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

Should you visit Tampa or Toronto?

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

Should I visit Tampa or Toronto? 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.

Toronto

Toronto is a vibrant, cultural, and diverse city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Toronto travel costs.

Tampa and Toronto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tampa or Toronto?

You'll generally find more things to do in Toronto than Tampa. Toronto is bigger than Tampa, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Toronto is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Tampa is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling and beaches. Toronto is more touristy than Tampa and is known for its art and culture, diverse cuisine, and multi-cultural population. Also, Toronto is famous for the CN Tower. Tampa is well known for its amusement parks, wildlife parks, and popularity as a cruise ship port.

How is Tampa different from Toronto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Toronto is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. However, Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Toronto has many famous sights for visitors. The city is filled with landmarks and museums such as the CN Tower and the Royal Ontario Museum. Ripley's Aquarium is a highlight for many visitors. It's near the CN Tower and has an underwater tunnel. The city is also filled with art galleries and cultural sights. Another must is a visit to Casa Loma and, of course, the Toronto Zoo.

Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Toronto is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Tampa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Toronto has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The food scene is as diverse as the city itself. You'll find classic Canadian favorites like peameal bacon sandwiches and beavertails, as well as almost any international cuisine you could want. Make sure you try the dim sum, roti, and street hot dogs.

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 Toronto Better for Nightlife?

Toronto is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. However, Tampa is lacking in options for nightlife.

Toronto has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It's a diverse nightlife scene, with upscale lounges, dive bars, live music, and high energy nightclubs. Popular areas for nightlife include King Street, the Ossington Strip, College Street, and Kensington Market.

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 Toronto Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tampa is a decent place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Toronto 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.

Toronto is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tampa or Toronto Better for Beaches?

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

Toronto is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tampa or Toronto?

Toronto is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. However, Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many people travel to Toronto specifically to go shopping. Shopping is huge here, with plenty of options available that range from large malls to vintage stores or flea markets. Eaton Center on Yonge Street is a major shopping area. Yonge Street is also home to more than 600 retail stores.

Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Tampa or Toronto Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Tampa or Toronto.

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.

Toronto is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the city's many family-friendly museums like the Royal Ontario Museum or the Ontario Science Center. Younger kids will have fun playing at the Centreville Theme Park while all ages will love a day at Canada's Wonderland. Black Creek Pioneer Village is a highlight for many families as well.

Is Tampa or Toronto Better for Couples?

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

Toronto makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This city is full of energy, and couples can enjoy amazing meals, impressive shows, and romantic outings. You can picnic at a park or check out the view from CN Tower. There are also dinner cruises and live theater.

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 Toronto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Toronto is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Tampa is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Toronto. There are a number of hostels around town and there's often a good crowd of backpackers.

Tampa is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Tampa or Toronto Better for Students?

Toronto is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Tampa is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Toronto. The city has a good number of universities that attract students from around the globe. This is a very livable city with a lot of diversity and plenty of entertainment options.

Tampa is not popular with students.

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

Toronto is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Tampa is lacking in options for its public transit.

Public transit in Toronto is top-notch. Union Station is the hub of the city's transportation system, which includes subways, buses and streetcars.

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 Toronto a more walkable city?

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

Toronto is a very walkable destination. It's a pedestrian-friendly city that is great for exploring on foot. The waterfront area has a walkway and there are cycling trails around town as well.

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 Toronto Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Toronto or Tampa?

How long in Tampa or Toronto?

Both Tampa and Toronto have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Toronto than in Tampa. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Tampa, and 3-7 days is enough time in Toronto.

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

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

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

One day in Tampa or Toronto?

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.

Each neighborhood in Toronto has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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.

A weekend in Tampa or Toronto?

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 Toronto. 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 Toronto?

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.

Toronto is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Toronto has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Tampa or Toronto?

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.

Each neighborhood in Toronto has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.

When comparing the travel costs between Tampa and Toronto, we can see that Toronto 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 Toronto Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tampa or Toronto?

Toronto has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Tampa. When comparing the sizes of Tampa and Toronto, 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 Toronto?

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 Toronto in the Summer?

Both Toronto 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 Toronto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Tampa is a little warmer than Toronto. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tampa in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Toronto averages at about 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Toronto. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tampa. Tampa usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Toronto during summer. Tampa gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 281 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Tampa. In July, Tampa usually receives more rain than Toronto. Tampa gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tampa or Toronto in the Autumn?

Both Toronto 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. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Toronto because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Tampa is generally much warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Tampa average around 75°F (24°C), and Toronto fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

It's quite sunny in Tampa. In the autumn, Tampa often gets more sunshine than Toronto. Tampa gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 153 hours of full sun.

Tampa usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Toronto. Tampa gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tampa or Toronto in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Toronto in the winter. Tampa is much warmer than Toronto in the winter. The daily temperature in Tampa averages around 60°F (15°C) in January, and Toronto fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

In Tampa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tampa usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during winter. Tampa gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 87 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tampa usually receives more rain than Toronto. Tampa gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tampa or Toronto in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tampa as well as Toronto. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Tampa this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Toronto for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Tampa is much warmer than Toronto. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tampa in April average around 71°F (22°C), and Toronto averages at about 7°C (44°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tampa this time of the year. In the spring, Tampa often gets more sunshine than Toronto. Tampa gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 179 hours of full sun.

Tampa usually gets less rain in April than Toronto. Tampa gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Toronto and Tampa