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

Should you visit Miami or Flagstaff?

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

Miami

Miami is a bustling, high energy, and glamorous beach city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include nightlife, live music, and food.

Flagstaff

Flagstaff is a picturesque, active, and adventurous city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Miami and Flagstaff: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Miami or Flagstaff?

You'll generally find more things to do in Miami than Flagstaff. Miami is bigger than Flagstaff, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Miami is better known for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Flagstaff is more popular for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. Miami is more touristy than Flagstaff and is known for its long sandy beaches, glitzy nightlife scene, diverse cultures, and award-winning restaurants. Also, Miami is famous for South Beach. Flagstaff is well known for its nearby craters and volcanic caves as well as its location along the historic Route 66.

How is Miami different from Flagstaff?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Miami
Flagstaff

Flagstaff is very good for its museums and landmarks. However, Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

Flagstaff is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Lowell Observatory is a highlight for many visitors, especially those who are fascinated by space. There's also the Museum of Northern Arizona, the Pioneer Museum, and Fort Tuthill Military History Museum.

Miami does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Miami
Flagstaff

Miami is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Flagstaff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Flagstaff. The food scene is diverse and growing. There's a focus on local recipes and ingredients. You'll also find many casual and family-friendly restaurants. American cuisine is common, but you'll also find burritos, Indian curries, and frittatas.

Is Miami or Flagstaff Better for Nightlife?

Miami
Flagstaff

Miami is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Flagstaff is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Miami is a world class 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Flagstaff has a few options to choose from. You'll find a range of bars and cocktail lounges around town that come to life in the evening hours.

Is Miami or Flagstaff Better for Music?

Miami
Flagstaff

Miami is a must-visit destination for its music scene. However, Flagstaff is not a live music destination.

In Miami you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Popular live music venues include Ball and Chain, Cafe La Trova, Flamingo Theater Bar.

Flagstaff is not a live music destination.


Is Miami or Flagstaff Better for Resorts?

Miami
Flagstaff

Miami is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Flagstaff is not a resort destination.

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.

Flagstaff is not a resort destination.

Is Miami or Flagstaff Better for Beaches?

Miami
Flagstaff

Miami is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Flagstaff is not a beach destination.

Miami is considered to be a world-class beach 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.

Flagstaff is not a beach destination.

Is Miami or Flagstaff Better for Hiking?

Miami
Flagstaff

Flagstaff is an amazing city to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Miami is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Flagstaff specifically for its hiking. Nearby you'll find world class hikes through surreal landscapes and diverse environments. The area is filled with desert landscapes and varied rock formations that are best explored on foot. Trails range in length and skill level, but whatever your ability, the hiking in the area is among the best.

Miami is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Miami or Flagstaff?

Miami
Flagstaff

Miami is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Flagstaff is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Miami is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Flagstaff. Located along historic Route 66, you'll find many shops that capture the city's history, particularly in the Southside Historic District. The town also has farmer's markets as well as shopping centers and large malls.

Is Miami or Flagstaff Better for Families?

Miami
Flagstaff

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Miami or Flagstaff.

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, Flagstaff is very family-friendly. The city is filled with outdoor activities for kids like ropes courses and adventure parks. Kids will also enjoy climbing around the Lava River Cave, visiting Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, or hiking through the many diverse landscapes in the area. There are also museums that educate visitors on the city's history as well as Lowell Observatory, which will intrigue all the space enthusiasts among us.

Is Miami or Flagstaff Better for Couples?

Miami
Flagstaff

Miami is well known for couples. Also, Flagstaff is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Flagstaff is a nice destination for couples. Hiking and outdoor adventure sports make this city a good destination for couples who enjoy active living. There are many parks that you can visit as well as hiking trails and unique natural settings.


Is Miami or Flagstaff Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Miami
Flagstaff

Flagstaff 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 Flagstaff. There are campgrounds nearby as well as tons of nature parks and countless hiking trails in the area.

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 Miami or Flagstaff Better for Students?

Miami
Flagstaff

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

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

Flagstaff is not popular with students.

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

Miami
Flagstaff

Miami is a beach city with good options for its public transit. However, Flagstaff is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Flagstaff. The Mountain Line offers eight routes through town.


Is Miami or Flagstaff a more walkable city?

Miami
Flagstaff

Miami is well known for its ease of walking around. Also, Flagstaff is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Flagstaff is somewhat walkable. The downtown is compact and walkable, but you'll really want to have a car to explore the nearby hiking trails and natural areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Flagstaff or Miami?

How long in Miami or Flagstaff?

It's fun to spend time in either Miami or Flagstaff. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Flagstaff 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 Flagstaff.

Families should spend more time in Miami than Flagstaff. 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 Flagstaff. 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 Flagstaff 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 Flagstaff? Ideal Length of Stay
    Miami 7 
    Flagstaff 2-4

One day in Miami or Flagstaff?

People visit Miami because there is so much to do. 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.

In Flagstaff, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this active destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. 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 Flagstaff?

People visit Miami because there is so much to do. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This beach city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Flagstaff. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Flagstaff?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the exciting beach city of Miami. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Flagstaff is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Flagstaff. Lots of people come for the hiking. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Miami or Flagstaff?

Miami is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find food and shopping around the picturesque destination of Flagstaff. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Flagstaff 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 Flagstaff is $166. 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 Flagstaff in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Miami $132
    Flagstaff $86
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Miami $264
    Flagstaff $172
Compare Hotels in Miami and Flagstaff

Looking for a hotel in Miami or Flagstaff? 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 Flagstaff


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 Flagstaff Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Miami $38
    Flagstaff $37
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:

  • Miami Airport and Port of Miami transfers, Limo Service in Miami: $120
  • All Inclusive Miami Pass with Airport Transfer: $119
  • Door to Door Shuttle Transfer from Miami to Orlando: $80
  • Everglades Airboat, Wildlife Experience with roundtrip transfer: $59
  • Everglades Holiday Park Airboat Ride with Roundtrip Transfer: $70
  • Everglades National Park & Airboat tour with Roundtrip Transfer: $70
  • From Miami - Private Transfer from Miami Hotels to Airport: $265
  • From Miami Airport - Private Transfer to Hotels and Homes: $265
  • From Miami Beach: Roundtrip Bimini Ferry and Hotel Transfers: $289
  • From Everglades Airboat, Wildlife Show & Bus Transfer: $55
  • From Everglades Wildlife Show, Airboat & Bus Transfer: $40
  • MIA: Transfer to Miami Beach, Aventura, Coral Gables: $150

Is it cheaper to fly into Miami or Flagstaff?

Prices for flights to both Flagstaff 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
    Flagstaff $55
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
  • A Taste of South Beach Food Tour: $70
  • South Beach Food Tour: $70
  • Taste of Little Havana Food Tour in Miami with Cuban Street Food: $75
  • Food Tour of Miami's South Beach: $79
  • Mango's Dinner and Show Ticket: $98
  • Mango's Tropical Cafe Dinner & Show: $98
  • Miami Dinner Party w/ Night Club Experience: $100
  • Guided Small Group Little Havana Food Tour: $124
  • 3 Hour Regional Indian Cooking Class and Dining Experience in Miami: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Miami $31
    Flagstaff $28

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 : $5.97
  • Little Havana Smartphone guided Audio App Solo Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Haunted Self-Guided Smartphone Audio Driving Tour: $7.27
  • Miami Beach: Self-Guided Walking Tour With Audio Guide: $7.27
  • Sights of Downtown a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $7.99
  • Private Sightseeing Audio Walking Tour in Miami Beach: $7.99
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Miami: $8.72
  • Miami Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Big Cypress National Preserve Audio Tour Guide: $9.99
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Miami by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - Little Havana: $10
  • Audio Tour of Downtown, South Beach, and Wynwood: $11

Tours and Activities in Flagstaff

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

  • Full-Day Grand Canyon South Rim Audio Driving Tour: $11
  • Grand Canyon South Rim: Self-Guided GPS Audio Tour: $11
  • Grand Canyon South Rim: Audio Driving Tour: $12
  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour of Sedona: $13
  • Flagstaff, AZ: Murder Mystery Detective Experience: $15
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience Flagstaff, AZ: $15
  • Flagstaff Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Family Friendly Haunted Walking Tour: $25
  • Downtown Flagstaff Haunted History Tour: $28
  • Downtown Haunted History Walking Tour: $28
  • Mountain Town Of Madness, Original *Adult Only* Haunted Downtown Flagstaff Tour: $30
  • Flagstaff Ghosts Tour By Us Ghost Adventures: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Miami $22
    Flagstaff $29
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:

  • 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

Sample the Local Flavors in Flagstaff

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Flagstaff:

  • Spirits With The Spirits, Haunted Pub Crawl Of Downtown Flagstaff: $50
  • Haunted Pub Crawl with Guide: $50


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

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


Which is Bigger, Miami or Flagstaff?

Miami has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Flagstaff. When comparing the sizes of Miami and Flagstaff, 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.