A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bali vs. Miami for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Beaches

Should you visit Bali or Miami?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Bali and Miami can help you decide which place is right for you.

Bali

Bali is a spiritual, cultural, and stunning island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Miami

Miami is a exciting, diverse, and bustling beach city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Bali and Miami: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bali or Miami?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Miami. Although Bali and Miami are popular destinations, Miami has more sights and attractions for tourists. Miami is very popular for its music, shopping, and big city activities, while Bali attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, and impressive beauty. Bali is famous for its many temples, beautiful beaches, world class scuba diving, and cultural retreats. Miami is famous for its long sandy beaches, glitzy nightlife scene, diverse cultures, and award-winning restaurants. It is also well known for South Beach.

How is Bali different from Miami?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is the Food Better in Bali or Miami? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Bali and Miami offer a number of fantastic restaurants to choose from.

Bali has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The food is rich and diverse with a lot of spices and complex flavors. Turmeric is a common spice and many dishes use coconut milk. Popular local dishes include Nasi Ayam (a chicken dish), Satay (grilled chicken), and Babi Guling (a pork dish).

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Miami is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city's food scene is as diverse as its population. It is a blend of Caribbean, Latin American, and South American flavors and it is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. There is everything from award-winning restaurants to local dives that offer excellent dishes and experiences. The city is known for its stone crabs, fish sandwiches, Cuban sandwiches, and key lime pie.

Is Bali or Miami Better for Nightlife?

Both Bali and Miami are fantastic when it comes to partying.

Bali is a world class party destination. The island is known for its crazy raves and all night pool parties. There are multi-story dance clubs as well as upscale bars and beach clubs that host parties late into the night. The best nightlife areas are around Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu.

Miami is a must-see party destination. From the posh nightlife clubs in South Beach, to the local salsa dancing venues in Little Havana, Miami is a city that thrives with energy. There are many world-renowned clubs that keep the music and drinks flowing through the entire night. There's also a glitzy and glamourous scene where the wealthy like to see and be seen.

Is Bali or Miami Better for Music?

Miami is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. However, Bali is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Miami Popular live music venues include Ball and Chain, Cafe La Trova, Flamingo Theater Bar.

Bali is not a live music destination.

Is Bali or Miami Better for Resorts?

Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Bali and Miami.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Bali is a perfect choice. The island has resorts as well as private villas that cater to everyone from celebrities to families or even budget travelers. Private villas offer a more secluded vacation while resorts usually have more amenities and the opportunity to socialize with other guests. There are also many family-friendly resorts around the island.

Miami offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Known for it's luxury, you'll find many resorts in the area. Popular options include The Ritz-Carlton South Beach, Fontainebleau, and Carillon Miami.

Is Bali or Miami Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Bali is an amazing island to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Miami is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Bali is not to be missed. The waters are crystal clear and the marine life is abundant making scuba diving and snorkeling popular around the island. There are many snorkeling day trips that you can arrange and there are also dive shops that will take you out on the water.

Miami is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bali or Miami Better for Beaches?

Bali and Miami are fantastic choices for a beach vacation.

With world-famous beaches, Bali is a very popular vacation destination. The island is large enough that it has a diversity of beach styles. There are popular beaches with water sports as well as secluded bays where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. Some beaches are dramatic with limestone cliffs while others are lined with palm trees.

The beaches in Miami are among the best in the world. If you're looking for long sandy beaches, luxury yacht clubs, and fine dining restaurants, the area's beaches have them all. Some of the best beaches in the area include the world-famous South Beach, the North Beach Oceanside Park, Sunny Isles Beach, and Surfside. Many beaches are lined with high rise hotels that offer an urban beach experience.

Is Bali or Miami Better for Hiking?

Bali is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Miami is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Bali. Walking on the island is beautiful and with its varied landscapes you can explore scenic rice paddies or pristine rainforests. You'll find the most challenging hikes in West Bali National Park, where a guide is recommended, but there are many other shorter hikes on the island that can be explored independently.

Miami is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bali or Miami?

Miami is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bali is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Miami make it a world-class shopping destination. The city has every high end brand you could want, along with diverse neighborhoods with local finds and unique purchases. You'll find many diverse shopping opportunities that are influenced by the city's cultural scene. You'll also find many souvenir stands and t-shirt shops.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bali. A big appeal of shopping on the island is the affordability. There are many local items that are fun to bring home including jewelry, handicrafts, furniture, and clothing.

Is Bali or Miami Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Bali or Miami.

Bali is a very kid-friendly island. The island has countless activities that kids can enjoy. There are watersports, snorkeling, surfing lessons and beautiful beaches. You can also expose your kids to the spiritual side of the island with kid-friendly yoga classes. Animals lovers will enjoy getting to see the monkeys up close and for a unique culinary experience, you can take a family cooking class.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Miami. Because it's so big, you'll find a number of kid-friendly activities in the area. There's the Miami Zoo, various waterparks, the Everglades Alligator Park, Miccosukee Indian Village, and plenty of indoor playgrounds in case the weather doesn't cooperate.

Is Bali or Miami Better for Couples?

Bali is an amazing island to visit for romance. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Bali has plenty to offer. This beautiful island offers stunning beaches, adventure sports, and world class snorkeling. There are beautiful resorts with spas as well as couples yoga classes impressive natural areas.

Miami is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. For couples who love nightlife, wining and dining, and high end beach clubs, this is the place to be. There are many award-winning restaurants and plenty of glitz and glam that make for a great romantic getaway.

Is Bali or Miami Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bali is an amazing island to visit for backpackers. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Bali is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers flock to this beautiful island for its stunning setting and affordable accommodation. There are many nice places where backpackers can hang out and get to know other travelers. If you want to get off the beaten path, it's best to head into the countryside and away from the main tourist hubs.

It's common for backpackers to visit Miami. This city is large enough to have something for everyone, so you'll find several hostels in the area that bring in the backpackers.

Is Bali or Miami Better for Students?

Miami is very good for students. However, Bali is not popular with students.

Miami is a good beach city to visit for students. Spring break in Miami is the stuff of legends.

Bali is not popular with students.

Is Bali or Miami Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Bali and Miami offer nice public transit options.

Bali has a few public transit options. There are minibuses and tourist shuttle buses around the island. You can also hire a taxi or rent a car, scooter, or bicycle.

Miami has some public transit options. There's an elevated metrorail as well as buses around the city.

Is Bali or Miami a more walkable city?

Miami is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Bali is not a good island for its ease of walking around.

Miami is a very walkable beach city. Many parts of city are surprisingly walkable and pedestrian friendly, allowing you to eat out, go shopping, or explore without the need for a car.

Bali is generally not a very walkable island. There are some walkable towns and cities on the island, but many areas can be challenging to navigate on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Bali Worth Visiting? and Is Miami Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Miami or Bali?

How long in Bali or Miami?

Both Bali and Miami have a number of activities to choose from. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either. In general, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Bali, and 7 days is enough time in Miami.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bali than Miami 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 Bali.

One day in Bali or Miami?

In Bali, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this stunning destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This island 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.

Miami is a big city destination where you can fill many days. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Bali or Miami?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bali. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.

Miami is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Bali or Miami?

Bali is a fun place to experience. In Bali, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Miami is a exciting big city where you can fill many days. This beach city offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Bali or Miami?

In Bali, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this lush destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Miami is a bustling beach city where you can fill many days. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bali and Miami, we can see that Miami is more expensive. And not only is Bali much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bali is in Asia and Miami is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Bali would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bali 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 Miami would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Miami than you might in Bali.

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

Which is Bigger, Bali or Miami?

Bali has a larger population, and is about 6% larger than the population of Miami. When comparing the sizes of Bali and Miami, 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 Bali or Miami?

Miami has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Bali experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Bali or Miami in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bali and Miami. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bali year-round. Also, the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Miami this time of year.

In July, Bali is generally around the same temperature as Miami. Daily temperatures in Bali average around 27°C (81°F), and Miami fluctuates around 83°F (28°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Miami this time of the year. In Bali, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bali usually receives less sunshine than Miami during summer. Bali gets 253 hours of sunny skies, while Miami receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

Miami receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Bali usually receives less rain than Miami. Bali gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Miami receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain each month for the summer. April to September in Bali is the dry season.

Should I visit Bali or Miami in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bali as well as Miami. Bali attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Miami for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Bali is around the same temperature as Miami in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bali averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Miami fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Miami. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bali this time of the year. In the autumn, Bali often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Miami. Bali gets 266 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Miami receives 275 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Miami. Bali usually gets less rain in October than Miami. Bali gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Miami receives 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain this time of the year. October to March in Bali is the rainy season.

Should I visit Bali or Miami in the Winter?

Both Miami and Bali are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bali throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Miami in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In the winter, Bali is a little warmer than Miami. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bali in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Miami averages at about 67°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Miami. Bali usually receives less sunshine than Miami during winter. Bali gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Miami receives 243 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bali usually receives more rain than Miami. Bali gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Miami receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain each month for the winter. The rainy season in Bali is October to March.

Should I visit Bali or Miami in the Spring?

Both Miami and Bali during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bali because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to Miami for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Bali is generally a little warmer than Miami. Daily temperatures in Bali average around 27°C (81°F), and Miami fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

In Miami, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Bali. In the spring, Bali often gets less sunshine than Miami. Bali gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Miami receives 300 hours of full sun.

Bali usually gets less rain in April than Miami. Bali gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Miami receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year. April to September is the dry season in Bali.

Typical Weather for Miami and Bali