A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Miami vs. Pensacola for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Miami or Pensacola?

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

Where Should I go: Miami or Pensacola?

Miami

Miami is a popular tourist destination and a modern city in South Florida. It has beautiful white beaches, crystal blue waters, cosmopolitan neighborhoods, impressive shopping, and excellent dining opportunities. It is also a gateway to the Florida Keys, which is another popular destination in South Florida.

Miami is the second most populated city in Florida and the metropolitan area is the most populated in the state with more than 5.4 million people. It's also the 7th largest metro area in the country. The city sits between the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Everglades to the west. It covers 110 miles north to south but is a narrow 20 miles east to west.

Miami sits at a low latitude, giving it a subtropical savannah climate. There are two seasons; the warm and dry season between November and April and the hot and wet season between May and October. The coldest months are between December and March when highs are in the upper 70 or low 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The summer months have highs in the upper 80s or 90s and lows in the mid 70s with high humidity.

Pensacola

With sands as white as sugar grain and a sky devoid of grey clouds and innumerable downpours, Pensacola is known by many as the "Western Gate to the Sunshine State." Located in northern Florida, Pensacola is a waterfront city known for its pristine beaches and rich Floridian history. As one of the earliest European settlements in the U.S., Pensacola is riddled with museums and landmarks that commemorate the state's history, making the city quite appetizing for history buffs and students alike. However, if you are simply looking to get the most out of the all-around good weather of Florida, Pensacola's protected beaches complemented with high-class restaurants and stores make this a vacation capital for many.

Which city is cheaper, Pensacola or Miami?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Miami is $164, while the average daily cost in Pensacola is $157. 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 Pensacola in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Miami $105
    Pensacola $89
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Miami $210
    Pensacola $178
Compare Hotels in Miami and Pensacola

Looking for a hotel in Miami or Pensacola? 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 Pensacola


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 Pensacola Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Miami $30
    Pensacola $51
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 to Port of Miami: $28
  • Luxury Airport Transfer from Miami International Airport: $33
  • Private Departure Transfer: Miami City or Miami Beach to Miami Airport: $37
  • Private Arrival Transfer: MIA Miami Airport to Miami City or Miami Beach: $37
  • Miami Airport Transfer To Miami Area: $40
  • Private Airport Transfer: Miami International Airport (MIA) to Miami: $41
  • Private Airport Transfer: from Miami to Miami International Airport (MIA): $41
  • Miami Private Airport Transfer: $44
  • 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
  • Private Miami International Airport (MIA) Transfer: $48

Typical Local Transportation prices in Pensacola

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Pensacola:


  • Boca Grande Causeway Toll
    $5.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pensacola

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pensacola:

  • Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Pensacola - Arrival Private Transfer: $136
  • Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Pensacola - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $271
  • Pensacola to Pensacola International Airport (PNS) - Departure Private Transfer: $136

Is it cheaper to fly into Miami or Pensacola?

Prices for flights to both Pensacola 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 $33
    Pensacola $40
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 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 Pensacola

Some typical examples of dining costs in Pensacola are as follows:


  • Two Ice Creams
    $6.00

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Miami $25
    Pensacola $11

Tours and Activities in Miami

Here are a few actual costs in Miami for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1/2 Hour Jet Ski Island Adventure: $5.00
  • Haunted Themed Smartphone Audio Driving Tour: $7.84
  • Miami Dance Cruise: $11
  • Little Havana: Beyond Cuba Tour: $20
  • La Perle de Little Haiti Tour: $20
  • La Perle De Little Haiti Tour: $20
  • Pirates Adventures Sightseeing Tour from Miami: $23
  • Miami Skyline View Cruise: $23
  • Skip the Line: Zoo Miami Ticket with Optional Upgrade: $25
  • Biscayne Bay Boat Tour in Miami: $25
  • Best of Little Havana Miami Tour: $25
  • Sightseeing Cruise of Biscayne Bay: $27

Typical Entertainment prices in Pensacola

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Pensacola are as follows:


  • Bike Rental
    $16

Tours and Activities in Pensacola

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Pensacola are as follows:

  • Pensacola Scavenger Hunt: Pensacola Adventure: $12
  • Tour of Pensacola's Landmarks: $22
  • Ghosts and Graveyard Tour of Pensacola: $22
  • Red Light District Tour of Pensacola: $25
  • Hop-on Hop-off Tour in Pensacola: $30
  • 1hr Segway Tour Downtown: $53
  • Uninhabited Island Kayaking Adventure: $62
  • 2hr Segway Tour of Downtown: $72
  • 3-Day Pensacola Sightseeing Pass: $90

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Miami $18
    Pensacola $35
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:

  • Making Your Own Gin Distillery Tour and Tasting Experience: $190

Sample the Local Flavors in Pensacola

Also in Pensacola, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Walking Pub Tour: $21

About these numbers

When comparing the travel costs between Miami and Pensacola, we can see that Miami 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.


When is the best time to visit Miami or Pensacola?

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 Pensacola in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Miami and Pensacola. The summer months attract visitors to Miami because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Miami is around the same temperature as Pensacola. Typically, the summer temperatures in Miami in July are around 83°F (28°C), and Pensacola is about 82°F (28°C).

Pensacola receives a lot of rain in the summer. Miami gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Miami usually receives less rain than Pensacola. Miami gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Pensacola receives 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Miami 83°F (28°C) 
    Pensacola 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Miami or Pensacola in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Miami as well as Pensacola. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Miami this time of year.

In October, Miami is generally a little warmer than Pensacola. Temperatures in Miami average around 78°F (26°C), and Pensacola stays around 69°F (21°C).

It's quite rainy in Pensacola. Miami receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Miami usually gets more rain in October than Pensacola. Miami gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Pensacola receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Miami 78°F (26°C) 
    Pensacola 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit Miami or Pensacola in the Winter?

Both Pensacola and Miami are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Miami for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Miami is much warmer than Pensacola in the winter. The temperature in Miami is usually 67°F (20°C) in January, and Pensacola stays around 51°F (10°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pensacola. In January, Miami usually receives less rain than Pensacola. Miami gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Pensacola receives 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Miami 67°F (20°C) 
    Pensacola 51°F (10°C)

Should I visit Miami or Pensacola in the Spring?

Both Pensacola and Miami during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Miami in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Miami is a little warmer than Pensacola. Typically, the spring temperatures in Miami in April are around 75°F (24°C), and Pensacola is about 67°F (20°C).

Miami usually gets less rain in April than Pensacola. Miami gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Pensacola receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Miami 75°F (24°C) 
    Pensacola 67°F (20°C)

Typical Weather for Pensacola and Miami

Miami Pensacola
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 67°F (20°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 51°F (10°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)
Feb 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 54°F (12°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Mar 72°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 60°F (16°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Apr 75°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
May 79°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm) 74°F (24°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm) 80°F (27°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm)
Jul 83°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 82°F (28°C) 7.4 inches (189 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm) 82°F (28°C) 7.4 inches (188 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm) 78°F (26°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm)
Oct 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 69°F (21°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Nov 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 61°F (16°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Dec 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 54°F (12°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm)


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Miami vs. Pensacola Travel Comparison

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