Which place is cheaper, Tucson or Saint Augustine?
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 Saint Augustine or Tucson?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Augustine or Tucson, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Saint Augustine or Tucson?
Saint Augustine
St. Augustine is the oldest European-established settlement in the United States. Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon landed nearby and claimed the land now known as Florida in the name of Spain in 1513. They had originally named the land La Florida, which means "Land of Flowers". The city was founded by Spanish explorer Pedro Menendez de Aviles in 1565. Sir Francis Drake and John Davis burnt the city to the ground in 1586 and 1665 respectively, but St. Augustine soon became strong enough to fend off such attacks. Florida was purchased by the United States from Spain in 1819; it seceded during the Civil War, during which St. Augustine was occupied by Union forces.
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 Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, and The Best Camping Tours in United States of America.
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Saint Augustine Prices
USA PricesTucson Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaint Augustine $195Tucson $184
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Augustine is $195, 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 Saint Augustine and Tucson in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint Augustine $86Tucson $93
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint Augustine $172Tucson $186
Compare Hotels in Saint Augustine and Tucson
Looking for a hotel in Saint Augustine 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: Saint Augustine Hotel Prices and Tucson Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Saint Augustine $39Tucson $27
Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Augustine or Tucson?
Prices for flights to both Tucson and Saint Augustine 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 daySaint Augustine $85Tucson $63
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Augustine
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Saint Augustine.
- Cooking Class/Dinner W/ Celebrity French Chef OR Private Chef Ser: $115
- St. Augustine Historical FOOD Tour on Electric Cart with Pick Up : $129
- The Ghoulish Gourmet Haunted Food Tour: $129
- Feast of Saint Augustine Historical Walking Food Tour: $139
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Saint Augustine $18Tucson $16
Tours and Activities in Saint Augustine
Here are a few actual costs in Saint Augustine for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- St. Augustine Ghost Tour on Premium Golf Cart with PiCk Up : $39
- 1 Hour Historical Tour of Saint Augustine Florida & FREE Parking: $36
- 1 Hour Private Historical Tour of Saint Augustine, Florida : $250
- : Step back in time with pastime private historical tours: $38
- A Self-Guided Audio Tour of St Augustine's Twisted History: $15
- Adventure Boat Tours - Sunset Water Tour in St. Augustine: $40
- Airboat Adventure in Saint Augustine with a Guide: $80
- America‘s Oldest City: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of St Augustine: $20
- Blood On The Cobblestones True Crime Tour of St Augustine: $35
- Booze and Boos Haunted St. Augustine Ghost Walking Tour: $34
- Bourbon and Whiskey History Tour in St Augustine : $209
- Castillo after Dark 1 Hour Guided Exterior Tour: $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySaint Augustine $25Tucson $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Saint Augustine
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Saint Augustine:
- St. Augustine's Booze & Boos Haunted Pub Crawl: $36
- Wine Tasting Cruise in St. Augustine : $49
- Toast of St. Augustine Walking Pub Crawl - drinks included: $63
- Mobile Wine Tasting and Food Pairing Tour St. Augustine: $129
When comparing the travel costs between Saint Augustine and Tucson, we can see that Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine Expensive? and Is Tucson Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Saint Augustine or Tucson?
Tucson has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Saint Augustine. When comparing the sizes of Saint Augustine 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.