Which city is cheaper, Los Angeles or Miami?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Miami vs. Los Angeles for Food, Nightlife, Music, and Resorts
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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.
How is Miami different from Los Angeles?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Is Miami or Los Angeles better for Food?
Picking the best between Miami and Los Angeles can be difficult as they are each unique in their own way.
Miami has long been recognized as a culinary destination. The city's food scene is as diverse as its population. It is known for its Stone Crabs, fish sandwiches, Cuban sandwiches, and Key Lime pie.
Eat your way through Los Angeles, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. As a huge and diverse city, there is no shortage of amazing food options around town. Popular dishes 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.
Los Angeles is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.
Los Angeles has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. 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?
Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Miami and Los Angeles.
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.
There are plenty of resorts in Los Angeles to choose from. 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 Beaches?
Los Angeles is considered to be a more popular beach destination.
With world-famous beaches, Los Angeles is a very popular vacation destination. Ranging from beaches with stunning natural beauty to those with glamourous high energy, this city has a number of beaches to choose from. Some of the most popular are Santa Monica, Malibu, Huntington Beach, and Redondo Beach.
Miami offers a nice beach destination. If you're looking for long sandy beaches, luxury yacht clubs, and fine dining restaurants, the area's beaches have them all.
Is Miami or Los Angeles better for Shopping?
Shopping in 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.
Many people travel to Los Angeles specifically to go shopping. Famous for Rodeo Drive, there are many other 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 offers a wider variety of activities for kids than Miami.
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.
Miami is not always a place people visit with their families. Because it's so big, you'll find some kid-friendly options in the area. There are kid-friendly museums and activities around the city.
Is Miami or Los Angeles better for Couples?
Both Miami and Los Angeles are good destinations to visit as a couple.
Couples visit Miami frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. For couples who love nightlife, wining and dining, and high end beach clubs, this is the place to be.
Los Angeles makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It is a large, sprawling city with tucked away romantic scenes that are perfect for a couple's getaway or a dream honeymoon.
Is Miami or Los Angeles better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Miami and Los Angeles are comparable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.
Miami is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. This city is large enough to have something for everyone, so you'll find several hostels in the area that bring in the backpackers.
Many backpackers 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.
Is Miami or Los Angeles better for Students?
Students usually think of Los Angeles as better than Miami.
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.
Plenty of students visit Miami. Spring break in Miami is the stuff of legends.
Is Miami or Los Angeles better for Public Transit?
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.
Los Angeles has some public transit options. 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 and Los Angeles both are comparable when exploring on foot.
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.
Los Angeles is a somewhat walkable beach city. 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.
Miami and Los Angeles: Pros and Cons
Miami
Pros- Good music scene
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big city activities
- Less attractive beach
- Less family-friendly
- Less popular for students
Los Angeles
Pros- Good music scene
- Popular beach
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Big city activities
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 Miami.
The ideal length of time for a trip to Miami is 7 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Los Angeles is 5-7 days.
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How many days in Miami or Los Angeles? Ideal Length of StayMiami 7Los Angeles 5-7
One day in Miami or Los Angeles?
Miami is a high energy 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 area has lots to do.
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 glamorous big city where you can fill many days. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 bustling 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. 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 here when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered around the area. One week is often enough time to spend here.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMiami $165Los Angeles $192
The average daily cost (per person) in Miami is $165, while the average daily cost in Los Angeles is $192. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Miami and Los Angeles in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMiami $106Los Angeles $111
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMiami $212Los Angeles $222
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Miami $32Los Angeles $33
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:
- Transfers to Port of Miami: $28
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Miami Downtown to Miami Airport: $46
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Miami Airport to Miami Downtown: $46
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Miami Airport to Miami Beach: $46
- Transfer in Private Minivan from Miami Downtown to Miami Airport: $70
- Transfer in Private Minivan from Miami Airport to Miami Downtown: $70
- Transfer in Private Minivan from Miami Airport to Miami Beach: $70
- Transfer in Executive Private Vehicle from Miami Downtown to Miami Airport: $53
- Transfer in Executive Private Vehicle from Miami Airport to Miami Downtown: $53
- Transfer in Executive Private Vehicle from Miami Airport to Miami Beach: $53
- Transfer from Port Of Miami to Miami International Airport: $80
- Transfer from Port Of Miami to Miami Beach: $65
Typical Local Transportation prices in Los Angeles
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Los Angeles:
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Hotel Parking for a Day$22
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Taxi to Airport$55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Los Angeles
Also for Los Angeles, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer: $140
- Anaheim Resort Area: Private Transfer From Hollywood, CA.: $129
- Anaheim Resort Area: Private Transfer From North Hollywood or Burbank.: $159
- Arrival Private Transfer Los Angeles Airport LAX to Las Vegas by Executive SUV: $1,598
- Arrival Private Transfer Los Angeles Airport LAX to Las Vegas by Minibus: $1,883
- Arrival Private Transfer Los Angeles Airport LAX to Las Vegas by SUV: $1,616
- Arrival Private Transfer Los Angeles Airport LAX to Los Angeles by Luxury Car: $200
- Arrival Private Transfer Los Angeles Airport LAX to Los Angeles by SUV: $160
- Arrival Private Transfer Los Angeles Airport LAX to Los Angeles by Sedan Car: $133
- Arrival Private Transfer Los Angeles Airport LAX to Los Angeles or Malibu by SUV: $169
- Arrival Private Transfer Los Angeles Airport LAX to LosAngeles/Malibu by Minibus: $191
- Arrival Private Transfer Los Angeles Airport LAX to Malibu City by SUV: $160
Is it cheaper to fly into Miami or Los Angeles?
Prices for flights to both Los Angeles 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 $33Los Angeles $35
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 Street Food Tours: $61
- Haitian Cooking Experience: $85
- Private Little Havana Cuban Food Tour: $99
- Private VIP Historical Citywide Food Tour: $159
Typical Food prices in Los Angeles
For Los Angeles, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Mexican Dinner (family of 4)$32
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Burritos for Two$15
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Coffee and Danish$7.70
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Los Angeles
For Los Angeles, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- How to Cook the Perfect Steak Virtual Cooking Class: $42
- West Hollywood Food Tour: $75
- Downtown Los Angeles Food Tour: $77
- Private Tour: Secret Food Tours Los Angeles Venice Beach: $96
- Private Authentic Middle Eastern Cooking Class in Reseda, Los Angeles: $102
- Luxury Vegan Food Tours of Los Angeles: $125
- Secret Food Tour of Venice Beach, Los Angeles w/ Private Tour Option: $207
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Miami $25Los Angeles $64
Tours and Activities in Miami
Here are a few actual costs in Miami for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- "Cigar Factory Tour": $35
- 1 Hour Private Helicopter Tour of Miami and South Florida: $518
- 1-Day Key West Tour ( Miami Departure ) ( MIA1-B ): $138
- 1-Day Miami+Everglades Naitonal Park Tour ( Miami Departure )( MIA1-A ): $80
- 1/2 Hour Jet Ski Island Adventure: $5.00
- 10-Day Surf Adventure from Brisbane to Sydney Including Coffs Harbour, Byron Bay and Gold Coast: $2,371
- 2 Hour Cycle Boat Tour: $50
- 2-hour boat tour with Aquarius Boat Rental: $195
- 3 Hour Private Sunset Sailboat Tour for up to 6 Complimentary beverages, snacks: $550
- 3-hour tour with Aquarius Boat Rental: $248
- 3.5-Hour Ultimate Learn to Surf Adventure: $35
- 30 Minute Private Luxury Helicopter Sightseeing Tour of Miami: $299
Typical Entertainment prices in Los Angeles
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Los Angeles's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Santa Monica Pier Rides (family of 4)$37
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Bowling$13
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Hollywood Tour for Two$30
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Six Flags for 2$96
Tours and Activities in Los Angeles
For Los Angeles, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Hollywood Boulevard’s Haunting History and Hidden Gems: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.00
- Gambling Built the Sunset Strip: A Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $5.13
- Hollywood Legends: A self-guided audio tour of the Sunset Strip: $5.99
- Hollywood Celebrity & Star Homes Self-Guided Driving Tour: $6.40
- City tour Los Angeles Chile: $10
- TCL Chinese Theatre VIP Tour: $14
- La Brea Tar Pits Museum Ticket: $15
- Melrose Self-Guided Tour of Instagrammable Places: $19
- Half Day Self-Guided Tour of Westwood in Los Angeles: $19
- Fun Self-Guided Tour of Hollywood in Los Angeles: $19
- Self-Guided Tour of Downtown Los Angeles with Fun Facts and Best Photo Ops: $19
- Venice Beach, CA WalkingTour: $19
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMiami $18Los Angeles $11
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:
- Making Your Own Gin Distillery Tour and Tasting Experience: $190
Sample the Local Flavors in Los Angeles
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Los Angeles:
- Brews Cruise- DTLA Brewery tour by bike: $50
- Brewery Walking Tour -- Downtown / Arts District: $81
- Santa Barbara Wine Tasting Day Tour from Los Angeles: $249
- Los Angeles Wine Tour: $250
- The Private Malibu Wine Tour: $419
- Food and Wine Tasting Party: $750
- Private Tour: Malibu Wine Tasting for Two by Limousine from Los Angeles: $999
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.
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