Which place is cheaper, Valdosta or Tampa?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Tampa or Valdosta?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Tampa or Valdosta? 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.
Where Should I go: Tampa or Valdosta?
Tampa
On the north shore of Tampa Bay, across the water from Saint Peterburg, is the city of Tampa. The city has a population of almost 350,000. The metropolitan area includes Tampa, St. Peterburg, and Clearwater. It has about 2.9 million residents and is the second largest metropolitan area in the state. The city is a popular destination for outdoor activities and in 2008 it was ranked the 5th best outdoor city by Forbes.
Valdosta
Valdosta is a fast-growing city located in Southern Georgia in the United States. With a humid, subtropical climate, Valdosta is sometimes called the Azalea City, as the blossoms thrive in the area. The city is also home to many museums, galleries, restaurants, and venues for entertainment, as well as Valdosta State University.
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.
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Tampa Prices
USA PricesValdosta Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTampa $218Valdosta $169
The average daily cost (per person) in Tampa is $218, while the average daily cost in Valdosta is $169. 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 Valdosta in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTampa $85Valdosta $70
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTampa $170Valdosta $140
Compare Hotels in Tampa and Valdosta
Looking for a hotel in Tampa or Valdosta? 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.
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 Valdosta Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tampa $69Valdosta $34
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tampa
Also for Tampa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Tampa Airport (TPA) to Tampa Bay Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $168
- Tampa Bay Cruise Port to Tampa Hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $168
- Private transfer from Tampa airport To Zephyrhills, FL: $155
- Private Transfer from Tampa Airport TPA to Lakeland/Winter Haven: $144
- Private Transfer from Tampa Airport (TPA) to St Petersburg Accommodation: $144
- Tampa Airport (TPA) to Lakeland / Winter Haven - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $120
- Tampa Airport (TPA) to Clearwater Beach - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $120
- Tampa Airport (TPA) to Clearwater Beach- Arrival Private Transfer: $119
- Private transfer Tampa airport To Ruskin, FL: $112
- Private One-way Transfer from Tampa Airport To Tampa: $100
- Private Transfer from Tampa Airport to Land O' Lakes Florida: $100
- Arrival Private Transfer: Tampa Airport TPA to Tampa City in Luxury SUV: $94
Is it cheaper to fly into Tampa or Valdosta?
Prices for flights to both Valdosta 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
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Food Meals for one dayTampa $92Valdosta $77
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tampa $20Valdosta $19
Tours and Activities in Tampa
For Tampa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1.5-hour Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise from Tampa: $31
- 2 Hour Guided Segway Tour: $79
- 3 hour E.G. Simmons Park Mangrove Tunnel Tour: $64
- Adventure Island Water Park Ticket: $39
- Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Admission Ticket: $63
- Clear Kayaking Glow Tour in Tampa Riverwalk: $74
- Downtown Tampa Private Evening Cruise for up to 12ppl: $510
- Escape to Paradise: Private Island Boat Adventure in Tampa: $630
- Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Tampa with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
- Ghost Hunters Paranormal Ghost Tour: $39
- Ghost Investigation Tour Interactive Paranormal Experience 18Plus: $35
- Ghost Investigation Tours with Interactive Paranormal Experience: $35
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTampa $26Valdosta $27
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
- Naples Bar Crawl Experience: $15
- Tampa Terrors: Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
- Tampa Terrors Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $36
- Wine Tasting Experience in Historic Ybor: $40
- Tampa Bar Crawl on New Street Legal Golf Cart: $40
- 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 Valdosta, we can see that Tampa is more expensive. And not only is Valdosta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Valdosta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Valdosta 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 Valdosta.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tampa Expensive? and Is Valdosta Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tampa or Valdosta?
Tampa has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Valdosta. When comparing the sizes of Tampa and Valdosta, 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 Valdosta?
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 Valdosta in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tampa and Valdosta. The summer months attract visitors to Tampa because of the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Tampa is generally around the same temperature as Valdosta. Daily temperatures in Tampa average around 82°F (28°C), and Valdosta fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).
Valdosta receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tampa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Tampa usually receives around the same amount of rain as Valdosta. Tampa gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Valdosta receives 8.9 inches (227 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyTampa 82°F (28°C)Valdosta 82°F (28°C)
Should I visit Tampa or Valdosta in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Tampa as well as Valdosta. The city's sights and attractions are the main draw to Tampa this time of year.
Tampa is a little warmer than Valdosta in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tampa averages around 75°F (24°C) in October, and Valdosta fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).
Tampa usually gets less rain in October than Valdosta. Tampa gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Valdosta receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberTampa 75°F (24°C)Valdosta 69°F (20°C)
Should I visit Tampa or Valdosta in the Winter?
Both Valdosta and Tampa are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tampa for the cuisine.
In the winter, Tampa is a little warmer than Valdosta. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tampa in January average around 60°F (15°C), and Valdosta averages at about 51°F (11°C).
In January, Tampa usually receives less rain than Valdosta. Tampa gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Valdosta receives 3.7 inches (95 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryTampa 60°F (15°C)Valdosta 51°F (11°C)
Should I visit Tampa or Valdosta in the Spring?
Both Valdosta and Tampa during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tampa in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.
In April, Tampa is generally a little warmer than Valdosta. Daily temperatures in Tampa average around 71°F (22°C), and Valdosta fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).
Valdosta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Tampa usually gets less rain in April than Valdosta. Tampa gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Valdosta receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilTampa 71°F (22°C)Valdosta 67°F (19°C)
Typical Weather for Valdosta and Tampa
| Tampa | Valdosta | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 60°F (15°C) | 2.3 inches (59 mm) | 51°F (11°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) |
| Feb | 61°F (16°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 4.8 inches (121 mm) |
| Mar | 67°F (19°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) | 60°F (16°C) | 5.9 inches (151 mm) |
| Apr | 71°F (22°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) | 67°F (19°C) | 4.1 inches (103 mm) |
| May | 77°F (25°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 4.1 inches (103 mm) |
| Jun | 81°F (27°C) | 6.5 inches (165 mm) | 80°F (27°C) | 6.6 inches (168 mm) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 8.4 inches (214 mm) | 82°F (28°C) | 8.9 inches (227 mm) |
| Aug | 82°F (28°C) | 8 inches (203 mm) | 82°F (28°C) | 6.9 inches (175 mm) |
| Sep | 81°F (27°C) | 6.3 inches (161 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 6.7 inches (169 mm) |
| Oct | 75°F (24°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) | 69°F (20°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) |
| Nov | 68°F (20°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) | 60°F (16°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Dec | 62°F (17°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.