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

Should you visit Brisbane 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 Brisbane and Miami can help you decide which place is right for you.

Brisbane

Brisbane is a relaxed, diverse, and cultural coastal city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food.

Miami

Miami is a exciting, diverse, and bustling beach 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 beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Brisbane and Miami: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brisbane or Miami?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Miami than Brisbane. While Brisbane is larger than Miami, Miami has more sights and attractions for tourists. Miami is better known for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Brisbane is more popular for its museums, scuba diving & snorkeling, and hiking. Miami is more touristy than Brisbane and is popular for its long sandy beaches, glitzy nightlife scene, diverse cultures, and award-winning restaurants. Also, Miami is famous for South Beach. Brisbane is well known for its sports culture, beautiful weather, and outdoor areas.

How is Brisbane different from Miami?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Brisbane or Miami?

Brisbane is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Brisbane specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The Cultural Centre is where you'll find many of the city's museums. It sits on the banks of the Brisbane River and is home to the State Library of Queensland, the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre, and Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art. This is also where you'll find the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Also popular is the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and the Wheel of Brisbane.

Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Miami is an amazing beach city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Miami has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Brisbane offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find all of the standard eateries around town, with casual cafes, family-friendly restaurants, and some fine dining experiences to choose from.

Is Brisbane or Miami Better for Nightlife?

Miami is an amazing beach city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for nightlife.

Miami has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Brisbane has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Fortitude Valley is the entertainment district in the city, and it really comes to life at night. There are also many venues that take advantage of the beautiful weather with outdoor and rooftop bars.

Is Brisbane or Miami Better for Music?

Miami is an amazing beach city to visit for its music scene. However, Brisbane is not a live music destination.

Miami has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Popular live music venues include Ball and Chain, Cafe La Trova, Flamingo Theater Bar.

Brisbane is not a live music destination.

Is Brisbane or Miami Better for Resorts?

Miami is an amazing beach city to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Brisbane is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Miami is a perfect choice. 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.

Brisbane is not a resort destination.

Is Brisbane or Miami Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Brisbane is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Miami is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Brisbane. There are some good snorkeling and diving spots near the city. One of the best is the Tangalooma Wrecks off Moreton Island.

Miami is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Brisbane or Miami Better for Beaches?

Miami is an amazing beach city to visit for the beach. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its beaches.

With world-famous beaches, Miami is a very popular vacation destination. 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.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Brisbane. For the best beaches, you'll want to take a day trip out of town, but there are also some nice beaches right by the city. About 30 minutes from town is family-friend Suttons Beach, or you can stay in the city center and check out the man-made Streets Beach. Shorncliffe Beach is another option that's less than a half hour from town.

Is Brisbane or Miami Better for Hiking?

Brisbane is very good for its hiking experiences. However, Miami is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Brisbane. There are a number of hikes outside of town that you can enjoy as a day trip. Check out the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, Keperra Bushland Reserve, or D'Aguilar National Park to the north of town. To the south is Toohey Forest Park, Springwood Conservation Park , and Venmans Bushland National Park.

Miami is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Brisbane or Miami?

Miami is an amazing beach city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for shopping.

Many people travel to Miami specifically to go shopping. 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.

Brisbane is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It's one of the most popular cities for retail therapy in Queensland. Queen Street Mall is an open air shopping mall and James Street is a favorite shopping street in town.

Is Brisbane or Miami Better for Families?

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

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Brisbane. Kids will love a visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary or White Ridge Farm. And, of course, you should take a ride on the iconic Wheel of Brisbane. If you're willing to head out of town you can visit the fun Tangalooma Island Resort. Streets Beach is also fun to visit.

Miami is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Brisbane or Miami Better for Couples?

Miami is great for couples. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for romance.

Miami is a great beach city 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.

Brisbane is a nice destination for couples. The waterfront setting and romantic restaurants offer a nice getaway for couples. There are many outdoor spaces that are fun to explore as well.

Is Brisbane or Miami Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brisbane is well known for backpackers. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Brisbane. Many backpackers breeze through Brisbane in favor of other nearby destinations, but there are actually a number of hostels in town and some interesting things to do.

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 Brisbane or Miami Better for Students?

Brisbane is well known for students. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Brisbane is very popular with students. Many students appreciate the local vibe, warm weather, and excellent education opportunities that the city offers.

It's common for students to visit Miami. Spring break in Miami is the stuff of legends.

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

Brisbane and Miami both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Brisbane offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses, trains, and ferries around town, but many people prefer to have their own vehicle. Ferries are the most fun and scenic way to get around.

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

Is Brisbane or Miami a more walkable city?

Brisbane and Miami are very good when it comes to walkability.

Brisbane is a very walkable destination. There's a good network of paths that make parts of the city walkable.

Miami is very walkable. 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Miami or Brisbane?

How long in Brisbane or Miami?

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

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

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

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

One day in Brisbane or Miami?

In Brisbane, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this active destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This coastal 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.

Miami is a big city with plenty to do. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Brisbane or Miami?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Brisbane. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Miami is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this beach city makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Miami, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Brisbane or Miami?

Brisbane is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Brisbane. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Miami is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Miami, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Brisbane or Miami?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Brisbane. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Miami is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Miami has to offer. This beach city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Australia, The Best Adventure Tours to Australia, 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 Brisbane and Miami, we can see that Miami is more expensive. And not only is Brisbane much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Brisbane is in Pacific 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 Brisbane would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Brisbane 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 Brisbane.

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

Which is Bigger, Brisbane or Miami?

Brisbane has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Miami. When comparing the sizes of Brisbane 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 Brisbane or Miami?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Brisbane is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Miami has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Brisbane or Miami in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Brisbane as well as Miami. The summer months attract visitors to Brisbane because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Miami this time of year.

In the summer, Brisbane is cooler than Miami. Typically, the summer temperatures in Brisbane in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Miami averages at about 83°F (28°C)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Miami. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Brisbane this time of the year. In the summer, Brisbane often gets less sunshine than Miamiin July. Brisbane gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Miami receives 316 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Miami. Brisbane receives a lot of rain in the summer. Brisbane usually gets more rain in January than Miamiin July. Brisbane gets 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Miami receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brisbane or Miami in the Autumn?

Both Miami and Brisbane are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Brisbane this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Miami for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In April, Brisbane is generally cooler than Miamiin October. Daily temperatures in Brisbane average around 22°C (71°F), and Miami fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Miami. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. Brisbane usually receives less sunshine than Miami during autumn. Brisbane gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Miami receives 275 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Miami. It's quite rainy in Brisbane. In April, Brisbane usually receives less rain than Miamiin October. Brisbane gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Miami receives 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Brisbane or Miami in the Winter?

Both Miami and Brisbane during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Brisbane for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Miami in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Brisbane is cooler than Miami in the winter. The daily temperature in Brisbane averages around 15°C (59°F) in July, and Miami fluctuates around 67°F (20°C)in January.

In Miami, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Brisbane. In the winter, Brisbane often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Miamiin January. Brisbane gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Miami receives 243 hours of full sun.

Brisbane usually gets more rain in July than Miamiin January. Brisbane gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Miami receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brisbane or Miami in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Brisbane and Miami. Many visitors come to Brisbane in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Miami for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Brisbane is cooler than Miami. Typically, the spring temperatures in Brisbane in October average around 21°C (69°F), and Miami averages at about 75°F (24°C)in April.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Miami this time of the year. In Brisbane, it's very sunny this time of the year. Brisbane usually receives less sunshine than Miami during spring. Brisbane gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Miami receives 300 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Brisbane usually receives more rain than Miamiin April. Brisbane gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Miami receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Miami and Brisbane