A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Fort Lauderdale vs. West Palm Beach for Resorts, Beaches, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Fort Lauderdale or West Palm Beach?

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 West Palm Beach. 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. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is a fun-filled, diverse, and vibrant beach area. It's also known for nightlife, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance


How is Fort Lauderdale different from West Palm Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Fort Lauderdale or West Palm Beach Better for Food?

Fort Lauderdale
West Palm Beach

Both Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in West Palm Beach. Oceanfront restaurants usually have a great view and offer local and fresh seafood.


Is Fort Lauderdale or West Palm Beach Better for Nightlife?

Fort Lauderdale
West Palm Beach

It's hard to distinguish whether Fort Lauderdale or West Palm Beach 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.

The nightlife in West Palm Beach has something for everybody. With rooftop bars and clubs, oceanfront venues, and plenty of nightlife options downtown, this city rivals most places when it comes to nightlife.

Is Fort Lauderdale or West Palm Beach Better for Resorts?

Fort Lauderdale
West Palm Beach

There are resorts to choose from in both Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach.

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.

For the ultimate resort vacation, West Palm Beach is a great choice. All of the major names are present including the Hilton, Marriott, and Four Seasons.

Is Fort Lauderdale or West Palm Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Fort Lauderdale
West Palm Beach

You'll find places where you can go scuba diving or snorkeling in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Fort Lauderdale. Popular snorkeling spots nearby include the Vista Park Reef, Pompano Beach, and Hollywood North Beach Park.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting West Palm Beach. Check out Phil Foster Park in Rivera Beach. It's a man-made reef that is surprisingly clear.

Is Fort Lauderdale or West Palm Beach Better for Beaches?

Fort Lauderdale
West Palm Beach

Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach both offer beautiful beaches.

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.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in West Palm Beach. From bustling beaches with a boardwalk to quieter, more relaxing beaches surrounded by parkland, there are are number of options in the area.


Is Fort Lauderdale or West Palm Beach Better for Families?

Fort Lauderdale
West Palm Beach

Both Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, West Palm Beach is very family-friendly. Animal lovers will appreciate the zoos and aquariums in the area. Check out McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary, Manatee Lagoon, the Palm Beach Zoo, and the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium.

Is Fort Lauderdale or West Palm Beach Better for Couples?

Fort Lauderdale
West Palm Beach

Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach both fun 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.

West Palm Beach is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples will enjoy kayaking, dining out, or simply relaxing on the beach.

Is Fort Lauderdale or West Palm Beach a more walkable city?

Fort Lauderdale
West Palm Beach

Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach is a somewhat walkable place. West Palm Beach has a surprisingly walkable area and it's possible to explore the downtown area on foot.

Should I spend more time in West Palm Beach or Fort Lauderdale?

How long in Fort Lauderdale or West Palm Beach?

Both Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach have a number of activities to choose from. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either.

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 West Palm Beach is 3-7 days.


  • How many days in Fort Lauderdale or West Palm Beach? Ideal Length of Stay
    Fort Lauderdale 3-7 
    West Palm Beach 3-7

One day in Fort Lauderdale or West Palm Beach?

The high energy destination of Fort Lauderdale offers nightlife and food. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that beaches 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.

The vibrant destination of West Palm Beach offers nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that beaches 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 West Palm Beach?

The coastal city of Fort Lauderdale offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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.

The beach area of West Palm Beach offers scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 West Palm Beach?

Fort Lauderdale is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. This coastal city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

West Palm Beach is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. This beach area 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 West Palm Beach?

The high energy coastal city of Fort Lauderdale offers shopping and nightlife. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

The fun-filled beach area of West Palm Beach offers scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

Which city is cheaper, West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach is $264. 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 West Palm Beach in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Fort Lauderdale $77
    West Palm Beach $187
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Fort Lauderdale $154
    West Palm Beach $374
Compare Hotels in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach

Looking for a hotel in Fort Lauderdale or West Palm Beach? 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 West Palm Beach


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 West Palm Beach Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Fort Lauderdale $41
    West Palm Beach $39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fort Lauderdale

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Fort Lauderdale:

  • Private Transfer from Fort Lauderdale to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $851
  • Private Transfer from Fort Lauderdale to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $754
  • Transfer from Fort Lauderdale Airport to Orlando: $750
  • Private Transfer from Fort Lauderdale to Port Canaveral: $710
  • Private Ft Lauderdale to Orlando Transfer up to 11-One Price-Mercedes Sprinter: $699
  • Party Bus Limo Sprinter Transfer Service things to do Miami Beach #dreamridellc: $450
  • Fort Lauderdale Transfer Luxury Suv: $281
  • Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Boynton Beach - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $274
  • Private transfer from or to MIA , FLL airports and Miami & Lauderdale FL: $250
  • Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Delray Beach - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $246
  • Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Doral - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $229
  • Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Boca Raton - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $197

Hired Cars and Shuttles in West Palm Beach

Also for West Palm Beach, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Palm Beach Airport (PBI) to Palm Beach City - Arrival Private Transfer: $85
  • Palm Beach Airport (PBI) to Palm Beach City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $169
  • Private Airport Transfer: West Palm Beach Int. Airport (PBI) to West Palm Beach: $59

Is it cheaper to fly into Fort Lauderdale or West Palm Beach?

Prices for flights to both West Palm Beach 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
    West Palm Beach $53
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in West Palm Beach

For West Palm Beach, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Downtown West Palm Beach Food Tour: $79

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Fort Lauderdale $12
    West Palm Beach $15

Tours and Activities in Fort Lauderdale

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

  • 1 Hour Central Park Guided Electric Bike Tour: $49
  • 1-Hour Bike Tour of Hugh Taylor Birch State Park: $47
  • 1-Hour Interactive Pirate Adventure Cruise in Fort Lauderdale (Family-Friendly): $23
  • 2 Hour Fort Lauderdale Guided Electric Bike Tour: $60
  • 2 Hour Venice Of America Jet Ski Adventure & Exploration Tour of Fort Lauderdale: $225
  • 3 Hour All Inclusive 007 Millionaires Row Jet Ski Adventure Fort Lauderdale: $307
  • 5-Day Miami+Key West+Palm Beach+Fort Lauderdale Tour (Miami Departure)(MIA5-A): $579
  • 90-Minute Narrated Sightseeing Cruises: $23
  • 90-Minute Snorkel & Seabob Underwater Guided Reef Tour in Fort Lauderdale: $139
  • Airport to Cruise Shuttle Private Group Transportation: $580
  • Beach Cruiser Bike Rentals in Fort Lauderdale: $11
  • Champagne Sunset Cruise Ft. Lauderdale: $58

Tours and Activities in West Palm Beach

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for West Palm Beach.

  • Candy Tour: $13
  • Land and Lagoon Narrated Musical Tour of Palm Beach: $40
  • Palm Beach Island Day Tour: $65
  • Downtown WPB and Palm Beach Private Bicycle Tour: $75
  • 2 Hour Segway Tour: Downtown West Palm Waterfront & Palm Beach Island: $98
  • Palm Beach Sightseeing Tour: $120
  • Snorkel Tour by boat: $128

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Fort Lauderdale $27
    West Palm Beach $31
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 West Palm Beach

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in West Palm Beach:

  • Party Bike Pub Crawl in West Palm Beach: $43


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


When is the best time to visit Fort Lauderdale or West Palm Beach?

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 West Palm Beach in the Summer?

Both West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Fort Lauderdale this time of year. Also, many travelers come to West Palm Beach for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

Fort Lauderdale is around the same temperature as West Palm Beach in the summer. The temperature in Fort Lauderdale is usually 83°F (28°C) in July, and West Palm Beach stays around 82°F (28°C).

In West Palm Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Fort Lauderdale. In the summer, Fort Lauderdale often gets around the same amount of sunshine as West Palm Beach. Fort Lauderdale gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while West Palm Beach receives 316 hours of full sun.

West Palm Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale usually gets less rain in July than West Palm Beach. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Fort Lauderdale 83°F (28°C) 
    West Palm Beach 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or West Palm Beach in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. Many travelers come to Fort Lauderdale for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Fort Lauderdale is around the same temperature as West Palm Beach. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Fort Lauderdale in October are around 78°F (26°C), and West Palm Beach is about 78°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach during autumn. Fort Lauderdale gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while West Palm Beach receives 275 hours of full sun in the autumn.

West Palm Beach receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Fort Lauderdale gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Fort Lauderdale usually receives less rain than West Palm Beach. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Fort Lauderdale 78°F (26°C) 
    West Palm Beach 78°F (25°C)

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or West Palm Beach in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Fort Lauderdale as well as West Palm Beach. Many visitors come to Fort Lauderdale in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to West Palm Beach for the cuisine during these months.

In January, Fort Lauderdale is generally around the same temperature as West Palm Beach. Temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 67°F (20°C), and West Palm Beach stays around 65°F (19°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in West Palm Beach. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fort Lauderdale this time of the year. In the winter, Fort Lauderdale often gets around the same amount of sunshine as West Palm Beach. Fort Lauderdale gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while West Palm Beach receives 243 hours of full sun.

Fort Lauderdale usually gets less rain in January than West Palm Beach. Fort Lauderdale gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Fort Lauderdale 67°F (20°C) 
    West Palm Beach 65°F (19°C)

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or West Palm Beach in the Spring?

Both West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Fort Lauderdale for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to West Palm Beach because of the beaches.

Fort Lauderdale is around the same temperature as West Palm Beach in the spring. The temperature in Fort Lauderdale is usually 75°F (24°C) in April, and West Palm Beach stays around 74°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in West Palm Beach. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as West Palm Beach during spring. Fort Lauderdale gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while West Palm Beach receives 300 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Fort Lauderdale usually receives less rain than West Palm Beach. Fort Lauderdale gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Fort Lauderdale 75°F (24°C) 
    West Palm Beach 74°F (23°C)

Typical Weather for West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale West Palm Beach
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 67°F (20°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 65°F (19°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Feb 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 66°F (19°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Mar 72°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 70°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Apr 75°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 74°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
May 79°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm) 78°F (25°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm) 81°F (27°C) 8.1 inches (207 mm)
Jul 83°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (166 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm) 83°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (176 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm) 81°F (27°C) 9.8 inches (250 mm)
Oct 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 78°F (25°C) 8.7 inches (222 mm)
Nov 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 72°F (22°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm)
Dec 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)


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Fort Lauderdale vs. West Palm Beach Travel Comparison

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