A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Clearwater vs. Fort Lauderdale for Resorts, Beaches, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Clearwater or Fort Lauderdale?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Clearwater and Fort Lauderdale. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Clearwater

Clearwater is a outdoorsy, adventure-filled, and relaxing coastal city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is a high energy, scenic, and bustling coastal city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Clearwater and Fort Lauderdale: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Clearwater or Fort Lauderdale?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Fort Lauderdale than Clearwater, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Fort Lauderdale is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, and impressive beauty, while Clearwater is known for its museums and food. Fort Lauderdale is more touristy than Clearwater and is known for its canals, beaches, walkable waterfront, and luxury resorts. It is also home to The Local Beaches. Clearwater is popular for its beautiful white sand beaches, laid back atmosphere, and watersports.

How is Clearwater different from Fort Lauderdale?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Clearwater or Fort Lauderdale?

Clearwater is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Clearwater. Perhaps most well known is the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, but there are also a surprising number of museums nearby such as the Dalí Museum, the impressive Chihuly Glass Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts.

Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Clearwater or Fort Lauderdale? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Clearwater is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Fort Lauderdale is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Clearwater makes for a great culinary experience. Head to the waterfront for some of the best seafood. Unfortunately this is also where you'll find the highest prices. Shrimp, crab, and a fresh catch of the day are common on many menus.

Fort Lauderdale has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Seafood is the obvious option with popular dishes being fish tacos, sea bass, and scallop risotto. There are many waterfront restaurants or you could head to Las Olas Boulevard, which has many bistros, cafes, and restaurants.

Is Clearwater or Fort Lauderdale Better for Nightlife?

Fort Lauderdale is notable for nightlife. Also, Clearwater is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Fort Lauderdale has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Trendy and upscale partying is the name of the game in this Florida city. Most people head to the beach, Las Olas Blvd, River Front and The New Hard Rock Seminole Hotel Complex for the best bars and clubs. You'll find the most activity around the weekends, but there really is something going on any night of the week.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Clearwater. You'll find laid back beach clubs, glitzy wine bars, and relaxed bars where you can spend a nice night out.

Is Clearwater or Fort Lauderdale Better for Resorts?

Fort Lauderdale is a world-class destination for its resorts. Also, Clearwater is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its luxury resorts.

Vacationers flock to Fort Lauderdale for its luxury resorts. Luxury beachfront resorts are plentiful in the area. Several of the most impressive include the Ritz-Carlton, W Fort Lauderdale, and the Dalmar. Most resorts have a beachfront pool, hot tubs, and depending on the resort, a kid's club.

Clearwater is known as a popular and fun resort destination. You'll find a number of nice resorts along the coastline. Some of the most popular are the Sandpearl Resort, the Opal Sands Resort, and the Clearwater Beach Marriott.

Is Clearwater or Fort Lauderdale Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

You'll find good places where you can go scuba diving or snorkeling in Clearwater and Fort Lauderdale.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Clearwater. There's both snorkeling and diving nearby. Some of the best dive spots are within and hour of the shore and you'll find diving shops that offer trips.

Fort Lauderdale has a few good snorkeling spots. Although the snorkeling doesn't compare to what you'll find further south around the Florida Keys, there are some great places to pull your mask and fins out in the area. Popular snorkeling spots nearby include the Vista Park Reef, Pompano Beach, and Hollywood North Beach Park.

Is Clearwater or Fort Lauderdale Better for Beaches?

Clearwater and Fort Lauderdale both offer terrific beaches.

Clearwater offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Clearwater Beach is on many lists as one of the best beaches in America. It's the most popular beach in the area and it spreads out over 2.5 miles. Sand Key Beach is another popular destination as is the pristine Caladesi Island State Park.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Fort Lauderdale. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches, a fun boardwalk, and impressive views, the beaches here are among the best in the area. They are surprisingly walkable and, while there can be crowds, there's still a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere.

Is the Shopping Better in Clearwater or Fort Lauderdale?

Both Clearwater and Fort Lauderdale are good shopping destinations.

Clearwater is a great destination for shopping. You'll find all of the standard shopping options in the area such as malls, shopping centers, and outlets. Westfield Countryside Mall is a popular destination as is the Cleveland Street District.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Fort Lauderdale. For interesting local boutiques head to Las Olas Boulevard and for name brand stores you'll want to visit Sawgrass Mills Mall.

Is Clearwater or Fort Lauderdale Better for Families?

Both Clearwater and Fort Lauderdale are excellent family-friendly destinations.

Clearwater is a very family-friendly place to visit. Check out the playground and activities around Pier 60. Less crowded and family-friendly Sand Key Park is another favorite spot and the playgrounds at New Coachman Park and Crest Lake Park are also fun. Clearwater Marine Aquarium is another popular attraction for visitors with kids.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Fort Lauderdale is very family-friendly. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches and a number of kid-oriented activities, the kids will love it here. Fun activities include Bluefoot Pirate Adventures, Butterfly World, and Funderdome. On sunny days there are many outdoor recreation areas and when the weather isn't cooperating, there are hands-on museums.

Is Clearwater or Fort Lauderdale Better for Couples?

Fort Lauderdale is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Clearwater is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its romantic activities.

Fort Lauderdale is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Fine dining, beautiful beaches, and great shopping make for a great romantic getaway. Couples and honeymooners love relaxing at the beaches in Fort Lauderdale. A sunset walk on the beach and a stay at a romantic resort will make for an unforgettable trip.

Clearwater makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are beautiful parks and beaches as well as romantic activities like sunset cruises and dolphin spotting tours. Couples will also enjoy dining on local seafood and shopping at the local venues.

Is Clearwater or Fort Lauderdale Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Clearwater and Fort Lauderdale offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Clearwater. The Clearwater Jolley Trolley connects some of the area's highlights. There are also public buses that run several routes through town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Fort Lauderdale. Transportation options include a water taxi and the Sun Trolley Hop-on Bus.

Is Clearwater or Fort Lauderdale a more walkable city?

Fort Lauderdale is notable for its walkability. Also, Clearwater is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its high level of walkability.

Fort Lauderdale is very walkable. It is one of the most walkable Florida communities with a boardwalk and several pedestrian areas that are fun to wander around.

Clearwater is a somewhat walkable place. The waterfront and downtown areas are surprisingly walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Clearwater Worth Visiting? and Is Fort Lauderdale Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fort Lauderdale or Clearwater?

How long in Clearwater or Fort Lauderdale?

Both Clearwater and Fort Lauderdale have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than in Clearwater. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Clearwater, and 3-7 days is enough time in Fort Lauderdale.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Clearwater than Fort Lauderdale 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 Clearwater.

One day in Clearwater or Fort Lauderdale?

The adventure-filled destination of Clearwater offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With shopping and nightlife around the luxury coastal city of Fort Lauderdale, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Clearwater or Fort Lauderdale?

The coastal city of Clearwater offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Fort Lauderdale, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Clearwater or Fort Lauderdale?

Clearwater is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. This coastal city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Fort Lauderdale, a popular coastal city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Clearwater or Fort Lauderdale?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Clearwater. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Fort Lauderdale is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Clearwater and Fort Lauderdale, we can see that Clearwater is more expensive. And not only is Fort Lauderdale much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Fort Lauderdale would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Fort Lauderdale 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 Clearwater would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Clearwater than you might in Fort Lauderdale.

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

Which is Bigger, Clearwater or Fort Lauderdale?

Fort Lauderdale has a larger population, and is about 58% larger than the population of Clearwater. When comparing the sizes of Clearwater and Fort Lauderdale, 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 Clearwater or Fort Lauderdale?

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 Clearwater or Fort Lauderdale in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Clearwater and Fort Lauderdale. The summer months attract visitors to Clearwater because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Fort Lauderdale this time of year.

Clearwater is around the same temperature as Fort Lauderdale in the summer. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Fort Lauderdale fluctuates around 83°F (28°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fort Lauderdale this time of the year. In Clearwater, it's very sunny this time of the year. Clearwater usually receives less sunshine than Fort Lauderdale during summer. Clearwater gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Fort Lauderdale receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

Fort Lauderdale receives a lot of rain in the summer. Clearwater gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Clearwater usually receives more rain than Fort Lauderdale. Clearwater gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Fort Lauderdale receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Clearwater or Fort Lauderdale in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Clearwater as well as Fort Lauderdale. The shopping scene are the main draw to Clearwater this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Fort Lauderdale for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Clearwater is around the same temperature as Fort Lauderdale. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Clearwater in October average around 75°F (24°C), and Fort Lauderdale averages at about 78°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fort Lauderdale. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Clearwater this time of the year. In the autumn, Clearwater often gets less sunshine than Fort Lauderdale. Clearwater gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Fort Lauderdale receives 275 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Fort Lauderdale. Clearwater usually gets less rain in October than Fort Lauderdale. Clearwater gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Fort Lauderdale receives 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Clearwater is June to November.

Should I visit Clearwater or Fort Lauderdale in the Winter?

Both Fort Lauderdale and Clearwater are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Clearwater for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Fort Lauderdale in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, Clearwater is generally cooler than Fort Lauderdale. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 60°F (15°C), and Fort Lauderdale fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Fort Lauderdale. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Clearwater. Clearwater usually receives less sunshine than Fort Lauderdale during winter. Clearwater gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Fort Lauderdale receives 243 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Clearwater usually receives around the same amount of rain as Fort Lauderdale. Clearwater gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Fort Lauderdale receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Clearwater or Fort Lauderdale in the Spring?

Both Fort Lauderdale and Clearwater during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Clearwater in the spring for the beaches. Furthermore, most visitors come to Fort Lauderdale for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Clearwater is around the same temperature as Fort Lauderdale in the spring. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 71°F (22°C) in April, and Fort Lauderdale fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

In Fort Lauderdale, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Clearwater. In the spring, Clearwater often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Fort Lauderdale. Clearwater gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Fort Lauderdale receives 300 hours of full sun.

Clearwater usually gets less rain in April than Fort Lauderdale. Clearwater gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Fort Lauderdale receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Clearwater.

Typical Weather for Fort Lauderdale and Clearwater