A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Miami vs. Galveston for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Miami or Galveston?

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

Where Should I go: Miami or Galveston?

Miami

Miami is a popular tourist destination and a modern city in South Florida. It has beautiful white beaches, crystal blue waters, cosmopolitan neighborhoods, impressive shopping, and excellent dining opportunities. It is also a gateway to the Florida Keys, which is another popular destination in South Florida.

Miami is the second most populated city in Florida and the metropolitan area is the most populated in the state with more than 5.4 million people. It's also the 7th largest metro area in the country. The city sits between the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Everglades to the west. It covers 110 miles north to south but is a narrow 20 miles east to west.

Miami sits at a low latitude, giving it a subtropical savannah climate. There are two seasons; the warm and dry season between November and April and the hot and wet season between May and October. The coldest months are between December and March when highs are in the upper 70 or low 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The summer months have highs in the upper 80s or 90s and lows in the mid 70s with high humidity.

Galveston

Located on Galveston Island off the Texas Gulf Coast, Galveston is a popular destination for Texans and a departure point for cruise ships. It also makes a great beach destination for anyone looking to enjoy a week or weekend.

Galveston is a popular destination during the summer months, but the warm climate makes it comfortable year round. Even during the winter months you can enjoy mild temperatures, although on occasion it can have a cold spell.

Which city is cheaper, Galveston or Miami?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Miami is $164, while the average daily cost in Galveston is $147. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Miami and Galveston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Miami $105
    Galveston $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Miami $210
    Galveston $128
Compare Hotels in Miami and Galveston

Looking for a hotel in Miami or Galveston? 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 Galveston


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 Galveston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Miami $30
    Galveston $28
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:

  • Roundtrip transfer from Miami International Airport to Key West: $1,500
  • Private Transfer from Miami Cruise Port to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $913
  • Private Transfer from Miami Airport to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $913
  • Private Transfer from Miami City to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $913
  • Private Transfer from Miami City to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $871
  • Private Transfer from Miami Cruise Port to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $871
  • Private Transfer from Miami Airport to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $871
  • Private Miami to Orlando Transfer for up to 11 - One Price - Mercedes Sprinter: $799
  • Private Transfer from Miami Cruise Port to Port Canaveral: $790
  • Private Transfer from Miami City to Port Canaveral: $790
  • Private Transfer from Miami Airport to Port Canaveral: $790
  • Transfer from Miami Beach to Orlando: $780

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Galveston

Also for Galveston, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Galveston Port to Houston Airport Transfer: $432

Is it cheaper to fly into Miami or Galveston?

Prices for flights to both Galveston 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 $33
    Galveston $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 Street Food Tours: $61
  • Haitian Cooking Experience: $85
  • Private Little Havana Cuban Food Tour: $99
  • Private VIP Historical Citywide Food Tour: $159

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Miami $25
    Galveston $12

Tours and Activities in Miami

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

  • "Cigar Factory Tour": $35
  • 1 Hour Private Helicopter Tour of Miami and South Florida: $518
  • 1-Day Key West Tour ( Miami Departure ) ( MIA1-B ): $138
  • 1-Day Miami+Everglades Naitonal Park Tour ( Miami Departure )( MIA1-A ): $80
  • 1/2 Hour Jet Ski Island Adventure: $5.00
  • 10-Day Surf Adventure from Brisbane to Sydney Including Coffs Harbour, Byron Bay and Gold Coast: $2,371
  • 2 Hour Cycle Boat Tour: $50
  • 2-hour boat tour with Aquarius Boat Rental: $195
  • 3 Hour Private Sunset Sailboat Tour for up to 6 Complimentary beverages, snacks: $550
  • 3-hour tour with Aquarius Boat Rental: $248
  • 3.5-Hour Ultimate Learn to Surf Adventure: $35
  • 30 Minute Private Luxury Helicopter Sightseeing Tour of Miami: $299

Tours and Activities in Galveston

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Galveston.

  • Galveston Ghosts Walking Tour: $8.00
  • Spooky Strand Ghost Tour: $8.00
  • Al's Galveston Ghost Tour: $9.99
  • Galveston Ghost Tour: $10
  • Ghost On the Strand Ghost Tour: $10
  • Historic Galveston Ghost Tour: $10
  • Storm on the Strand Ghost Tour: $13
  • Galveston Island Ghost Tour: $13
  • Dolphin Sightseeing Tour in Galveston with a Guide: $15
  • Great! Galveston Ghost Tour: $16
  • Historic Galveston Red Light District Tour: $19
  • Galveston's Haunted Cemetery Walking Tour: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Miami $18
    Galveston $30
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:

  • Making Your Own Gin Distillery Tour and Tasting Experience: $190

Sample the Local Flavors in Galveston

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

  • Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30

About these numbers

When comparing the travel costs between Miami and Galveston, 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.


When is the best time to visit Miami or Galveston?

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 Galveston in the Summer?

Both Galveston and Miami during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Miami because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Miami is around the same temperature as Galveston. Typically, the summer temperatures in Miami in July are around 83°F (28°C), and Galveston is about 84°F (29°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Miami. Miami usually gets more rain in July than Galveston. Miami gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Miami 83°F (28°C) 
    Galveston 84°F (29°C)

Should I visit Miami or Galveston in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Miami and Galveston. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Miami this time of year.

In October, Miami is generally a little warmer than Galveston. Temperatures in Miami average around 78°F (26°C), and Galveston stays around 71°F (22°C).

Miami gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Miami usually receives more rain than Galveston. Miami gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Miami 78°F (26°C) 
    Galveston 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Miami or Galveston in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Miami as well as Galveston. Many travelers come to Miami for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Miami is much warmer than Galveston in the winter. The temperature in Miami is usually 67°F (20°C) in January, and Galveston stays around 52°F (11°C).

Miami usually gets less rain in January than Galveston. Miami gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Miami 67°F (20°C) 
    Galveston 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Miami or Galveston in the Spring?

Both Galveston and Miami are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Miami in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Miami is a little warmer than Galveston. Typically, the spring temperatures in Miami in April are around 75°F (24°C), and Galveston is about 70°F (21°C).

In April, Miami usually receives more rain than Galveston. Miami gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Miami 75°F (24°C) 
    Galveston 70°F (21°C)

Typical Weather for Galveston and Miami

Miami Galveston
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 67°F (20°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 52°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Feb 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 55°F (13°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Mar 72°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Apr 75°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 70°F (21°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
May 79°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm) 76°F (25°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm) 81°F (27°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
Jul 83°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 84°F (29°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm) 83°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm) 80°F (27°C) 5.6 inches (141 mm)
Oct 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 71°F (22°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm)
Nov 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 63°F (17°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Dec 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)


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Miami vs. Galveston Travel Comparison

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