A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Tampa vs. Aspen for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Tampa or Aspen?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Tampa or Aspen? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Tampa

Tampa is a easy-going, low-key, and laid-back city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include food and beaches. See Tampa travel costs.

Aspen

Aspen is a outdoorsy, authentic, and charming ski town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. With stunning beauty, Aspen attracts visitors from all around. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the shopping, skiing, and nightlife. See Aspen travel costs.

Tampa and Aspen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tampa or Aspen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Aspen. Although Tampa and Aspen are popular destinations, Aspen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Aspen is very popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, music, resorts, hiking, shopping, christmas markets, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Tampa attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities. Aspen is more touristy than Tampa and is popular for its world-class skiing, many food, film, and music festivals, and its stunning mountain hikes. It is also well known for The Maroon Bells. Tampa is famous for its amusement parks, wildlife parks, and popularity as a cruise ship port.

How is Tampa different from Aspen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Tampa or Aspen Better for Skiing?

Aspen is an amazing ski town to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Tampa is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Aspen should be on your list. Near the town, there are 4 separate ski resorts. In town you'll find Aspen Mountain, which is known for it's black-diamond runs. Aspen Highlands, a couple miles away, has a mix of slopes and is less crowded. Buttermilk attracts many freestyle skiers and Aspen Snowmass is considered one of the best family-friendly ski areas.

Tampa is not a skiing destination.

Is the Food Better in Tampa or Aspen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aspen is an amazing ski town to visit for its restaurants. Also, Tampa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Aspen is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The town hosts many food festivals and there is a growing selection of diverse restaurants. In town you'll find cafes and restaurants that cater to both the local crowd and the travelers who flock to the area during peak seasons.

Tampa offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a surprising number of great local restaurants around town as well as a good food truck scene. Some favorite dishes include fresh caught seafood, Grouper sandwiches, and Cuban sandwiches.

Is Tampa or Aspen Better for Nightlife?

Aspen is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Tampa is lacking in options for nightlife.

Aspen has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The people in Aspen know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene includes craft beer, live music, and dancing. There's a local vibe, particularly during the off-season times when the tourist crowds are less.

Tampa is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The city has some good nightclubs, sports bars, and other spots where locals enjoy spending the evening.

Is Tampa or Aspen Better for Music?

Aspen is an excellent place to visit for its music scene. However, Tampa is not a live music destination.

Whether you like big venues or smaller artists, Aspen has diverse options. Popular music venues in town include Silver City Mountain Saloon and Belly Up Aspen.

Tampa is not a live music destination.

Is Tampa or Aspen Better for Resorts?

Aspen is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Tampa is not a resort destination.

Aspen is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Popular resorts in the area include The Little Nell, Hotel Jerome, and St. Regis Aspen.

Tampa is not a resort destination.

Is Tampa or Aspen Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tampa is a city with a few options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Aspen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Tampa has a few snorkeling spots. While the water isn't always the clearest, there are some nice snorkeling and diving spots in the area. Options include Shell Key and Egmont Key, Crystal River, and Fort De Soto.

Aspen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tampa or Aspen Better for Beaches?

Tampa is a great destination for the beach. However, Aspen is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Tampa attract visitors from all over. Popular beaches near Tampa include Ben T. Davis Beach, Fred Howard Park, and Indian Rocks Beach.

Aspen is not a beach destination.

Is Tampa or Aspen Better for Hiking?

Aspen is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Tampa is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Aspen. During the summer and fall seasons, hiking is a great way to explore Aspen's nearby beauty. Popular trails include the Ute Trail, the Lost Man Trail, and the famous Maroon Bells Scenic Trail.

Tampa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tampa or Aspen?

Aspen is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Aspen. There are many great local shops and art galleries where you can pick interesting items or fine art.

Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Tampa or Aspen More Beautiful?

Aspen is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Tampa is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Aspen attracts visitors from all around. Surrounded by the mountains and set amongst a beautiful natural setting, this town will take your breath away.

Tampa is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Tampa or Aspen Better for Families?

Tampa is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Aspen is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Tampa is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of kid-oriented attractions including Busch Gardens Amusement Park, several kid-friendly museums, and a number of animal centers, aquariums, and wildlife rescue facilities.

Aspen offers lots of family activities. Families that enjoy skiing together, hiking, rock climbing, and having adventures will enjoy a visit to this town. Aspen Mountain is not a great option for beginning skiers, but further away, Aspen Snowmass offers good beginner slopes.

Is Tampa or Aspen Better for Couples?

Aspen is an excellent place to visit for couples. However, Tampa is lacking in options for romance.

Aspen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Aspen is both a popular ski destination as well as an established town. There are many great restaurants and activities that couples can enjoy and the setting is cute and very scenic, making it a beautiful and romantic destination.

Tampa is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The area does have great restaurants and some fun places to explore, but the downtown area has room for improvement and much of the city is suburban.

Is Tampa or Aspen Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Aspen is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Tampa is lacking in options for its public transit.

Aspen has some public transit options. There are several shuttle buses around the town.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Tampa. There is the street car that runs from downtown Tampa to Ybor City and stops at 11 stations.

Is Tampa or Aspen a more walkable city?

Aspen is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Tampa is lacking in options for its walkability.

Aspen is a very walkable destination. The town is compact enough that it can be explored on foot. If you're planning to head into the mountains to hike, you'll likely need a car.

Tampa is generally not very walkable. While there are some neighborhoods that are considered walkable, you really need a car if you hope to explore Tampa in depth.

For even more information, also check out Is Tampa Worth Visiting? and Is Aspen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aspen or Tampa?

How long in Tampa or Aspen?

In either Tampa or Aspen, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Aspen than Tampa because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Tampa, and 3-5 days is enough time in Aspen.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Aspen than Tampa 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 Aspen.

One day in Tampa or Aspen?

In Tampa, many people enjoy the food that this laid-back destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Even though Aspen is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This ski town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Tampa or Aspen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tampa. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aspen. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tampa or Aspen?

Tampa is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Tampa. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Aspen is a fun place to experience. Aspen is a small town with plenty to do. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Tampa or Aspen?

You'll find food around the easy-going destination of Tampa. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Aspen is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Tampa or Aspen?

Tampa has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Aspen. When comparing the sizes of Tampa and Aspen, 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.