A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Miami vs. Ocean City for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Beaches

Should you visit Miami or Ocean City?

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 Ocean City can help you decide which place is right for you.

Miami

Miami is a glamorous, exciting, and diverse beach city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping. See Miami travel costs.

Ocean City

Ocean City is a active, energetic, and fun-filled city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches. See Ocean City travel costs.

Miami and Ocean City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Miami or Ocean City?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Miami than Ocean City, 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 Ocean City is more popular for its museums and attractions. Miami is well known for its long sandy beaches, glitzy nightlife scene, diverse cultures, and award-winning restaurants. Also, Miami is famous for South Beach. Ocean City is well known for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports.

How is Miami different from Ocean City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ocean City is a city with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

Ocean City offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people spend their time on the beach, but for the rainy days you can check out the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum or the Art League of Ocean City.

Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Miami is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Ocean City is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Miami is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Ocean City. Themed restaurants are popular in the area. You'll also find all-you-can-eat seafood buffets and casual diners with pancakes and waffles. Pizza, burgers, and other fast food options are also abundant.

Is Miami or Ocean City Better for Nightlife?

Miami is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. Also, Ocean City is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

People head to Miami just to party. 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.

Ocean City has a large number of nightlife venues. Happy hours are popular at the bars in the area. You'll also find live music and DJ led parties. Head to the boardwalk, which will overwhelm your senses. There are neon lights, colorful rides, and arcades filled with people and activities.

Is Miami or Ocean City Better for Music?

Miami is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Ocean City is not a live music destination.

In Miami you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Popular live music venues include Ball and Chain, Cafe La Trova, Flamingo Theater Bar.

Ocean City is not a live music destination.

Is Miami or Ocean City Better for Resorts?

Miami is a world-class destination for its resorts. Also, Ocean City is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its luxury resorts.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Miami is a great 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.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Ocean City. There are many oceanfront resorts with pools and rooms with ocean views. The hotels along the beach tend to be the most expensive, but if you find a place across from the Coastal Highway, it's very challenging to walk to the beach.

Is Miami or Ocean City Better for Beaches?

Miami is a world-class destination for the beach. Also, Ocean City is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Miami. 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.

Ocean City is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are ten miles of sandy beach that are lined with hotels and resorts. A festive boardwalk runs along the coastline and has many rides, arcades, restaurants, and more. The beach offers waves and warm water during the summer months.

Is the Shopping Better in Miami or Ocean City?

Miami is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. However, Ocean City is not a good city for shopping.

Miami is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Ocean City is a good destination for shopping. You'll find surf stores and souvenir shops along the three mile boardwalk. There are also many vendors and shopping centers along the Coastal Highway. For something a little more interesting you can head to the Inlet Village.

Is Miami or Ocean City Better for Families?

Ocean City 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.

Ocean City is one of the most popular family destinations. Beyond the family-friendly beach, there's also minigolf, dolphin tours, and themed-restaurants that are perfect for kids. Head to the Jolly Roger amusement park for a thrilling afternoon or spend some time visiting Ripley's Believe It or Not. The boardwalk is lined with activities for both kids and adults. There are also candy shops, ice cream parlors, and pizza joints where you can grab a bite to eat.

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 Ocean City Better for Couples?

Both Miami and Ocean City are great 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.

Ocean City is a great beach city if you're traveling as a couple. Hotels line the beach, many with beautiful views and nice pools. You can take long romantic walks along the coastline or head to one of the many seafood restaurants in town.

Is Miami or Ocean City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Miami is a popular place for backpackers. However, Ocean City is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

Ocean City is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't any hostels in the area, but there are some affordable motels if you look beyond the beachfront properties.

Is Miami or Ocean City Better for Students?

Miami is a popular place for students. However, Ocean City is not popular with students.

Miami is a good beach city to visit for students. Spring break in Miami is the stuff of legends.

Ocean City is not popular with students.

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

Miami is a popular place for its public transit. However, Ocean City is not a good city 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 Ocean City. There are boardwalk trams as well as shuttle buses, but most people have their own vehicle, and its recommended you have a private car to get around.

Is Miami or Ocean City a more walkable city?

Miami is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Ocean City is not a good city 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.

Ocean City is generally not a very walkable beach city. If you stay at an oceanfront hotel or on the ocean block, it's possible to walk to the beach. If you stay further back, you'll have to cross the Coastal Highway, which is eight lanes of busy traffic.

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

Should I spend more time in Ocean City or Miami?

How long in Miami or Ocean City?

Both Miami and Ocean City have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Ocean City than in Miami. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Miami, and 3-7 days is enough time in Ocean City.

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

Couples should spend more time in Miami than Ocean City. 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 Ocean City 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 Ocean City?

When visiting Miami, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Ocean City, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this laid back destination 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 Ocean City?

When visiting Miami, people usually allow for lots of time. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ocean City. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Ocean City?

Miami, a popular beach city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Ocean City is a fun place to experience. In Ocean City, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this 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 Ocean City?

Miami is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Ocean City, many people enjoy the food and nightlife that this energetic destination 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 Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Miami or Ocean City?

Miami has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Ocean City. When comparing the sizes of Miami and Ocean City, 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 Ocean City?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Miami or Ocean City in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Miami and Ocean City. Most visitors come to Miami for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Ocean City because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Miami is generally a little warmer than Ocean City. Daily temperatures in Miami average around 83°F (28°C), and Ocean City fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

Ocean City receives a lot of rain in the summer. Miami gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Miami usually receives more rain than Ocean City. Miami gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Miami or Ocean City in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Miami as well as Ocean City. The autumn months attract visitors to Miami because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Additionally, the shopping scene are the main draw to Ocean City this time of year.

Miami is much warmer than Ocean City in the autumn. The daily temperature in Miami averages around 78°F (26°C) in October, and Ocean City fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

Miami receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Miami usually gets more rain in October than Ocean City. Miami gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Miami or Ocean City in the Winter?

Both Ocean City and Miami are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Miami this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ocean City for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Ocean City. In the winter, Miami is much warmer than Ocean City. Typically, the winter temperatures in Miami in January average around 67°F (20°C), and Ocean City averages at about 35°F (2°C).

In January, Miami usually receives less rain than Ocean City. Miami gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Miami or Ocean City in the Spring?

Both Ocean City and Miami during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Miami for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Ocean City in the spring for the beaches.

In April, Miami is generally much warmer than Ocean City. Daily temperatures in Miami average around 75°F (24°C), and Ocean City fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

Miami usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Ocean City. Miami gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ocean City and Miami