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

Should you visit Melbourne or Miami?

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

Should I visit Melbourne or Miami? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Melbourne

Melbourne is a cultural, progressive, and livable city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Miami

Miami is a glamorous, exciting, and diverse beach city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping.

Melbourne and Miami: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Melbourne or Miami?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Miami than Melbourne. While Melbourne is larger than Miami, Miami has more sights and attractions for tourists. Miami is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Melbourne attracts visitors for its museums. Miami is more touristy than Melbourne and is popular for its long sandy beaches, glitzy nightlife scene, diverse cultures, and award-winning restaurants. It is also well known for South Beach. Melbourne is famous for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population.

How is Melbourne different from Miami?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Melbourne or Miami?

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

Many visitors head to Melbourne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Many of the city's sights center around the art and cultural scene. There's the the National Gallery of Victoria and the Performing Arts Centre Melbourne. There's also Federation Square. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the National Sports Museum and for great views, check out Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower.

Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Miami is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Miami is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Dining out in Melbourne is an experience not to be missed. There's an eclectic mix of international restaurants that offer everything from Szechuan dishes to Spanish tapas. You'll find bistros and bars that have a fun and relaxed vibe and locals and tourists alike enjoy dining out.

Is Melbourne or Miami Better for Nightlife?

Miami is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Miami is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

Melbourne is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There are bars and clubs that have a laid back and relaxed atmosphere as well as more party focused nightclubs that stay open late into the night. Whether you're interested in dancing and listening to live music, or chatting with friends at a local brewery, there really is something for everyone.

Is Melbourne or Miami Better for Music?

Miami is very popular for its live music scene. However, Melbourne is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Miami. Popular live music venues include Ball and Chain, Cafe La Trova, Flamingo Theater Bar.

Melbourne is not a live music destination.

Is Melbourne or Miami Better for Resorts?

Miami is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, Melbourne is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Miami is a great choice. 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.

Melbourne is not a resort destination.

Is Melbourne or Miami Better for Beaches?

Miami is very popular for the beache. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Miami. 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.

Melbourne is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are laid back beaches near town that attract locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy coastal trails and great natural beauty. St Kilda Beach and Elwood Beach are among the most popular beaches near the city. Brighton Beach is known for its colorful bathing boxes and Williamstown Beach is very family-friendly.

Is the Shopping Better in Melbourne or Miami?

Miami is very popular for its shopping opportunities. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Miami draws large crowds to its stores. 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Melbourne. The city has tons of retail options that range from trendy fashion boutiques to outdoor markets. There are local venders that highlight the city's art and cultural scene, but there are also suburban malls with all of the major brands.

Is Melbourne or Miami Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Melbourne or Miami.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Melbourne is very family-friendly. The city has kids museums like the Museum of Play and Art or the Polly Woodside Tall Ship and Museum. There's also the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and the Scienceworks Museums. If you like quirky, check out the ArtVo 3D Immersive Art Gallery. There's also Legoland, which has a lot for younger children.

Miami is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Melbourne or Miami Better for Couples?

Miami is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Miami makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Melbourne is a good city for couples to visit. It's a very livable city with romantic viewpoints like SkyHigh Mount Dandenong. There are also nice gardens to explore such as the Carlton Gardens and the Rippon Lea House and Gardens. Or you could go for a ride on the Melbourne Star or dine at one of the many great restaurants.

Is Melbourne or Miami Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Melbourne and Miami are both nice destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Melbourne. Many backpackers breeze through the city, but there is a great music and art scene as well as a number of good restaurants. You'll also find a couple of good hostels in town.

Miami is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Melbourne or Miami Better for Students?

Melbourne is an amazing city to visit for students. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over the world to visit Melbourne. Many students think this is among the best student cities in Australia. There's a great creative culture with a good music and art scene. The population is diverse and the restaurants a great.

It's common for students to visit Miami. Spring break in Miami is the stuff of legends.

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

Melbourne is well known for its public transit. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Melbourne can move around easily with public transportation. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

While Miami offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's an elevated metrorail as well as buses around the city.

Is Melbourne or Miami a more walkable city?

Melbourne and Miami are great when it comes to walkability.

Melbourne is a very walkable city. The city center is very walkable with a compact and grid-like layout.

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 Melbourne Worth Visiting? and Is Miami Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Miami or Melbourne?

How long in Melbourne or Miami?

Both Melbourne 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 Melbourne. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Melbourne, and 7 days is enough time in Miami.

Families should spend more time in Miami than Melbourne. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Miami, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Miami than Melbourne. 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 Miami than Melbourne 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 Miami.

One day in Melbourne or Miami?

Each neighborhood in Melbourne has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the beach city of Miami. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Melbourne or Miami?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Melbourne. 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.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the exciting big city of Miami. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this beach city has to offer. This beach city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Melbourne or Miami?

Melbourne is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Melbourne has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the diverse beach city of Miami. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this beach city makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this beach city has to offer.

A week in Melbourne or Miami?

You'll find food and shopping around the progressive big city of Melbourne. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Miami is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Miami, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Melbourne and Miami, we can see that Miami 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. Even though Melbourne is in Pacific and Miami is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Melbourne or Miami?

Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Miami. When comparing the sizes of Melbourne 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 Melbourne or Miami?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Melbourne is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Miami has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Melbourne or Miami in the Summer?

Both Miami and Melbourne during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Melbourne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Miami for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In January, Melbourne is generally cooler than Miamiin July. Daily temperatures in Melbourne average around 20°C (68°F), and Miami fluctuates around 83°F (28°C).

In Miami, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Melbourne. In the summer, Melbourne often gets less sunshine than Miamiin July. Melbourne gets 271 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. Melbourne usually gets less rain in January than Miamiin July. Melbourne gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Miami receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Melbourne or Miami in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Melbourne and Miami. Many travelers come to Melbourne for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Miami in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Melbourne is much colder than Miami in the autumn. The daily temperature in Melbourne averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Miami fluctuates around 78°F (26°C)in October.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Miami this time of the year. Melbourne usually receives less sunshine than Miami during autumn. Melbourne gets 170 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 April, Melbourne usually receives less rain than Miamiin October. Melbourne gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Miami receives 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Melbourne or Miami in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Melbourne as well as Miami. Many visitors come to Melbourne in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Miami for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Melbourne is much colder than Miami. Typically, the winter temperatures in Melbourne in July average around 9°C (49°F), and Miami averages at about 67°F (20°C)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Miami. In the winter, Melbourne often gets less sunshine than Miamiin January. Melbourne gets 139 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Miami receives 243 hours of full sun.

Melbourne usually gets less rain in July than Miamiin January. Melbourne gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Miami receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Melbourne or Miami in the Spring?

Both Miami and Melbourne are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Melbourne for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Miami because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In October, Melbourne is generally much colder than Miamiin April. Daily temperatures in Melbourne average around 14°C (57°F), and Miami fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Miami. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Melbourne. Melbourne usually receives less sunshine than Miami during spring. Melbourne gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Miami receives 300 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Melbourne usually receives less rain than Miamiin April. Melbourne gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Miami receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Miami and Melbourne