Which place is cheaper, Valdosta 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 Valdosta?
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 Valdosta. 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 Valdosta?
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.
Valdosta
Valdosta is a fast-growing city located in Southern Georgia in the United States. With a humid, subtropical climate, Valdosta is sometimes called the Azalea City, as the blossoms thrive in the area. The city is also home to many museums, galleries, restaurants, and venues for entertainment, as well as Valdosta State University.
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 PricesValdosta Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySarasota $350Valdosta $169
The average daily cost (per person) in Sarasota is $350, while the average daily cost in Valdosta is $169. 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 Valdosta in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSarasota $108Valdosta $70
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSarasota $216Valdosta $140
Compare Hotels in Sarasota and Valdosta
Looking for a hotel in Sarasota or Valdosta? 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 Valdosta Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sarasota -Valdosta $34
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Sarasota or Valdosta?
Prices for flights to both Valdosta 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 $238Valdosta $77
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sarasota $11Valdosta $19
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 -Valdosta $27
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sarasota and Valdosta, we can see that Sarasota is more expensive. And not only is Valdosta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Valdosta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Valdosta 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 Valdosta.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sarasota Expensive? and Is Valdosta Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sarasota or Valdosta?
Sarasota has a larger population, and is about 17% larger than the population of Valdosta. When comparing the sizes of Sarasota and Valdosta, 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 Sarasota or Valdosta?
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 Sarasota or Valdosta in the Summer?
Both Valdosta and Sarasota are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sarasota this time of year.
Sarasota is around the same temperature as Valdosta in the summer. The daily temperature in Sarasota averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Valdosta fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Valdosta. It's quite rainy in Sarasota. In July, Sarasota usually receives around the same amount of rain as Valdosta. Sarasota gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Valdosta receives 8.9 inches (227 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySarasota 82°F (28°C)Valdosta 82°F (28°C)
Should I visit Sarasota or Valdosta in the Autumn?
Both Valdosta and Sarasota during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Sarasota for the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Sarasota is a little warmer than Valdosta. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sarasota in October average around 76°F (24°C), and Valdosta averages at about 69°F (20°C).
Sarasota usually gets less rain in October than Valdosta. Sarasota gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Valdosta receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Sarasota is June to November.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSarasota 76°F (24°C)Valdosta 69°F (20°C)
Should I visit Sarasota or Valdosta in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sarasota and Valdosta. Many visitors come to Sarasota in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Sarasota is generally a little warmer than Valdosta. Daily temperatures in Sarasota average around 59°F (15°C), and Valdosta fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).
In January, Sarasota usually receives less rain than Valdosta. Sarasota gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Valdosta receives 3.7 inches (95 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySarasota 59°F (15°C)Valdosta 51°F (11°C)
Should I visit Sarasota or Valdosta in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Sarasota as well as Valdosta. Most visitors come to Sarasota for the beaches during these months.
Sarasota is a little warmer than Valdosta in the spring. The daily temperature in Sarasota averages around 73°F (23°C) in April, and Valdosta fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).
It's quite rainy in Valdosta. Sarasota usually gets less rain in April than Valdosta. Sarasota gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Valdosta receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Sarasota.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSarasota 73°F (23°C)Valdosta 67°F (19°C)
Typical Weather for Valdosta and Sarasota
| Sarasota | Valdosta | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 59°F (15°C) | 2.3 inches (59 mm) | 51°F (11°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) |
| Feb | 62°F (17°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 4.8 inches (121 mm) |
| Mar | 67°F (20°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) | 60°F (16°C) | 5.9 inches (151 mm) |
| Apr | 73°F (23°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) | 67°F (19°C) | 4.1 inches (103 mm) |
| May | 78°F (25°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 4.1 inches (103 mm) |
| Jun | 82°F (28°C) | 6.5 inches (165 mm) | 80°F (27°C) | 6.6 inches (168 mm) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 8.4 inches (214 mm) | 82°F (28°C) | 8.9 inches (227 mm) |
| Aug | 82°F (28°C) | 8 inches (203 mm) | 82°F (28°C) | 6.9 inches (175 mm) |
| Sep | 81°F (27°C) | 6.3 inches (161 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 6.7 inches (169 mm) |
| Oct | 76°F (24°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) | 69°F (20°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) |
| Nov | 69°F (20°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) | 60°F (16°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Dec | 62°F (17°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) |
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.