A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tampa vs. Kamloops for Families, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Tampa or Kamloops?

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

Should I visit Tampa or Kamloops? 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 laid-back, easy-going, and low-key city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food and beaches. See Tampa travel costs.

Kamloops

Kamloops is a laid-back, outdoorsy, and nature-filled city. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping. See Kamloops travel costs.

Tampa and Kamloops: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tampa or Kamloops?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Tampa than Kamloops, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Tampa is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities, while Kamloops is known for its skiing, museums and attractions, nightlife, hiking, and shopping. Tampa is popular for its amusement parks, wildlife parks, and popularity as a cruise ship port. It is also home to Busch Gardens. Kamloops is popular for its hiking trails, bike paths, and golf courses.

How is Tampa different from Kamloops?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Tampa or Kamloops Better for Skiing?

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

Kamloops draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. There's a long ski season that runs from mid-November to mid-April. The region has two major ski resorts - Sun Peaks Resorts and Harper Mountain.

Tampa is not a skiing destination.

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

Kamloops 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 Kamloops specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of museums in the area that highlight the local culture and the region's heritage.

Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Tampa and Kamloops can be difficult as they are each good 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.

Kamloops offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find restaurants that range from casual to fine dining. There are also international options like Jamaican, Indian, or Chinese.

Is Tampa or Kamloops Better for Nightlife?

Kamloops 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 Kamloops. You'll find pubs, bars, breweries and night clubs around town that range in personality and style.

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 Kamloops Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tampa is a decent place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Kamloops 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.

Kamloops is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tampa or Kamloops Better for Beaches?

Tampa is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Kamloops 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.

Kamloops is not a beach destination.

Is Tampa or Kamloops Better for Hiking?

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

Kamloops is a good destination for hiking. The area is filled with hiking trails that pass through grasslands, desert landscapes, and pine forests. There is something for every skill level.

Tampa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tampa or Kamloops?

Kamloops is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Kamloops has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Downtown you'll find local boutiques and eclectic shops. You could also head to Aberdeen Mall for all of the major brands and recognizable stores.

Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Tampa or Kamloops Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Tampa or Kamloops.

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.

Kamloops is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are great parks and outdoor spaces for kids as well as the Deep Creek Tool Museum, Westsyde Centennial Park and Petting Zoo, and Hells Gate Air Tram. You can also take a ride on the Kettle Valley Railway Steam Engine. Animal lovers will enjoy a visit to either Kamloops Wildlife Park or Kangaroo Creek Farm.

Is Tampa or Kamloops Better for Couples?

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

Kamloops is a good city for couples to visit. The area is filled with great hikes and nice parks. There are also great restaurants that make for a good date night.

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

Kamloops is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Tampa is lacking in options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kamloops. There is a bus system through the city.

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 Kamloops a more walkable city?

Tampa and Kamloops are decent 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.

Kamloops is generally not very walkable. The downtown is the most walkable part of town.

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

Should I spend more time in Kamloops or Tampa?

How long in Tampa or Kamloops?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Tampa or Kamloops to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Tampa than Kamloops because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Tampa, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kamloops.

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

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

One day in Tampa or Kamloops?

The city of Tampa offers food. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Kamloops, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this nature-filled destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Tampa or Kamloops?

Tampa is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Tampa, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kamloops. 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 Kamloops?

Tampa is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

A week in Tampa or Kamloops?

Tampa is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

You'll find nightlife and food around the laid-back destination of Kamloops. 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 Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Tampa or Kamloops?

Tampa has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Kamloops. When comparing the sizes of Tampa and Kamloops, 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 Tampa or Kamloops?

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 Tampa or Kamloops in the Summer?

Both Kamloops and Tampa are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Tampa in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Kamloops for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Tampa is generally a little warmer than Kamloops. Daily temperatures in Tampa average around 82°F (28°C), and Kamloops fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite rainy in Tampa. In July, Tampa usually receives more rain than Kamloops. Tampa gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tampa or Kamloops in the Autumn?

Both Kamloops and Tampa during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Tampa for the city's sights and attractions during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Kamloops because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Tampa is much warmer than Kamloops in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tampa averages around 75°F (24°C) in October, and Kamloops fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Tampa usually gets more rain in October than Kamloops. Tampa gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tampa or Kamloops in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tampa and Kamloops. The winter months attract visitors to Tampa because of the cuisine. Also, the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kamloops this time of year.

It's quite cold in Kamloops in the winter. In the winter, Tampa is much warmer than Kamloops. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tampa in January average around 60°F (15°C), and Kamloops averages at about -3°C (27°F).

In January, Tampa usually receives more rain than Kamloops. Tampa gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tampa or Kamloops in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tampa as well as Kamloops. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Tampa this time of year.

In April, Tampa is generally much warmer than Kamloops. Daily temperatures in Tampa average around 71°F (22°C), and Kamloops fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Tampa usually gets more rain in April than Kamloops. Tampa gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kamloops and Tampa