A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Clearwater vs. Miami for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Clearwater or Miami?

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 Miami. 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.

Where Should I go: Clearwater or Miami?

Clearwater

Clearwater is a city in Florida's Tampa Bay area known for its sunny weather and gulf coast beaches. Its most famous beach (Clearwater Beach) is located on a barrier island with white sands and crystal waters - a perfect setting for activities such as fishing, sailing, kayaking, jet skiing, dolphin and sunset tours, parasailing, and more.

Miami

Miami is a popular tourist destination and a modern city in South Florida. It has beautiful white beaches, crystal blue waters, cosmopolitan neighborhoods, impressive shopping, and excellent dining opportunities. It is also a gateway to the Florida Keys, which is another popular destination in South Florida.

Miami is the second most populated city in Florida and the metropolitan area is the most populated in the state with more than 5.4 million people. It's also the 7th largest metro area in the country. The city sits between the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Everglades to the west. It covers 110 miles north to south but is a narrow 20 miles east to west.

Miami sits at a low latitude, giving it a subtropical savannah climate. There are two seasons; the warm and dry season between November and April and the hot and wet season between May and October. The coldest months are between December and March when highs are in the upper 70 or low 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The summer months have highs in the upper 80s or 90s and lows in the mid 70s with high humidity.

Which place is cheaper, Miami or Clearwater?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Clearwater is $309, while the average daily cost in Miami is $206. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Clearwater and Miami in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Clearwater $141
    Miami $132
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Clearwater $282
    Miami $264
Compare Hotels in Clearwater and Miami

Looking for a hotel in Clearwater or Miami? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Clearwater


Hotels in Miami


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Clearwater Hotel Prices and Miami Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Clearwater $221
    Miami $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Clearwater

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Clearwater:

  • From Orlando: Clearwater Beach Day with Transfers and Lunch: $100

Typical Local Transportation prices in Miami

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Miami are as follows:


  • Car Rental for a Day
    $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Miami

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Miami:

  • Miami International Airport & PortMiami Transfer: $25
  • Miami Everglades Experience Airboat Ride, Wildlife Show, and Bus Transfer: $50
  • Miami International Airport: One-Way Transfer to Miami: $56
  • Private Transfer in Miami (MIA) Airport/Home/Hotel/Work : $59
  • Key West Transfer with free hotel pickup + Upgrades: $60
  • Miami & Key West: One-Way Transfer by Motor Coach Bus: $62
  • Miami Int'l Airport: Private 1-Way Transfer to Miami Port: $63
  • Private Transfer: Miami International Airport (MIA) to Miami Beach : $68
  • Everglades Holiday Park Airboat Ride with Roundtrip Transfer: $70
  • Everglades National Park & Airboat tour with Roundtrip Transfer: $70
  • Private Transfer to Miami Airport (Departures): $75
  • Arrival Miami Airport Private Transfer with Meet & Greet Service: $79

Is it cheaper to fly into Clearwater or Miami?

Prices for flights to both Miami and Clearwater change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Clearwater $46
    Miami $41

Typical Food prices in Miami

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Miami:


  • Lunch with Drinks (for 2)
    $45
  • David's Cafe Lunch (for 1)
    $16

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Miami

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Miami.

  • The Ultimate Little Havana Food Tour : $55
  • Little Havana Food Tour: $55
  • Cuban Food Tour in Little Havana: $69
  • Little Havana Walking Food Tour with Tastings: $69
  • South Beach Food Tour: $69
  • Cuban Coffee Experience (Cooking, Tasting) Afternoon Tour: $70
  • A Taste of South Beach Food Tour: $75
  • Mango's Dinner and Show Ticket: $78
  • Mango's Tropical Cafe Dinner & Show: $78
  • Food Tour of Miami's South Beach: $79
  • Little Havana Food Tour with Tastings: $80
  • Guided Small Group Little Havana Food Tour: $119

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Clearwater -
    Miami $31

Tours and Activities in Clearwater

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Clearwater are as follows:

  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Clearwater by Operation City Quest: $10
  • St. Petersburg Jungle Prada Site History Tour: $15
  • Daytime Yacht Sightseeing Cruise with Optional Dining : $27
  • Mega Bite Dolphin Tour Boat in Clearwater Beach: $28
  • 1-hour Sightseeing Adventure Cruise from Madeira Beach: $28
  • Shark Teeth and Shells, Dolphin and Shelling Tour Boat Clearwater Beach : $28
  • Clearwater Dolphin Exploration Tour: $29
  • Clearwater Sunset Celebration Cruise: $29
  • Tour with Dolphins and Sight Seeing: $29
  • Dolphin Quest - Sightseeing/Eco Cruise, John's Pass, Madeira Beach, FL : $29
  • St. Pete Beach Dolphin Racer Speedboat Adventure: $30
  • Haunted History Tour: $30

Tours and Activities in Miami

Here are a few actual costs in Miami for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Haunted a Smartphone Audio Driving Tour : $6.04
  • Little Havana Smartphone guided Audio App Solo Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Miami Beach: Self-Guided Walking Tour With Audio Guide: $7.39
  • Haunted Self-Guided Smartphone Audio Driving Tour: $7.39
  • Miami Marlins Baseball Game Ticket at loandepot Park: $8.37
  • Miami Marlins Baseball Game Ticket at loandepot Park: $8.52
  • Audio Tour of Downtown, South Beach, and Wynwood: $11
  • Wynwood Walls Admission Ticket : $12
  • Giant Fish Feeding Experience: $12
  • Wynwood Walls Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket: $13
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour in Florida Keys: $15
  • City Self-Guided App-Based Driving Tour: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Clearwater -
    Miami $22

Sample the Local Flavors in Clearwater

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Clearwater:

  • The Tour and Wine Tasting Experience at Aspirations Winery: $39

Typical Alcohol prices in Miami

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Miami are as follows:


  • Evening at a Bar
    $32

Sample the Local Flavors in Miami

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Miami:

  • Miami Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Wynwood Party Bike Bar Crawl: $59
  • Wynwood Party Bike Bar Crawl: $59
  • Wynwood Graffiti Brewery Golf Cart Tour: $63

How are these travel costs calculated?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Clearwater and Miami, we can see that Clearwater is more expensive. And not only is Miami much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Miami would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Miami 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 Miami.

Which is Bigger, Clearwater or Miami?

Miami is bigger, and its population is about 3.5 times larger than the population of Clearwater. When comparing the population of Clearwater vs. 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 and the activities that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Clearwater or Miami?

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 Miami in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Clearwater and Miami. Furthermore, many visitors come to Miami in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

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

Miami 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 Miami. Clearwater gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Miami receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Clearwater 82°F (28°C) 
    Miami 83°F (28°C)

Should I visit Clearwater or Miami in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Clearwater as well as Miami. Additionally, most visitors come to Miami for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

In the autumn, Clearwater is around the same temperature as Miami. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Clearwater in October average around 75°F (24°C), and Miami averages at about 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 Clearwater this time of the year. In the autumn, Clearwater often gets less sunshine than Miami. Clearwater gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Miami receives 275 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Miami. Clearwater usually gets less rain in October than Miami. Clearwater gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Miami receives 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Clearwater 75°F (24°C) 
    Miami 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Clearwater or Miami in the Winter?

Both Miami and Clearwater are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Miami because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

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

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

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


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Clearwater 60°F (15°C) 
    Miami 67°F (20°C)

Should I visit Clearwater or Miami in the Spring?

Both Miami and Clearwater during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Miami this time of year.

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

In Miami, 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 Miami. Clearwater gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Miami receives 300 hours of full sun.

Clearwater usually gets less rain in April than Miami. Clearwater gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Miami receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Clearwater 71°F (22°C) 
    Miami 75°F (24°C)

Typical Weather for Miami and Clearwater

Clearwater Miami
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 60°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Feb 61°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
Mar 67°F (19°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 72°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
Apr 71°F (22°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
May 77°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 79°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 83°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm)
Oct 75°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Nov 68°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)


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.
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Clearwater vs. Miami Travel Comparison

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