A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sarasota vs. Edmonton for Families, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Sarasota or Edmonton?

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 Sarasota and Edmonton. 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.

Sarasota

Sarasota is a underrated, relaxing, and entertaining city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Sarasota travel costs.

Edmonton

Edmonton is a authentic, friendly, and cultural city. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Edmonton travel costs.

Sarasota and Edmonton: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Sarasota or Edmonton?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Sarasota than Edmonton. While Edmonton is larger than Sarasota, Sarasota has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sarasota is very popular for its food, resorts, and beaches, while Edmonton attracts visitors for its shopping. Sarasota is more touristy than Edmonton and is popular for its sandy beaches and its fun activities. It is also well known for the John and Mable Ringling Museum. Edmonton is famous for its many festivals and lively personality.

How is Sarasota different from Edmonton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Sarasota or Edmonton?

Sarasota
Edmonton

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Sarasota and Edmonton.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Sarasota. There are some decent museums in town such as the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the Sarasota Classic Car Museum, and the Ca' da'Zan. Another highlight is the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium.

Edmonton offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. You'll find a number of good museums around town such as the Royal Alberta Museum, Muttart Conservatory, the Alberta Aviation Museum, and the Art Gallery of Alberta.


Is the Food Better in Sarasota or Edmonton? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sarasota
Edmonton

Sarasota is very good for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Edmonton is not a good city for its restaurants.

Sarasota offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find plenty of seafood around town, but there are also international restaurants and quirky local joints.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Edmonton. You'll find a mix of casual cafes, international eateries, and more upscale dining options.

Is Sarasota or Edmonton Better for Nightlife?

Sarasota
Edmonton

The vibe at night is nice in both Sarasota and Edmonton.

If you're looking for night time activities Sarasota has a few options to choose from. You'll find beach clubs, live entertainment such as drum circles, and plenty of bars around town. There are also evening cruises and late night parties.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Edmonton. There's a mix of nightclubs, bars, and breweries around town. Head to Jasper Avenue for the high end clubs or check out a live show at one of the active theaters around town.

Is Sarasota or Edmonton Better for Resorts?

Sarasota
Edmonton

Sarasota is very good for its resorts. However, Edmonton is not a resort destination.

Sarasota has a handful of resorts to choose from. You'll find beachfront resorts with pools and nice views.

Edmonton is not a resort destination.


Is Sarasota or Edmonton Better for Beaches?

Sarasota
Edmonton

Sarasota is very good for its beaches. However, Edmonton is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Sarasota to enjoy the beach. There's no shortage of beaches in the area where you can spend a relaxing day playing the water and lounging in the sun. Siesta Key, Sarasota Gay Beach, Crescent Beach, and Coquina Beach are some of the favorites.

Edmonton is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sarasota or Edmonton?

Sarasota
Edmonton

Edmonton is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

Edmonton is well-known for its shopping. The city is home to the West Edmonton Mall, which is the largest shopping mall in Canada, and among the largest in the world. The mall includes hundreds of shops, restaurants, a hotel, ice rink, movie theaters, an aquarium, and Galaxyland, which is one of the largest indoor amusement parks in the world. The mall is divided into themed sections that represent iconic places from around the world such as Europa Boulevard and Bourbon Street.

Many visitors go to Sarasota to go shopping. Upscale shopping can be found at St. Armand's Circle. There's also Sarasota Square Mall and the Mall at University Town Center. If you want to pick up some local items you can check out Sarasota Farmers Market.

Is Sarasota or Edmonton Better for Families?

Sarasota
Edmonton

Sarasota is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Edmonton is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Sarasota is one of the most popular family destinations. There's a huge number of hands on activities for kids and families in the area. Many families enjoy a visit to Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. There are also botanical gardens, science museums, and outdoor adventure centers. Animal lovers will appreciate a visit to Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary. The city also has many performing arts and entertainment options for kids. And make sure you check out the museum dedicated to the Ringling Brothers Circus.

Edmonton is a family-friendly city. Many families live in town so if you're visiting for a few days you'll find plenty to do with kids. Most of the activities are concentrated in the downtown areas and along the south side of the North Saskatchewan River. The whole family will enjoy a visit to Telus World of Science. There's also the Edmonton Valley Zoo, the Alberta Aviation Museum, and Galaxyland, as well as many other activities.


Is Sarasota or Edmonton Better for Couples?

Sarasota
Edmonton

Sarasota and Edmonton both nice destinations for a couple.

Sarasota makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. A night out at St. Armands Circle is a fun way to spend the evening. There are also sunset cruises, nice restaurants, comedy clubs, and more.

Edmonton is a good city for couples to visit. There's a good theater scene, so you can enjoy dinner and a show. There are also quaint cafes, mellow breweries, and plenty of cultural activities like art museums.

Is Sarasota or Edmonton Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sarasota
Edmonton

Edmonton is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Sarasota is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Edmonton offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city has both bus and light rail systems.

Public transit is generally limited in Sarasota. There's a bus system around town but most visitors depend on their own car for transportation.

Is Sarasota or Edmonton a more walkable city?

Sarasota
Edmonton

Edmonton is a good destination for its high level of walkability. However, Sarasota is not a good destination for its ease of walking around.

Edmonton is a somewhat walkable place. There are parts of the city that are very walkable.

Sarasota is generally not very walkable. While the downtown has some walkable parts, you'll need a car to access most things around town.


For even more information, also check out Is Sarasota Worth Visiting? and Is Edmonton Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Edmonton or Sarasota?

How long in Sarasota or Edmonton?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Sarasota or Edmonton to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Sarasota than Edmonton because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Sarasota, and 1-2 days is enough time in Edmonton.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Edmonton than Sarasota 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 Edmonton.


  • How many days in Sarasota or Edmonton? Ideal Length of Stay
    Sarasota 2-5 
    Edmonton 1-2

One day in Sarasota or Edmonton?

The city of Sarasota offers food and shopping. 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.

The city of Edmonton offers nightlife and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Sarasota or Edmonton?

Sarasota 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Sarasota, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Edmonton 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Edmonton, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Sarasota or Edmonton?

Sarasota is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Sarasota, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Edmonton 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.


A week in Sarasota or Edmonton?

Sarasota is a great place to explore. 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.

Edmonton is a great place to explore. 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.


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 Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Edmonton or Sarasota?

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

  • Sarasota Prices
    USA Prices
    Edmonton Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Sarasota $350
    Edmonton $191

The average daily cost (per person) in Sarasota is $350, while the average daily cost in Edmonton is $191. 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 Sarasota and Edmonton in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sarasota $108
    Edmonton $101
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sarasota $216
    Edmonton $202
Compare Hotels in Sarasota and Edmonton

Looking for a hotel in Sarasota or Edmonton? 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 Sarasota


Hotels in Edmonton


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: Sarasota Hotel Prices and Edmonton Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sarasota -
    Edmonton $79

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sarasota

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

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Edmonton

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Edmonton:

  • Edmonton Airport (YEG) to Edmonton - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $241
  • Edmonton to Edmonton Airport (YEG) - Departure Private Transfer: $121
  • Private Transfer from Edmonton to Edmonton Airport (YEG): $121
  • Edmonton Airport (YEG) to Edmonton - Arrival Private Transfer: $121
  • Private Transfer from Edmonton Airport (YEG) to Edmonton Hotels: $121

Is it cheaper to fly into Sarasota or Edmonton?

Prices for flights to both Edmonton and Sarasota 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
    Sarasota $238
    Edmonton $27

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

Typical Food Prices in Edmonton

Some typical examples of dining costs in Edmonton are as follows:


  • Snacks
    $7.26

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sarasota $11
    Edmonton $91

Tours and Activities in Sarasota

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

  • Palmetto Ghost & History Tour by Silent Slayer Ghost Tours: $40
  • Robinson Preserve Mangrove Tour: $55
  • Siesta Key: Mangrove Kayak or Paddleboard Tour: $55
  • Mangroves, Manatees, and a Hidden Beach: Kayak Tour: $55
  • Anna Maria Island Dolphin Sightseeing Adventure : $55
  • Anna Maria Island Dolphin Sunset Boat Tour: $58
  • Sarasota Guided Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Tour: $59
  • Siesta Key Guided Eco Tour: $59
  • Glass Bottom Kayak Fish Feeding LED Night Tour: $59
  • Sarasota Waterways Tour for All Ages: $60
  • Siesta Key Kayak Tour : $60
  • Clear Kayak Private Guided Day and Night Tours in Florida: $60

Tours and Activities in Edmonton

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Edmonton are as follows:

  • 1-Hour Edmonton River Valley Segway Tour: $44
  • Edmonton City Highlights 2 Hour E-Scooter Tour: $93
  • Edmonton City Highlights 3 Hour Bike Tour, E-Bike Upgrade Avail.: $99
  • Edmonton City Highlights 3 Hour Walking Tour | Gratuity-Based: $4.00
  • Edmonton Food Bike Tour: $146
  • Edmonton Food Walk Tour: $102
  • Edmonton Oilers Ice Hockey Game Ticket at Rogers Place: $49
  • Edmonton River Valley 60-Minute Segway Adventure: $44
  • Edmonton River Valley 90-Minute Segway Adventure: $62
  • Edmonton Self Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
  • 3-Hour City Highlights Walking Tour With Guide: $4.02
  • City Bike Tour, Highlights and River Valley: $77

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sarasota -
    Edmonton -

Sample the Local Flavors in Edmonton

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Edmonton:

  • Edmonton Brewery Tour (10 person minimum group): $103


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sarasota and Edmonton, we can see that Sarasota is more expensive. And not only is Edmonton much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Edmonton would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Edmonton 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 Edmonton.

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


Which is Bigger, Sarasota or Edmonton?

Edmonton has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Sarasota. When comparing the sizes of Sarasota and Edmonton, 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.