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

Should you visit Fort Lauderdale or Minneapolis?

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 Minneapolis. 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 spirited, luxury, and high energy coastal city. The beauty of Fort Lauderdale is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Fort Lauderdale travel costs.

Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a dynamic, innovative, and diverse city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Minneapolis travel costs.

Fort Lauderdale and Minneapolis: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fort Lauderdale or Minneapolis?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Fort Lauderdale than Minneapolis. While Minneapolis is larger than Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale has more sights and attractions for tourists. Fort Lauderdale is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Minneapolis attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, shopping, and big city activities. Fort Lauderdale is more touristy than Minneapolis and is popular for its canals, beaches, walkable waterfront, and luxury resorts. It is also well known for The Local Beaches. Minneapolis is famous for its professional sports teams, countless outdoor activities, and friendly people.

How is Fort Lauderdale different from Minneapolis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis?

Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis. There's a wide variety of museums that include art, history, science, and local culture. Some of the favorite museums in the city are the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Walker Art Center, the American Swedish Institute, and the Weisman Art Museum.

Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Fort Lauderdale and Minneapolis offer a number of great restaurants to choose from.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Fort Lauderdale makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Minneapolis has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Dishes in the Midwest are known for being hearty comfort foods, and the food in Minneapolis is no exception. You'll find cheese-stuffed burgers that are known as Juicy Lucys, Tator Tot casseroles, and deep-fried cheese curds. For international food, there's a variety of Scandinavian options around town.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Minneapolis Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Fort Lauderdale or Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis has something for everybody. There are diverse neighborhoods that each have their own personality. You'll find rooftop lounges in Uptown, international venues in Whittier, and trendy bars in the North Loop. But at the heart of the city's nightlife scene is Downtown Minneapolis.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Minneapolis Better for Resorts?

Fort Lauderdale is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Minneapolis is not a resort destination.

Fort Lauderdale offers an unforgettable resort vacation. 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.

Minneapolis is not a resort destination.

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

Fort Lauderdale is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Minneapolis is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Fort Lauderdale has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. 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.

Minneapolis is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Minneapolis Better for Beaches?

Fort Lauderdale is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Minneapolis is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Fort Lauderdale are among the best in 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.

Minneapolis is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Fort Lauderdale or Minneapolis?

Minneapolis is a must-visit destination for shopping. Also, Fort Lauderdale is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Minneapolis is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Known for the megamall, Mall of America, this is a shopper's paradise. Mall of America is the largest shopping mall in the country and it even has an aquarium and a theme park within it. In addition to this iconic shopping mall, Minneapolis also has many shopping districts including the Minnehaha Mile.

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 Minneapolis More Beautiful?

Fort Lauderdale is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Minneapolis is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Fort Lauderdale is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Seven miles of scenic coastline with a boardwalk to explore make this a beautiful Florida beach destination.

Minneapolis is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Minneapolis Better for Families?

Both Fort Lauderdale and Minneapolis are great 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, Minneapolis is very family-friendly. Mall of America is at the top of the list for most families, but there's also plenty of kid-friendly museums around town as well as nature centers, parks, and playgrounds. There's the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, the Minnesota Zoo, and Afton Apple Orchard. For museums, kids will love the Minnesota Children's Museum or the Science Museum of Minnesota.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Minneapolis Better for Couples?

Fort Lauderdale is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Fort Lauderdale has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Minneapolis is a good coastal city for couples to visit. There are beautiful parks and outdoor spaces to explore as well as museums and fine dining. Couples will appreciate stopping by the Stone Arch Bridge or wandering through the Lyndale Park Rose Garden.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Minneapolis Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Minneapolis. There are a number of colleges and universities in the area including the University of Minnesota. The city is known for its academic and intellectual focus, and students will enjoy being challenged educationally while enjoying a dynamic city.

Fort Lauderdale is not popular with students.

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

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

You'll find some public transit in Minneapolis, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses, light rail, and commuter trains that stop at many of the major entertainment centers around town.

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 Minneapolis a more walkable city?

Fort Lauderdale is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Minneapolis is a somewhat walkable coastal city. There are neighborhoods that are dense enough to be walkable, but the city is still very car-focused.

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

Should I spend more time in Minneapolis or Fort Lauderdale?

How long in Fort Lauderdale or Minneapolis?

It's fun to spend time in either Fort Lauderdale or Minneapolis. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Fort Lauderdale due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Fort Lauderdale, and 2-4 days is enough time in Minneapolis.

Families should spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than Minneapolis. 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 Minneapolis. 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 Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis.

One day in Fort Lauderdale or Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the bustling coastal city of Fort Lauderdale. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the beaches. 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.

The diverse destination of Minneapolis offers nightlife and food. It's no surprise that shopping 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 Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the scenic destination of Fort Lauderdale. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This coastal city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

The city of Minneapolis offers food and shopping. 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 Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the bustling coastal city of Fort Lauderdale. 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.

Minneapolis is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Fort Lauderdale or Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Fort Lauderdale. 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. Most people visit for the beaches. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Minneapolis. 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 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.

When comparing the travel costs between Fort Lauderdale and Minneapolis, we can see that Minneapolis is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Minneapolis Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Fort Lauderdale or Minneapolis?

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

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 Fort Lauderdale or Minneapolis in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Fort Lauderdale as well as Minneapolis. Many visitors come to Fort Lauderdale in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Minneapolis for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Fort Lauderdale is a little warmer than Minneapolis. Typically, the summer temperatures in Fort Lauderdale in July average around 83°F (28°C), and Minneapolis averages at about 76°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Minneapolis. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fort Lauderdale this time of the year. In the summer, Fort Lauderdale often gets less sunshine than Minneapolis. Fort Lauderdale gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 357 hours of full sun.

Fort Lauderdale receives a lot of rain in the summer. Fort Lauderdale usually gets more rain in July than Minneapolis. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Minneapolis in the Autumn?

Both Minneapolis and Fort Lauderdale are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Fort Lauderdale for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Minneapolis because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Fort Lauderdale is generally much warmer than Minneapolis. Daily temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 78°F (26°C), and Minneapolis fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale usually receives more sunshine than Minneapolis during autumn. Fort Lauderdale gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Fort Lauderdale. In October, Fort Lauderdale usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Minneapolis in the Winter?

Both Minneapolis and Fort Lauderdale during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Fort Lauderdale because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Minneapolis this time of year.

It's quite cold in Minneapolis in the winter. Fort Lauderdale is much warmer than Minneapolis in the winter. The daily temperature in Fort Lauderdale averages around 67°F (20°C) in January, and Minneapolis fluctuates around 15°F (-10°C).

It's quite sunny in Fort Lauderdale. In the winter, Fort Lauderdale often gets more sunshine than Minneapolis. Fort Lauderdale gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 157 hours of full sun.

Fort Lauderdale usually gets more rain in January than Minneapolis. Fort Lauderdale gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Minneapolis in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Fort Lauderdale and Minneapolis. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Fort Lauderdale this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Minneapolis for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Fort Lauderdale is much warmer than Minneapolis. Typically, the spring temperatures in Fort Lauderdale in April average around 75°F (24°C), and Minneapolis averages at about 49°F (10°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Minneapolis this time of the year. In Fort Lauderdale, it's very sunny this time of the year. Fort Lauderdale usually receives more sunshine than Minneapolis during spring. Fort Lauderdale gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 244 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Fort Lauderdale usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. Fort Lauderdale gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Minneapolis and Fort Lauderdale