Tampa is a low-key city known for its amusement parks, wildlife parks, and popularity as a cruise ship port. 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.
How much does it cost to travel to Tampa?
You should plan to spend around $218 per day on your vacation in Tampa. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $92 on meals
- $69 on local transportation
- $169 on hotels
A one week trip to Tampa for two people costs, on average, $3,052. 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.
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One Week
Per person
$1,526
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$3,052
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One Month
Per person
$6,540
-
One Week
For a couple
$3,052
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$6,104
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One Month
For a couple
$13,080
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Tampa cost?
A one week trip to Tampa usually costs around $1,526 for one person and $3,052 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Tampa on average costs around $3,052 for one person and $6,104 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 Tampa will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Tampa on average costs around $6,540 for one person and $13,080 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Tampa expensive to visit?
Tampa is a smaller place that appeals to a wide spectrum of travelers, featuring different styles, expenditure habits, and budget ranges. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
While Tampa can be quite expensive if you let it be, there are ways to lower your spending, such as eating at less expensive restaurants and spending long days at the beach.
On average, budget travelers spend $82 per day, mid-range travelers spend $218 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $607 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Tampa.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Tampa is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Fort Lauderdale or Sun Valley.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Tampa Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Tampa?
The average Tampa trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Tampa travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Tampa cost?
Tampa on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$33
|
$85
|
$222
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$24
|
$69
|
$220
|
|
Food 2
|
$35
|
$92
|
$256
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$8.15
|
$20
|
$50
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$6-17
|
$13-38
|
$24-72
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations for your travel expenses is important. While many assume they can visit Tampa on a tight budget, the truth is that most people don't enjoy traveling that way. Think about what you prioritize on vacation. Do you prefer staying in resorts or hostels? Do you love exploring sights and attractions, or dining out? Your preferences will directly impact your budget and travel plans.
What is a budget traveler, anyway?
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 $82 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.
Tampa has plenty of hostels available, like Gram's Place BnB/Hostel. Here, you can enjoy low-cost dorm lodging and a vibrant social environment, though amenities might be minimal.
Are You Considered an Average Traveler?
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. It's common for visitors to Tampa to seek out the major attractions, museums, and significant landmarks. Most activities aren't free. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $218 per person, per day.
The range of hotels and vacation rentals in Tampa is impressive. If you're traveling with others, sharing your hotel with a partner, friend, or kids allows you to split the costs and save money. Families will want to find hotels and restaurants that accommodate children. Epicurean Hotel Autograph Collection is a solid choice for families, while Hilton Garden Inn Tampa Airport/Westshore also offers great options. For additional family and couple-friendly hotels, refer to our hotel guide for Tampa here.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
If you're looking for a higher-end vacation filled with high-end amenities and exceptional service, plan for a daily expense of approximately $607. Staying at nicer hotels, savoring meals at top-rated restaurants, splurging on lavish outings, and utilizing taxis or private drivers in the city means you'll need a more luxurious budget. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Private Tampa City Tour by Custom Golf Cart - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Tampa
In Tampa, hotel prices can be quite surprising. Higher-end hotels offer more amenities and luxury, but come at a higher price tag, especially during the peak summer season. Off-season prices average around $130, but in peak season, they can average around $243. Prices generally range from $96 to $351, and hostels remain the cheaper option. Booking early or traveling during the low season can save you money, and you might find special deals along the way.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Tampa for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $169. 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 Tampa? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Tampa include:
- Epicurean Hotel Autograph Collection starting at $254
- Tampa Marriott Water Street starting at $288
- Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay starting at $221
- Renaissance Tampa International Plaza Hotel starting at $197
- Hotel Alba Tampa Tapestry Collection By Hilton starting at $139
As a family-friendly city, Tampa is perfect for traveling with kids, so you may want to find an apartment with more room.
Visiting in the low or shoulder season, rather than during summer, will give you cheaper lodging options and fewer tourists to navigate around.
Transportation Budget in Tampa
Unfortunately, Tampa does not provide a solid public transit network. There is the street car that runs from downtown Tampa to Ybor City and stops at 11 stations.
Regrettably, a large portion of the city lacks walkability. While there are some neighborhoods that are considered walkable, you really need a car if you hope to explore Tampa in depth.
Public Transit: 
(poor)
Walkability: (moderate)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $69 per person, per day, on local transportation in Tampa. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Tampa is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$69
Be sure your hotel has hassle-free parking if you're planning to drive.
Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Private Transfer from Tampa Airport to Clearwater for $120 details
- Private Arrival Transfer - from Tampa Airport (TPA) for $36 details
- Tampa Airport to Tampa Bay Cruise Port Private Arrival Transfer for $49 details
How much does it cost to go to Tampa? 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 Tampa 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 Tampa
While the cuisine in Tampa is enjoyable, there are other things that usually bring in visitors. Still, you can discover some wonderful spots around the city. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Tampa can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Tampa is $92 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$92
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Tampa is around $92 ($92) per person, with previous travelers spending from $35 to $256. 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 Tampa are as follows:
- Breakfast: $9 to $28
- Lunch: $14 to $37
- Dinner: $28 to $64
- Coffee: $7
- Fast Food or Street Food: $14
There are many budget restaurants and cafes around Tampa, many of which have an international flare. You'll find plenty of Mexican options and there are many taco stands around town. There are also a variety of great Cuban restaurants, as well as pizza, sandwiches and hotdogs. If you're looking for something a little nicer, there are some great seafood restaurants that serve up a delicious and reasonably priced meal. Overall, Tampa proves to be a very budget conscious destination for travelers.
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.
Many accommodations throw in breakfast at no extra cost, though others might charge you for it. The price and quality can greatly vary by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you figure out if you need to spend more money. You might find the hotel's buffet is worth it, or you may prefer to grab a cheaper bite at a local bakery or cafe.
Use a water bottle instead of splurging on drinks everywhere you go. It's a smart choice for the environment, too.
Before you head out on a tour, be sure to find out which meals are included. You could end up paying for some meals out of pocket, which can impact your budget.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Tampa, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- Ybor City Food Tour On Sundays for $89 details
- VIP Dinner and A Ghost Adventure Tour for $53 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Tampa
It's no wonder that so many visitors make their way to Tampa for its beaches, family-friendly activities, and food.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Tampa typically cost an average of $20 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.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$20
There are some popular destinations in Tampa which attract tourists from around Florida and elsewhere. In particular, the Busch Gardens theme park is a favorite of adults and children alike. Also of interest is the Lowry Park Zoo and the Florida Aquarium. There are some museums around town like the Tampa Museum of Art and the Museum of Science and Industry. Tampa is also home to the University of South Florida. It is also worth exploring Ybor City. This is a historic, multi-ethnic area that is located northeast of the city's downtown. There are many nightclubs, bars, and shops that appeal to people who are looking for nightlife activities. During the day you can explore the historic district that was originally home to many Cuban, Spanish and Italian immigrants. There were many cigar factories and the area is credited with bringing the Cuban sandwich to the United States.
Activities in Tampa include taking walking tours, going fishing on the bay, taking a cruise of the bay, or attending one of the many festivals in town.
Many people choose to attend a sporting event in Tampa. Popular teams include the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (football), the Tampa Bay Lightning (hockey), and the Tampa Bay Rays (baseball).
If you're interested in doing some shopping while you're in town then your best options are the SoHo District, which has upscale shopping near downtown, Palma Ceia south of Hyde Park, the Big Top Flea Market, and Channelside near the cruise ship terminals. Other malls in the area are the International Plaza Mall, Westshore Plaza Mall, University Mall, and Citrus Park Town Center.
Golf is also a popular activity around town. There are many golf courses including Ace Golf/Pebble Creek Golf Club, Babe Zaharias Golf Course, Bloomingdale Golfers Club, and Emerald Greens Golf Resort and Country Club.
Beaches:
Visitors love to escape to Tampa for some quality beach time. Popular beaches near Tampa include Ben T. Davis Beach, Fred Howard Park, and Indian Rocks Beach.
A nice way to explore destinations in Tampa 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:
- Ghost Investigation Tours with Interactive Paranormal Experience for $35 details
- Christmas Lights Wonderland Deluxe Golf Cart Guided Tour in Tampa for $49 details
- Private Tour to Christmas Winter Village, Bayshore and Hyde Park for $125 details
Nightlife Budget in Tampa
You'll find that the nightlife in Tampa is rather subdued and tranquil. The city has some good nightclubs, sports bars, and other spots where locals enjoy spending the evening.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $26 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Tampa per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$26
Nights out are fun, but limiting your alcohol consumption can help keep your travel costs in check.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Tampa. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- Tampa's Top Dive Bar Tour Experience by Golf Cart for $275 details
- Tampa Bar Crawl on a 2023 Street Legal Golf Cart for $40 details
- Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl for $23 details
Travel cost data last updated: Oct 30, 2024
Traveling in Tampa
Tampa, Florida
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.
The climate in Tampa is humid subtropical. The winters are mild but there are occasionally cold spells that bring night time temperatures down near freezing. Although it is very rare, snow has fallen in Tampa. Spring and Fall are both warm and humid and summer can become quite hot. Thunderstorms are also frequent during the summer months.
Neighborhoods & Around
The city is split into five different districts that spread out from the downtown area. West Tampa is west of the downtown area, just across the Hillsborough River. South Residential is a predominantly residential area that goes south on the Interbay Peninsula. Historic Ybor City is just northeast of downtown and blends with the area. East Tampa is north of Ybor City and North Tampa is the area north of Busch Boulevard.
The more central Tampa area has six different neighborhoods which include Hyde Park, Seminole Heights, Historic West Tampa, Hampton Terrace, Tampa Heights and Ybor City.
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.
It's a cheap place to visit, but there isn't a lot to do, so I'd only spend a day or two here.