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

Should you visit Miami or Salt Lake 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 Salt Lake City can help you decide which place is right for you.

Miami

Miami is a exciting, diverse, and bustling 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 beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is a religious, architectural, and notable city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and food.

Miami and Salt Lake City: 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
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Home to Temple Square
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Miami or Salt Lake City?

You'll generally find more things to do in Miami than Salt Lake City. Miami is bigger than Salt Lake City, 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 Salt Lake City is more popular for its museums, scuba diving & snorkeling, and hiking. Miami is more touristy than Salt Lake City and is popular for its long sandy beaches, glitzy nightlife scene, diverse cultures, and award-winning restaurants. Also, Miami is famous for South Beach. Salt Lake City is well known for its religious landmarks and its large Mormon population.

How is Miami different from Salt Lake City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Miami
Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Salt Lake City specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Many of the fascinating sights around town are influenced by the city's Mormon culture. Temple Square is a highlight for most visitors. It spans 35 acres and is beautifully landscaped with several fountains. There are also four main churches - The Temple, the Tabernacle, the Temple Annex, and Assembly Hall. The city also has several museums such as the Natural History Museum and the historic Liberty Park.

Miami does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Miami
Salt Lake City

Miami is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Salt Lake City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Miami has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Salt Lake City offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. In recent years the food scene has really improved and you'll find a variety of restaurants that serve everything from upscale dishes to more casual fare.

Is Miami or Salt Lake City Better for Nightlife?

Miami
Salt Lake City

Miami is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. However, Salt Lake City is lacking in good options 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.

Salt Lake City is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. Known for its large Mormon population, nightlife isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Salt Lake City. While it will likely never be a party city, there are a growing number of entertainment options around town.

Is Miami or Salt Lake City Better for Music?

Miami
Salt Lake City

Miami is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Salt Lake City 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.

Salt Lake City is not a live music destination.


Is Miami or Salt Lake City Better for Resorts?

Miami
Salt Lake City

Miami is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Salt Lake City is not a resort destination.

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.

Salt Lake City is not a resort destination.

Is Miami or Salt Lake City Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Miami
Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Miami is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Salt Lake City. There are a number of good ski resorts nearby, making this a good base or starting point for a ski vacation.

Miami is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Miami or Salt Lake City Better for Beaches?

Miami
Salt Lake City

Miami is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Salt Lake City is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Miami is a very popular vacation destination. 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.

Salt Lake City is not a beach destination.


Is Miami or Salt Lake City Better for Hiking?

Miami
Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is very good for its hiking experiences. However, Miami is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Salt Lake City. The city offers easy access to many diverse trails, so if you're a nature enthusiasts, you'll appreciate this destination.

Miami is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Miami or Salt Lake City?

Miami
Salt Lake City

Miami is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Salt Lake City 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.

Salt Lake City is a great destination for shopping. The city has sprawling outlet malls as well as local stores and craft shops. City Creek Center is a favorite shopping destination, but there are also several large shopping malls that are worth visiting.

Is Miami or Salt Lake City Better for Families?

Miami
Salt Lake City

Miami is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City. There are museums that kids will enjoy like the Natural History Museum of Utah and the Leonardo Museum. There are also fun-filled activities like a visit to Lagoon Amusement Park. You can learn about history at This Is the Place Heritage Park or learn about the undersea world at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium.


Is Miami or Salt Lake City Better for Couples?

Miami
Salt Lake City

Miami is a very popular place for couples. Also, Salt Lake City 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.

Salt Lake City is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with beautiful gardens like Red Butte Garden. There are also nice restaurants and romantic hotels that will make this a nice place for a couple's getaway.

Is Miami or Salt Lake City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Miami
Salt Lake City

Miami is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Salt Lake City is lacking in good options for backpackers.

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.

Salt Lake City is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels in town, but most backpackers overlook this destination or breeze through town quickly.

Is Miami or Salt Lake City Better for Students?

Miami
Salt Lake City

Miami is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Salt Lake City is not popular with students.

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

Salt Lake City is not popular with students.


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

Miami
Salt Lake City

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Miami and Salt Lake City.

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.

While Salt Lake City offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a surprisingly good public transit system that includes light rail, buses, and commuter trains, but if you want to get out of town you'll need to have a car.

Is Miami or Salt Lake City a more walkable city?

Miami
Salt Lake City

Miami is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Salt Lake City is lacking in good 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.

Salt Lake City is generally not very walkable. While some neighborhoods are walkable, like Temple Square, most visitors prefer to have a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Salt Lake City or Miami?

How long in Miami or Salt Lake City?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Miami and Salt Lake City. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Salt Lake City than in Miami. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Miami, and 2-3 days is enough time in Salt Lake City.

Families should spend more time in Miami than Salt Lake City. 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 Salt Lake 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 Salt Lake 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.


  • How many days in Miami or Salt Lake City? Ideal Length of Stay
    Miami 7 
    Salt Lake City 2-3

One day in Miami or Salt Lake City?

Because Miami is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Salt Lake City, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this notable destination 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 Salt Lake City?

Miami is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 Salt Lake City. 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 Salt Lake City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Miami. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Salt Lake City is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Salt Lake City. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Miami or Salt Lake City?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the beach city of Miami. It's also a great beach destination, too. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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 scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the notable destination of Salt Lake City. 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, Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City is $246. 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 Salt Lake City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Miami $132
    Salt Lake City $119
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Miami $264
    Salt Lake City $238
Compare Hotels in Miami and Salt Lake City

Looking for a hotel in Miami or Salt Lake City? 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 Salt Lake City


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 Salt Lake City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Miami $38
    Salt Lake City $45
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 from Miami Airport to any Miami and Miami Beach area: $145
  • Transfers Airports Miami, Ft. Lauderdale Port Mía Everglades: $25
  • 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
  • Private transfer from Port Miami to Miami Airport or Miami Hotel: $190
  • Private transfer from Miami hotel to Port of Miami: $160
  • Private Transfer in Miami (MIA) Airport/Home/Hotel/Work : $69
  • Private Transfer from Miami Airport to any Hotels Downtown Miami: $99
  • Private Transfer from Miami Airport to Hotel or Port of Miami: $35
  • Private Transfer from Miami Airport to Hotel and Vice Versa: $255

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Salt Lake City

Also for Salt Lake City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Departure Transfer to Salt Lake City Airport SLC: $36
  • Private Transfer from SLC to Salt Lake City : $119
  • Private Transfer from Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) to Park City hotel or address: $260
  • Private Transfer from Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) to Salt Lake City : $120
  • Private Transfer: Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) to Salt Lake City : $106
  • Private Transfer: Salt Lake City to Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) : $107
  • Salt Lake Airport (SLC) to Canyons Village - Arrival Transfer: $114
  • Salt Lake Airport (SLC) to Canyons Village - Round-Trip Transfer: $229
  • Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) to Park City - Arrival Private Transfer : $90
  • Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) to Park City UT - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $181
  • Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) to Salt Lake City - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
  • Salt Lake City Airport (SLC): Transfer to Salt Lake City: $200

Is it cheaper to fly into Miami or Salt Lake City?

Prices for flights to both Salt Lake City 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
    Salt Lake City $50
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.

  • 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
  • Food Tour of Miami's South Beach: $79
  • Mango's Dinner and Show Ticket: $98
  • Mango's Tropical Cafe Dinner & Show: $98
  • Miami Dinner Party w/ Night Club Experience: $100
  • Guided Small Group Little Havana Food Tour: $124
  • 3 Hour Regional Indian Cooking Class and Dining Experience in Miami: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Miami $31
    Salt Lake City $28

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
  • 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 Star Island Segway Tour: $74
  • 1HR Boat Tour Around Miami Celebrities Mansion: $65
  • 2 hrs Miami Private Boat Tour with Cooler, Ice, Bluetooth Stereo: $75
  • 2-Day Key West and Miami South Beach Tour: $100

Tours and Activities in Salt Lake City

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

  • Mormon History - Salt Lake Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Mormon History Salt Lake Self-Guided Audio app Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Salt Lake City by 3Quest Challenge: $10
  • Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $13
  • Salt Lake City Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $15
  • Salt Lake City & La Sal: Self-Guided Walking & Driving Tour: $20
  • Salt Lake City Ghost Tour: Outer Reaches Tour: $23
  • Salt Lake City Haunted Old Town Tour: $23
  • Haunted Walking Tour: $26
  • Salt Lake Ghosts and Hauntings Tour By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Salt Lake City Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • 45 Minute Great Salt Lake Boat Tour: $37

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Miami $22
    Salt Lake City $17
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


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


Which is Bigger, Miami or Salt Lake City?

Miami has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Salt Lake City. When comparing the sizes of Miami and Salt Lake 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.