A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Miami vs. Jekyll Island for Food, Resorts, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Miami or Jekyll Island?

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 Jekyll Island 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. It's also popular because of the nightlife, live music, and food.

Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island is a natural, relaxing, and secluded island. It's also known for beaches, hiking, and museums.

Miami and Jekyll Island: 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
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Not as many resort options
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Miami or Jekyll Island?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Miami than Jekyll Island, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Miami is better known for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Jekyll Island is more popular for its museums and hiking. Miami is more touristy than Jekyll Island and is popular for its long sandy beaches, glitzy nightlife scene, diverse cultures, and award-winning restaurants. Also, Miami is famous for South Beach. Jekyll Island is well known for its quiet beaches and its Historic District.

How is Miami different from Jekyll Island?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Miami
Jekyll Island

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

Jekyll Island is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Mosaic is the history museum on the island. The museum also offers historic tours of the area's sites. The Historic District is a popular place to visit with its well-maintained historic cottages and other structures.

Miami does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Miami
Jekyll Island

Miami is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

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.

Jekyll Island offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Many restaurants are casual with low country dishes or fried seafood. You'll find some brunch places as well as cafes and quick dining eateries around town.

Is Miami or Jekyll Island Better for Nightlife?

Miami
Jekyll Island

Miami is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Jekyll Island. There are sunset cruises, but otherwise the nightlife scene is quiet.

Is Miami or Jekyll Island Better for Music?

Miami
Jekyll Island

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

Miami has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Popular live music venues include Ball and Chain, Cafe La Trova, Flamingo Theater Bar.

Jekyll Island is not a live music destination.


Is Miami or Jekyll Island Better for Resorts?

Miami
Jekyll Island

Miami is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its resorts.

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.

Jekyll Island has a few resort options worth checking out. You'll mostly find mid-range hotels on the island.

Is Miami or Jekyll Island Better for Beaches?

Miami
Jekyll Island

Miami is a must-visit destination for the beach. Also, Jekyll Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

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.

Many people visit Jekyll Island for it's beautiful beaches. Unspoiled beaches are the biggest draw. Some areas are rocky, but the beaches are peaceful and perfect for walks if you want to get away from the crowds. Much of the island is a state park, so it's undeveloped and pristine.

Is Miami or Jekyll Island Better for Hiking?

Miami
Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Miami is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Jekyll Island. The state park has some trails that are nice. There are also beach walks, bike trails, and routes that take you through historic sites.

Miami is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Miami or Jekyll Island?

Miami
Jekyll Island

Miami is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for shopping.

Many people travel to Miami specifically to go shopping. 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.

Jekyll Island is a good destination for shopping. You'll find a few gift shops and boutiques, but in general, shopping options are limited.

Is Miami or Jekyll Island Better for Families?

Miami
Jekyll Island

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

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, Jekyll Island is very family-friendly. Kids will love climbing and playing at Driftwood Beach, which is like a natural playground. Animal lovers will enjoy dolphin cruises or a visit to a turtle hospital. There's also the standard beach activities like minigolf, bike rental, and tram tours.

Is Miami or Jekyll Island Better for Couples?

Miami
Jekyll Island

Miami is a very popular place for couples. Also, Jekyll Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Miami makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Jekyll Island is a nice destination for couples. There are several basic hotels as well as a few campgrounds. Couples will enjoy the beaches, but the island is small with limited activities and restaurant options. If you love natural scenery then this is a great destination, but there are fewer amenities than there are in many beach areas.


Is Miami or Jekyll Island Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Miami
Jekyll Island

Miami is a beach city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Miami is a good beach city to visit for backpackers. This city is large enough to have something for everyone, so you'll find several hostels in the area that bring in the backpackers.

Jekyll Island is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a few campgrounds in the area as well as some nice beaches.

Is Miami or Jekyll Island Better for Students?

Miami
Jekyll Island

Miami is a beach city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Jekyll Island is not popular with students.

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

Jekyll Island is not popular with students.

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

Miami
Jekyll Island

Miami is a beach city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Jekyll Island 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 limited or non-existant in Jekyll Island. There are bus and trolley tours, but public transportation is mostly non-existent.


Is Miami or Jekyll Island a more walkable city?

Miami
Jekyll Island

Miami is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options 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.

Jekyll Island is not a walkable beach city. Resources are spread out, so you really need a car to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Jekyll Island or Miami?

How long in Miami or Jekyll Island?

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

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

One day in Miami or Jekyll Island?

Miami is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Jekyll Island, many people enjoy the museums that this secluded destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This island 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 Jekyll Island?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Miami. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the diverse big city of Miami. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This beach city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

Jekyll Island is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Jekyll Island. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Miami or Jekyll Island?

You'll find live music and food around the beach city of Miami. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

You'll find museums around the natural destination of Jekyll Island. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Jekyll Island 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 Jekyll Island is $156. 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 Jekyll Island in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Miami $132
    Jekyll Island $88
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Miami $264
    Jekyll Island $176
Compare Hotels in Miami and Jekyll Island

Looking for a hotel in Miami or Jekyll Island? 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 Jekyll Island


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 Jekyll Island Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Miami $38
    Jekyll Island $41
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 from Miami Airport to any Miami and Miami Beach area: $145
  • 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 Port of Miami.: $170
  • Transfer from Miami Airport to Miami Hotel or Miami Port: $160
  • Transfer To/From Miami Airport or Port Miami.: $105
  • Shared Tour in Miami with Transfer: $170
  • Round Trip Motorcoach Transfer to Key West from Miami: $245
  • Private transfer from Port Miami to Miami Airport or Miami Hotel: $190
  • Private transfer from Miami hotel to Port of Miami: $160
  • Private Transfer from Miami Hotels to Miami International Airport: $120
  • Private Transfer from Miami Airport to Hotel or Port of Miami: $35

Is it cheaper to fly into Miami or Jekyll Island?

Prices for flights to both Jekyll Island 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
    Jekyll Island $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 Ultimate Food Tour : $64
  • 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
  • South Beach Food Tour: $70
  • Taste of Little Havana Food Tour in Miami with Cuban Street Food: $75
  • Little Havana Walking Food Tour: $75
  • 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
  • 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
    Jekyll Island $10

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
  • South Beach Top Highlights Tour with Lincoln Rd and Espanola Way: $39
  • South Beach Walking Tour- A Journey through Food and History: $67
  • 1 Hour Jet Ski Experience in Miami Beach Florida: $95
  • 1 Hour Lady Buggy Art Tour Experience in Wynwood: $160
  • 1 Hour Wynwood Street Art Tour: $45
  • 1-Hour Private Miami Photoshoot Experience: $65
  • 1HR Boat Tour Around Miami Celebrities Mansion: $65
  • 2 HR Miami Lights & Skyline Private Night Tour for up to 6 people: $299

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Miami $22
    Jekyll Island $6.43
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
  • 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 Jekyll Island, we can see that Miami is more expensive. And not only is Jekyll Island much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Jekyll Island would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Jekyll Island 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 Jekyll Island.

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



When is the best time to visit Miami or Jekyll Island?

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 Jekyll Island in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Miami as well as Jekyll Island. Many travelers come to Miami for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Jekyll Island in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Miami is generally around the same temperature as Jekyll Island. Daily temperatures in Miami average around 83°F (28°C), and Jekyll Island fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jekyll Island. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Miami this time of the year. In the summer, Miami often gets more sunshine than Jekyll Island. Miami gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jekyll Island receives 286 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Jekyll Island. Miami receives a lot of rain in the summer. Miami usually gets more rain in July than Jekyll Island. Miami gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Jekyll Island receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Miami 83°F (28°C) 
    Jekyll Island 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Miami or Jekyll Island in the Autumn?

Both Jekyll Island and Miami are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Miami in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, most visitors come to Jekyll Island for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

Miami is a little warmer than Jekyll Island in the autumn. The daily temperature in Miami averages around 78°F (26°C) in October, and Jekyll Island fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

It's quite sunny in Jekyll Island. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Miami. Miami usually receives more sunshine than Jekyll Island during autumn. Miami gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Jekyll Island receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Miami. In October, Miami usually receives more rain than Jekyll Island. Miami gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Jekyll Island receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Miami 78°F (26°C) 
    Jekyll Island 70°F (21°C)

Should I visit Miami or Jekyll Island in the Winter?

Both Jekyll Island and Miami during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Miami for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Jekyll Island because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Miami is much warmer than Jekyll Island. Typically, the winter temperatures in Miami in January average around 67°F (20°C), and Jekyll Island averages at about 53°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Miami. In the winter, Miami often gets more sunshine than Jekyll Island. Miami gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jekyll Island receives 191 hours of full sun.

Miami usually gets less rain in January than Jekyll Island. Miami gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Jekyll Island receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Miami 67°F (20°C) 
    Jekyll Island 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Miami or Jekyll Island in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Miami and Jekyll Island. The spring months attract visitors to Miami because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Jekyll Island this time of year.

In April, Miami is generally a little warmer than Jekyll Island. Daily temperatures in Miami average around 75°F (24°C), and Jekyll Island fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jekyll Island this time of the year. In Miami, it's very sunny this time of the year. Miami usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Jekyll Island during spring. Miami gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Jekyll Island receives 285 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Miami usually receives more rain than Jekyll Island. Miami gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Jekyll Island receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Miami 75°F (24°C) 
    Jekyll Island 68°F (20°C)

Typical Weather for Jekyll Island and Miami

Miami Jekyll Island
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 67°F (20°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Feb 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Mar 72°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Apr 75°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
May 79°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm) 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm)
Jul 83°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm) 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm) 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm)
Oct 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Nov 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Dec 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)