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

Should you visit Miami or Mystic?

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 Mystic 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. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and beaches.

Mystic

Mystic is a charming, quaint, and laid back town. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Miami and Mystic: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • 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
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Miami or Mystic?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Miami. Although Miami and Mystic are both popular with visitors, Miami has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Miami is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Mystic is known for its museums. Miami is more touristy than Mystic and is popular for its long sandy beaches, glitzy nightlife scene, diverse cultures, and award-winning restaurants. It is also home to South Beach. Mystic is popular for its New England charm and local character.

How is Miami different from Mystic?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Miami
Mystic

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

Many visitors head to Mystic specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There's a decent selection of museums around town with some of the favorites being the Mystic Seaport Museum, the Mystic Museum of Art, the Denison Homestead Museum, and the Old Lighthouse Museum, The Mystic Aquarium is also a popular destination.

Miami does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Miami
Mystic

Miami is an amazing beach city to visit for its restaurants. Also, Mystic 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Mystic. As a coastal town, you'll find no shortage of seafood at many restaurants. Popular dishes include oysters, shrimp, or fish. There are also many casual restaurants that serve comfort food for classic American favorites like mac and cheese, pasta, or burgers.

Is Miami or Mystic Better for Nightlife?

Miami
Mystic

Miami is an amazing beach city to visit for nightlife. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

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.

Mystic has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head downtown for the most interesting bars and breweries. You can sip wine or enjoy a cocktail at a laid back pub with friends or family.

Is Miami or Mystic Better for Music?

Miami
Mystic

Miami is an amazing beach city to visit for live music. However, Mystic is not a live music destination.

Miami is known as a music capital around the world. Popular live music venues include Ball and Chain, Cafe La Trova, Flamingo Theater Bar.

Mystic is not a live music destination.


Is Miami or Mystic Better for Resorts?

Miami
Mystic

Miami is an amazing beach city to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Mystic 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.

Mystic is not a resort destination.

Is Miami or Mystic Better for Beaches?

Miami
Mystic

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

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.

Mystic is considered a top beach destination. The beaches are accessible from town and offer a laid back setting that's not overly developed. Families will like Ocean Beach Park but Williams Beach Park is one of the easiest beaches to access. If you're willing to drive a bit out of town, you should check out Misquamicut State Beach.

Is the Shopping Better in Miami or Mystic?

Miami
Mystic

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

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Miami. 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.

Mystic is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head downtown for scenic shopping streets with boutiques, artisan craft shops, and jewelry stores.


Is Miami or Mystic Better for Families?

Miami
Mystic

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Miami or Mystic.

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, Mystic is very family-friendly. Animal lovers will enjoy wandering around the many trails at Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center or visiting the famous Mystic Aquarium. You can also visit the shops around Olde Mistick Village or dine at one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.

Is Miami or Mystic Better for Couples?

Miami
Mystic

Miami is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Mystic makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Check out Mystic Seaport or drive down the coastline and visit the lighthouses. You'll also find breweries around town as well as many fun or romantic restaurants.

Is Miami or Mystic Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Miami
Mystic

Miami is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Mystic is lacking in options for backpackers.

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.

Mystic is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's not high on the list for most backpackers.


Is Miami or Mystic Better for Students?

Miami
Mystic

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

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

Mystic is not popular with students.

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

Miami
Mystic

Miami is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Mystic is lacking in 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 Mystic. There is a bus but it has limited stops and only runs on weekdays.

Is Miami or Mystic a more walkable city?

Miami
Mystic

Miami is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. However, Mystic is lacking in options 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.

Mystic is generally not very walkable. While parts of town are very walkable, you'll need a car if you want to see the sights that are a bit further away.


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

Should I spend more time in Mystic or Miami?

How long in Miami or Mystic?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Miami and Mystic. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Mystic than in Miami. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Miami, and 2-3 days is enough time in Mystic.

Families should spend more time in Miami than Mystic. 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 Mystic. 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 Mystic 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 Mystic? Ideal Length of Stay
    Miami 7 
    Mystic 2-3

One day in Miami or Mystic?

Miami is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Mystic, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this laid back destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This town 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 Mystic?

Miami is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Miami. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Mystic is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Mystic. 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 Mystic?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the glamorous big city of Miami. This beach city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the charming destination of Mystic. 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 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.


Which place is cheaper, Mystic 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 Mystic is $210. 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 Mystic in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Miami $132
    Mystic $125
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Miami $264
    Mystic $250
Compare Hotels in Miami and Mystic

Looking for a hotel in Miami or Mystic? 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 Mystic


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 Mystic Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Miami $38
    Mystic $56
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 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 Miami Port: $160
  • Shared Tour in Miami with Transfer: $170
  • Round Trip Motorcoach Transfer to Key West from Miami: $245
  • Private transfer from Miami hotel to Port of Miami: $160
  • Private Transfer: Miami International Airport (MIA) to Miami Beach : $69
  • Private Transfer from Miami Hotels to Miami International Airport: $120
  • Private Transfer from Miami Airport to any Hotels Downtown Miami: $99
  • Private Transfer from Miami Airport to Hotel or Port of Miami: $35
  • Private Transfer from Miami Airport (MIA) to Miami hotels/beach: $140
  • Private Transfer To/From Miami Intl Airport & Port of Miami: $98

Is it cheaper to fly into Miami or Mystic?

Prices for flights to both Mystic 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
    Mystic $52
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- 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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Miami $31
    Mystic $24

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
  • 1 Day Key West Tour from Miami Florida: $175
  • 1 Hour Jet Ski Experience in Miami Beach Florida: $95
  • 1 Hour Star Island Segway Tour: $74
  • 1HR Boat Tour Around Miami Celebrities Mansion: $65
  • 2 Hours Private Walking Tour in Miami Beach: $273
  • 2 hrs Miami Private Boat Tour with Cooler, Ice, Bluetooth Stereo: $75
  • 2-Day Key West and Miami South Beach Tour: $100
  • 2-Hour Miami Beach Electric Bike Tour: $80

Tours and Activities in Mystic

For Mystic, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Mystic Moonlit Graveyard Ghost Tour: $30
  • Downtown Mystic Ghost Tour: $30
  • Ghosts of Christmas Past Downtown Walking Tour: $30
  • Mystic Seaport Museum Adventure : $31
  • Moonlit Mystic Graveyard Ghost Tour: $35
  • Guided Ghost Tour of Downtown Mystic at Night: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Miami $22
    Mystic $31
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:

  • 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 Mystic

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Mystic:

  • Paranormal Pub Crawl: Beer Tour: $75
  • Paranormal Pub Crawl: Beer Tour: $75
  • Spirits of Cocktail Pub Crawl: $100
  • Spirits of Cocktail Pub Crawl: $100


When comparing the travel costs between Miami and Mystic, we can see that Mystic is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Miami or Mystic?

Miami has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Mystic. When comparing the sizes of Miami and Mystic, 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 Mystic?

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 Mystic in the Summer?

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

Miami is a little warmer than Mystic in the summer. The daily temperature in Miami averages around 83°F (28°C) in July, and Mystic fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mystic. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Miami this time of the year. In the summer, Miami often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mystic. Miami gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mystic receives 293 hours of full sun.

Miami receives a lot of rain in the summer. Miami usually gets more rain in July than Mystic. Miami gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Mystic receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Miami 83°F (28°C) 
    Mystic 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Miami or Mystic in the Autumn?

Both Mystic 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 Mystic because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Miami is much warmer than Mystic. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Miami in October average around 78°F (26°C), and Mystic averages at about 53°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Mystic. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Miami. Miami usually receives more sunshine than Mystic during autumn. Miami gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Mystic receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Miami. In October, Miami usually receives more rain than Mystic. Miami gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Mystic receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Miami 78°F (26°C) 
    Mystic 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Miami or Mystic in the Winter?

Both Mystic 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. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Mystic this time of year.

It's quite cold in Mystic in the winter. In January, Miami is generally much warmer than Mystic. Daily temperatures in Miami average around 67°F (20°C), and Mystic fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

It's quite sunny in Miami. In the winter, Miami often gets more sunshine than Mystic. Miami gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mystic receives 170 hours of full sun.

Miami usually gets less rain in January than Mystic. Miami gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Mystic receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Miami 67°F (20°C) 
    Mystic 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Miami or Mystic in the Spring?

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

Miami is much warmer than Mystic in the spring. The daily temperature in Miami averages around 75°F (24°C) in April, and Mystic fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mystic this time of the year. In Miami, it's very sunny this time of the year. Miami usually receives more sunshine than Mystic during spring. Miami gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Mystic receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Miami usually receives less rain than Mystic. Miami gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Mystic receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Miami 75°F (24°C) 
    Mystic 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Mystic and Miami

Miami Mystic
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 67°F (20°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 72°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 75°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 79°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 83°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)