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

Should you visit Tampa or Avon?

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

Should I visit Tampa or Avon? 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 low-key, laid-back, and easy-going city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for food and beaches. See Tampa travel costs.

Avon

Avon is a active, outdoorsy, and scenic town. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Avon travel costs.

Tampa and Avon: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit


Is there more to do in Tampa or Avon?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Tampa than Avon, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Tampa is better known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities, while Avon is more popular for its skiing, museums and attractions, nightlife, resorts, hiking, and shopping. Avon is more touristy than Tampa and is popular for it's affordable accommodation options and its access to Beaver Creek Ski Resort. Tampa is well known for its amusement parks, wildlife parks, and popularity as a cruise ship port. Also, Tampa is famous for Busch Gardens.

How is Tampa different from Avon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Tampa or Avon Better for Skiing?

Tampa
Avon

Avon is an excellent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Tampa is not a skiing destination.

Avon draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. Beaver Creek is the main ski area near town and it's about a mile away. The town of Avon is below Beaver Creek and is located beside an interstate.

Tampa is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Tampa or Avon?

Tampa
Avon

Avon is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Avon specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. While there aren't a ton of museums in the area, it's worth checking out the Walking Mountains Science Center.

Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Tampa
Avon

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Tampa and Avon can be difficult as they are each notable in their own way.

Tampa is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Avon offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are casual eateries where you can grab a bite to eat, whether you're in the mood for Chinese, pizza, or burgers.

Is Tampa or Avon Better for Nightlife?

Tampa
Avon

Avon is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Tampa is lacking in options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Avon. It's a small town but there are some bars and lively pubs where you can enjoy cold drinks.

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 Avon Better for Resorts?

Tampa
Avon

Avon is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Tampa is not a resort destination.

Avon has a few great resort options. There are the typical chain resort options, many with beautiful mountain views.

Tampa is not a resort destination.

Is Tampa or Avon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tampa
Avon

Tampa is a moderate city for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Avon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Snorkeling is an option in Tampa. 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.

Avon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tampa or Avon Better for Beaches?

Tampa
Avon

Tampa is notable for its beaches. However, Avon is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Tampa for it's beautiful beaches. Popular beaches near Tampa include Ben T. Davis Beach, Fred Howard Park, and Indian Rocks Beach.

Avon is not a beach destination.


Is Tampa or Avon Better for Hiking?

Tampa
Avon

Avon is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Tampa is not a hiking destination.

Avon is a good destination for hiking. There are paved trails and recreational paths through town that are great for both hiking and biking. The main ones are Eagle Valley Trail and the trails in West Avon Preserve.

Tampa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tampa or Avon?

Tampa
Avon

Avon is a decent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Avon has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There aren't a ton of shopping opportunities in town, but there are enough shops around in case you need to pick up necessities or buy a gift.

Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Tampa or Avon Better for Families?

Tampa
Avon

Tampa is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Tampa is 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.

Avon is a family-friendly city. There are parks and playgrounds around town and there's easy access to the Beaver Creek Ski Resort. There's also plenty of hiking in the area.


Is Tampa or Avon Better for Couples?

Tampa
Avon

Avon is a popular place for couples. However, Tampa is lacking in options for romance.

Avon is a good town for couples to visit. While avid skiers prefer to stay at nearby Beaver Creek, the town of Avon offers a good alternative.

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 Avon Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Tampa
Avon

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

Avon has some public transit options. There are shuttles and buses that travel through town and to Beaver Creek.

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 Avon a more walkable city?

Tampa
Avon

Avon is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Tampa is lacking in options for its walkability.

Avon is a somewhat walkable town. The town center is small and there are paved walking trails that you can use. It's possible to walk to restaurants or the recreation center, depending on where you're staying.

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 Avon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Avon or Tampa?

How long in Tampa or Avon?

It's fun to spend time in either Tampa or Avon. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Avon due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Tampa, and 2-4 days is enough time in Avon.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Avon 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 Avon.


  • How many days in Tampa or Avon? Ideal Length of Stay
    Tampa 2-3 
    Avon 2-4

One day in Tampa or Avon?

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Tampa. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Avon, many people enjoy the skiing and nightlife that this outdoorsy destination offers. This 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 Avon?

Tampa is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Avon. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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.

Five days in Tampa or Avon?

You'll find food around the easy-going destination of Tampa. This city offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Avon is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and skiing when visiting the destination of Avon. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.


A week in Tampa or Avon?

The low-key city of Tampa offers food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

You'll find skiing and nightlife around the active destination of Avon. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Avon or Tampa?

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

  • Tampa Prices
    USA Prices
    Avon Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Tampa $218
    Avon $326

The average daily cost (per person) in Tampa is $218, while the average daily cost in Avon is $326. 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 Tampa and Avon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tampa $85
    Avon $177
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tampa $170
    Avon $354
Compare Hotels in Tampa and Avon

Looking for a hotel in Tampa or Avon? 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 Tampa


Hotels in Avon


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: Tampa Hotel Prices and Avon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tampa $69
    Avon $41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tampa

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

  • TPA Airport Private Transfer to Tampa(downtown): $33
  • Private Arrival Transfer - from Tampa Airport (TPA): $36
  • St. Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) to St. Petersburg - Arrival Private Transfer : $41
  • Clearwater Beach to St.Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) -Departure Private Transfer: $41
  • One Way Airport Transfer Service: $50
  • Private Transfer from Tampa Bay Cruise Port to Tampa Airport(TPA): $59
  • Private Transfer from Tampa Airport(TPA) to Tampa Bay Cruise Port: $59
  • Private Transfer from Tampa Bay Cruise Port to Tampa hotels: $59
  • Tampa hotel or address to Tampa Airport (TPA) - Departure Private Transfer: $60
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to Tampa hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $60
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to Lakeland / Winter Haven - Arrival Private Transfer: $60
  • St Petersburg to Tampa Airport (TPA) -Departure Private Transfer: $60

Is it cheaper to fly into Tampa or Avon?

Prices for flights to both Avon and Tampa 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
    Tampa $92
    Avon $117

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tampa

For Tampa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Ybor City Food Tour with 5 Local Delicacies Tastings: $100
  • Tampa Food Tour with 5 Tastings of Local Favourites Classics: $105

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tampa $20
    Avon $48

Tours and Activities in Tampa

For Tampa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Historic Ybor City Self Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Ybor City Immigrant influence Smart Phone guided App (GPS) walking tour: $9.75
  • Tampa's Highlights Self Guided Audio Walking Tour: $9.99
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Tampa by Crazy Dash: $10
  • Tampa Riverwalk Private Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $11
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Tampa with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • Tampa Bay Lightning Ice Hockey Game Ticket: $23
  • Tides of Tethered Terror: Tampa Ghost Tours: $24
  • Tampa Florida Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour: $25
  • Selfie WRLD Admission Ticket: $25
  • Tides of Tethered Terror: Tampa Ghost Tours: $26
  • ZooTampa at Lowry Park Ticket with After Hours Option: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tampa $26
    Avon $38

Sample the Local Flavors in Tampa

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tampa:

  • Tampa Bar Hunt: Tampa Takeover Bar Crawl: $12
  • Tampa Terrors: Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Wine Tasting Experience in Historic Ybor: $40
  • Tampa Bar Crawl on New Street Legal Golf Cart: $40
  • Elevated Wine Tasting Experience in Historic Ybor: $60
  • Downtown 3-Hour Food and Wine Tour: $145
  • Tampa's Top Dive Bar Tour Experience by Golf Cart: $275


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tampa and Avon, we can see that Avon 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 Avon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Avon 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 Avon Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Tampa or Avon?

Tampa has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Avon. When comparing the sizes of Tampa and Avon, 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.