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

Should you visit Miami or Reno?

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 Reno 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. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Reno

Reno is a growing, vibrant, and energetic city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Miami and Reno: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Miami or Reno?

You'll generally find more things to do in Miami than Reno. Miami is bigger than Reno, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Miami is better known for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Reno is more popular for its museums. Miami is more touristy than Reno and is popular for its long sandy beaches, glitzy nightlife scene, diverse cultures, and award-winning restaurants. Also, Miami is famous for South Beach. Reno is well known for its casinos and nightlife scene.

How is Miami different from Reno?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Miami
Reno

Reno is very good for its museums and landmarks. However, Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

Reno is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Museums in town range from art and history to local or quirky. The National Automobile Museum, the Nevada Museum of Art, Fleischmann Planetarium, and the Anthropology Museum are some of the favorites.

Miami does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Miami
Reno

Miami is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Reno is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Reno offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The food scene has been growing in recent years and you'll find plenty of casual restaurants that serve hearty and filling comfort foods.

Is Miami or Reno Better for Nightlife?

Miami
Reno

Miami is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Reno is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

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.

The people in Reno know how to have a good time. There's a big nightlife scene with a huge number of bars and entertainment options. There are also a growing number of breweries in town.

Is Miami or Reno Better for Music?

Miami
Reno

Miami is renowned for its music scene. However, Reno is not a live music destination.

Miami has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Popular live music venues include Ball and Chain, Cafe La Trova, Flamingo Theater Bar.

Reno is not a live music destination.


Is Miami or Reno Better for Resorts?

Miami
Reno

Miami is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Reno is not a resort destination.

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.

Reno is not a resort destination.

Is Miami or Reno Better for Beaches?

Miami
Reno

Miami is renowned for the beach. However, Reno 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.

Reno is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Miami or Reno?

Miami
Reno

Miami is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Reno is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Miami specifically to go shopping. 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.

Reno is a great destination for shopping. In addition to your standard suburban shopping malls and strip malls, there's the Midtown District, which has local retail shops and an eclectic and alternative vibe. The area has thrift shops, music vendors, and more.


Is Miami or Reno Better for Families?

Miami
Reno

Miami is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Reno is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Miami. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Reno. You'll find some arcades and entertainment options for kids in some of the casinos. There's also the Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum, which has kid-friendly, hands-on exhibits, and the largest zoo in Nevado, the Sierra Nevada Zoological Park.

Is Miami or Reno Better for Couples?

Miami
Reno

Miami is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Reno is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Reno is a nice destination for couples. There are outdoor parks and scenic walks like the Truckee River Walk or the Rancho San Rafael Regional Park. There's also several great museums and some interesting restaurants.

Is Miami or Reno Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Miami
Reno

Miami is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Reno is lacking in options 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.

Reno is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not really on the backpacker circuit so you won't find any real hostels in town.


Is Miami or Reno Better for Students?

Miami
Reno

Miami is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Reno is not popular with students.

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

Reno is not popular with students.

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

Miami
Reno

Miami is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Reno 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 generally limited in Reno. There's a public bus system with routes around town.

Is Miami or Reno a more walkable city?

Miami
Reno

Miami is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Reno is lacking in options 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.

Reno is generally not very walkable. While there are some reasonably walkable neighborhoods, you really need a car to get around town.


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

Should I spend more time in Reno or Miami?

How long in Miami or Reno?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Miami and Reno. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Reno than in Miami. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Miami, and 1-3 days is enough time in Reno.

Families should spend more time in Miami than Reno. 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 Reno. 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 Reno 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 Reno? Ideal Length of Stay
    Miami 7 
    Reno 1-3

One day in Miami or Reno?

Miami is a big city destination where you can fill many days. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Reno, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this energetic destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Miami or Reno?

Miami is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Reno. 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 Reno?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the diverse big city of Miami. This beach city offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Reno is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Reno. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.


A week in Miami or Reno?

The bustling beach city of Miami offers nightlife and live music. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

You'll find food and shopping around the vibrant destination of Reno. 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, Reno 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 Reno is $144. 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 Reno in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Miami $132
    Reno $55
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Miami $264
    Reno $110
Compare Hotels in Miami and Reno

Looking for a hotel in Miami or Reno? 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 Reno


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 Reno Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Miami $38
    Reno $23
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 in Miami: $105
  • Transfers from Miami Airport to any Miami and Miami Beach area: $145
  • Transfers Airports Miami, Ft. Lauderdale Port Mía Everglades: $25
  • Transfer from Port Miami to Miami Airport: $190
  • 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
  • Transfer To/From Miami Airport or Port Miami.: $105
  • The Ultimate Everglades Airboat, Wildlife Show and Transfer: $47
  • Round Trip Motorcoach Transfer to Key West from Miami: $245
  • Private transfer from Miami hotel to Port of Miami: $160
  • Private Transfer to Miami Airport (Departures): $85
  • Private Transfer in Miami (MIA) Airport/Home/Hotel/Work : $69

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Reno

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Reno:


  • Car Wash
    $5.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reno

Also for Reno, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Reno Tahoe Airport (RNO) to Heavenly Mountain - Arrival Transfer: $109
  • Reno Tahoe Airport (RNO) to Mammoth Mountain: Arrival Transfer: $185
  • Reno Tahoe Airport to Heavenly Mountain - Round-Trip Transfer: $218
  • Reno Tahoe Airport to Northstar/Squaw Valley - Arrival Transfer: $163
  • Reno to Reno/Tahoe International Airport (RNO) - Departure Private Transfer: $66
  • Reno/Tahoe International Airport (RNO) to Reno – Private Arrival Transfer : $66
  • Reno/Tahoe International Airport (RNO) to Reno – Round-Trip Private Transfer: $133

Is it cheaper to fly into Miami or Reno?

Prices for flights to both Reno 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
    Reno $54
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
  • The Ultimate Little Havana Food Tour: $64
  • South Beach Donut & Gelato Walking Food Tour: $65
  • Wynwood Street Art, Culture, Donuts & Walking Food Tour: $65
  • Little Havana Street Food Tour with Enthusiastic Guide: $69
  • Cuban Food Tour Of Little Havana: $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
  • Wynwood Walls Art District Food Tour: $80
  • Mango's Dinner and Show Ticket: $98
  • Mango's Tropical Cafe Dinner & Show: $98

Typical Food Prices in Reno

For Reno, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dennys for Breakfast
    $22
  • Sushi DInner (for 2)
    $40
  • In-n-Out Burger (for 3)
    $19

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Miami $31
    Reno $88

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
  • South Beach Top Highlights Tour with Lincoln Rd and Espanola Way: $39
  • South Beach Walking Tour- A Journey through Food and History: $67
  • "Cigar Factory Tour": $35
  • 1 Day Key West Tour from Miami Florida: $175
  • 1 Hour Jet Ski Experience in Miami Beach Florida: $95
  • 1 Hour Lady Buggy Art Tour Experience in Wynwood: $160
  • 1 Hour Star Island Segway Tour: $74
  • 1-Hour Jetski Tour, Training and Freestyle Ride in Florida: $135

Tours and Activities in Reno

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

  • From Reno Arch to Truckee River: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Downtown Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game: $10
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Reno by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Reno Scavenger Hunt: Reno Adventure: $12
  • Lake Tahoe: Self-Guided GPS Audio Tour: $14
  • Lake Tahoe Audio Driving Tour: $14
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience Carson City, NV: $15
  • Zero Latency Extreme Virtual Reality Experience Ticket: $25
  • Gangs and Gamblers Haunted Walking Tour: $26
  • Reno Ghosts Tour: $30
  • Reno Puzzling Adventure: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Miami $22
    Reno $13
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:

  • Miami Bar Crawl: $25
  • Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • 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 Reno

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Reno:

  • 1 Hour Distillery Tour and Tasting Flight: $25


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

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


Which is Bigger, Miami or Reno?

Miami has a larger population, and is about 89% larger than the population of Reno. When comparing the sizes of Miami and Reno, 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.