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

Should you visit Miami or Denver?

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 Denver can help you decide which place is right for you.

Miami

Miami is a diverse, bustling, and high energy 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 shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Denver

Denver is a suburban, accessible, and sprawling city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and skiing.

Miami and Denver: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Miami or Denver?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Miami than Denver. While Denver is larger than Miami, Miami has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Miami is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Denver attracts visitors for its skiing, museums, and hiking. Miami is more touristy than Denver 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. Denver is famous for serving as a gateway to the Rocky Mountains and the many national parks that are in the area.

How is Miami different from Denver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Miami or Denver Better for Skiing?

Miami
Denver

Denver is very good for winter skiing. However, Miami is not a skiing destination.

Denver is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. Although there's no skiing in the immediate area, there is a huge list of world class ski resorts within an hour or two of town. Two of the closest are Echo Mountain Resort and Loveland Ski Area.

Miami is not a skiing destination.


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

Miami
Denver

Denver is a city with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

Denver offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Many people use Denver as a starting or ending point for their mountain and national park trip, but those who linger can visit some of the city's museums and sights. Popular museums include the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, the History Colorado Center, and the Forney Museum of Transportation.

Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Miami
Denver

Miami is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Denver is not a good city for its 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.

Denver may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. It's a pretty large city, so you'll find some nice local restaurants, but the foodie scene is still emerging in many neighborhoods. A number of restaurants offer outdoor seating, which is nice. You'll also find a growing selection of international restaurants. For something uniquely local, you should try the Bison steak and fried pickles.

Is Miami or Denver Better for Nightlife?

Miami
Denver

Miami is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Miami is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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 Denver. The city has come a long way with its nightlife. There's a great craft beer scene and the downtown area has really come to life. Popular bars and clubs in town include the Grizzly Rose and 54Thirty Rooftop. Many places are concentrated in the Soco Nightlife District.


Is Miami or Denver Better for Music?

Miami
Denver

Miami is renowned for its live music scene. However, Denver 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.

Denver is not a live music destination.

Is Miami or Denver Better for Resorts?

Miami
Denver

Miami is renowned for its resorts. However, Denver 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.

Denver is not a resort destination.

Is Miami or Denver Better for Beaches?

Miami
Denver

Miami is renowned for the beache. However, Denver 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.

Denver is not a beach destination.


Is Miami or Denver Better for Hiking?

Miami
Denver

Denver is very good for its hiking experiences. However, Miami is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Denver. The city is very close to many beautiful parks and hiking areas in the Rocky Mountains. It's not hard to make a day trip from town and enjoy some great hiking. Nice options include the Trading Post Trail in Red Rocks Mountain Park, Bergen Peak near Evergreen, and Chimney Gulch Trail near the town of Golden.

Miami is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Miami or Denver?

Miami
Denver

Miami is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Denver 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.

Denver has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city has many outlet malls that budget shoppers appreciate. There are also weekend farmer's markets, boutique shopping areas, and all of the major chains that you'll find in most larger cities.

Is Miami or Denver Better for Families?

Miami
Denver

Miami is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Miami is a very kid-friendly beach city. 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.

Denver is a family-friendly beach city. It is a family-friendly city with museums, playgrounds, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are also a few ropes courses near town that kids and adults alike will enjoy. Popular activities include the Denver Zoo, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus.


Is Miami or Denver Better for Couples?

Miami
Denver

Miami is a well-known place for its romantic activities. Also, Denver 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.

Denver is a good beach city for couples to visit. There are many beautiful and romantic outdoor activities in the area such as parks and botanical gardens. There are also spas, including the impressive Spa at the Brown Palace, as well as upscale restaurants and fun bars and clubs to explore.

Is Miami or Denver Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Miami
Denver

Miami is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Denver is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Denver is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Some backpackers fly into Denver to begin their national park tour. There is a hostel or two around town, and if you leave town quickly you'll find campgrounds not far away.

Is Miami or Denver Better for Students?

Miami
Denver

Miami and Denver are nice places to visit for students.

Miami is popular with students. Spring break in Miami is the stuff of legends.

It's common for students to visit Denver. There are a few students in the city, but there isn't a college town vibe that you'd get at other nearby university areas.


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

Miami
Denver

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Miami and Denver.

You'll find some public transit in Miami, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's an elevated metrorail as well as buses around the city.

While Denver offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. If you're not planning to leave town, the light rail and bus systems offer good access to much of Denver.

Is Miami or Denver a more walkable city?

Miami
Denver

Miami is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Denver is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

Miami is a very walkable beach city. 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.

Denver is not a very walkable beach city. While the downtown area is generally walkable, this is still a sprawling city where you'll really want to have a car to access areas outside of town.

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

Should I spend more time in Denver or Miami?

How long in Miami or Denver?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Miami and Denver. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Denver than in Miami. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Miami, and 2-3 days is enough time in Denver.

Families should spend more time in Miami than Denver. 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 Denver. 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 Denver 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.


  • How many days in Miami or Denver? Ideal Length of Stay
    Miami 7 
    Denver 2-3

One day in Miami or Denver?

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.

In Denver, many people enjoy the skiing and nightlife that this sprawling destination 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 Denver?

Miami is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Miami. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Denver is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting the destination of Denver. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Miami or Denver?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the exciting big city of Miami. This beach city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find skiing and nightlife around the sprawling destination of Denver. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


Which place is cheaper, Denver or Miami?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Miami is $206, while the average daily cost in Denver is $218. 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 Miami and Denver in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Miami $132
    Denver $87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Miami $264
    Denver $174
Compare Hotels in Miami and Denver

Looking for a hotel in Miami or Denver? 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 Miami


Hotels in Denver


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: Miami Hotel Prices and Denver Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Miami $38
    Denver $101
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: $10
  • Miami International Airport: One-Way Transfer to Miami: $24
  • 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
  • The Ultimate Everglades Airboat, Wildlife Show and Transfer: $49
  • Shared Transfer to Sawgrass Mall by Tour Bus: $49
  • From Everglades Airboat, Wildlife Show & Bus Transfer: $55
  • Private One Way Transfer: Miami Airport (MIA) to/from Miami: $55
  • Everglades Airboat, Wildlife Experience with roundtrip transfer: $59

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Denver

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Denver:

  • Arrival Private Transfer Denver Airport DEN to Denver City by SUV: $177
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Denver Airport DEN to Denver in Business Car: $109
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Denver Airport DEN to Denver in Luxury SUV: $138
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Denver Airport DEN to Denver in Luxury Van: $138
  • Arrival Transfer Denver Airport DEN to Denver City by Luxury Car: $155
  • Denver Airport (BJC) to Beaver Creek Ski Resort -Arrival Transfer: $222
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Aspen hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer : $222
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Avon/Vail Valley - Arrival Private Transfer : $242
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Breckenridge - Arrival Private Transfer: $196
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Denver hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $102
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Glenwood Springs - Arrival Transfer: $122
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Glenwood Springs - Round-Trip Transfer: $122

Is it cheaper to fly into Miami or Denver?

Prices for flights to both Denver and Miami 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
    Miami $41
    Denver $42
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- Family Friendly Walking Food Tour : $52
  • Little Havana Ultimate Food Tour : $64
  • The Ultimate Little Havana Food Tour: $64
  • Little Havana Street Food Tour with Enthusiastic Guide: $69
  • A Taste of South Beach Food Tour: $70
  • Cuban Food Tour Of Little Havana: $70
  • South Beach Food Tour: $70
  • Taste of Little Havana Food Tour in Miami with Cuban Street Food: $75
  • Little Havana Walking Food Tour: $75
  • Food Tour of Miami's South Beach: $79
  • South Beach Miami Food & Fun Art Deco Food Tour : $79
  • Wynwood Walls Art District Food Tour: $80

Typical Food Prices in Denver

Some typical examples of dining costs in Denver are as follows:


  • Sushi Dinner (for 2)
    $61

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Denver

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

  • Denver : Hands-on Cooking Classes With Chef Kevin: $55
  • Denver : Paella Cooking Class With Local Chef: $55
  • Downtown Denver Savory Food Tour: $74
  • RiNo Arts District Food Tour: $79
  • Downtown Denver Food Tour: $79
  • Arts District Walking Food Tour: $79
  • Mystery Puzzle Food Tour in Golden, CO: $80
  • The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Denver, CO: $86

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Miami $31
    Denver $52

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 : $6.05
  • Little Havana Smartphone guided Audio App Solo Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Haunted Self-Guided Smartphone Audio Driving Tour: $7.38
  • Miami Beach: Self-Guided Walking Tour With Audio Guide: $7.38
  • Private Sightseeing Audio Walking Tour in Miami Beach: $7.99
  • Sights of Downtown a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $7.99
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Miami: $8.86
  • Miami Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Miami by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - Little Havana: $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - Miami Art Deco: $10
  • Miami Marlins Baseball Game Ticket at loandepot Park: $11

Tours and Activities in Denver

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

  • Denver's Art District Self Guided Walking Tour: $5.00
  • Discover A Walking Tour of Denver's Top Sights: $5.00
  • Denver's Spokes and Scoops: A Self-Guided Cycle Tour: $5.20
  • Denver’s Downtown: Past and Present In-App Audio Tour (ENG): $9.00
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure on Your Phone: $10
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Denver by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Denver Ghost Hunt: Mile High Ghost Tour: $12
  • Denver Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $14
  • Denver Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $14
  • Molly Brown House Museum Self-Guided Tour & Entry: $14
  • Colorado Rockies Baseball Game Ticket at Coors Field: $14
  • Colorado Rockies Baseball Game Ticket at Coors Field: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Miami $22
    Denver $5.31
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 Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • 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
  • Miami Beach Bar Crawl: Art Deco & Neon Lights by Local Historian: $63
  • Miami Beach Bar Crawl: Art Deco & Neon Lights with Historian: $63
  • Wynwood Party Bike Bar Crawl: $64
  • Wynwood Party Bike Bar Crawl: $64
  • Wynwood Bar Crawl: $100

Sample the Local Flavors in Denver

Also in Denver, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Pub Crawl Through Denver RiNo Arts District : $25
  • 4-Hour Downtown Denver Pub Crawl: $25
  • California Vs. Colorado Wine Tasting: $30
  • Denver Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Private Vintner's Wine Tasting Experience in Colorado: $40
  • Golden Ghosts & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $45
  • Vintner's Personalized Wine Tasting Experience: $60
  • Wild West Pub Crawl in Golden: $65
  • Craft Distillery Bus Tour: $71
  • Wine Tasting with Cheese, Charcuterie, and Dessert : $74
  • Denver Pedicab Brewery Tour: $130


When comparing the travel costs between Miami and Denver, we can see that Denver 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.

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


Which is Bigger, Miami or Denver?

Denver has a larger population, and is about 45% larger than the population of Miami. When comparing the sizes of Miami and Denver, 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.