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

Should you visit Fort Lauderdale or New York City?

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 New York City. 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. Other reasons to visit include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

New York City

New York City is a vibrant, energetic, and cosmopolitan city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Fort Lauderdale and New York City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fort Lauderdale or New York City?

Travelers will usually find more to do in New York City than Fort Lauderdale, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. New York City is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Fort Lauderdale is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Fort Lauderdale is popular for its canals, beaches, walkable waterfront, and luxury resorts. New York City is popular for its high-reaching skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, world-class theater scene, and endless energy. It is also home to The Statue of Liberty.

How is Fort Lauderdale different from New York City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between New York City 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 New York City?

New York City 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 New York City that are not to be missed. The sights and museums around the city are too numerous to list, but some of the most famous include the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. This is a city that is filled with iconic landmarks and you could spend weeks here and still not see it all.

Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Fort Lauderdale or New York City Better for Theater?

New York City is a must-visit destination for theatre. However, Fort Lauderdale is not a theatre destination.

New York City is considered to be a world-class theater destination. Visiting Broadway is a quintessential NYC experience. Whether you enjoy the theater or simply want to experience something new, seeing a Broadway show is a true bucket list activity.

Fort Lauderdale is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Fort Lauderdale or New York City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New York City is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Fort Lauderdale is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through New York City, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city has a diverse variety of restaurants, with everything from local dives to Michelin star options. There are many neighborhoods that are notable for their ethnic cuisine, particularly Little Italy and Chinatown. Quintessential NYC dishes include NYC pizza, NYC hot dogs, bagels, and Chinese dim sum.

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 New York City Better for Nightlife?

New York City is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Fort Lauderdale is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

New York City is a world class party destination. Known as the city that never sleeps, you can be assured that NYC has some of the best nightlife in the world. There are world class bars and clubs, but also local venues that have a more relaxed atmosphere. Several famous clubs include Paul's Cocktail Lounge, Le Bain, and Avant Gardner.

The nightlife in Fort Lauderdale has something for everybody. 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.

Is Fort Lauderdale or New York City Better for Music?

New York City is a must-visit destination for live music. However, Fort Lauderdale is not a live music destination.

New York City is a world class music destination. Popular music venues include Music Hall of Williamsburg, Radio City Music Hall, Beacon Theatre, and Forest Hills Stadium.

Fort Lauderdale is not a live music destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or New York City Better for Resorts?

Fort Lauderdale is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, New York City 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.

New York City is not a resort destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or New York City Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

New York City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or New York City Better for Beaches?

Fort Lauderdale is a must-visit destination for its beaches. However, New York City 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.

New York City is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Fort Lauderdale or New York City?

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

New York City is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Head for Fifth Avenue for high end shopping or check out any of the many street markets for local items. New York is known for its many flea markets where you can find vintage items at a good price. And if you're looking to pick up a souvenir shirt or knick knack, there are plenty of souvenir shops around town as well.

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 New York City Better for Christmas?

New York City is a must-visit destination for its Christmas activities. However, Fort Lauderdale does not offer Christmas activities.

New York City is a world class destination for shoppers. Christmas in the city is a quintessential experience. From the Christmas tree and ice skating at Rockefeller Center to seeing a live performance of the Nutcracker, everyone enjoys the holidays in New York.

Fort Lauderdale does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Fort Lauderdale or New York City Better for Christmas Markets?

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

Many people head to New York City to see its Christmas markets. There are a number of Christmas markets that pop up around town during the holiday season. Nothing will get you more in the holiday spirit than wandering these unique venues.

Fort Lauderdale does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Fort Lauderdale or New York City Better for Families?

Both Fort Lauderdale and New York City 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, New York City is very family-friendly. The city has many activities for kids of all ages including world class museums, beautifully designed playgrounds, and theater shows designed just for young ones. There are many kid-friendly restaurants as well and older kids will enjoy visiting the iconic landmarks in this world-class city.

Is Fort Lauderdale or New York City Better for Couples?

Fort Lauderdale and New York City both terrific destinations for a couple.

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.

New York City makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. From a beautiful carriage ride through Central Park, to a romantic river cruise at night, there is an endless list of unique activities that couples can enjoy in the city. Whether you're interested in theater, the arts, music, or nightlife, this city has it all.

Is Fort Lauderdale or New York City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

New York City is a great destination for backpackers. However, Fort Lauderdale is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Backpackers come from all over to visit New York City. It isn't a particularly budget-friendly destination, but it does get its share of backpackers, so you'll find a nice list of hostels and affordable hangouts that are perfect for the backpacker crowd. This is probably one of the most popular cities for backpackers in the entire United States.

Fort Lauderdale is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or New York City Better for Students?

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

New York City is a very popular place to visit for students. The city has a diverse population, and international students will feel right at home here exploring the city. There are also plenty of major universities including NYU, Columbia University, and Cornell University.

Fort Lauderdale is not popular with students.

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

New York City 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.

New York City has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The city has one of the largest subway systems in the world. There's also an elaborate bus system, ferry system, and yellow taxis all 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 New York City a more walkable city?

New York City 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 New York City on foot is easy. The majority of the neighborhoods in Manhattan are very walkable and easy to explore on foot. Most people prefer not to drive here as it can be overwhelming and chaotic.

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 New York City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in New York City or Fort Lauderdale?

How long in Fort Lauderdale or New York City?

Both Fort Lauderdale and New York City have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, New York City has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in New York City than Fort Lauderdale. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in New York City 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 New York City.

One day in Fort Lauderdale or New York City?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the luxury destination of Fort Lauderdale. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

New York City is a big city with plenty to do. 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 New York City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fort Lauderdale. Most people come for the beaches. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

New York City is a big city with plenty to do. 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 New York City?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the spirited destination of Fort Lauderdale. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

New York City is a great place to explore. 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 New York City?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the beautiful coastal city of Fort Lauderdale. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

New York City is a big city with plenty to do. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

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 New York City, we can see that New York City 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 New York City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in New York City 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 New York City Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Fort Lauderdale or New York City?

New York City has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Fort Lauderdale. When comparing the sizes of Fort Lauderdale and New York City, 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 New York City?

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 New York City in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Fort Lauderdale as well as New York City. The summer months attract visitors to Fort Lauderdale because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to New York City this time of year.

Fort Lauderdale is a little warmer than New York City in the summer. The daily temperature in Fort Lauderdale averages around 83°F (28°C) in July, and New York City fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

It's quite rainy in New York City. Fort Lauderdale receives a lot of rain in the summer. Fort Lauderdale usually gets more rain in July than New York City. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or New York City in the Autumn?

Both New York City and Fort Lauderdale are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Fort Lauderdale this time of year. Also, many travelers come to New York City 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 New York City. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Fort Lauderdale in October average around 78°F (26°C), and New York City averages at about 57°F (14°C).

It's quite rainy in Fort Lauderdale. In October, Fort Lauderdale usually receives more rain than New York City. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or New York City in the Winter?

Both New York City and Fort Lauderdale during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Fort Lauderdale for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to New York City in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

New York City can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Fort Lauderdale is generally much warmer than New York City. Daily temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 67°F (20°C), and New York City fluctuates around 31°F (-1°C).

Fort Lauderdale usually gets less rain in January than New York City. Fort Lauderdale gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or New York City in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Fort Lauderdale and New York City. Many visitors come to Fort Lauderdale in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to New York City for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Fort Lauderdale is much warmer than New York City in the spring. The daily temperature in Fort Lauderdale averages around 75°F (24°C) in April, and New York City fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

In April, Fort Lauderdale usually receives less rain than New York City. Fort Lauderdale gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 3.8 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for New York City and Fort Lauderdale