A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Fort Lauderdale vs. Boston for Beaches, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Fort Lauderdale or Boston?

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 Boston. 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. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Boston

Boston is a traditional, classic, and proud city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Fort Lauderdale and Boston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fort Lauderdale or Boston?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Boston than Fort Lauderdale, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Boston is more popular for its museums & sights, theatre productions, food, music, historical sights, christmas markets, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Fort Lauderdale is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Fort Lauderdale is more touristy than Boston and is known for its canals, beaches, walkable waterfront, and luxury resorts. Boston is popular for its enthusiastic sports fans, influential history, beautiful parks, and world-class universities. It is also home to The Freedom Trail.

How is Fort Lauderdale different from Boston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Boston is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Boston that are not to be missed. The city itself feels like a living museum. It is famous for Faneuil Hall, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabelle Stewart Gardner Museum, the USS Constitution, as well as the many sites along the Freedom Trail. There are also many museums on the campuses of the world renowned universities in the city.

Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Boston Better for Theater?

Boston is a great destination for theatre. However, Fort Lauderdale is not a theatre destination.

Boston offers many theater and performance venues for visitors. The city has many historic, beautifully restored theaters where you can enjoy a show. Head to the theater district for some of the most famous venues.

Fort Lauderdale is not a theatre destination.

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

Boston 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, Boston makes for a great culinary experience. There are many local dishes that utilize fresh caught seafood and comfort food flavors. The cuisine also takes advantage of the city's Italian and Irish populations. Famous local foods include New England Clam Chowder, lobster rolls, and baked beans. You'll find hearty sandwiches and filling meals that warm your soul.

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 Fort Lauderdale or Boston Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Fort Lauderdale or Boston 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 Boston has something for everybody. The city is known for its breweries, craft beer, and vibrant university neighborhoods. It also hosts regular outdoor movies and world class sporting events. The nightlife scene is varied, with some areas catering to the student population and other areas focused on the professional or sport-loving crowds.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Boston Better for Music?

Boston is a good destination for live music. However, Fort Lauderdale is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Boston. Popular music venues include Lizard Lounge, Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, and The Middle East.

Fort Lauderdale is not a live music destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Boston Better for Resorts?

Fort Lauderdale is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Boston is not a resort destination.

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.

Boston is not a resort destination.

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

Fort Lauderdale is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Boston 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.

Boston is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Boston Better for Beaches?

Fort Lauderdale is an unbeatable place for its beaches. However, Boston is a mediocre city for the beache.

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.

You can check out the beach in Boston. There are a few urban beaches in the greater Boston area that you can explore on a nice day.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Boston Better for its Old Town?

Boston is a must-visit destination for its historic old town. However, Fort Lauderdale does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Boston can be explored in its historical center. Boston is famous for its Freedom Trail, which takes visitors around the city's rich history. The oldest parts of the city are known as Boston Proper and include the neighborhoods of Beacon Hill, Historic Downtown, the North End, and the West End.

Fort Lauderdale does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Fort Lauderdale or Boston?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Boston and Fort Lauderdale.

Fort Lauderdale is a great destination for shopping. For interesting local boutiques head to Las Olas Boulevard and for name brand stores you'll want to visit Sawgrass Mills Mall.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Boston. Head to Back Bay for some of the best high end shops. There are luxury brands and boutique venues that sell local art or crafts.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Boston Better for Christmas?

Boston 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 Boston. Christmas comes to life in the city with its Christmas Trees, holiday shows, and festivals.

Fort Lauderdale does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Boston Better for Christmas Markets?

Boston is a great destination for its Christmas markets. However, Fort Lauderdale does not offer Christmas markets.

Many people head to Boston to see its Christmas markets. There are a number of European style Christmas markets that pop up during the holiday season around town.

Fort Lauderdale does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Boston Better for Families?

Boston is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Fort Lauderdale is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Boston is very family-friendly. It's filled with history, but there are also many activities for kids who need a break from all of the historical stuff. Popular activities for all ages include the Museum of Science, the New England Aquarium, and exploring the waterfront, gardens, and parks around town.

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 Fort Lauderdale or Boston Better for Couples?

Fort Lauderdale is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good 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.

Boston makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy history will enjoy exploring the city. Take a swan boat ride in the Public Garden and wander the unique route along the Freedom Trail. There are also many sporting and entertainment options around town.

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

Boston is a good destination for backpackers. However, Fort Lauderdale is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of backpackers visit Boston. Like most larger American cities, the city has a handful of hostels to choose from.

Fort Lauderdale is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Boston Better for Students?

Boston is a must-visit destination for students. However, Fort Lauderdale is not popular with students.

Boston is a very popular place to visit for students. It is a city of students, with a number of world renowned universities located here including Harvard University, Boston College, and MIT. Many neighborhoods are filled with students and there are many student-centered activities around town including festivals and an active nightlife scene.

Fort Lauderdale is not popular with students.

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

Boston is a must-visit destination for its public transit. However, Fort Lauderdale is a coastal city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Boston has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. There's the T, which is the subway, as well as a trolley, bus, and water transportation system.

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

Is Fort Lauderdale or Boston a more walkable city?

Boston is a must-visit destination for its walkability. Also, Fort Lauderdale is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Boston on foot is easy. The many parks and compact neighborhoods are best explored on foot.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Boston or Fort Lauderdale?

How long in Fort Lauderdale or Boston?

In either Fort Lauderdale or Boston, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than Boston because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Fort Lauderdale, and 3-5 days is enough time in Boston.

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

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

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

One day in Fort Lauderdale or Boston?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Fort Lauderdale. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Boston is a big city with plenty to do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It's no surprise that museums 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.

A weekend in Fort Lauderdale or Boston?

Fort Lauderdale is a great place to explore. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Boston is a big city with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

Five days in Fort Lauderdale or Boston?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fort Lauderdale. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Boston is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Fort Lauderdale or Boston?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the luxury destination of Fort Lauderdale. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Boston. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fort Lauderdale and Boston, we can see that Boston 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 Boston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boston 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 Fort Lauderdale Expensive? and Is Boston Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Fort Lauderdale or Boston?

Boston has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Fort Lauderdale. When comparing the sizes of Fort Lauderdale and Boston, 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 Boston?

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 Boston in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Fort Lauderdale and Boston. The summer months attract visitors to Fort Lauderdale because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Boston this time of year.

Fort Lauderdale is a little warmer than Boston in the summer. The daily temperature in Fort Lauderdale averages around 83°F (28°C) in July, and Boston fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Boston this time of the year. In Fort Lauderdale, it's very sunny this time of the year. Fort Lauderdale usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Boston during summer. Fort Lauderdale gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 304 hours of full sun in the summer.

Fort Lauderdale gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Fort Lauderdale usually receives more rain than Boston. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Boston in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Fort Lauderdale as well as Boston. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Fort Lauderdale this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Boston for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Fort Lauderdale is much warmer than Boston. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Fort Lauderdale in October average around 78°F (26°C), and Boston averages at about 54°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fort Lauderdale this time of the year. In the autumn, Fort Lauderdale often gets more sunshine than Boston. Fort Lauderdale gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 194 hours of full sun.

Fort Lauderdale receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Fort Lauderdale usually gets more rain in October than Boston. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Boston in the Winter?

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

Boston can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Fort Lauderdale is generally much warmer than Boston. Daily temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 67°F (20°C), and Boston fluctuates around 29°F (-2°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale usually receives more sunshine than Boston during winter. Fort Lauderdale gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Fort Lauderdale usually receives less rain than Boston. Fort Lauderdale gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Boston in the Spring?

Both Boston and Fort Lauderdale during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Fort Lauderdale in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Boston for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

Fort Lauderdale is much warmer than Boston in the spring. The daily temperature in Fort Lauderdale averages around 75°F (24°C) in April, and Boston fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In Boston, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Fort Lauderdale. In the spring, Fort Lauderdale often gets more sunshine than Boston. Fort Lauderdale gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 225 hours of full sun.

Fort Lauderdale usually gets less rain in April than Boston. Fort Lauderdale gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Boston and Fort Lauderdale