A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Miami vs. Atlanta for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Miami or Atlanta?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Miami and Atlanta can help you decide which place is right for you.

Miami

Miami is a diverse, bustling, and high energy beach city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Atlanta

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

Miami and Atlanta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Miami or Atlanta?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Miami than Atlanta, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Miami is better known for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, and big city activities, while Atlanta is more popular for its museums. Miami is more touristy than Atlanta and is popular for its long sandy beaches, glitzy nightlife scene, diverse cultures, and award-winning restaurants. Also, Miami is famous for South Beach. Atlanta is well known for its world class aquarium, its role as host of the 1996 Olympic Games, and its influence during the Civil Rights Movement.

How is Miami different from Atlanta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Atlanta is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Atlanta that are not to be missed. The museums range in topic from history to science and art. The country's largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium, is in Atlanta as well. It's home to whale sharks, stingrays, and a diversity of marine life. Other museums around town include the Atlanta History Center, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the High Museum of Art, the World of Coca Cola, the David J. Sencer CDC Museum, and the Delta Flight Museum. There are also many monuments and sites including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.

Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Miami is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Miami is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Atlanta makes for a great culinary experience. It's a huge city with a wide selection of restaurants including international, local, and classic southern styles. Fried chicken, biscuits, diner food, and barbecue are all popular. For a classic southern breakfast check out The OK Cafe and for a quintessential Atlanta experience go to The Varsity.

Is Miami or Atlanta Better for Nightlife?

Miami is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Miami is a must-see party destination. 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.

Atlanta offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene is diverse with trendy bars, dance clubs, and huge music halls. There are a number of neighborhoods that each have their own atmosphere. For some of the best nightlife check out the upscale bars in Buckhead, the music venues in Midtown, the hipster vibe in Edgewood, or the laid-back atmosphere in Virginia Highland.

Is Miami or Atlanta Better for Music?

Miami is terrific for its music scene. However, Atlanta is not a live music destination.

Miami has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Popular live music venues include Ball and Chain, Cafe La Trova, Flamingo Theater Bar.

Atlanta is not a live music destination.

Is Miami or Atlanta Better for Resorts?

Miami is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Atlanta is not a resort destination.

Miami offers an unforgettable resort vacation. 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.

Atlanta is not a resort destination.

Is Miami or Atlanta Better for Beaches?

Miami is terrific for the beach. However, Atlanta is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Miami are among the best in 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.

Atlanta is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Miami or Atlanta?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Atlanta and Miami.

Miami is a famous shopping destination with plenty of 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.

Known for shopping, Atlanta draws large crowds to its stores. There are a number of great shopping districts around town. Atlantic Station is popular with a movie theater and ice skating. Buckhead has boutique and local vendors and Lenox Square has a large shopping mall.

Is Miami or Atlanta Better for Families?

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Miami or Atlanta.

Miami is 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Atlanta is very family-friendly. There is no shortage of playgrounds around town, but a highlight of any trip is a visit to the Georgia Aquarium. It's the largest aquarium in the United States and its home to whale sharks, hammerheads, dolphin shows, and more. It is so much more than just an aquarium, and it truly is a not to be missed experience. Also worth a visit are Zoo Atlanta, the Center of Puppetry Arts, Stone Mountain, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and the Lego Discovery Center. If you have the chance to see the Atlanta Braves play, that's also a rewarding experience.

Is Miami or Atlanta Better for Couples?

Miami is a great beach city for couples. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Miami is a great beach city if you're traveling as 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.

Atlanta is a nice destination for couples. It's a big city, so there are a number of date night activities available such as orchestra concerts, theater shows, and fine dining. The city also has many outdoor areas like Lake Lanier and Piedmont Park. The Georgia Aquarium is world class, and there are other amazing museums around town as well.

Is Miami or Atlanta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Miami and Atlanta are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Atlanta. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, there are actually a couple of hostels around town and a surprising number of activities worth experiencing. The city's large airport make it a convenient entry point for international travelers.

Is Miami or Atlanta Better for Students?

Atlanta is well known for students. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Atlanta is very popular with students. There are a number of universities in town such as Emory, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, and Morehouse College. The city is sprawling, but it's also full of entertainment and activities that students will enjoy.

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

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

Miami is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Atlanta is not known for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Atlanta. For such a large city, the public transportation system is very limited. MARTA is the main transit authority and there are a few subway lines that cross the city as well as bus routes running around town.

Is Miami or Atlanta a more walkable city?

Miami is a great beach city for its ease of walking around. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

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.

Atlanta is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are walkable, but most of the sights are spread out and require a car to access. Within neighborhoods, there are a few places that are more pedestrian-friendly such as Downtown, Midtown, Virginia Highlands, and Buckhead.

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

Should I spend more time in Atlanta or Miami?

How long in Miami or Atlanta?

It's fun to spend time in either Miami or Atlanta. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Atlanta due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Miami, and 2-4 days is enough time in Atlanta.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Miami than Atlanta 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 Miami or Atlanta?

Because Miami is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This beach city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Atlanta, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural big city offers. 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.

A weekend in Miami or Atlanta?

Because Miami is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Atlanta. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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.

Five days in Miami or Atlanta?

Miami is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Atlanta is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the big city destination of Atlanta. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Miami or Atlanta?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Miami. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Miami. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find food and shopping around the diverse big city of Atlanta. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Miami and Atlanta, we can see that Miami is more expensive. And not only is Atlanta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Atlanta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Atlanta 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 Atlanta.

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

Which is Bigger, Miami or Atlanta?

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

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 Miami or Atlanta in the Summer?

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

In July, Miami is generally around the same temperature as Atlanta. Daily temperatures in Miami average around 83°F (28°C), and Atlanta fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

In Atlanta, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Miami. In the summer, Miami often gets more sunshine than Atlanta. Miami gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlanta receives 271 hours of full sun.

Atlanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Miami. Miami usually gets more rain in July than Atlanta. Miami gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Atlanta receives 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Miami or Atlanta in the Autumn?

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

Miami is a little warmer than Atlanta in the autumn. The daily temperature in Miami averages around 78°F (26°C) in October, and Atlanta fluctuates around 66°F (19°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Atlanta this time of the year. In Miami, it's very sunny this time of the year. Miami usually receives more sunshine than Atlanta during autumn. Miami gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Atlanta receives 222 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Miami gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Miami usually receives more rain than Atlanta. Miami gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Atlanta receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Miami or Atlanta in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Miami is much warmer than Atlanta. Typically, the winter temperatures in Miami in January average around 67°F (20°C), and Atlanta averages at about 45°F (7°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Miami this time of the year. In the winter, Miami often gets more sunshine than Atlanta. Miami gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlanta receives 164 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Atlanta. Miami usually gets less rain in January than Atlanta. Miami gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Atlanta receives 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Miami or Atlanta in the Spring?

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

In April, Miami is generally a little warmer than Atlanta. Daily temperatures in Miami average around 75°F (24°C), and Atlanta fluctuates around 65°F (18°C).

It's quite sunny in Atlanta. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Miami. Miami usually receives more sunshine than Atlanta during spring. Miami gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Atlanta receives 262 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. In April, Miami usually receives less rain than Atlanta. Miami gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Atlanta receives 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Atlanta and Miami