Which city is cheaper, Philadelphia or Miami?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Miami vs. Philadelphia for Food, Nightlife, Music, and Couples
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Should you visit Miami or Philadelphia?
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 Philadelphia can help you decide which place is right for you.
Miami
Miami is a diverse, bustling, and high energy beach city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and live music.
Philadelphia
Philadelphia is a diverse, historic, and cultural city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.
How is Miami different from Philadelphia?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Is Miami or Philadelphia better for Food?
Miami has a longer list of notable local restaurants than Philadelphia.
Miami has long been recognized as a culinary destination. The city's food scene is as diverse as its population. It is known for its Stone Crabs, fish sandwiches, Cuban sandwiches, and Key Lime pie.
Philadelphia has a delicious food scene that relies on local flavors. The city is famous for its Philly cheesesteak and roast pork sandwich. You can also grab some local favorites at Reading Terminal Market.
Is Miami or Philadelphia better for Nightlife?
Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Miami and Philadelphia.
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.
Philadelphia has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city's nightlife scene carries late into the night with many rooftop and outdoor beer gardens.
Is Miami or Philadelphia better for Music?
Live music enthusiatsts will find something to enjoy in either Miami or Philadelphia.
Miami is a world class music destination. Popular live music venues include Ball and Chain, Cafe La Trova, Flamingo Theater Bar.
Whether you like big venues or smaller artists, Philadelphia has diverse options. The city's diverse music scene includes jazz, rock, and hip hop.
Is Miami or Philadelphia better for Shopping?
Shopping in a popular activity in both Philadelphia and Miami.
Miami is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has every high end brand you could want, along with diverse neighborhoods with local finds and unique purchases.
Philadelphia is well-known for its shopping. With all items tax-free, this city is a great place to shop. It has many boutique shops as well as name brand stores and shopping areas. For a local vibe, head to Reading Terminal Market.
Is Miami or Philadelphia better for Families?
You'll find kid-friendly activities in either Miami or Philadelphia.
Miami doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Because it's so big, you'll find some kid-friendly options in the area. There are kid-friendly museums and activities around the city.
Philadelphia is a family-friendly beach city. Popular activities include a zoo and Sesame Place. Kids also love the hands-on Please Touch Museum.
Is Miami or Philadelphia better for Couples?
Both Miami and Philadelphia are good 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.
Philadelphia makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Like many large cities, this city is a fun place to explore in the evening as a couple.
Is Miami or Philadelphia better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Miami and Philadelphia are comparable 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.
Plenty of backpackers visit Philadelphia. There are a few good hostels for backpackers and budget travelers to choose from.
Is Miami or Philadelphia better for Students?
Miami and Philadelphia are comparable places to visit for students.
Miami is popular with students. Spring break in Miami is the stuff of legends.
Philadelphia is a great beach city to visit as a student. With its many universities and diverse population, this city is a great place for international students.
Is Miami or Philadelphia better for Public Transit?
You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Miami and Philadelphia.
You'll find some public transit in Miami, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's an elevated metrorail as well as buses around the city.
Public transit in Philadelphia can get you to some places easily. The system includes a subway, trolleys, buses, and a commuter rail.
Is Miami or Philadelphia a more walkable city?
Miami and Philadelphia both are comparable 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.
It's very easy to get around on foot in Philadelphia. The Old City is particularly walkable, as is Avenue of the Arts, and Rittenhouse Square.
Miami and Philadelphia: Pros and Cons
Miami
Pros- Popular for food and cuisine
- Good music scene
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big city activities
- Less family-friendly
Philadelphia
Pros- Good music scene
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big city activities
- Less popular for food
Should I spend more time in Philadelphia or Miami?
How long in Miami or Philadelphia?
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Miami and Philadelphia. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Philadelphia than Miami.
The ideal length of time for a trip to Miami is 7 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Philadelphia is 2-3 days.
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How many days in Miami or Philadelphia? Ideal Length of StayMiami 7Philadelphia 2-3
One day in Miami or Philadelphia?
Each neighborhood in Miami has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.
In Philadelphia, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this historic big city offers. 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 Philadelphia?
Miami is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Philadelphia. 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 Philadelphia?
You'll find shopping and nightlife around the exciting big city of Miami. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered around the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.
Philadelphia is a fun place to experience. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.
A week in Miami or Philadelphia?
Miami is a popular place to visit. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time here unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire area has lots to do.
You'll find shopping and museums around the cultural big city of Philadelphia. Take your pick from the many activities offered around the area. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMiami $165Philadelphia $151
The average daily cost (per person) in Miami is $165, while the average daily cost in Philadelphia is $151. 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 Philadelphia in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMiami $106Philadelphia $95
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMiami $212Philadelphia $190
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Miami $32Philadelphia $22
Typical Local Transportation prices in Miami
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Miami are as follows:
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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
- 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
- Transfer in Private Minivan from Miami Downtown to Miami Airport: $70
- Transfer in Private Minivan from Miami Airport to Miami Downtown: $70
- Transfer in Private Minivan from Miami Airport to Miami Beach: $70
- Transfer in Executive Private Vehicle from Miami Downtown to Miami Airport: $53
- Transfer in Executive Private Vehicle from Miami Airport to Miami Downtown: $53
- Transfer in Executive Private Vehicle from Miami Airport to Miami Beach: $53
- Transfer from Port Of Miami to Miami International Airport: $80
- Transfer from Port Of Miami to Miami Beach: $65
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Philadelphia
Also for Philadelphia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Arrival Private Transfer Philadelphia Airport PHL to Philadelphia City by SUV: $124
- Arrival Private Transfer Philadelphia Airport PHL to Philadelphia by Limousine: $117
- Arrival Private Transfer Philadelphia Airport PHL to Philadelphia by Minibus: $204
- Arrival Private Transfer Philadelphia Airport PHL to Philadelphia by Minivan: $123
- Arrival Private Transfer Philadelphia Airport PHL to Philadelphia by Sedan: $68
- Arrival Private Transfer Philadelphia Train Station to Philadelphia by SUV: $124
- Arrival Private Transfer Philadelphia Train Station to Philadelphia by Sedan: $68
- Departure Private Transfer Philadelphia City to Philadelphia Airport PHL by SUV: $124
- Departure Private Transfer Philadelphia to Philadelphia Airport PHL by Limousine: $117
- Departure Private Transfer Philadelphia to Philadelphia Airport PHL by Minibus: $204
- Departure Private Transfer Philadelphia to Philadelphia Airport PHL by Minivan: $123
- Departure Private Transfer Philadelphia to Philadelphia Airport PHL by Sedan: $68
Is it cheaper to fly into Miami or Philadelphia?
Prices for flights to both Philadelphia 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
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Food Meals for one dayMiami $33Philadelphia $39
Typical Food prices in Miami
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Miami:
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Lunch with Drinks (for 2)$45
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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 Philadelphia
For Philadelphia, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Casual Lunch (for 3)$27
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Philadelphia
For Philadelphia, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Flavors of Philly Food Tour: $44
- Decadent Gourmet Food Tour: $44
- Flavors of Philly Food Tour: $52
- Highlights of East Passyunk Food Tour: $54
- South Philly Italian Family Dinner Tour: $75
- Historic Food Tour: $78
- Private Tour: Secret Food Tours Philadelphia: $90
- Spirit of Philadelphia Dinner Cruise with Buffet: $107
- Secret Food Tours Philadelphia w/ Private Tour Option: $193
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Miami $25Philadelphia $22
Tours and Activities in Miami
Here are a few actual costs in Miami for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- "Cigar Factory Tour": $35
- 1 Hour Private Helicopter Tour of Miami and South Florida: $518
- 1-Day Key West Tour ( Miami Departure ) ( MIA1-B ): $138
- 1-Day Miami+Everglades Naitonal Park Tour ( Miami Departure )( MIA1-A ): $80
- 1/2 Hour Jet Ski Island Adventure: $5.00
- 10-Day Surf Adventure from Brisbane to Sydney Including Coffs Harbour, Byron Bay and Gold Coast: $2,371
- 2 Hour Cycle Boat Tour: $50
- 2-hour boat tour with Aquarius Boat Rental: $195
- 3 Hour Private Sunset Sailboat Tour for up to 6 Complimentary beverages, snacks: $550
- 3-hour tour with Aquarius Boat Rental: $248
- 3.5-Hour Ultimate Learn to Surf Adventure: $35
- 30 Minute Private Luxury Helicopter Sightseeing Tour of Miami: $299
Typical Entertainment prices in Philadelphia
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Philadelphia's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Big Bus Tour (family of 3)$99
Tours and Activities in Philadelphia
For Philadelphia, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Philadelphia's Lost Waterfront: Explore the historic city on an audio tour: $5.00
- Art and Controversy: An audio tour of Philadelphia's most infamous art scandals: $5.00
- Ultimate Philadelphia Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
- Philadelphia Architecture: Discover Every American Style on a GPS Audio Tour: $6.99
- Philadelphia Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
- Penn Museum Admission Ticket: $18
- Philadelphia Walking Ghost Tour: $20
- Franklin's Footsteps Walking Tour: $20
- Skip the Line: Museum of the American Revolution Admission Ticket: $21
- Philadelphia Historical Independence Walking Tour: $21
- Philadelphia Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour: $23
- The Franklin Institute Admission Ticket: $23
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMiami $18Philadelphia $17
Typical Alcohol prices in Miami
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Miami are as follows:
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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 Philadelphia
Also in Philadelphia, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Haunted Pub Crawl: $45
- Philadelphia Prohibition Pub Crawl: $45
- Charleston: Haunted Bar Crawl with Tarot Reading: $64
- Sip of Philly Brewery Tour: $79
When comparing the travel costs between Miami and Philadelphia, 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.
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