A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Miami vs. Duck for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Beaches

Should you visit Miami or Duck?

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

Miami

Miami is a glamorous, exciting, and diverse beach city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

Duck

Duck is a laid-back, traditional, and compact beach town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and food.

Miami and Duck: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • 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
Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Not as many resort options
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Miami or Duck?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Miami. Although Miami and Duck are both popular with visitors, Miami has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Miami is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, shopping, and big city activities, while Duck is known for its museums, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Miami is more touristy than Duck and is known for its long sandy beaches, glitzy nightlife scene, diverse cultures, and award-winning restaurants. It is also home to South Beach. Duck is popular for its quaint atmosphere and small town charm.

How is Miami different from Duck?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Duck 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 Duck?

Miami
Duck

Duck is not so good for its museums and landmarks. However, Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

Duck offers a few options for museum-goers. Hanging out at the beach and enjoy water sports or outdoor activities are the main draw of this town. You won't find much in the form of museums or indoor activities.

Miami does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Miami
Duck

Miami is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Duck is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Duck has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. For such a small town, there's a decent selection of restaurants that range from local seafood eateries to pizza delivery. Homemade ice cream is a favorite in the area, but you also can't skip out on the flagship Duck Donuts store.

Is Miami or Duck Better for Nightlife?

Miami
Duck

Miami is renowned for nightlife. However, Duck is not a good beach town for nightlife and partying.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Duck. It's known as a family-friendly destination that isn't often associated with a strong nightlife, but there is often live music and other festivals during the summer months.

Is Miami or Duck Better for Music?

Miami
Duck

Miami is renowned for live music. However, Duck is not a live music destination.

Miami is a world class music destination. Popular live music venues include Ball and Chain, Cafe La Trova, Flamingo Theater Bar.

Duck is not a live music destination.


Is Miami or Duck Better for Resorts?

Miami
Duck

Miami is renowned for its resorts. Also, Duck is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its luxury resorts.

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.

With a selection of resorts, Duck makes a nice vacation spot. Most of the accommodation around town is in the form of vacation beach rental houses that are perfect for family gatherings or larger groups.

Is Miami or Duck Better for Beaches?

Miami
Duck

Miami and Duck are world-class choices for a beach vacation.

With world-famous beaches, Miami is a very popular vacation destination. 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.

The beaches in Duck are among the best in the world. Long sandy beaches with great surf and a wonderful boardwalk make this a great beach destination. Kids play in the tidal pools and families relax under their beach umbrellas in a classic beach setting.

Is Miami or Duck Better for Hiking?

Miami
Duck

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

Many people include a hike when visiting Duck. The Duck Trail runs for six miles and passes through town. It's popular with walkers, cyclists, and inline skaters.

Miami is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Miami or Duck?

Miami
Duck

Miami is renowned for shopping. Also, Duck is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Duck is well-known for its shopping. Head to the Waterfront Shops for some of the town's best shopping. You can wander along the boardwalk and check out the independent vendors and local restaurants.

Is Miami or Duck Better for Families?

Miami
Duck

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Miami or Duck.

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, Duck is very family-friendly. Kid-friendly beaches, local ice cream joints, and the famed Duck Donuts all make this an ideal kid's beach destination. There's a waterpark nearby and plenty of water sports that the whole family can enjoy. The boardwalk is also a very family-friendly environment.

Is Miami or Duck Better for Couples?

Miami
Duck

Both Miami and Duck are great destinations to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Miami frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Duck is a great beach city if you're traveling as a couple. It's a charming beach town with great local restaurants and a beautiful and peaceful setting. For couples who want to enjoy a relaxing beach town without the energy of a larger destination, then this is the perfect place. Much of the accommodation is in the form of rental houses, which can be a bit much for a couple, but the setting is perfect for a weekend escape.


Is Miami or Duck Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Miami
Duck

Miami is a popular place for backpackers. However, Duck is not a good beach town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

Duck is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's an upscale town with many beach houses available for rent, and very little in the form of budget accommodation.

Is Miami or Duck Better for Students?

Miami
Duck

Miami is a popular place for students. However, Duck is not popular with students.

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

Duck is not popular with students.

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

Miami
Duck

Miami is a popular place for its public transit. However, Duck is not a good beach town for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Duck. It's best to have a car if you want to exploring the Outer Banks and its many activities.


Is Miami or Duck a more walkable city?

Miami
Duck

Duck is an amazing beach town to visit for its walkability. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Duck on foot is easy. It's a wonderfully walkable and pedestrian-friendly town with a great boardwalk and many walking and cycling paths.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Duck or Miami?

How long in Miami or Duck?

Both Miami and Duck have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Duck than in Miami. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Miami, and 5-7 days is enough time in Duck.

Couples should spend more time in Miami than Duck. 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 Duck 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 Duck? Ideal Length of Stay
    Miami 7 
    Duck 5-7

One day in Miami or Duck?

Miami is a big city destination where you can fill many days. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Even though Duck is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the beaches. This beach town 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 Duck?

Miami is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Duck. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


Five days in Miami or Duck?

Miami is a diverse big city where you can fill many days. This beach city 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 five days exploring.

Duck is a fun place to experience. Duck is a small town with plenty to do. Lots of people come for the beaches. 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.

A week in Miami or Duck?

The bustling beach city of Miami offers nightlife and live music. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Duck might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. 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 often enough time to do most activities.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Duck 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 Duck is $188. 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 Duck in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Miami $132
    Duck $107
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Miami $264
    Duck $214
Compare Hotels in Miami and Duck

Looking for a hotel in Miami or Duck? 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 Duck


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Miami $38
    Duck $66
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 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
  • 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
  • Miami & Key West: One-Way Transfer by Motor Coach Bus: $62
  • Private Transfer in Miami (MIA) Airport/Home/Hotel/Work : $69

Is it cheaper to fly into Miami or Duck?

Prices for flights to both Duck 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
    Duck $45
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
  • The Ultimate Little Havana Food Tour: $64
  • Wynwood Street Art, Culture, Donuts & Walking Food Tour: $65
  • Little Havana Street Food Tour with Enthusiastic Guide: $69
  • 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
  • Mango's Tropical Cafe Dinner & Show: $98
  • Miami Dinner Party w/ Night Club Experience: $100

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

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
  • Haunted Self-Guided Smartphone Audio Driving Tour: $7.33
  • Miami Beach: Self-Guided Walking Tour With Audio Guide: $7.33
  • Sights of Downtown a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $7.99
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Miami: $8.82
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - Little Havana: $10
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Miami by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Audio Tour of Downtown, South Beach, and Wynwood: $11
  • Miami Marlins Baseball Game Ticket at loandepot Park: $11
  • Giant Fish Feeding Experience: $12
  • Wynwood Walls Admission Ticket : $12
  • Wynwood Walls Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket: $13

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Miami $22
    Duck $45
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
  • Miami Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Wynwood Graffiti Brewery Golf Cart Tour: $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


When comparing the travel costs between Miami and Duck, 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. 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 Duck Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Miami or Duck?

Miami has a larger population, and is about 680 times larger than the population of Duck. When comparing the sizes of Miami and Duck, 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 Duck?

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 Miami or Duck in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Miami and Duck. Most visitors come to Miami for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Duck because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Miami is around the same temperature as Duck in the summer. The daily temperature in Miami averages around 83°F (28°C) in July, and Duck fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Duck this time of the year. In Miami, it's very sunny this time of the year. Miami usually receives more sunshine than Duck during summer. Miami gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Duck receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

Duck receives a lot of rain in the summer. Miami gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Miami usually receives more rain than Duck. Miami gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Duck receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Miami 83°F (28°C) 
    Duck 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Miami or Duck in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Miami as well as Duck. The autumn months attract visitors to Miami because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Additionally, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Duck this time of year.

In the autumn, Miami is much warmer than Duck. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Miami in October average around 78°F (26°C), and Duck averages at about 62°F (16°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Duck. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Miami this time of the year. In the autumn, Miami often gets more sunshine than Duck. Miami gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Duck receives 211 hours of full sun.

Miami receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Miami usually gets more rain in October than Duck. Miami gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Duck receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Miami 78°F (26°C) 
    Duck 62°F (16°C)

Should I visit Miami or Duck in the Winter?

Both Duck and Miami are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Miami this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Duck for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Duck. In January, Miami is generally much warmer than Duck. Daily temperatures in Miami average around 67°F (20°C), and Duck fluctuates around 41°F (5°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Miami. Miami usually receives more sunshine than Duck during winter. Miami gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Duck receives 168 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Duck. In January, Miami usually receives less rain than Duck. Miami gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Duck receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Miami 67°F (20°C) 
    Duck 41°F (5°C)

Should I visit Miami or Duck in the Spring?

Both Duck and Miami during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Miami for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Duck in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Miami is much warmer than Duck in the spring. The daily temperature in Miami averages around 75°F (24°C) in April, and Duck fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

In Duck, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Miami. In the spring, Miami often gets more sunshine than Duck. Miami gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Duck receives 253 hours of full sun.

Miami usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Duck. Miami gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Duck receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Miami 75°F (24°C) 
    Duck 59°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Duck and Miami

Miami Duck
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 67°F (20°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 41°F (5°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Feb 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Mar 72°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Apr 75°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
May 79°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm) 67°F (19°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm) 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Jul 83°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 78°F (26°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm) 78°F (25°C) 5 inches (127 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm)
Oct 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 62°F (16°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Nov 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Dec 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)