A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Miami vs. Orlando for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Families

Should you visit Miami or Orlando?

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 Orlando can help you decide which place is right for you.

Miami

Miami is a glamorous, exciting, and diverse beach city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping.

Orlando

Orlando is a family-friendly, entertaining, and active city. It's also known for shopping, theater, and nightlife.

Miami and Orlando: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Miami or Orlando?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Miami than Orlando, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Miami is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Orlando is known for its theatre productions. Miami is popular for its long sandy beaches, glitzy nightlife scene, diverse cultures, and award-winning restaurants. It is also home to South Beach. Orlando is popular for being the home of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and many other theme parks and family-friendly activities.

How is Miami different from Orlando?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Orlando and Miami. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Miami or Orlando Better for Theater?

Orlando is very good for theatre. However, Miami is not a theatre destination.

With some theater and performance venues, you might want to see a show in Orlando. The city has a number of local theaters that are fun to explore. As home to Disney World and Universal Studios, there are also a number of shows available that are affiliated with the parks.

Miami is not a theatre destination.

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

Miami is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Orlando is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Orlando. There are a diversity of restaurants on the Disney grounds and nearby. You'll also find many restaurants at Universal CityWalk and Disney Springs. Food can be expensive, and the quality can vary dramatically. Many people enjoy going to dinner shows as well. Restaurants can be challenging also, as reservations must be made months in advance.

Is Miami or Orlando Better for Nightlife?

Miami is renowned for nightlife. Also, Orlando is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Miami is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Orlando. If you need a break from the kids, you'll find some of the best nightlife around Orlando at Disney Springs, Wall Street Plaza and Universal CityWalk.

Is Miami or Orlando Better for Music?

Miami is renowned for live music. However, Orlando 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.

Orlando is not a live music destination.

Is Miami or Orlando Better for Resorts?

Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Miami and Orlando.

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.

Orlando offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Disney World is famous for its many iconic resorts. Some of the most popular are the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Port Orleans Resort, and the Grand Floridian Resort. There are also many resorts that aren't affiliated with the major theme parks. These tend to be more affordable, but transportation options to and from the park are limited. You'll also miss out on the perks that come with staying at a theme park resort.

Is Miami or Orlando Better for Beaches?

Miami is renowned for its beaches. However, Orlando is not a beach destination.

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.

Orlando is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Miami or Orlando?

Miami is renowned for shopping. Also, Orlando is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Orlando is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Shopping is a dream for any Disney enthusiast. There are countless malls and shops, both on and off the Disney grounds, that sell all of the Disney paraphernalia. Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk are the most famous areas. During the evenings, these areas can be very crowded, but during the day they're less popular as most people are at the theme parks.

Is Miami or Orlando Better for Christmas?

Orlando is an amazing city to visit for its Christmas activities. However, Miami does not offer Christmas activities.

During Christmas, Orlando is not to be missed. Christmas at Disney World is lots of fun. There are decorations and all kinds of seasonal activities around town.

Miami does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Miami or Orlando Better for Families?

Orlando 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.

Orlando is one of the most popular family destinations. Known as a theme park capital, here you'll find the iconic Disney World, as well as Universal Studios, SeaWorld and many more. While most people spend their vacation at the Disney or Universal resorts, there is also an endless supply of less mainstream parks and activities in the area.

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 Orlando Better for Couples?

Miami is great for romance. Also, Orlando is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic 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.

Orlando makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While most people visit the area with family, there is a niche crowd that enjoys honeymooning or vacationing here as a couple. There are many beautiful restaurants and interesting activities that couples can enjoy together. This is the perfect trip for fun loving couples who don't take themselves to seriously.

Is Miami or Orlando Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Miami is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Orlando is not a good destination for backpackers.

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.

Orlando is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not exactly a backpacker destination, but there are a surprising number of cheap motels that aren't affiliated with the major parks.

Is Miami or Orlando Better for Students?

Miami and Orlando are good places to visit for students.

Miami is popular with students. Spring break in Miami is the stuff of legends.

It's common for students to visit Orlando. Most people don't think about education when they think about Orlando, but there are actually a diversity of internships and opportunities for students to learn in a fun setting.

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

Miami is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Orlando is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Miami offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's an elevated metrorail as well as buses around the city.

Public transit is generally limited in Orlando. If you're staying at a Disney Property, there is excellent transportation around the complex, but otherwise, a car is essential.

Is Miami or Orlando a more walkable city?

Miami is great for its walkability. However, Orlando is not a good destination 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.

Orlando is not a walkable beach city. The city is sprawling, so unless you stay on the Disney grounds, it's best to rent a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Orlando or Miami?

How long in Miami or Orlando?

Both Miami and Orlando have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Miami has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Miami than Orlando. However, 7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Miami than Orlando. 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 Orlando 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 Orlando?

Because Miami is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This beach city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Orlando, many people enjoy the shopping and theater that this family-friendly 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 Orlando?

Because Miami is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Orlando. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 Orlando?

Miami is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself 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. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Orlando is a fun place to experience. In Orlando, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Five days is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A week in Miami or Orlando?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Miami. Because Miami is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

In Orlando, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this active 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 Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Miami or Orlando?

Miami has a larger population, and is about 84% larger than the population of Orlando. When comparing the sizes of Miami and Orlando, 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 Orlando?

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 Orlando in the Summer?

Both Orlando and Miami during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Miami for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Orlando because of the family-friendly experiences.

Miami is around the same temperature as Orlando in the summer. The daily temperature in Miami averages around 83°F (28°C) in July, and Orlando fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

Orlando gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Miami. Miami usually gets less rain in July than Orlando. Miami gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Orlando receives 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Miami or Orlando in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Miami and Orlando. The autumn months attract visitors to Miami because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Orlando this time of year.

In the autumn, Miami is around the same temperature as Orlando. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Miami in October average around 78°F (26°C), and Orlando averages at about 75°F (24°C).

Orlando receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Miami gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Miami usually receives more rain than Orlando. Miami gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Orlando receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Miami or Orlando in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Miami as well as Orlando. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Miami this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Orlando for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

In January, Miami is generally a little warmer than Orlando. Daily temperatures in Miami average around 67°F (20°C), and Orlando fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

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

Should I visit Miami or Orlando in the Spring?

Both Orlando and Miami are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Miami for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Miami is around the same temperature as Orlando in the spring. The daily temperature in Miami averages around 75°F (24°C) in April, and Orlando fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

In April, Miami usually receives more rain than Orlando. Miami gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Orlando receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Orlando and Miami