A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Miami vs. Grand Canyon National Park for Food, Resorts, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Miami or Grand Canyon National Park?

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 Grand Canyon National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Miami

Miami is a high energy, glamorous, and exciting beach city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and beaches.

Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is a gorgeous, striking, and breathtaking national park. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for hiking.

Miami and Grand Canyon National Park: 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 students
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the sunset views
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Not as many resort options


Is there more to do in Miami or Grand Canyon National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Miami. Although Miami and Grand Canyon National Park are both popular with visitors, Miami has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Miami is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Grand Canyon National Park is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Miami is popular for its long sandy beaches, glitzy nightlife scene, diverse cultures, and award-winning restaurants. It is also home to South Beach. Grand Canyon National Park is popular for its iconic beauty, layers of color, breathtaking sunsets, and world-renowned geological history.

How is Miami different from Grand Canyon National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is the Food Better in Miami or Grand Canyon National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Miami
Grand Canyon National Park

Miami is renowned for its restaurants. However, Grand Canyon National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Miami, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Grand Canyon National Park. There are several markets, restaurants, and cafes in the park but, in general, the options are expensive and not the best. If possible, bring your own food and plan for a picnic with a view.


Is Miami or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Nightlife?

Miami
Grand Canyon National Park

Miami is renowned for nightlife. However, Grand Canyon National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Grand Canyon National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Miami or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Music?

Miami
Grand Canyon National Park

Miami is renowned for live music. However, Grand Canyon National Park is not a live music destination.

Miami is known as a music capital around the world. Popular live music venues include Ball and Chain, Cafe La Trova, Flamingo Theater Bar.

Grand Canyon National Park is not a live music destination.

Is Miami or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Resorts?

Miami
Grand Canyon National Park

Miami is renowned for its luxury resorts. Also, Grand Canyon National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

Vacationers flock to Miami for its luxury resorts. 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, Grand Canyon National Park makes a nice vacation spot. There are several options within and near the park that range from luxury to affordable. Reservations should be made well in advance for most hotels within the park. Bright Angel Lodge, El Tovar Hotel, Grand Canyon Lodge (North Rim) and Phantom Ranch are all unique places to stay.


Is Miami or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Beaches?

Miami
Grand Canyon National Park

Miami is renowned for its beaches. However, Grand Canyon National Park is not a beach destination.

Miami offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around 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.

Grand Canyon National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Miami or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Hiking?

Miami
Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Miami is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Grand Canyon National Park. Hiking options at the Grand Canyon include an easy walk along the rim or a hike into the canyon. If you're planning to enjoy a view from the rim and then stroll along the rim walk, a day or two is plenty. Hiking into the canyon is a thrilling experience, but it does require more preparation and planning. You should also check out the weather before you depart as temperatures within the canyon can become dangerously hot.

Miami is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Miami or Grand Canyon National Park?

Miami
Grand Canyon National Park

Miami is renowned for shopping. However, Grand Canyon National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Miami. 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.

Grand Canyon National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Miami or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Families?

Miami
Grand Canyon National Park

Miami is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Grand Canyon National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Miami is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Grand Canyon National Park. This park is a spectacular landmark with a number of nature programs that kids can enjoy. There's also a simple rim walk along the edge of the canyon that is perfect for little legs.

Is Miami or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Couples?

Miami
Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is an amazing national park to visit for romance. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Grand Canyon National Park has plenty to offer. Couples who enjoy beauty, nature, and adventure will appreciate a visit to this park. There are amazing hikes and breathtaking views that make this a truly romantic destination. There are also several hotels and lodges that make for a truly romantic getaway (book well in advance!).

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.

Is Miami or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Miami
Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is an amazing national park to visit for backpackers. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Grand Canyon National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers and budget travelers can take in one of America's most notable landmarks while camping at the large and affordable national park campground.

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 Grand Canyon National Park Better for Students?

Miami
Grand Canyon National Park

Miami is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Grand Canyon National Park is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Miami. Spring break in Miami is the stuff of legends.

Grand Canyon National Park is not popular with students.

Is Miami or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Miami
Grand Canyon National Park

Miami is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Grand Canyon National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Grand Canyon National Park. There are free shuttle buses that run along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Is Miami or Grand Canyon National Park a more walkable city?

Miami
Grand Canyon National Park

Miami is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Grand Canyon National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Miami is very walkable. 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.

Grand Canyon National Park is a somewhat walkable place. There's a nice rim walk that is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll, but to reach many parts of the park you'll want to have a car or plan to take some form of transit.


For even more information, also check out Is Miami Worth Visiting? and Is Grand Canyon National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Grand Canyon National Park or Miami?

How long in Miami or Grand Canyon National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Miami or Grand Canyon National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Grand Canyon National Park due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Miami, and 1-4 days is enough time in Grand Canyon National Park.

Families should spend more time in Miami than Grand Canyon National Park. 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 Grand Canyon National Park. 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 Grand Canyon National Park 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 Grand Canyon National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Miami 7 
    Grand Canyon National Park 1-4

One day in Miami or Grand Canyon National Park?

Each neighborhood in Miami has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Grand Canyon National Park, many people enjoy the that this striking destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Miami or Grand Canyon National Park?

The big city destination of Miami offers nightlife and live music. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Grand Canyon National Park. 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 Grand Canyon National Park?

Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Miami. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. This beach city offers something for everyone.

Grand Canyon National Park is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Grand Canyon National Park. 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 Grand Canyon National Park?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the beach city of Miami. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find around the breathtaking destination of Grand Canyon National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Grand Canyon National Park 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 Grand Canyon National Park is $168. 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 Grand Canyon National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Miami $132
    Grand Canyon National Park $89
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Miami $264
    Grand Canyon National Park $178
Compare Hotels in Miami and Grand Canyon National Park

Looking for a hotel in Miami or Grand Canyon National Park? 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 Grand Canyon National Park


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 Grand Canyon National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Miami $38
    Grand Canyon National Park $43
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:

  • Transfers Airports Miami, Ft. Lauderdale Port Mía Everglades: $25
  • Transfer from Miami Hotel or Miami Port to Fort Lauderdale Airport or Hotel: $199
  • Transfer from Miami Airport to Miami Hotel or Miami Port: $160
  • Shared Tour in Miami with Transfer: $170
  • Round Trip Motorcoach Transfer to Key West from Miami: $245
  • Private transfer from Miami hotel to Port of Miami: $160
  • Private Transfer: Miami International Airport (MIA) to Miami Beach : $69
  • Private Transfer from Miami Hotels to Miami International Airport: $120
  • Private Transfer from Miami Airport to any Hotels Downtown Miami: $99
  • Private Transfer from Miami Airport to Hotel or Port of Miami: $35
  • Private Transfer from Miami Airport (MIA) to Miami hotels/beach: $140
  • Private Transfer To/From Miami Intl Airport & Port of Miami: $98

Is it cheaper to fly into Miami or Grand Canyon National Park?

Prices for flights to both Grand Canyon National Park 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
    Grand Canyon National Park $49
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
    Grand Canyon National Park $35

Tours and Activities in Miami

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

  • 30 Minute- Ocean Drive Segway Tour: $42
  • Cultural Brunch Experience in Miami: $75
  • Miami Beach Art Deco Tour with Cocktails: $75
  • Miami's Most Authentic Walking Tour of Little Havana: $39
  • 1 Day Key West Tour from Miami Florida: $175
  • 1 Hour Jet Ski Experience in Miami Beach Florida: $95
  • 1 Hour Star Island Segway Tour: $74
  • 1HR Boat Tour Around Miami Celebrities Mansion: $65
  • 2 Hours Private Walking Tour in Miami Beach: $273
  • 2 hrs Miami Private Boat Tour with Cooler, Ice, Bluetooth Stereo: $75
  • 2-Day Key West and Miami South Beach Tour: $100
  • 2-Hour Miami Beach Electric Bike Tour: $80

Tours and Activities in Grand Canyon National Park

For Grand Canyon National Park, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Grand Canyon South & East Rim Self-Driving, Walking & Shuttling Tour: $17
  • Grand Canyon and Sedona Self-Guided Driving Tour Bundle: $25
  • Ultimate Arizona Self-Guided Driving and Walking Tour Bundle: $30
  • Take a Scottsdale/Valley Tour in a Retro Party Bus - Old Town/Scottsdale: $69
  • Ultimate American Southwest Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle: $85
  • Grand Canyon Signature Hummer Tour with Optional Sunset Views: $121
  • Grand Entrance Grand Canyon Tour - Pink Jeep: $122
  • 3 Hour Off-Road Sunset Safari to Grand Canyon with Entrance Gate Detour : $123
  • Desert View Grand Canyon Tour - Pink Jeep: $143
  • 4 Hour Grand Canyon Biblical Creation Morning Rim Tour: $149
  • 4-Hour Biblical Creation + Sunset Tour • Grand Canyon National Park South Rim: $149
  • Hermits Rest Hiking Tour from Tusayan: $165

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Miami $22
    Grand Canyon National Park $11
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


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

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