A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Miami vs. Monterey for Food, Nightlife, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Miami or Monterey?

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 Monterey 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.

Monterey

Monterey is a laid back, relaxing, and nature-oriented city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Miami and Monterey: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Miami or Monterey?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Miami than Monterey, 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 Monterey is more popular for its museums and scuba diving & snorkeling. Miami is more touristy than Monterey and is popular for its long sandy beaches, glitzy nightlife scene, diverse cultures, and award-winning restaurants. Also, Miami is famous for South Beach. Monterey is well known for its rugged coastline, diverse marine life, and excellent seafood.

How is Miami different from Monterey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Monterey is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Monterey specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a not-to-be-missed destination in town. You can also visit the Monterey State Historic Park or the Monterey Museum of Art.

Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Miami is an amazing beach city to visit for its restaurants. Also, Monterey is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Miami, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city's food scene is as diverse as its population. It is a blend of Caribbean, Latin American, and South American flavors and it is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. There is everything from award-winning restaurants to local dives that offer excellent dishes and experiences. The city is known for its stone crabs, fish sandwiches, Cuban sandwiches, and key lime pie.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Monterey makes for a great culinary experience. Seafood and local produce are what make the food special. There are many great restaurants to you can choose from that will let you enjoy the classic seafood dishes like clam chowder or oysters, as well as fresh artichokes and local wine.

Is Miami or Monterey Better for Nightlife?

Miami is an amazing beach city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Monterey is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

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.

Monterey is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There's a buzzing atmosphere at night with bars, breweries, and casual eateries all coming to life. Some of the best venues are found at the Old Fisherman's Wharf and along Alvarado Street.

Is Miami or Monterey Better for Music?

Miami is an amazing beach city to visit for its music scene. However, Monterey 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.

Monterey is not a live music destination.

Is Miami or Monterey Better for Resorts?

Miami is an amazing beach city to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Monterey is not a resort destination.

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.

Monterey is not a resort destination.

Is Miami or Monterey Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monterey 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 Monterey. Scuba diving offers an unforgettable experience. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary gives you the unique experience of seeing sea lions, otters, kelp forests, crabs, and more.

Miami is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Miami or Monterey Better for Beaches?

Miami is an amazing beach city to visit for the beach. Also, Monterey is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

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.

Monterey is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches highlight the laid by California vibe with sunbathers and beachgoers soaking up the atmosphere. There are both inlets and sandy beaches where you can see sea lions or explore the tidal pools.

Is the Shopping Better in Miami or Monterey?

Miami is an amazing beach city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Monterey is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Monterey is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find both local vendors and tourist shops around town. Cannery Row is a popular destination, as is Old Fisherman's Wharf and the Old Farmer's Market.

Is Miami or Monterey Better for Families?

Monterey 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.

Monterey is one of the most popular family destinations. Monterey Bay Aquarium is a highlight for kids and adults alike. There's also the Monterey Zoo as well as lighthearted activities like a mirror maze. MY Museum is an interactive museum that's perfect for younger kids. There are also whale watching trips and nearby beaches.

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 Monterey Better for Couples?

Both Miami and Monterey are high quality 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. There are many award-winning restaurants and plenty of glitz and glam that make for a great romantic getaway.

Monterey is a great beach city if you're traveling as a couple. There are many romantic inns in town as well as quaint restaurants and fun activities. There are also spas, wine bars, and plenty of shopping for couples to enjoy as well.

Is Miami or Monterey Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Miami and Monterey are notable 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Monterey. There's a hostel in town as well as fun activities that will appeal to backpackers.

Is Miami or Monterey Better for Students?

Miami is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Monterey is not popular with students.

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

Monterey is not popular with students.

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

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

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

Public transit is generally limited in Monterey. There is a bus system through the area.

Is Miami or Monterey a more walkable city?

Miami and Monterey both are high quality 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.

Monterey is a very walkable beach city. If you stay near the town center, it's very walkable and easy to get around on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Monterey or Miami?

How long in Miami or Monterey?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Miami and Monterey. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Monterey than in Miami. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Miami, and 1-3 days is enough time in Monterey.

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

Couples should spend more time in Miami than Monterey. 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 Monterey 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.

One day in Miami or Monterey?

Miami is a big city with plenty to do. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Monterey, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this relaxing destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Miami or Monterey?

Miami is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. A weekend 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. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Monterey. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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 Monterey?

Miami is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Monterey is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Monterey. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Miami or Monterey?

Miami is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This beach city offers something for everyone.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the relaxing destination of Monterey. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Miami or Monterey?

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

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 Monterey in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Miami as well as Monterey. 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 Monterey for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Miami is generally much warmer than Monterey. Daily temperatures in Miami average around 83°F (28°C), and Monterey fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Miami receives a lot of rain in the summer. Miami usually gets more rain in July than Monterey. Miami gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Miami or Monterey in the Autumn?

Both Monterey 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 Monterey because of the shopping scene.

Miami is much warmer than Monterey in the autumn. The daily temperature in Miami averages around 78°F (26°C) in October, and Monterey fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

It's quite rainy in Miami. In October, Miami usually receives more rain than Monterey. Miami gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Miami or Monterey in the Winter?

Both Monterey 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, and the cuisine are the main draw to Monterey this time of year.

In the winter, Miami is much warmer than Monterey. Typically, the winter temperatures in Miami in January average around 67°F (20°C), and Monterey averages at about 51°F (11°C).

Miami usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Monterey. Miami gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Miami or Monterey in the Spring?

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

In April, Miami is generally much warmer than Monterey. Daily temperatures in Miami average around 75°F (24°C), and Monterey fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In April, Miami usually receives more rain than Monterey. Miami gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Monterey and Miami