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

Should you visit Tampa or Durango?

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

Should I visit Tampa or Durango? 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. Other reasons to visit include food and beaches. See Tampa travel costs.

Durango

Durango is a historic, charming, and quaint small town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. Durango offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. It's also popular because of the hiking and museums. See Durango travel costs.

Tampa and Durango: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tampa or Durango?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Tampa than Durango, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Tampa is better known for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities, while Durango is more popular for its skiing, museums and attractions, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Durango is more touristy than Tampa and is known for its historic narrow gauge railroad, its charming small town atmosphere, and its many family-friendly activities. 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 Durango?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Tampa or Durango Better for Skiing?

Durango is a decent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Tampa is not a skiing destination.

While in the area, visitors like to go to Durango for snow skiing. Purgatory Ski Resort is about 20 minutes from town and it's a family-friendly mountain with beginner and intermediate runs. It's small, and geared specifically to the beginner and younger crowd.

Tampa is not a skiing destination.

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

Durango is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Durango. Most visitors come to town specifically to ride the Silverton & Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad. There's also the D&SNGRR Railroad Museum, and the Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum.

Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Tampa is a good destination for its restaurants. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Tampa. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Durango. Most of the restaurants are casual and family-friendly, serving up burgers or sandwiches for a reasonable price. You'll also find some coffeeshops and even a few food trucks and international restaurants.

Is Tampa or Durango Better for Nightlife?

Tampa is a decent place to visit for nightlife. However, Durango is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Tampa. The city has some good nightclubs, sports bars, and other spots where locals enjoy spending the evening.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Durango. It's a small town that attracts tourists mainly for its train, so you won't find much in the way of a nightlife scene.

Is Tampa or Durango Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tampa is a decent place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Durango is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's possible to go snorkeling 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.

Durango is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tampa or Durango Better for Beaches?

Tampa is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Durango 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.

Durango is not a beach destination.

Is Tampa or Durango Better for its Old Town?

Durango is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Tampa does not have a historic old town.

Durango has an old town worth visiting. Filled with character, the downtown feels like you've stepped into a Western. The town has a long history as a mining and railroad community, which you can see throughout the historic area. It really feels like you're in the "Wild West."

Tampa does not have a historic old town.

Is Tampa or Durango Better for Hiking?

Durango 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 Durango. It's surrounded by plenty of natural beautiful and there is an endless supply of hikes in the region. Popular nearby hikes include Animas Mountain Trail, Falls Creek Trail, and Purgatory Trail.

Tampa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tampa or Durango?

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

Durango has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. The charming town has some boutiques that sell beautifully made Native American jewelry and other interesting items. There are also souvenir shops and other venues that target tourists specifically.

Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Tampa or Durango More Beautiful?

Durango is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Tampa is not a destination known for its beauty.

Durango offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The town is surrounded by plenty of natural beauty.

Tampa is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Tampa or Durango Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Tampa or Durango.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Tampa. 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.

Durango is a very family-friendly place to visit. In the area you'll find ziplining, alpine slides, and plenty of outdoor areas to explore - and of course there's the railroad.

Is Tampa or Durango Better for Couples?

Neither Tampa or Durango is generally regarded as a top spot for a couple to visit.

Tampa is not always the best place to visit for a couple. 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.

Durango is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The town may not be the first romantic destination that comes to mind, but the railroad combined with wandering the downtown can make for a great couple's getaway.

Is Tampa or Durango Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Durango is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Tampa is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Durango. With plenty of parks and outdoor areas nearby, backpackers will have plenty of places to explore.

Tampa is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Neither Tampa or Durango offer decent public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Durango. It's a small town with no real public transit options so a car is a must.

Is Tampa or Durango a more walkable city?

Tampa and Durango are respectable when it comes to walkability.

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

Durango is generally not very walkable. While the Main Street through town is walkable, it's not as pedestrian-friendly as some small towns.

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

Should I spend more time in Durango or Tampa?

How long in Tampa or Durango?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Tampa and Durango. In our opinion, Durango has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Durango than Tampa. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Tampa or Durango?

In Tampa, you'll find food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Even though Durango is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This small 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 Durango?

In Tampa, you'll find food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Tampa has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Durango. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Durango?

Tampa is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Durango is a fun place to experience. Durango is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Tampa or Durango?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tampa. Many people enjoy the food when visiting Tampa. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Durango is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 comparing the travel costs between Tampa and Durango, we can see that Tampa is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Tampa or Durango?

Tampa has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Durango. When comparing the sizes of Tampa and Durango, 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.