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

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Should you visit Fort Lauderdale or Seattle?

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 Seattle. 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. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Seattle

Seattle is a cultural, outdoorsy, and bustling city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for museums, theater, and nightlife.

Fort Lauderdale and Seattle: Pros and Cons

Fort Lauderdale
Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Seattle
Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Big city activities
Cons
  • Less attractive beach
  • Less popular with couples


How is Fort Lauderdale different from Seattle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Fort Lauderdale or Seattle Better for Food?

Fort Lauderdale
Seattle

Both Fort Lauderdale and Seattle offer a number of unique 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.

Seattle has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city is famous for its seafood. Salmon, oysters, and Starbucks coffee are favorites here. Also check out the donuts at Pike's Place Market.


Is Fort Lauderdale or Seattle Better for Nightlife?

Fort Lauderdale
Seattle

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

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

If you're looking for night time activities Seattle has a few options to choose from. The city is known for its breweries and eclectic nightlife scene. The best neighborhoods for nightlife include Capitol Hill, Belltown, and Downtown.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Seattle Better for Beaches?

Fort Lauderdale
Seattle

Fort Lauderdale provides a better beach experience than Seattle.

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.

Seattle is a good option for a beach vacation. The city is surrounded by water so there are a number of rocky and sandy beaches nearby. Some beaches are more popular with locals while others attract a large amount of tourists.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Seattle Better for Shopping?

Fort Lauderdale
Seattle

Shopping is a popular activity in both Seattle 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 Seattle. Shopping in town has an eclectic mix of high end brands, local vendors, and vintage shops.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Seattle Better for Families?

Fort Lauderdale
Seattle

Both Fort Lauderdale and Seattle are 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 be entertained. Fun activities include Bluefoot Pirate Adventures, Butterfly World, and Funderdome.

Seattle offers lots of family activities. There are several good museums as well as outdoor activities, parks, and a zoo. Make sure you check out the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Volunteer Park, and Artists at Play Playground.


Is Fort Lauderdale or Seattle Better for Couples?

Fort Lauderdale
Seattle

Fort Lauderdale offers a wider variety of romantic activities for couples than Seattle.

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.

Seattle makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has a laid back vibe, a nice downtown area, and plenty of outdoor activities.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Seattle a more walkable city?

Fort Lauderdale
Seattle

Fort Lauderdale and Seattle both are comparable when exploring on foot.

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

Seattle is a somewhat walkable place. Many neighborhoods are very walkable, particularly in the downtown and major tourist areas.

Should I spend more time in Seattle or Fort Lauderdale?

How long in Fort Lauderdale or Seattle?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Fort Lauderdale and Seattle. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than Seattle.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Fort Lauderdale is 3-7 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Seattle is 2-3 days.


  • How many days in Fort Lauderdale or Seattle? Ideal Length of Stay
    Fort Lauderdale 3-7 
    Seattle 2-3

One day in Fort Lauderdale or Seattle?

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.

Seattle 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 Seattle?

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.

Seattle is a big city with plenty to do. 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 Seattle?

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.

Seattle 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 Seattle?

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 live music and food when visiting Seattle. 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.

Which city is cheaper, Seattle or Fort Lauderdale?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Fort Lauderdale is $146, while the average daily cost in Seattle is $156. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Fort Lauderdale and Seattle in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Fort Lauderdale $77
    Seattle $94
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Fort Lauderdale $154
    Seattle $188
Compare Hotels in Fort Lauderdale and Seattle

Looking for a hotel in Fort Lauderdale or Seattle? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Fort Lauderdale


Hotels in Seattle


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Fort Lauderdale Hotel Prices and Seattle Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Fort Lauderdale $41
    Seattle $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fort Lauderdale

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Fort Lauderdale:

  • Transfer From Fort Lauderdale to Airport/Port: $25
  • Private Airport Transfer: Fort Lauderdale Int. Airport (FLL) to Fort Lauderdale: $28
  • Private Airport Transfer: Fort Lauderdale to Fort Lauderdale Int. Airport (FLL): $28
  • Fort Lauderdale Airport to Miami Cruise Port Transfer: $34
  • Private Arrival Transfer: FLL Fort Lauderdale Airport to Fort Lauderdale City: $41
  • Private Departure Transfer from Fort Lauderdale City to Fort Lauderdale Airport: $41
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Fort Lauderdale Airport to Miami City or Miami Beach: $55
  • Transfer in Executive Private Vehicle from Fort Lauderdale City to Airport: $57
  • Transfer in Executive Private Vehicle from Fort Lauderdale Airport to City: $57
  • Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Port Everglades - Arrival Private Transfer: $62
  • Port Everglades to Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) - Departure Private Transfer: $62
  • Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Fort Lauderdale - Arrival Private Transfer: $62

Typical Local Transportation prices in Seattle

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Seattle:


  • Lightrail from Airport (for 2)
    $5.50
  • Roundtrip Ferry to Bainbridge Island (for 2)
    $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seattle

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seattle:

  • Arrival Private Transfer Seattle Airport SEA to Seattle or Cruise Port - Minibus: $195
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Seattle Airport SEA to Seattle by Business Car: $108
  • Chauffeured Airport Transfer to/from or Sea-Tac International Airport - One Way: $91
  • Cruise Port to Seattle Tacoma Airport (SEA) - Departure Private Transfer: $71
  • Departure Private Transfer Seattle or Cruise Port to Seattle Airport SEA Minibus: $195
  • Departure Private Transfer from Seattle to Seattle Airport SEA by Business Car: $108
  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Seattle Tacoma International Airport to Kent City - One Way: $62
  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Seattle Tacoma International Airport to Seattle City - One Way: $149
  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Seattle Tacoma International Airport to Tacoma City - One Way: $139
  • One-Way Seattle Private Transfer up to 12 Pax: Cruises, Sea-Tac, Hotels: $319
  • Private Airport Transfer: Seattle to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA): $40
  • Private Departure Transfer from Seattle City to SEA Seattle Airport: $46

Is it cheaper to fly into Fort Lauderdale or Seattle?

Prices for flights to both Seattle and Fort Lauderdale change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Fort Lauderdale $39
    Seattle $38
Typical Food prices in Fort Lauderdale

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Fort Lauderdale:


  • Quick Lunch
    $12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Fort Lauderdale

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Fort Lauderdale.

  • All You Can Eat BBQ Dinner and Show at Tropical Isle with Sightseeing Cruise: $60

Typical Food prices in Seattle

Some typical examples of dining costs in Seattle are as follows:


  • Expresso & cookie at Pier 70
    $7.00
  • Cashews at Pike Place Market
    $6.00
  • 6 Mini Donuts at Pike Place Market
    $3.25
  • Chinese Lunch in International District (for 2)
    $21
  • Breakfast at Lowel's in Pike Place Market (for 2)
    $32
  • Breakfast at French Cafe (for 2)
    $37

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seattle

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Seattle.

  • Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market- 1 Hour: $34
  • Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market- 2 Hours: $58
  • Pacific Northwest-Style Dinner and Pairing in Seattle: $61
  • Exclusive: Early-Access Food Tour of Pike Place Market: $73
  • Street Theater and Dinner in Seattle's Fremont District: $86
  • Seattle Dinner Cruise: $115

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Fort Lauderdale $12
    Seattle $12

Tours and Activities in Fort Lauderdale

Here are a few actual costs in Fort Lauderdale for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Beach Cruiser Bike Rentals in Fort Lauderdale: $11
  • Fort Lauderdale Historical Walking Tour: $12
  • 1-Hour Interactive Pirate Adventure Cruise in Fort Lauderdale (Family-Friendly): $23
  • 90-Minute Narrated Sightseeing Cruises: $23
  • Fort Lauderdale Daily Sightseeing Cruise - On the Venice of America: $27
  • Everglades Eco Adventure: 2-Hour Sawgrass Recreation Park: $28
  • Jungle Queen Sightseeing Cruise: $33
  • Everglades Airboat Tour & Gator Boys Alligator Rescue Show from Fort Lauderdale: $37
  • Ft Lauderdale Cocktail Cruise: $45
  • Island Time Boat Cruise: $45
  • 1-Hour Bike Tour of Hugh Taylor Birch State Park: $47
  • SUP PUP Paddleboard Tour: $47

Tours and Activities in Seattle

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Seattle are as follows:

  • Private Auto-guided Tour of Seattle: $4.96
  • Historic Ballard audio tour: A slice of Seattle's quirky history: $5.00
  • Skip the Line: Sky View Observatory Admission Tickets: $10
  • Smith Tower Straight Up Observatory Access Ticket: $12
  • Seattle Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Seattle Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Seattle Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • Seattle Walking Ghost Tour: $23
  • The Museum of Flight Admission Ticket: $25
  • Underground Walking Tour: $29
  • Beneath The Streets Underground History Tour: $29
  • Seattle Harbor Cruise: $36

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Fort Lauderdale $27
    Seattle $13
Typical Alcohol prices in Fort Lauderdale

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Fort Lauderdale are as follows:


  • Beer
    $7.30

Sample the Local Flavors in Fort Lauderdale

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Fort Lauderdale:

  • Party Bike Bar Crawl: $59

Sample the Local Flavors in Seattle

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Seattle:

  • Seattle Bar Hunt: Sleepless in Seattle Bar Crawl: $12
  • Haunted Seattle Ghost and Pub Walking Tour: $27
  • Georgetown Brewery Tour: $72
  • Bon Vivant Woodinville Wine Tasting Tour: $98
  • Seattle Coffee, Chocolate and Wine Tour: $112
  • Seattle Wine Tour (Hourly): $135

About these numbers

When comparing the travel costs between Fort Lauderdale and Seattle, we can see that Seattle 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.


When is the best time to visit Fort Lauderdale or Seattle?

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 Seattle in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Fort Lauderdale and Seattle. Many visitors come to Fort Lauderdale in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Seattle for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Fort Lauderdale is generally a little warmer than Seattle. Temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 83°F (28°C), and Seattle stays around 67°F (19°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seattle 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 Seattle during summer. Fort Lauderdale gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 313 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 Seattle. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Fort Lauderdale 83°F (28°C) 
    Seattle 67°F (19°C)

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Seattle in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Fort Lauderdale as well as Seattle. Most visitors come to Fort Lauderdale for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Seattle because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Fort Lauderdale is much warmer than Seattle in the autumn. The temperature in Fort Lauderdale is usually 78°F (26°C) in October, and Seattle stays around 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 Seattle. Fort Lauderdale gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 143 hours of full sun.

Fort Lauderdale receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Fort Lauderdale usually gets more rain in October than Seattle. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Fort Lauderdale 78°F (26°C) 
    Seattle 54°F (12°C)

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Seattle in the Winter?

Both Seattle and Fort Lauderdale are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Fort Lauderdale because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Seattle this time of year.

In the winter, Fort Lauderdale is much warmer than Seattle. Typically, the winter temperatures in Fort Lauderdale in January are around 67°F (20°C), and Seattle is about 42°F (5°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale usually receives more sunshine than Seattle during winter. Fort Lauderdale gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 67 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Seattle. In January, Fort Lauderdale usually receives less rain than Seattle. Fort Lauderdale gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Fort Lauderdale 67°F (20°C) 
    Seattle 42°F (5°C)

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Seattle in the Spring?

Both Seattle and Fort Lauderdale during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Fort Lauderdale this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Seattle for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Fort Lauderdale is generally much warmer than Seattle. Temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 75°F (24°C), and Seattle stays around 51°F (11°C).

In Seattle, 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 Seattle. Fort Lauderdale gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 212 hours of full sun.

Fort Lauderdale usually gets more rain in April than Seattle. Fort Lauderdale gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Fort Lauderdale 75°F (24°C) 
    Seattle 51°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Seattle and Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale Seattle
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 67°F (20°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 42°F (5°C) 5.4 inches (136 mm)
Feb 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 45°F (7°C) 4 inches (102 mm)
Mar 72°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 47°F (9°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Apr 75°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm)
May 79°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm) 57°F (14°C) 1.9 inches (47 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm) 62°F (17°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm)
Jul 83°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 67°F (19°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm) 67°F (19°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm) 62°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Oct 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 47°F (8°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm)
Dec 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 42°F (6°C) 6 inches (152 mm)


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Fort Lauderdale vs. Seattle Travel Comparison

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