A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Cocoa Beach vs. Miami for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Beaches

Should you visit Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach 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.

Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach is a fun-filled, relaxing, and adventurous beach town. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Miami

Miami is a high energy, glamorous, and exciting 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 live music, food, and beaches.

Cocoa Beach and Miami: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cocoa Beach or Miami?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Miami than Cocoa Beach, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Miami is better known for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Cocoa Beach is more popular for its museums. Miami is more touristy than Cocoa Beach and is popular for its long sandy beaches, glitzy nightlife scene, diverse cultures, and award-winning restaurants. Also, Miami is famous for South Beach. Cocoa Beach is well known for its wonderful surfing waves and its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center.

How is Cocoa Beach different from Miami?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cocoa Beach or Miami?

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

Many visitors head to Cocoa Beach specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The town's proximity to the Kennedy Space Center is a big appeal for space enthusiasts. It's easy to take advantage of the great beaches and then spend a day exploring the space center. Also in town is the Florida Surf Museum.

Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Miami is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Miami, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Cocoa Beach makes for a great culinary experience. Seafood is the obvious choice in this beach town. Head to Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier for some great restaurants. In addition to seafood options, you'll find steakhouses, bistros, and pizza shops.

Is Cocoa Beach or Miami Better for Nightlife?

Miami is very popular for its evening party scene. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Miami is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

Cocoa Beach has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find a number of casual pubs, bars, and grills around town where you can grab a drink in a relaxed setting.

Is Cocoa Beach or Miami Better for Music?

Miami is very popular for its music scene. However, Cocoa Beach 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.

Cocoa Beach is not a live music destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or Miami Better for Resorts?

Miami is very popular for its luxury resorts. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

Vacationers flock to Miami for its luxury resorts. 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.

Cocoa Beach has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are casual and family-friendly resorts in the area that make for a nice beach vacation.

Is Cocoa Beach or Miami Better for Beaches?

Miami is very popular for the beach. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

Miami offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around 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.

Cocoa Beach is considered a top beach destination. There are long stretches of sand that are great for swimming, surfing, water sports, or just relaxing in the sun. The most popular area is around Cocoa Beach Pier. For family-friendly, head to James H. Nance Park which also has a playground. If you have a dog, Canova Beach Park is your best option.

Is the Shopping Better in Cocoa Beach or Miami?

Miami is very popular for its shopping areas. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Cocoa Beach is a great destination for shopping. You'll find lots of great local shops as well as malls and beach stores where you can pick up everything you need.

Is Cocoa Beach or Miami Better for Families?

Cocoa Beach is an amazing beach town to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Cocoa Beach is one of the most popular family destinations. It's right by the Kennedy Space Center, which is a great excursion for kids and adults alike. There's also the Brevard Zoo, amazing beaches, and great parks where the kids can run around.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Miami is very family-friendly. 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 Cocoa Beach or Miami Better for Couples?

Cocoa Beach and Miami both high quality destinations for a couple.

Cocoa Beach makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Beautiful beaches, fun outdoor activities, and great date night activities make this a wonderful couples destination.

Couples visit Miami frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Cocoa Beach or Miami Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Miami is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cocoa Beach is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Cocoa Beach is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there aren't any hostels in the area, there are some affordable hotels away from the beach.

Is Cocoa Beach or Miami Better for Students?

Miami is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Cocoa Beach is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Miami. Spring break in Miami is the stuff of legends.

Cocoa Beach is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Cocoa Beach and Miami.

Cocoa Beach has some public transit options. You can hop on the Cocoa Beach Trolley to access many sights in the area. It's a service provided by the Space Coast Area Transit (SCAT).

You'll find some public transit in Miami, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's an elevated metrorail as well as buses around the city.

Is Cocoa Beach or Miami a more walkable city?

Miami is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

Miami is a very walkable destination. 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.

Cocoa Beach is somewhat walkable. For the most walkable areas stay near the town center. In general, you'll want to have a car to access most of what the area has to offer though.

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

Should I spend more time in Miami or Cocoa Beach?

How long in Cocoa Beach or Miami?

Both Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Cocoa Beach, and 7 days is enough time in Miami.

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

Couples should spend more time in Miami than Cocoa Beach. 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 Miami than Cocoa Beach 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 Miami.

One day in Cocoa Beach or Miami?

In Cocoa Beach, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this relaxing destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This beach town 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 exciting beach city where you can fill many days. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Cocoa Beach or Miami?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cocoa Beach. 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 glamorous big city where you can fill many days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This beach city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Cocoa Beach or Miami?

Cocoa Beach is a fun place to experience. In Cocoa Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Miami is a diverse beach city where you can fill many days. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Cocoa Beach or Miami?

You'll find food and shopping around the fun-filled destination of Cocoa Beach. 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 big city destination where you can fill many days. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this beach city.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cocoa Beach or Miami?

Miami has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Cocoa Beach. When comparing the sizes of Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach or Miami?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Miami in the Summer?

Both Miami and Cocoa Beach during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cocoa Beach for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Miami in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cocoa Beach is around the same temperature as Miami. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cocoa Beach in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Miami averages at about 83°F (28°C).

Miami gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Cocoa Beach. Cocoa Beach usually gets more rain in July than Miami. Cocoa Beach gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Miami receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Miami in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cocoa Beach and Miami. Many visitors come to Cocoa Beach in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Miami for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

In October, Cocoa Beach is generally around the same temperature as Miami. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 77°F (25°C), and Miami fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

Miami receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cocoa Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Cocoa Beach usually receives less rain than Miami. Cocoa Beach gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Miami receives 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Cocoa Beach.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Miami in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cocoa Beach as well as Miami. Most visitors come to Cocoa Beach for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Miami because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Cocoa Beach is cooler than Miami in the winter. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 63°F (17°C) in January, and Miami fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

Cocoa Beach usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Miami. Cocoa Beach gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Miami receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Miami in the Spring?

Both Miami and Cocoa Beach are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Cocoa Beach because of the beaches. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Miami this time of year.

In the spring, Cocoa Beach is around the same temperature as Miami. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cocoa Beach in April average around 73°F (23°C), and Miami averages at about 75°F (24°C).

In April, Cocoa Beach usually receives less rain than Miami. Cocoa Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Miami receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Cocoa Beach is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Miami and Cocoa Beach