Which place is cheaper, Tucson or Sarasota?
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 Sarasota or Tucson?
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 Tucson. 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.
Where Should I go: Sarasota or Tucson?
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.
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 G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.
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Sarasota Prices
USA PricesTucson Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySarasota $350Tucson $184
The average daily cost (per person) in Sarasota is $350, 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 Sarasota and Tucson in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSarasota $108Tucson $93
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSarasota $216Tucson $186
Compare Hotels in Sarasota and Tucson
Looking for a hotel in Sarasota 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: Sarasota Hotel Prices and Tucson Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sarasota -Tucson $27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sarasota
Also for Sarasota, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 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
Is it cheaper to fly into Sarasota or Tucson?
Prices for flights to both Tucson 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
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Food Meals for one daySarasota $238Tucson $63
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sarasota $11Tucson $16
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
- 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
- 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
- Clear Kayak Glass Bottom Day Tour - Anna Maria Island: $65
- Clear Kayak Glass Bottom Day Tour - Sarasota: $65
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySarasota -Tucson $16
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sarasota and Tucson, we can see that Sarasota is more expensive. And not only is Tucson much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tucson would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tucson 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 Tucson.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sarasota Expensive? and Is Tucson Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sarasota or Tucson?
Tucson has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Sarasota. When comparing the sizes of Sarasota 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.