Which place is cheaper, Las Vegas or Miami?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Miami or Las Vegas?
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 Las Vegas 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. It's also known for live music, food, and beaches.
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a sexy, glamourous, and ritzy entertainment capital. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.
Miami and Las Vegas: Pros and Cons
Miami
Pros- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Popular beach
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Big city activities
Las Vegas
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Numerous theater shows
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Good for couples and romance
- Big city activities
- Home to the Strip
- Less family-friendly
- Less popular with backpackers
Is there more to do in Miami or Las Vegas?
Travelers will usually find more to do in Las Vegas than Miami, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Las Vegas is more popular for its museums and theatre productions, while Miami is known for its beaches and big city activities. Miami is popular for its long sandy beaches, glitzy nightlife scene, diverse cultures, and award-winning restaurants. Las Vegas is popular for its magnificent resorts, world-class nightlife, all-you-can-eat buffets, and long running productions. It is also home to The Strip.
How is Miami different from Las Vegas?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas?
Miami
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Miami does not have museums and landmarks.
Many visitors head to Las Vegas specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Just wander along the Strip and pop in to any of the hotels to see what makes this city unique. There are many replicas of iconic landmarks around the world including the Venetian canals and the Eiffel Tower. You can also check out the Mob Museum, the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, and the Neon Museum.
Miami does not have museums and landmarks.
Is Miami or Las Vegas Better for Theater?
Miami
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is an amazing entertainment capital to visit for theatre. However, Miami is not a theatre destination.
The theater scene in Las Vegas is world-class. Long running shows along with traveling Broadway productions make the theater scene here diverse and entertaining.
Miami is not a theatre destination.
Is the Food Better in Miami or Las Vegas? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Miami
Las Vegas
Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Miami and Las Vegas can be difficult as they are each first-rate in their own way.
Miami has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.
Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Las Vegas is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It has become famous for it's all-you-can-eat buffets, which you'll find in almost every hotel along the strip. To fully experience the sin of gluttony, head for one of the more luxurious hotels, which have the more expensive, but also higher quality buffets. Celebrity chefs have also opened many five star restaurants around town that you must try.
Is Miami or Las Vegas Better for Nightlife?
Miami
Las Vegas
Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Miami and Las Vegas.
Miami has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.
Las Vegas is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. From posh dance clubs to glitzy cocktail bars, its nightlife scene puts this city on the map. Many people forget to sleep here, whether they're gambling away their money, checking out a world class show, or partying in one of the many clubs.
Is Miami or Las Vegas Better for Music?
Miami
Las Vegas
Live music enthusiatsts will find something to enjoy in either Miami or Las Vegas.
Miami is a world class music destination. Popular live music venues include Ball and Chain, Cafe La Trova, Flamingo Theater Bar.
With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Las Vegas. There are a number of long running shows as well as frequent musicians that pass through. There are also free live concerts and music festivals throughout the year.
Is Miami or Las Vegas Better for Resorts?
Miami
Las Vegas
Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Miami and Las Vegas.
If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Miami is a perfect 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.
Las Vegas offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Along the strip you'll find world class resorts with casinos, shops, theaters, and all kinds of entertainment venues. Many resorts have a detailed décor that immerses you in an ambiance that unique from the world outside. Top rated resorts include the Bellagio, the Wynn, and Park MGM.
Is Miami or Las Vegas Better for Beaches?
Miami
Las Vegas
Miami is very popular for its beaches. However, Las Vegas 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.
Las Vegas is not a beach destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Miami or Las Vegas?
Miami
Las Vegas
Shopping is a popular activity in both Las Vegas and Miami.
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.
Known for shopping, Las Vegas draws large crowds to its stores. The city's shopping scene combines high end brands with a style that is uniquely Las Vegas. Many hotels have their own malls or shopping areas where you can buy designer names or visit flagship stores.
Is Miami or Las Vegas Better for Families?
Miami
Las Vegas
Miami is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for its kid-friendly activities.
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.
Las Vegas is not always a place people visit with their families. The city is more known for its adult entertainment options than as a family-friendly destination, but there are good kid-friendly activities around town including kid-oriented shows, the Fun Dungeon in the Excalibur, and thrilling rides that are great for all ages.
Is Miami or Las Vegas Better for Couples?
Miami
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is an amazing entertainment capital to visit for romance. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.
For those traveling as a couple, Las Vegas has plenty to offer. The city has become a mecca for weddings - whether impromptu or luxuriously planned out. With it's glamourous resorts and wide variety of entertainment options, couples can enjoy a fun-filled visit here.
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 Las Vegas Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Miami
Las Vegas
Miami is a good destination for backpackers. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for backpackers and budget travelers.
Plenty of backpackers 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.
Las Vegas is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most visitors are not backpackers, but for those who want to experience the hype while sticking to a budget, there are a handful of hostels around town.
Is Miami or Las Vegas Better for Students?
Miami
Las Vegas
Miami is a good destination for students. However, Las Vegas is not popular with students.
Miami is a good beach city to visit for students. Spring break in Miami is the stuff of legends.
Las Vegas is not popular with students.
Is Miami or Las Vegas Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Miami
Las Vegas
Miami is a good destination for its public transit. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital 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 Las Vegas. Many visitors use the Monorail to get around the Strip and the touristy areas. There's also a bus system that travels throughout the city.
Is Miami or Las Vegas a more walkable city?
Miami
Las Vegas
Miami is notable for its walkability. Also, Las Vegas is not as famous, but is still a good entertainment capital to visit 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.
Las Vegas is a somewhat walkable place. The area around The Strip is very walkable and pedestrian-friendly. In this area you can access many restaurants, hotels, and casinos.
For even more information, also check out Is Miami Worth Visiting? and Is Las Vegas Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Las Vegas or Miami?
How long in Miami or Las Vegas?
Both Miami and Las Vegas have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Las Vegas than in Miami. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Miami, and 2-7 days is enough time in Las Vegas.
Families should spend more time in Miami than Las Vegas. 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 Las Vegas than Miami. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Las Vegas that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Miami than Las Vegas 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.
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How many days in Miami or Las Vegas? Ideal Length of StayMiami 7Las Vegas 2-7
One day in Miami or Las Vegas?
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 Las Vegas, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this glamourous big city offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This entertainment capital 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 Las Vegas?
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 Las Vegas. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 Las Vegas?
Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the glamorous 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.
Las Vegas is a fun place to experience. In Las Vegas, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this big city destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.
A week in Miami or Las Vegas?
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.
In Las Vegas, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this colorful big city offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMiami $206Las Vegas $310
The average daily cost (per person) in Miami is $206, while the average daily cost in Las Vegas is $310. 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 Las Vegas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMiami $132Las Vegas $158
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMiami $264Las Vegas $316
Compare Hotels in Miami and Las Vegas
Looking for a hotel in Miami or Las Vegas? 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.
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 Las Vegas Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Miami $38Las Vegas $53
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Miami
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Miami are as follows:
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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: $20
- Miami International Airport: One-Way Transfer to Miami: $24
- Transfers Airports Miami, Ft. Lauderdale Port Mía Everglades: $25
- 50 min Everglades Airboat, Photo & Transfer: $33
- Private Transfer from Miami Airport to Hotel or Port of Miami: $35
- From Everglades Wildlife Show, Airboat & Bus Transfer: $40
- Miami or Ft Lauderdale: Train Transfer to Orlando Airport: $44
- Miami Int'l Airport: Private 1-Way Transfer to Miami Port: $48
- From Everglades Airboat, Wildlife Show & Bus Transfer: $55
- Private One Way Transfer: Miami Airport (MIA) to/from Miami: $55
- Everglades Airboat, Wildlife Experience with roundtrip transfer: $59
- Key West Transfer with Hotel Pickup and Upgrades: $60
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Las Vegas
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Las Vegas are as follows:
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24 Hr Bus Pass$15
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24 hrs Deuce Bus$7.00
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Taxi from Airport to the Strip$36
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Las Vegas
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Las Vegas:
- Arrival Private Transfer from Las Vegas Airport to Las Vegas by electric vehicle: $87
- Arrival Private Transfer: Las Vegas Airport LAS to Las Vegas in Business Car: $202
- Arrival Private Transfer: Las Vegas Airport LAS to Las Vegas in Luxury Car: $143
- Arrival Private Transfer: Las Vegas Airport LAS to Las Vegas in Luxury Van: $130
- Departure Private Transfer: Las Vegas to Las Vegas Airport LAS in Business Car: $202
- Departure Private Transfer: Las Vegas to Las Vegas Airport LAS in Luxury Van: $130
- Departure Private Transfer: Las Vegas to Las Vegas Airport by electric vehicle: $82
- Departure Transfer: Las Vegas to Airport LAS in Luxury SUV: $145
- From Las Vegas Airport - Transfer to Hotel: $95
- From Las Vegas Hotel - Transfer to Airport: $95
- From Nellis Dunes ATV Tour with Shuttle Transfer: $200
- Lake Las Vegas to Las Vegas Airport (LAS) - Departure Transfer: $52
Is it cheaper to fly into Miami or Las Vegas?
Prices for flights to both Las Vegas 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
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Food Meals for one dayMiami $41Las Vegas $80
Typical Food Prices in Miami
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Miami:
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Lunch with Drinks (for 2)$45
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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
Typical Food Prices in Las Vegas
Some typical examples of dining costs in Las Vegas are as follows:
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Coffee$5.00
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Deep Fried Twinkie$1.07
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Chocolate Dip Banana$1.07
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Gelato$5.95
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Las Vegas
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Las Vegas.
- Half-Day Private Manila Food Tour: True Philippine Experience: $40
- Guest Artists Chuck Wagon Dinner Show in Henderson: $49
- Chuck Wagon Dinner and Show at the Firelight Barn in Henderson: $49
- Manila Night Market and Food tour experience with Mari: $62
- Manila Chinatown Food Tour Experience : $65
- Manila A Walking Food Tour in the Downtown, Eat and Drink: $70
- Makati Street Food tour Experience with Mari: $73
- Manila Filipino Cooking Class: Meryenda Favorites: $75
- Tournament of Kings Dinner and Show at Excalibur Hotel and Casino: $78
- Las Vegas Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $80
- Market Tour and Provincial Filipino Cooking Class in the Countryside: $88
- Private Filipino cooking class in a local Manila Home: $90
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Miami $31Las Vegas $78
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Las Vegas
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Las Vegas are as follows:
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Wedding Chapel$139
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Atomic Testing Museum (two people)$12
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Gondola Ride (4 person)$64
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Monorail Ride$5.00
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NY NY Rollercoaster$14
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Circus Circus Adventure Dome Day Pass$26
Tours and Activities in Las Vegas
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Las Vegas are as follows:
- Self-Guided Red Rock Canyon Audio Driving Tour: $8.99
- Red Rock Canyon: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
- Hoover Dam & Lake Mead: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
- Las Vegas’ Glitter Gulch, Ghosts and Gangsters: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
- Las Vegas Strip: Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Dowtown Las Vegas: $10
- Hoover Dam: Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $12
- Self-Guided Sightseeing Highlights Digital Tour: $13
- Hoover Dam and Lake Mead Audio-Guided Tour: $14
- Audio Driving Tour: Grand Canyon West, Hoover Dam Red Rock Canyon: $15
- Vegas Highlights: Neon Lights & Desert - Audio Driving Tour: $15
- Hoover Dam Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour Guide: $15
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMiami $22Las Vegas $55
Typical Alcohol Prices in Miami
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Miami are as follows:
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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 Las Vegas
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Las Vegas:
- Mobsters, Casinos, and Speaky Bar Crawl: $36
- Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl (party bus add-on option): $36
- Zombie Burlesque at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino: $50
- Zombie Burlesque Comedy Musical Show Ticket: $50
- Fremont Street Party Bus and Bar Crawl: $50
- Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl : $50
- Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl: $50
- Las Vegas Country Bar Crawl by Party Bus w/ Free Drinks: $59
- Fantasy Burlesque Show at Luxor Hotel & Casino: $61
- Nightclub and Bar Crawl with Party Bus and Drinks: $69
- Fremont Street Bar Crawl : $70
- Fremont Street-Old Vegas Bar Crawl: $70
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Miami and Las Vegas, we can see that Las Vegas is more expensive. And not only is Miami much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Miami would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Miami 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 Las Vegas would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Las Vegas than you might in Miami.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Miami Expensive? and Is Las Vegas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Miami or Las Vegas?
Las Vegas has a larger population, and is about 25% larger than the population of Miami. When comparing the sizes of Miami and Las Vegas, 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.