A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Fort Lauderdale vs. Asheville for Resorts, Couples, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Fort Lauderdale or Asheville?

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 Fort Lauderdale and Asheville. 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.

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is a high energy, scenic, and bustling coastal city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Asheville

Asheville is a progressive, open-minded, and eclectic mountain town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for live music, food, and hiking.

Fort Lauderdale and Asheville: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fort Lauderdale or Asheville?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Fort Lauderdale than Asheville. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Fort Lauderdale is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Asheville attracts visitors for its music, historical sights, hiking, shopping, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere. Fort Lauderdale is more touristy than Asheville and is known for its canals, beaches, walkable waterfront, and luxury resorts. It is also well known for The Local Beaches. Asheville is famous for its fall foliage, artsy downtown, local North Carolina barbecue, and being home to the Biltmore Estate.

How is Fort Lauderdale different from Asheville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Fort Lauderdale and Asheville offer a number of nice restaurants to choose from.

Fort Lauderdale offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

Asheville has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Downtown Asheville is filled with local restaurants that serve everything from brunch to late night snacks. There are many vegan and vegetarian options as well as a number of international restaurants. Popular local dishes include North Carolina barbeque and country ham biscuits.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Asheville Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Fort Lauderdale or Asheville has a better nightlife scene.

The people in Fort Lauderdale know how to have a good time. 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.

The nightlife in Asheville has something for everybody. The city has a fun and eclectic nightlife scene that centers around the city's breweries and live music venues.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Asheville Better for Music?

Asheville is a great destination for live music. However, Fort Lauderdale is not a live music destination.

Asheville has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. The city has grown into a world famous music destination that holds true to its mountain roots and independent artists.

Fort Lauderdale is not a live music destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Asheville Better for Resorts?

Fort Lauderdale is an unbeatable place for its resorts. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Asheville has a few great resort options. The most famous resorts in the area are the Biltmore Estate and the Grove Park Inn. Both offer luxury restaurants and beautiful grounds that are particularly nice during the holidays.

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

Fort Lauderdale is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Asheville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Fort Lauderdale. 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.

Asheville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Asheville Better for Beaches?

Fort Lauderdale is an unbeatable place for the beache. However, Asheville is not a beach destination.

Fort Lauderdale offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. 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.

Asheville is not a beach destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Asheville Better for its Old Town?

Asheville is a mountain town with a few options for its historic old town. However, Fort Lauderdale does not have a historic old town.

Asheville is a good place to visit the old town. Downtown Asheville maintains much of its historic vibe, but it's smaller than some of the more notable old cities around the country.

Fort Lauderdale does not have a historic old town.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Asheville Better for Hiking?

Asheville is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Fort Lauderdale is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Asheville. Just outside of town are many great hikes to waterfalls or through the mountains. The hikes range in skill level and length but many pass through local forests or along the beautiful skyline.

Fort Lauderdale is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Fort Lauderdale or Asheville?

Asheville is a great destination for shopping. Also, Fort Lauderdale is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Asheville is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has many local shops that sell local crafts and independent art. The downtown area is filled with art vendors and you'll find the greatest concentration of shopping along the pedestrian-friendly Lexington Avenue.

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 Fort Lauderdale or Asheville Better for Christmas?

Asheville is a great destination for its Christmas activities. However, Fort Lauderdale does not offer Christmas activities.

Visitors come from all around to experience the Christmas activities in Asheville. Head to the Biltmore Estate to see it fully decorated for the Christmas season. It's also worth going to see the winning Gingerbread Houses on display at the Grove Park Inn.

Fort Lauderdale does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Asheville Better for Christmas Markets?

Asheville is a mountain town with a few options for its Christmas markets. However, Fort Lauderdale does not offer Christmas markets.

Asheville is a good spot to see some Christmas markets. There are a handful of local Christmas shops around town where you can buy personalized gifts.

Fort Lauderdale does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Asheville Better for Families?

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

Fort Lauderdale is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Asheville is very family-friendly. With its beautiful hiking, interesting nature centers, and outdoor adventure activities, this mountain town makes a great kid-friendly destination. There are outdoor adventure parks where kids can zipline or climb. There are also hands on farms and orchards for fruit-picking.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Asheville Better for Couples?

Fort Lauderdale is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Asheville is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples enjoy exploring the beautiful Biltmore Estates or visiting the spa at the Grove Park Inn. The quaint town makes a great honeymoon destination or a nice romantic getaway. There are luxury hotels or intimate bed and breakfasts that offer different options for couples on a romantic trip.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Asheville Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Asheville is a great destination for backpackers. However, Fort Lauderdale is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Asheville. The town has an eclectic vibe that backpackers appreciate. There are a few good hostels around town as well as nearby campgrounds that are perfect for budget travelers or hikers.

Fort Lauderdale is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Asheville Better for Students?

Asheville is a great destination for students. However, Fort Lauderdale is not popular with students.

Many students visit Asheville. With its progressive personality and charming downtown, students enjoy spending time in this great town.

Fort Lauderdale is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Fort Lauderdale and Asheville.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Asheville. There are buses around town, but almost everyone gets around town with their own vehicle.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Asheville a more walkable city?

Fort Lauderdale is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Asheville is a somewhat walkable coastal city. If you stay downtown and don't plan to explore the outlying areas, then it's possible to walk around town. Otherwise, you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Asheville or Fort Lauderdale?

How long in Fort Lauderdale or Asheville?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Fort Lauderdale and Asheville. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than in Asheville. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Fort Lauderdale, and 2-3 days is enough time in Asheville.

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

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

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

One day in Fort Lauderdale or Asheville?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the coastal city of Fort Lauderdale. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The outdoorsy destination of Asheville offers nightlife and live music. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

A weekend in Fort Lauderdale or Asheville?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the spirited destination of Fort Lauderdale. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

The mountain town of Asheville offers live music and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Fort Lauderdale or Asheville?

You'll find nightlife and food around the spirited coastal city of Fort Lauderdale. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer.

Asheville is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This mountain town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Fort Lauderdale or Asheville?

Fort Lauderdale is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Fort Lauderdale, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Asheville. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Fort Lauderdale or Asheville?

Fort Lauderdale has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Asheville. When comparing the sizes of Fort Lauderdale and Asheville, 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 Fort Lauderdale or Asheville?

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 Fort Lauderdale or Asheville in the Summer?

Both Asheville and Fort Lauderdale are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Fort Lauderdale because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Asheville this time of year.

In the summer, Fort Lauderdale is around the same temperature as Asheville. Typically, the summer temperatures in Fort Lauderdale in July average around 83°F (28°C), and Asheville averages at about 82°F (28°C).

It's quite sunny in Asheville. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale usually receives more sunshine than Asheville during summer. Fort Lauderdale gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Asheville receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Asheville. It's quite rainy in Fort Lauderdale. In July, Fort Lauderdale usually receives more rain than Asheville. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Asheville receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Asheville in the Autumn?

Both Asheville and Fort Lauderdale during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Fort Lauderdale this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Asheville for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Fort Lauderdale is generally a little warmer than Asheville. Daily temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 78°F (26°C), and Asheville fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

In Asheville, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Fort Lauderdale. In the autumn, Fort Lauderdale often gets more sunshine than Asheville. Fort Lauderdale gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Asheville receives 229 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale usually gets more rain in October than Asheville. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Asheville receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Asheville in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Fort Lauderdale and Asheville. Many travelers come to Fort Lauderdale for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Asheville in the winter for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Fort Lauderdale is much warmer than Asheville in the winter. The daily temperature in Fort Lauderdale averages around 67°F (20°C) in January, and Asheville fluctuates around 44°F (7°C).

In Fort Lauderdale, it's very sunny this time of the year. Fort Lauderdale usually receives more sunshine than Asheville during winter. Fort Lauderdale gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Asheville receives 176 hours of full sun in the winter.

Asheville receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Fort Lauderdale usually receives less rain than Asheville. Fort Lauderdale gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Asheville receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Asheville in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Fort Lauderdale as well as Asheville. Many visitors come to Fort Lauderdale in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Asheville for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Fort Lauderdale is a little warmer than Asheville. Typically, the spring temperatures in Fort Lauderdale in April average around 75°F (24°C), and Asheville averages at about 64°F (18°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Asheville. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fort Lauderdale this time of the year. In the spring, Fort Lauderdale often gets more sunshine than Asheville. Fort Lauderdale gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Asheville receives 266 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Asheville. Fort Lauderdale usually gets less rain in April than Asheville. Fort Lauderdale gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Asheville receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Asheville and Fort Lauderdale