter, Jacksonville is much warmer than Kamloops. Typically, the winter temperatures in Jacksonville in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Kamloops averages at about -3°C (27°F).

In January, Jacksonville usually receives more rain than Kamloops. Jacksonville gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Jacksonville 53°F (12°C) 
    Kamloops -3°C (27°F)

Should I visit Jacksonville or Kamloops in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Jacksonville as well as Kamloops. Many travelers come to Jacksonville for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Jacksonville is generally much warmer than Kamloops. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 68°F (20°C), and Kamloops fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Jacksonville usually gets more rain in April than Kamloops. Jacksonville gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Jacksonville is the hurricane season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Jacksonville 68°F (20°C) 
    Kamloops 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Kamloops and Jacksonville

Jacksonville Kamloops
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) -3°C (27°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 2°C (35°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 7°C (44°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 12°C (53°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 16°C (61°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 21°C (69°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 23°C (73°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 23°C (73°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 17°C (63°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 11°C (51°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 4°C (39°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) -1°C (30°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)