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

Should you visit Fort Lauderdale or Raleigh?

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 Raleigh. 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 scenic, bustling, and spirited coastal city. With stunning beauty, Fort Lauderdale attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. See Fort Lauderdale travel costs.

Raleigh

Raleigh is a southern, student-friendly, and suburban-style city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and museums. See Raleigh travel costs.

Fort Lauderdale and Raleigh: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fort Lauderdale or Raleigh?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Fort Lauderdale than Raleigh. While Raleigh is larger than Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Fort Lauderdale is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Raleigh is more popular for its museums and attractions and big city activities. Fort Lauderdale is more touristy than Raleigh and is known for its canals, beaches, walkable waterfront, and luxury resorts. Also, Fort Lauderdale is famous for The Local Beaches. Raleigh is well known for its many museums and being the home to North Carolina State University.

How is Fort Lauderdale different from Raleigh?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Raleigh is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

Raleigh is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. As the state capital, there are a number of free museums in the area. There are also some kid-friendly options and other activities that are affiliated with the colleges and universities. Popular options include the NC Museum of Natural Sciences (free), the NC Museum of History (free), the NC Museum of Art (free), and Marbles Kids Museum.

Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Fort Lauderdale is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Raleigh is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Fort Lauderdale is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Raleigh. In addition to the standard chain restaurants, you'll find a number of local eateries with great southern dishes. Try some southern classics like barbecue, pimento cheese, and fried chicken and waffles. There are also good international options including Nepalese, Laotian, and Ethiopian flavors.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Raleigh Better for Nightlife?

Fort Lauderdale is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Raleigh is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Fort Lauderdale is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Raleigh has a few options to choose from. Head to downtown Raleigh or the areas around NC State University for some of the best nightlife. Trivia nights and happy hours are popular and you'll find breweries popping up in many places.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Raleigh Better for Resorts?

Fort Lauderdale is very popular for its resorts. However, Raleigh is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Fort Lauderdale is a great choice. 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.

Raleigh is not a resort destination.

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

Fort Lauderdale is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Raleigh is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Fort Lauderdale has a few good snorkeling spots. 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.

Raleigh is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Raleigh Better for Beaches?

Fort Lauderdale is very popular for the beach. However, Raleigh is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Fort Lauderdale. 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.

Raleigh is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Fort Lauderdale or Raleigh?

Fort Lauderdale is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Raleigh is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to Fort Lauderdale to go shopping. For interesting local boutiques head to Las Olas Boulevard and for name brand stores you'll want to visit Sawgrass Mills Mall.

Raleigh is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Raleigh More Beautiful?

Fort Lauderdale is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Raleigh is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Fort Lauderdale attracts visitors from all around. Seven miles of scenic coastline with a boardwalk to explore make this a beautiful Florida beach destination.

Raleigh is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Raleigh Better for Families?

Fort Lauderdale is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Raleigh is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Fort Lauderdale is known to be 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.

Raleigh offers lots of family activities. For such a small city, Raleigh has a number of unique kid-friendly activities like the popular Pullen Park and Marbles Kids' Museum. Pullen Park has small rides and a playground that are perfect for young kids. There's also the NC Museum of Natural History which is free and fun to explore with kids.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Raleigh Better for Couples?

Fort Lauderdale is very popular for couples. However, Raleigh is not particularly known for romance.

Fort Lauderdale makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Raleigh is not the best destination for a couple to visit. While it's often overlooked by couples who want a weekend away, there are a number of museums and some nice restaurants to explore.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Raleigh Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Raleigh. The city has a diverse student population with many nearby universities and colleges.

Fort Lauderdale is not popular with students.

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

Fort Lauderdale is a coastal city with a few options for its public transit. However, Raleigh is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is quite limited in Raleigh. The city's public transportation options are limited to a few bus lines that are mostly used by students.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Raleigh a more walkable city?

Fort Lauderdale is well known for its ease of walking around. However, Raleigh is not particularly known for its walkability.

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

Raleigh is generally not a very walkable coastal city. The city is somewhat walkable in the downtown area, but everywhere else you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Raleigh or Fort Lauderdale?

How long in Fort Lauderdale or Raleigh?

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

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

One day in Fort Lauderdale or Raleigh?

In Fort Lauderdale, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This coastal city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The suburban-style destination of Raleigh offers food and museums. 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 Raleigh?

In Fort Lauderdale, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

The city of Raleigh offers museums and nightlife. 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 Raleigh?

Fort Lauderdale is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Fort Lauderdale has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Raleigh is a great place to explore. 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 Raleigh?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fort Lauderdale. In Fort Lauderdale, you'll find shopping and nightlife. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Many people enjoy the food and museums when visiting Raleigh. 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 Raleigh, we can see that Raleigh 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 Raleigh Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Fort Lauderdale or Raleigh?

Raleigh has a larger population, and is about 62% larger than the population of Fort Lauderdale. When comparing the sizes of Fort Lauderdale and Raleigh, 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 Raleigh?

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 Raleigh in the Summer?

Both Raleigh and Fort Lauderdale are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Fort Lauderdale this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Raleigh for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Fort Lauderdale is generally around the same temperature as Raleigh. Daily temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 83°F (28°C), and Raleigh fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Raleigh. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale usually receives more sunshine than Raleigh during summer. Fort Lauderdale gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Raleigh receives 259 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Raleigh. It's quite rainy in Fort Lauderdale. In July, Fort Lauderdale usually receives more rain than Raleigh. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Raleigh receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Raleigh in the Autumn?

Both Raleigh and Fort Lauderdale during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Fort Lauderdale for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Raleigh in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions.

Fort Lauderdale is much warmer than Raleigh in the autumn. The daily temperature in Fort Lauderdale averages around 78°F (26°C) in October, and Raleigh fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

In Raleigh, 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 Raleigh. Fort Lauderdale gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Raleigh receives 211 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 Raleigh. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Raleigh receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Raleigh in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Fort Lauderdale and Raleigh. Many visitors come to Fort Lauderdale in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Raleigh for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Raleigh can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Fort Lauderdale is much warmer than Raleigh. Typically, the winter temperatures in Fort Lauderdale in January average around 67°F (20°C), and Raleigh averages at about 40°F (5°C).

In Fort Lauderdale, it's very sunny this time of the year. Fort Lauderdale usually receives more sunshine than Raleigh during winter. Fort Lauderdale gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Raleigh receives 162 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Fort Lauderdale usually receives less rain than Raleigh. Fort Lauderdale gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Raleigh receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Raleigh in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Fort Lauderdale as well as Raleigh. Most visitors come to Fort Lauderdale for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Raleigh because of the activities around the city.

In April, Fort Lauderdale is generally much warmer than Raleigh. Daily temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 75°F (24°C), and Raleigh fluctuates around 60°F (16°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Raleigh. 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 Raleigh. Fort Lauderdale gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Raleigh receives 251 hours of full sun.

Fort Lauderdale usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Raleigh. Fort Lauderdale gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Raleigh receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Raleigh and Fort Lauderdale