A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers La Paz vs. Miami for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Beaches

Should you visit La Paz or Miami?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between La Paz and Miami can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

La Paz

La Paz is a cultural, beautiful, and authentic city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Miami

Miami is a bustling, high energy, and glamorous beach city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food.

La Paz and Miami: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Not as many resort options
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in La Paz or Miami?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Miami than La Paz. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Miami is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, shopping, and big city activities, while La Paz attracts visitors for its museums and scuba diving & snorkeling. Miami is more touristy than La Paz and is known for its long sandy beaches, glitzy nightlife scene, diverse cultures, and award-winning restaurants. It is also well known for South Beach. La Paz is famous for its beautiful beaches, fascinating cultural setting, and authentic local atmosphere.

How is La Paz different from Miami?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in La Paz or Miami?

La Paz
Miami

La Paz is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to La Paz specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Sights and landmarks around town include La Paz Cathedral, the Museo de Antropología e Historia de Baja California Sur, the the Museo de Arte de Baja California Sur, and Teatro Juarez.

Miami does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in La Paz or Miami? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

La Paz
Miami

Miami is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Miami have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city's food scene is as diverse as its population. It is a blend of Caribbean, Latin American, and South American flavors and it is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. There is everything from award-winning restaurants to local dives that offer excellent dishes and experiences. The city is known for its stone crabs, fish sandwiches, Cuban sandwiches, and key lime pie.

La Paz has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. As the capital of Baja California Sur, you'll find many local restaurants that serve traditional and authentic Mexican cuisine. The recipes include seafood and local produce. You'll find everything from food stalls to high end restaurants around town.

Is La Paz or Miami Better for Nightlife?

La Paz
Miami

Miami is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

People head to Miami just to party. From the posh nightlife clubs in South Beach, to the local salsa dancing venues in Little Havana, Miami is a city that thrives with energy. There are many world-renowned clubs that keep the music and drinks flowing through the entire night. There's also a glitzy and glamourous scene where the wealthy like to see and be seen.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in La Paz. There are many bars and restaurants around the Malecón.

Is La Paz or Miami Better for Music?

La Paz
Miami

Miami is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, La Paz is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Miami Popular live music venues include Ball and Chain, Cafe La Trova, Flamingo Theater Bar.

La Paz is not a live music destination.


Is La Paz or Miami Better for Resorts?

La Paz
Miami

Miami is a world-class destination for its resorts. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its luxury resorts.

Miami is a world class resort vacation destination. Known for it's luxury, you'll find many resorts in the area. Popular options include The Ritz-Carlton South Beach, Fontainebleau, and Carillon Miami.

La Paz has a few great resort options. There are a number of hotels and resorts around town that make for a nice vacation.

Is La Paz or Miami Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

La Paz
Miami

La Paz is well known for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Miami is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in La Paz. There are organized diving and snorkeling excursions available around town. It's location by the Sea of Cortez makes diving a world class experience.

Miami is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is La Paz or Miami Better for Beaches?

La Paz
Miami

Both La Paz and Miami are considered to be amazing beach destinations.

La Paz is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The beaches in the area are the main draw, and you'll find beaches that are family-friendly, romantic, or full of amenities. Some consider the beaches in the area among the best in Mexico.

Miami offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. If you're looking for long sandy beaches, luxury yacht clubs, and fine dining restaurants, the area's beaches have them all. Some of the best beaches in the area include the world-famous South Beach, the North Beach Oceanside Park, Sunny Isles Beach, and Surfside. Many beaches are lined with high rise hotels that offer an urban beach experience.


Is the Shopping Better in La Paz or Miami?

La Paz
Miami

Miami is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Miami make it a world-class shopping destination. The city has every high end brand you could want, along with diverse neighborhoods with local finds and unique purchases. You'll find many diverse shopping opportunities that are influenced by the city's cultural scene. You'll also find many souvenir stands and t-shirt shops.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in La Paz. Local boutiques, souvenir shops, and art galleries all make for interesting shopping opportunities.

Is La Paz or Miami Better for Families?

La Paz
Miami

Both La Paz and Miami are superb to visit with kids.

La Paz is a very kid-friendly city. Older kids will enjoy swimming with whale sharks, whale watching, and experiencing the region's wildlife. There are also many beaches in the area where kids can play.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Miami. Because it's so big, you'll find a number of kid-friendly activities in the area. There's the Miami Zoo, various waterparks, the Everglades Alligator Park, Miccosukee Indian Village, and plenty of indoor playgrounds in case the weather doesn't cooperate.

Is La Paz or Miami Better for Couples?

La Paz
Miami

Miami is notable for its romantic activities. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Miami is a very popular place to visit for couples. For couples who love nightlife, wining and dining, and high end beach clubs, this is the place to be. There are many award-winning restaurants and plenty of glitz and glam that make for a great romantic getaway.

La Paz is a good city for couples to visit. Couples will enjoy walking along the beach promenade known as Malecon. There are also beaches and amazing animal experiences such as whale watching or dolphin viewing.


Is La Paz or Miami Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

La Paz
Miami

La Paz is well known for backpackers. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit La Paz. The city offers an authentic experience and hostels that make it a budget-friendly option for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Miami. This city is large enough to have something for everyone, so you'll find several hostels in the area that bring in the backpackers.

Is La Paz or Miami Better for Students?

La Paz
Miami

Miami is a beach city with good options for students. However, La Paz is not popular with students.

Miami is a good beach city to visit for students. Spring break in Miami is the stuff of legends.

La Paz is not popular with students.

Is La Paz or Miami Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

La Paz
Miami

Both La Paz and Miami offer nice public transit options.

La Paz has a few public transit options. There's a cheap local bus system around town.

Miami has some public transit options. There's an elevated metrorail as well as buses around the city.


Is La Paz or Miami a more walkable city?

La Paz
Miami

La Paz and Miami both are superb when exploring on foot.

La Paz is a very walkable city. The city is very walkable.

Miami is a very walkable destination. Many parts of city are surprisingly walkable and pedestrian friendly, allowing you to eat out, go shopping, or explore without the need for a car.

For even more information, also check out Is La Paz Worth Visiting? and Is Miami Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Miami or La Paz?

How long in La Paz or Miami?

Both La Paz and Miami have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Miami than in La Paz. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for La Paz, and 7 days is enough time in Miami.

Couples should spend more time in Miami than La Paz. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Miami that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Paz than Miami 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 La Paz.


  • How many days in La Paz or Miami? Ideal Length of Stay
    La Paz 2-4 
    Miami 7

One day in La Paz or Miami?

In La Paz, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this cultural destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the beaches. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Miami is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in La Paz or Miami?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in La Paz. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Miami is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


Five days in La Paz or Miami?

La Paz is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of La Paz. Lots of people come for the beaches. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Miami. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in La Paz or Miami?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of La Paz. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Miami is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This beach city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Mexico, The Best Tours for Seniors to Mexico, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Miami or La Paz?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in La Paz is $118, while the average daily cost in Miami is $206. 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for La Paz and Miami in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    La Paz $52
    Miami $132
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    La Paz $104
    Miami $264
Compare Hotels in La Paz and Miami

Looking for a hotel in La Paz 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 La Paz


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: La Paz Hotel Prices and Miami Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    La Paz $22
    Miami $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Paz

Some specific examples of transportation prices in La Paz:

  • La Paz Airport to Costa Baja Private Roundtrip Transfer: $89
  • La Paz Airport: Private Roundtrip Transfer to La Ventan: $259
  • La Paz Int. Airport (LAP): Private Transfer to La Paz hotels: $174
  • La Paz International Airport (LAP) to La Paz hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $53
  • Roundtrip Transfer to La Paz International Airport: $73
  • Private Transfer from La Paz to Cabo San Lucas: $241

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:

  • Train Transfer to South Florida Cities: $20
  • Miami International Airport: One-Way Transfer to Miami: $24
  • Transfers Airports Miami, Ft. Lauderdale Port Mía Everglades: $25
  • 50 min Everglades Airboat, Photo & Transfer: $33
  • Private Transfer from Miami Airport to Hotel or Port of Miami: $35
  • Miami Private Transfers: Airport, Cruise, Point-to-Point.: $36
  • Miami or Ft Lauderdale: Train Transfer to Orlando Airport: $39
  • From Everglades Wildlife Show, Airboat & Bus Transfer: $40
  • Miami Int'l Airport: Private 1-Way Transfer to Miami Port: $48
  • From Everglades Airboat, Wildlife Show & Bus Transfer: $55
  • Private One Way Transfer: Miami Airport (MIA) to/from Miami: $55
  • Key West Transfer with Hotel Pickup and Upgrades: $60

Is it cheaper to fly into La Paz or Miami?

Prices for flights to both Miami and La Paz 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
    La Paz $38
    Miami $41

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Paz

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

  • 4 Hours of Guided La Paz Street Food Tour: $82

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.

  • The Ultimate Little Havana Food Tour: $64
  • Wynwood Street Art, Culture, Donuts & Walking Food Tour: $65
  • South Beach Food Tour: $70
  • A Taste of South Beach Food Tour: $70
  • Little Havana Walking Food Tour: $75
  • South Beach Miami Food & Fun Art Deco Food Tour : $79
  • Wynwood Walls Art District Food Tour: $80
  • Mango's Tropical Cafe Dinner & Show: $98
  • Mango's Dinner and Show Ticket: $98
  • Miami Dinner Party w/ Night Club Experience: $100
  • Guided Small Group Little Havana Food Tour: $124
  • Ukrainian cooking class in Miami: $125

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    La Paz $13
    Miami $31

Tours and Activities in La Paz

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

  • Transparent Boat Tour with Mushroom Rock: $64
  • Pearls of Pearl Farm Experience: $64
  • Half Day Sandboarding and Paddleboarding Experience in La Paz: $82
  • Unique Mexican Spirits Tasting & Pairing Experience: $85
  • Sunset Sandboarding at La Paz Dunes Tour: $89
  • City Tour & Beaches from La Paz: $91
  • Supercombo 2-Day City Tour: $105
  • From Los Cabos: City Tour La Paz, Balandra and Todos Santos: $115
  • Half Day Private Tour of the Beaches of La Paz: $115
  • holy spirit island tour: $118
  • Los Cabos Tour from La Paz: $119
  • Snorkel Tour with Whale Shark in La Paz: $121

Tours and Activities in Miami

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

  • Haunted a Smartphone Audio Driving Tour : $5.94
  • Little Havana Smartphone guided Audio App Solo Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Miami Marlins Baseball Game Ticket at loandepot Park: $7.19
  • Miami Beach: Self-Guided Walking Tour With Audio Guide: $7.31
  • Haunted Self-Guided Smartphone Audio Driving Tour: $7.31
  • Sights of Downtown a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $7.99
  • Private Sightseeing Audio Walking Tour in Miami Beach: $7.99
  • Luggage Storage and Cruise Lounge Area: $8.00
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Miami: $8.72
  • Miami Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - Little Havana: $10
  • Audio Tour of Downtown, South Beach, and Wynwood: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    La Paz $12
    Miami $22

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:

  • Miami Bar Crawl: $25
  • Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Small-Group Brewery Golf Cart Tour of Wynwood with a Local Guide: $59
  • Wynwood Graffiti Brewery Golf Cart Tour: $63
  • Wynwood Party Bike Bar Crawl: $64
  • Wynwood Party Bike Bar Crawl: $64
  • Wynwood Bar Crawl: $100


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between La Paz and Miami, we can see that Miami is more expensive. And not only is La Paz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to La Paz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in La Paz 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 Miami would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Miami than you might in La Paz.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is La Paz Expensive? and Is Miami Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, La Paz or Miami?

Miami has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of La Paz. When comparing the sizes of La Paz and Miami, 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 La Paz or Miami?

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 La Paz or Miami in the Summer?

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

In July, La Paz is generally around the same temperature as Miami. Daily temperatures in La Paz average around 30°C (86°F), and Miami fluctuates around 83°F (28°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Miami this time of the year. In La Paz, it's very sunny this time of the year. La Paz usually receives less sunshine than Miami during summer. La Paz gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Miami receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

Miami receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, La Paz usually receives less rain than Miami. La Paz gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Miami receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    La Paz 30°C (86°F) 
    Miami 83°F (28°C)

Should I visit La Paz or Miami in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to La Paz as well as Miami. Most visitors come to La Paz for the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Miami because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

La Paz is around the same temperature as Miami in the autumn. The daily temperature in La Paz averages around 27°C (80°F) in October, and Miami fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Miami. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in La Paz this time of the year. In the autumn, La Paz often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Miami. La Paz gets 272 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Miami receives 275 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Miami. La Paz usually gets less rain in October than Miami. La Paz gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Miami receives 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    La Paz 27°C (80°F) 
    Miami 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit La Paz or Miami in the Winter?

Both Miami and La Paz are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to La Paz because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Miami this time of year.

In the winter, La Paz is around the same temperature as Miami. Typically, the winter temperatures in La Paz in January average around 18°C (65°F), and Miami averages at about 67°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Miami. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in La Paz. La Paz usually receives less sunshine than Miami during winter. La Paz gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Miami receives 243 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, La Paz usually receives less rain than Miami. La Paz gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Miami receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    La Paz 18°C (65°F) 
    Miami 67°F (20°C)

Should I visit La Paz or Miami in the Spring?

Both Miami and La Paz during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches are the main draw to La Paz this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Miami for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, La Paz is generally around the same temperature as Miami. Daily temperatures in La Paz average around 23°C (73°F), and Miami fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

In Miami, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in La Paz. In the spring, La Paz often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Miami. La Paz gets 292 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Miami receives 300 hours of full sun.

La Paz usually gets less rain in April than Miami. La Paz gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Miami receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    La Paz 23°C (73°F) 
    Miami 75°F (24°C)

Typical Weather for Miami and La Paz

La Paz Miami
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (65°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 67°F (20°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Feb 19°C (66°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
Mar 20°C (69°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 72°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
Apr 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in) 75°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
May 25°C (77°F) 1 mm (0 in) 79°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm)
Jul 30°C (86°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 83°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm)
Aug 30°C (87°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm)
Sep 30°C (85°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Dec 20°C (67°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)