A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Miami vs. Los Angeles for Food, Nightlife, Music, and Resorts

Should you visit Miami or Los Angeles?

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 Los Angeles can help you decide which place is right for you.

Miami

Miami is a high energy, glamorous, and exciting 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 live music, food, and beaches.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a diverse, multicultural, and sprawling city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Miami and Los Angeles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Miami or Los Angeles?

You'll generally find more things to do in Los Angeles than Miami. Los Angeles is bigger than Miami, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Los Angeles is better known for its museums, theatre productions, scuba diving & snorkeling, and hiking, while Miami is more popular for its resorts. Miami is well known for its long sandy beaches, glitzy nightlife scene, diverse cultures, and award-winning restaurants. Los Angeles is well known for is many A-list celebrities, its world-famous clubs and venues, its glamourous beaches, and being the location of the iconic Hollywood. Also, Los Angeles is famous for Hollywood.

How is Miami different from Los Angeles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Los Angeles is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Los Angeles that are not to be missed. The city has an eclectic list of monuments and museums. Notable landmarks include the famous Hollywood sign, Griffith Observatory, the Getty Center, and the Petersen Automotive Museum.

Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Miami or Los Angeles Better for Theater?

Los Angeles is well known for theatre. However, Miami is not a theatre destination.

Los Angeles has a number of performance venues where you can see a variety of shows. While most people think of Hollywood when they think of LA, the city also has a thriving stage presence. Musicals and plays are popular throughout the city.

Miami is not a theatre destination.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Miami and Los Angeles 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, Los Angeles is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. As a huge and diverse city, there is no shortage of amazing food options around town. There are a wide range of cuisines represented and many different neighborhoods that specialize in specific types of food. Popular dishes around town include Cobb Salads, Mexican Tacos, and the French Dip Sandwich.

Is Miami or Los Angeles Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Miami and Los Angeles.

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.

Los Angeles is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The city's nightlife scene is as diverse as the city itself. There are glamorous clubs where you might spot a celebrity, as well as local dives with a more down-to-earth vibe. Some of the most famous clubs in the city include Academy, Avalon, and Boardner's.

Is Miami or Los Angeles Better for Music?

Live music enthusiatsts will find something to enjoy in either Miami or Los Angeles.

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 Los Angeles. Music, movies, and show business - it's all part of what Los Angeles is known for. Several famous music venues include The Greek Theatre, Whiskey a Go Go, and The Roxy Theatre.

Is Miami or Los Angeles Better for Resorts?

Miami is renowned for its luxury resorts. Also, Los Angeles 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.

Los Angeles is known as a popular and fun resort destination. The city is home to a number of high end resorts including The Beverly Hill Hotel, The Langham Huntington Pasadena, and The Ritz-Carlton.

Is Miami or Los Angeles Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Los Angeles is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Miami is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Los Angeles. The coastal setting means that there are a number of places where you can put on a mask and hop in the water. Popular snorkeling or diving spots near the city include Santa Catalina Island, Diver's Cove, and Crystal Cove State Park. Many visitors find the water to be a bit chili, but the wildlife is unique and beautiful.

Miami is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Miami or Los Angeles Better for Beaches?

Miami and Los Angeles are first-rate choices for a beach vacation.

With world-famous beaches, Miami is a very popular vacation 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.

The beaches in Los Angeles are among the best in the world. Ranging from beaches with stunning natural beauty to those with glamourous and fun atmospheres, this city has a number of beaches to choose from. There are many fun and high-energy urban beach settings, and there are also beaches that are lined with parks and offer a more natural environment. Some of the most popular are Santa Monica, Malibu, Huntington Beach, and Redondo Beach.

Is Miami or Los Angeles Better for Hiking?

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

Many people visit Los Angeles specifically for its hiking. In and around the city you'll find world class urban hiking with views of the mountains and the ocean. Some of the most well-known hikes include the Charlie Turner Trail to Mount Hollywood, Runyon Canyon, and the Sara Wan Trailhead at Corral Canyon.

Miami is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Miami or Los Angeles?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Los Angeles 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, Los Angeles draws large crowds to its stores. Although it's most famous for the high end shopping at Rodeo Drive, there are actually many different shopping venues throughout the city. Other famous shopping areas include Robertson Blvd and the Grove.

Is Miami or Los Angeles Better for Families?

Los Angeles is an amazing city to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Los Angeles is one of the most popular family destinations. With its many amusement parks, including nearby Disneyland, and its countless family-friendly parks and playgrounds, there is no shortage of things to do with kids around the city. Favorite activities include the amusement parks, exploring Venice Beach, a trip to the California Science Center, and taking a Warner Brothers Studio Tour.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Miami is very family-friendly. 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.

Is Miami or Los Angeles Better for Couples?

Los Angeles is an amazing city to visit for romance. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Los Angeles has plenty to offer. It is a large, sprawling city with tucked away romantic scenes that are perfect for a couple's getaway or a dream honeymoon. There are also trendy nightclubs, world-class restaurants, and high-energy beaches that make for iconic date activities.

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 Los Angeles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles. The city is a major travel destination for all types, and backpackers will find no shortage of hostels or budget friendly accommodation around town.

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 Los Angeles Better for Students?

Los Angeles is an amazing city to visit for students. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over the world to visit Los Angeles. International students have long flocked to this for its major universities and diverse setting. Major universities in the area include UCLA, the University of Southern California, and the California Institute of Technology.

It's common for students to visit Miami. Spring break in Miami is the stuff of legends.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Miami and Los Angeles.

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.

While Los Angeles offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Many of the public transit options are overlooked by visitors for a number of reasons, but options include the subway, light rail, and buses.

Is Miami or Los Angeles a more walkable city?

Miami is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Los Angeles is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Los Angeles is somewhat walkable. The city is sprawling, but some of the neighborhoods are more walkable than others. Some of the more walkable neighborhoods include Hollywood, Koreatown, Downtown, and MacArthur Park.

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

Should I spend more time in Los Angeles or Miami?

How long in Miami or Los Angeles?

Both Miami and Los Angeles have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Los Angeles than in Miami. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Miami, and 5-7 days is enough time in Los Angeles.

Families should spend more time in Los Angeles than Miami. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Los Angeles, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Los Angeles than Miami. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Los Angeles that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Los Angeles than Miami 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 Los Angeles.

One day in Miami or Los Angeles?

Miami is a diverse beach city where you can fill many days. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Los Angeles, many people enjoy the theater and nightlife that this multicultural big city offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Los Angeles?

Miami is a high energy big city where you can fill many days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This beach city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Los Angeles. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Miami or Los Angeles?

Miami is a diverse beach city where you can fill many days. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, five days is probably not enough for all of it. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Los Angeles is a fun place to experience. In Los Angeles, many people enjoy the live music and food 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 Los Angeles?

Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Miami. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

In Los Angeles, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this multicultural 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.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Miami and Los Angeles, we can see that Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Miami or Los Angeles?

Los Angeles has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Miami. When comparing the sizes of Miami and Los Angeles, 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.

When is the best time to visit Miami or Los Angeles?

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 Los Angeles in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Miami as well as Los Angeles. Many visitors come to Miami in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Los Angeles for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Miami is generally a little warmer than Los Angeles. Daily temperatures in Miami average around 83°F (28°C), and Los Angeles fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

Miami receives a lot of rain in the summer. Miami usually gets more rain in July than Los Angeles. Miami gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Miami or Los Angeles in the Autumn?

Both Los Angeles and Miami are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Miami for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Los Angeles because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Miami is a little warmer than Los Angeles in the autumn. The daily temperature in Miami averages around 78°F (26°C) in October, and Los Angeles fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

It's quite rainy in Miami. In October, Miami usually receives more rain than Los Angeles. Miami gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Miami or Los Angeles in the Winter?

Both Los Angeles and Miami during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Miami because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Los Angeles this time of year.

In the winter, Miami is much warmer than Los Angeles. Typically, the winter temperatures in Miami in January average around 67°F (20°C), and Los Angeles averages at about 55°F (13°C).

Miami usually gets less rain in January than Los Angeles. Miami gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Miami or Los Angeles in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Miami and Los Angeles. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Miami this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Los Angeles for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Miami is generally a little warmer than Los Angeles. Daily temperatures in Miami average around 75°F (24°C), and Los Angeles fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

In April, Miami usually receives more rain than Los Angeles. Miami gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 1 inches (25 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Los Angeles and Miami