Cocoa Beach is a relaxing beach town known for its wonderful surfing waves and its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. This will help you plan the best trip to Cocoa Beach and stay within your ideal travel budget, whether you're exploring the museums, eating the delicious cuisine, or relaxing on the beaches.
How much does it cost to travel to Cocoa Beach?
You should plan to spend around $176 per day on your vacation in Cocoa Beach. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $75 on meals
- $26 on local transportation
- $170 on hotels
A one week trip to Cocoa Beach for two people costs, on average, $2,464. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$1,232
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$2,464
-
One Month
Per person
$5,280
-
One Week
For a couple
$2,464
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$4,928
-
One Month
For a couple
$10,560
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Cocoa Beach cost?
A one week trip to Cocoa Beach usually costs around $1,232 for one person and $2,464 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Cocoa Beach on average costs around $2,464 for one person and $4,928 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Cocoa Beach will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Cocoa Beach on average costs around $5,280 for one person and $10,560 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Cocoa Beach expensive to visit?
Cocoa Beach is a great beach town that brings in a diverse crowd of visitors, each with unique travel styles and spending behaviors. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
Although Cocoa Beach can be quite pricey if you let it be, you can cut costs by eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $81 per day, mid-range travelers spend $176 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $292 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Cocoa Beach.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Cocoa Beach is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Richmond or Calgary.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Cocoa Beach Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Cocoa Beach?
The average Cocoa Beach trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Cocoa Beach travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Cocoa Beach cost?
Cocoa Beach on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$38
|
$85
|
$149
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$11
|
$26
|
$54
|
|
Food 2
|
$35
|
$75
|
$110
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$12
|
$16
|
$22
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$4-13
|
$10-30
|
$20-61
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations about your travel budget in Cocoa Beach is important. While you might think you can save money by cutting expenses, traveling comfortably requires a bit more spending for most people. Think about your favorite vacation activities and ideal travel style. Staying in a resort or comfortable hotel, along with sightseeing and dining out are generally what many people prefer. Your travel preferences will determine how much you'll end up spending on your trip.
Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?
You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $81 per day that backpackers typically manage.
Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.
Visitors to Cocoa Beach often find food to be a highlight, but budget travelers may only indulge in street food or cook their own meals in hostels, missing some of the area's best culinary experiences.
Is Your Travel Style Average?
If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at well-liked restaurants, and check out significant museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Most travelers to Cocoa Beach will be eager to explore the key attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Most activities aren't free. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $176 per person, per day.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
If you envision a trip that covers everything with high-end amenities and top-tier service, be ready for a daily expense near $292. Enjoying nicer hotels, dining at acclaimed restaurants, participating in extravagant activities, and using taxis or private drivers to navigate the beach town will require a premium budget. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as MCO airport/hotels to and from Port Canaveral/Cocoa Beach - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Cocoa Beach
Hotel prices in Cocoa Beach can vary significantly. Some hotels charge much higher rates but also offer more luxury and better amenities. During peak season, these prices rise even more. In the off-season, the average room costs around $180, while in peak winter or spring season it jumps to an average of $336. Budget accommodations range from $114 to $511, but hostels are usually cheaper, especially in dorm rooms. Save money by traveling during the low or shoulder seasons, or by booking in advance and watching for deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Cocoa Beach for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $170. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $85 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Cocoa Beach? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Cocoa Beach include:
- Discovery Beach Resort a VRI resort starting at $176
- Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort starting at $277
- The Inn at Cocoa Beach starting at $174
- Resort on Cocoa Beach a VRI resort starting at $261
- Courtyard Cocoa Beach Cape Canaveral starting at $210
Cocoa Beach offers a good public transit system, so staying farther from the beach town might save you on accommodation, though the additional cost and time of commuting can add up.
This family-friendly beach town makes Cocoa Beach a great option for traveling with kids, and you'll want to find a larger place to stay.
If you're visiting Cocoa Beach for a week or more, opting for a vacation rental with a kitchen will let you prepare some of your meals, saving you money.
Traveling during the shoulder or low season, instead of winter or spring, can save you money on accommodations and spare you the heavy tourist crowds.
Transportation Budget in Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach has a solid public transit system that covers many major attractions. You can hop on the Cocoa Beach Trolley to access many sights in the area. It's a service provided by the Space Coast Area Transit (SCAT). If you're looking to save time and money, public transit is a great choice as long as it's close to your destination. Taxis and rideshares are also available throughout town.
Some regions of Cocoa Beach are walkable, which can enhance your sightseeing experience. For the most walkable areas stay near the town center. In general, you'll want to have a car to access most of what the area has to offer though.
Public Transit: 
(good)
Walkability: (good)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $26 per person, per day, on local transportation in Cocoa Beach. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Cocoa Beach is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$26
If you're planning to drive, ensure that your hotel offers convenient parking.
How much does it cost to go to Cocoa Beach? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Cocoa Beach will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Cocoa Beach
The culinary delights in Cocoa Beach are remarkable, so be sure to set aside time to taste all the local specialties. Seafood is the obvious choice in this beach town. Head to Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier for some great restaurants. In addition to seafood options, you'll find steakhouses, bistros, and pizza shops.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Cocoa Beach can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Cocoa Beach is $75 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$75
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Cocoa Beach is around $75 ($75) per person, with previous travelers spending from $35 to $110. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Cocoa Beach are as follows:
- Breakfast: $7 to $22
- Lunch: $11 to $30
- Dinner: $22 to $52
- Coffee: $6
- Fast Food or Street Food: $11
Restaurants are everywhere and almost exclusively cater to tourists in the area. Pizza and pasta options are ubiquitous, as are seafood restaurants that offer freshly caught shrimp, crab, and fish. Florida's Seafood Bar & Grill is one popular option which offers a large variety of freshly caught seafood prepared any number of ways. For Cuban food head to Roberto's Little Havana on N. Orlando Avenue. The food is good and reasonably priced. Other international options available around town include Mexican and Japanese.
If you're traveling with kids, search for restaurants that offer a children's menu. This can save you a lot of money since these dishes are usually cheaper. Keep in mind that some places may not list their kids' options, so make sure to ask the server.
Some hotels include breakfast in the overall cost, while others add it as an extra charge. The quality and price of breakfast can vary greatly depending on the hotel. Being informed beforehand can help you determine if you need to set aside additional funds. The hotel's buffet may be worth it, or you might consider visiting a local bakery or cafe for a more budget-friendly option.
Use a water bottle instead of splurging on drinks everywhere you go. It's a smart choice for the environment, too.
If you're going to take a tour, make sure you understand which meals are included. You could end up paying for some food yourself, which might affect your budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Cocoa Beach
The appeal of Cocoa Beach is evident, thanks to its family-friendly activities, museums and attractions, food, and beaches.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Cocoa Beach typically cost an average of $16 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$16
People travel to Cocoa Beach for one reason alone - it's beautiful beach. It's obvious why this stretch of sand is so famous. In addition to sunbathing and swimming, you'll find activities along the beach that include beach volleyball, surfing, and surf fishing. If you're wanting to do some shopping or you forgot a few essential items at home, there are plenty of beach shops around town. For a more thorough selection you can head to Merritt Square Mall, which has many popular chain stores to choose from.
If you've had your fill of hanging out on the beach then there are a number of other activities that you can enjoy around town. If you want to get out on the water then check out Schooner Sails that offers boat rides around the Space Coast. You can also reserve it for weddings or birthdays. Cocoa Beach Sportfishing Charters offers deep sea fishing charters and sportfishing. Sterling Casino Lines offers gambling cruises both during the day and in the evening. You must be 18 years old to join. If you'd like to try your hand a surfing or paddleboarding then try A1A Beach Rentals. They offer surfing and paddleboard lessons as well as kayak rentals and tours.
There are a handful of festivals in the area. The Annual Easter Surfing Festival dates back to 1964 and attracts about 100,000 spectators. The Beach Fest is also held every May. Other events include the Air Show and the National Kidney Foundation Pro-Am Surfing Festival.
Museums and Attractions:
Cocoa Beach is celebrated for its prestigious museums and historical landmarks. The town's proximity to the Kennedy Space Center is a big appeal for space enthusiasts. It's easy to take advantage of the great beaches and then spend a day exploring the space center. Also in town is the Florida Surf Museum.
Beaches:
A great many tourists venture to Cocoa Beach to enjoy its sandy beaches. There are long stretches of sand that are great for swimming, surfing, water sports, or just relaxing in the sun. The most popular area is around Cocoa Beach Pier. For family-friendly, head to James H. Nance Park which also has a playground. If you have a dog, Canova Beach Park is your best option.
A nice way to explore destinations in Cocoa Beach is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Comb Jelly Bioluminescence Clear Kayak Glow Tour for $75 details
- Cocoa Beach 2 Hour Dolphin Sightseeing tour- public for $65 details
- Dolphin Tours along and near the beautiful Indian River Lagoon for $40 details
Nightlife Budget in Cocoa Beach
In terms of nightlife, Cocoa Beach has a few activities available, but it doesn't match the energy of other sought-after destinations. You'll find a number of casual pubs, bars, and grills around town where you can grab a drink in a relaxed setting.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $20 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Cocoa Beach per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$20
Nights out are a travel highlight, but reducing your drink tab is a smart way to stretch your budget further.
Drinking at night can be fun, but make sure you're aware of your surroundings. You could attract pickpockets, so it's best to stick with people you trust and stay in a group.
Traveling in Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach, Florida
Cocoa Beach, Florida has long been a favorite vacation spot for travelers looking for sun, sand, and waves. The location was also made famous as the setting for the 1960's television show, "I Dream of Jeannie". The town of just over 11,000 is located in Brevard County along the Atlantic coast. Many people visit the area because of its excellent surfing. There are many surfing festivals and competitions held here yearly and the famous Ron Jon's surf shop receives about 2 million visitors a year. The city is also home to the East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame.
Cocoa Beach's climate is humid subtropical with hot and humid summers and warm, dry, and sunny winters. Tropical downpours are common during the winter months, although they are often short lived.
Neighborhoods & Around
Cocoa Beach covers an area of about 15 square miles, the majority of which is water and almost 5 square miles are land. The city is bordered by Cape Canaveral to the north and Crescent Beach to the south. The Atlantic Ocean is to the east and Banana River to the west. There are many boating channels that have been dredged in the area and many of the area's homes are built on dredged mud and sand.
Most visitors spend their time on the beach. The Cocoa Beach Pier, formerly called the Cape Canaveral Pier, has many restaurants, bars, gift shops and fishing opportunities. You can also rent sporting equipment there.
You'll find plenty of budget chain hotels around the area, but as you move closer to the water prices get higher. Peak seasons and spring break also brings an increase in price when crowds are at their highest and rooms are in short supply.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
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.