A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Jacksonville vs. Miami for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Jacksonville or Miami?

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 Jacksonville and Miami. 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.

Where Should I go: Jacksonville or Miami?

Jacksonville

As the sky above you darkens, the city around you glows with a vividness of a thousand colors as you hear the soft swell of waves upon the shore. Such an urban paradise is none other than Jacksonville, Florida. Located on the northeastern side of the sunshine state, Jacksonville stands where the St. John's River meets the Atlantic Ocean. Estimated to be the 12th most populous city in the United States, Jacksonville works as the cultural, commercial and financial hive of north Florida. The large city is known for its exquisite beaches, interactive museums, and golf course areas. Surf, shop, and socialize in one of Florida's most popular metropolitan areas.

Miami

Miami is a popular tourist destination and a modern city in South Florida. It has beautiful white beaches, crystal blue waters, cosmopolitan neighborhoods, impressive shopping, and excellent dining opportunities. It is also a gateway to the Florida Keys, which is another popular destination in South Florida.

Miami is the second most populated city in Florida and the metropolitan area is the most populated in the state with more than 5.4 million people. It's also the 7th largest metro area in the country. The city sits between the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Everglades to the west. It covers 110 miles north to south but is a narrow 20 miles east to west.

Miami sits at a low latitude, giving it a subtropical savannah climate. There are two seasons; the warm and dry season between November and April and the hot and wet season between May and October. The coldest months are between December and March when highs are in the upper 70 or low 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The summer months have highs in the upper 80s or 90s and lows in the mid 70s with high humidity.

Which city is cheaper, Miami or Jacksonville?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Jacksonville is $176, while the average daily cost in Miami is $164. 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 Jacksonville and Miami in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jacksonville $74
    Miami $105
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jacksonville $148
    Miami $210
Compare Hotels in Jacksonville and Miami

Looking for a hotel in Jacksonville or Miami? 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 Jacksonville


Hotels in Miami


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: Jacksonville Hotel Prices and Miami Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jacksonville $43
    Miami $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jacksonville

Also for Jacksonville, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Airport to Hotel Jacksonville Private Transfer: $125
  • JAX Airport Transfer to Amelia Island: $129
  • JAX Airport Transfer to Downtown Jacksonville: $97
  • JAX Airport Transfer to Jacksonville Beach: $129
  • JAX Airport Transfer to Ponte Vedra Beach: $149
  • JAX Airport Transfer to St Augustine: $215
  • Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville City - Arrival Private Transfer: $164
  • Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $328
  • Jacksonville City to Jacksonville Airport (JAX) - Departure Private Transfer: $164
  • Jacksonville Private Transfer - Hotel to Airport: $125
  • Private Jacksonville to Orlando Transfer up to 11-One Price-Mercedes Sprinter: $300
  • Private Transfer from Jacksonville to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $453

Typical Local Transportation prices in Miami

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Miami are as follows:


  • Car Rental for a Day
    $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Miami

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Miami:

  • Transfers to Port of Miami: $28
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Miami Downtown to Miami Airport: $46
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Miami Airport to Miami Downtown: $46
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Miami Airport to Miami Beach: $46
  • Transfer in Private Minivan from Miami Downtown to Miami Airport: $70
  • Transfer in Private Minivan from Miami Airport to Miami Downtown: $70
  • Transfer in Private Minivan from Miami Airport to Miami Beach: $70
  • Transfer in Executive Private Vehicle from Miami Downtown to Miami Airport: $53
  • Transfer in Executive Private Vehicle from Miami Airport to Miami Downtown: $53
  • Transfer in Executive Private Vehicle from Miami Airport to Miami Beach: $53
  • Transfer from Port Of Miami to Miami International Airport: $80
  • Transfer from Port Of Miami to Miami Beach: $65

Is it cheaper to fly into Jacksonville or Miami?

Prices for flights to both Miami and Jacksonville 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
    Jacksonville $77
    Miami $33

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jacksonville

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

  • Private Progressive Dinner in Jacksonville for 2 to 6 People: $300

Typical Food prices in Miami

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


  • Lunch with Drinks (for 2)
    $45
  • David's Cafe Lunch (for 1)
    $16

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Miami

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

  • Little Havana Street Food Tours: $61
  • Haitian Cooking Experience: $85
  • Private Little Havana Cuban Food Tour: $99
  • Private VIP Historical Citywide Food Tour: $159

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jacksonville $16
    Miami $25

Tours and Activities in Jacksonville

For Jacksonville, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • The Escape Game Epic 60-Minute Adventures: $37
  • Half-Day City Tour in Downtown Jacksonville: $55
  • Jacksonville Residential Architecture & History Tour: $55
  • Public Art Tour in Jacksonville: $60
  • Ride To Jax Port Cruise Terminal: $60
  • Ride From Jax Port Cruise Terminal: $60

Tours and Activities in Miami

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

  • "Cigar Factory Tour": $35
  • 1 Hour Private Helicopter Tour of Miami and South Florida: $518
  • 1-Day Key West Tour ( Miami Departure ) ( MIA1-B ): $138
  • 1-Day Miami+Everglades Naitonal Park Tour ( Miami Departure )( MIA1-A ): $80
  • 1/2 Hour Jet Ski Island Adventure: $5.00
  • 10-Day Surf Adventure from Brisbane to Sydney Including Coffs Harbour, Byron Bay and Gold Coast: $2,371
  • 2 Hour Cycle Boat Tour: $50
  • 2-hour boat tour with Aquarius Boat Rental: $195
  • 3 Hour Private Sunset Sailboat Tour for up to 6 Complimentary beverages, snacks: $550
  • 3-hour tour with Aquarius Boat Rental: $248
  • 3.5-Hour Ultimate Learn to Surf Adventure: $35
  • 30 Minute Private Luxury Helicopter Sightseeing Tour of Miami: $299

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jacksonville $16
    Miami $18

Sample the Local Flavors in Jacksonville

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

  • Jax Urban Core Brewery Tour in Jacksonville: $48

Typical Alcohol prices in Miami

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


  • Evening at a Bar
    $32

Sample the Local Flavors in Miami

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Miami:

  • Making Your Own Gin Distillery Tour and Tasting Experience: $190

About these numbers

When comparing the travel costs between Jacksonville and Miami, we can see that Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville or Miami?

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 Jacksonville or Miami in the Summer?

Both Miami and Jacksonville during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Miami in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Jacksonville is around the same temperature as Miami. Typically, the summer temperatures in Jacksonville in July are around 82°F (28°C), and Miami is about 83°F (28°C).

In Miami, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Jacksonville. In the summer, Jacksonville often gets less sunshine than Miami. Jacksonville gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Miami receives 316 hours of full sun.

Miami gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Jacksonville. Jacksonville usually gets less rain in July than Miami. Jacksonville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Miami receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Jacksonville 82°F (28°C) 
    Miami 83°F (28°C)

Should I visit Jacksonville or Miami in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Jacksonville and Miami. Furthermore, most visitors come to Miami for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

In October, Jacksonville is generally cooler than Miami. Temperatures in Jacksonville average around 70°F (21°C), and Miami stays around 78°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Miami this time of the year. In Jacksonville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jacksonville usually receives less sunshine than Miami during autumn. Jacksonville gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Miami receives 275 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Miami receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Jacksonville usually receives less rain than Miami. Jacksonville gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Miami receives 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Jacksonville 70°F (21°C) 
    Miami 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Jacksonville or Miami in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Jacksonville as well as Miami. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Miami because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Jacksonville is much colder than Miami in the winter. The temperature in Jacksonville is usually 53°F (12°C) in January, and Miami stays around 67°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Miami. In the winter, Jacksonville often gets less sunshine than Miami. Jacksonville gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Miami receives 243 hours of full sun.

Jacksonville usually gets more rain in January than Miami. Jacksonville gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Miami receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Jacksonville 53°F (12°C) 
    Miami 67°F (20°C)

Should I visit Jacksonville or Miami in the Spring?

Both Miami and Jacksonville are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Miami this time of year.

In the spring, Jacksonville is cooler than Miami. Typically, the spring temperatures in Jacksonville in April are around 68°F (20°C), and Miami is about 75°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Miami. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jacksonville. Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Miami during spring. Jacksonville gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Miami receives 300 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Jacksonville usually receives less rain than Miami. Jacksonville gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Miami receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Jacksonville 68°F (20°C) 
    Miami 75°F (24°C)

Typical Weather for Miami and Jacksonville

Jacksonville Miami
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 72°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 79°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 83°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)


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Jacksonville vs. Miami Travel Comparison

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