A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Miami vs. San Antonio for Food, Nightlife, Music, and Families

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Should you visit Miami or San Antonio?

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 San Antonio can help you decide which place is right for you.

Miami

Miami is a high energy, glamorous, and exciting beach city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for live music, food, and beaches.

San Antonio

San Antonio is a historic and cultural city. It's also known for food, museums, and nightlife.

How is Miami different from San Antonio?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Is Miami or San Antonio better for Food?

Miami has a longer list of notable local restaurants than San Antonio.

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.

San Antonio offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Popular local dishes include tacos, sweet potato fries, and chicken fried steak.


Is Miami or San Antonio better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will usually choose Miami over San Antonio.

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.

San Antonio has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city's nightlife is diverse, with dance halls, breweries, and clubs.

Is Miami or San Antonio better for Music?

Miami generally offers more live music options than San Antonio.

Miami is a world class music destination. Popular live music venues include Ball and Chain, Cafe La Trova, Flamingo Theater Bar.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in San Antonio. It's worth checking out The Aztec Theater, Sam's Burger Joint, and 502 Bar.

Is Miami or San Antonio better for Shopping?

Most people pick Miami for the shopping over San Antonio.

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.

San Antonio is a good destination for shopping. From souvenir shops to local boutiques and chain stores, there are several shopping options around town.

Is Miami or San Antonio better for Families?

San Antonio offers a wider variety of activities for kids than Miami.

San Antonio is one of the most popular family destinations. The RiverWalk is a fun family-friendly area. There's also Six Flags, SeaWorld and the San Antonio Zoo as well as a number of museums and other amusement parks in the area.

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.


Is Miami or San Antonio better for Couples?

Both Miami and San Antonio 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.

San Antonio is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy taking a boat ride and exploring the many sites around town.

Is Miami or San Antonio better for Public Transit?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Miami and San Antonio.

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 is generally limited in San Antonio. Buses connect most of the city's tourist attractions, but you'll find life much easier if you have your own car.

Is Miami or San Antonio a more walkable city?

Miami is generally more walkable than San Antonio.

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.

San Antonio is generally not very walkable. If you stick to the downtown area you will be fine getting around on foot.

Miami and San Antonio: Pros and Cons

Miami
Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Good nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Good for shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
Cons
  • Less family-friendly
San Antonio
Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Cons
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less active music scene
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less walkable


Should I spend more time in San Antonio or Miami?

How long in Miami or San Antonio?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Miami and San Antonio. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in San Antonio 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 San Antonio is 2-3 days.


  • How many days in Miami or San Antonio? Ideal Length of Stay
    Miami 7 
    San Antonio 2-3

One day in Miami or San Antonio?

Miami is a high energy beach city where you can fill many days. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire area has lots to do.

In San Antonio, many people enjoy the food and museums that this historic 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 San Antonio?

Miami is a exciting big city where you can fill many days. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This beach city offers something for everyone. 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 San Antonio. 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 San Antonio?

The high energy beach city of Miami offers food and shopping. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Five days may feel like too much time here unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

San Antonio 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 San Antonio?

Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Miami. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find live music and food around the historic destination of San Antonio. 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.

Which city is cheaper, San Antonio or Miami?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Miami is $165, while the average daily cost in San Antonio is $106. 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 San Antonio in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Miami $106
    San Antonio $55
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Miami $212
    San Antonio $110

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Miami $32
    San Antonio $16
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:

  • 2019 50 Passenger Bus Transport Airport/port Transfers, Miami/broward: $613
  • 56 Passenger Motor Coach Transport Airport/port Transfers, Miami/broward: $669
  • Airport Transfers, Car Service, Executive Transportation: $89
  • Arrival Private Transfer Miami Airport MIA to Miami by Business Car: $78
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Miami Airport MIA to Miami Beach in Business Car: $98
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Miami Airport MIA to Miami Beach in Luxury SUV: $123
  • Cruise Port of Miami to Miami Airport (MIA) - Departure Private Transfer: $62
  • Everglades Airboat Tour with Transfer from Miami: $124
  • Luxury Airport Transfer from Miami International Airport: $33
  • Miami Airport (MIA) to Boca Raton - Arrival Private Transfer: $153
  • Miami Airport (MIA) to Boca Raton - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $306
  • Miami Airport (MIA) to Boynton Beach - Arrival Private Transfer: $180

Typical Local Transportation prices in San Antonio

Some typical examples of transportation costs in San Antonio are as follows:


  • Rental Car for a Day
    $60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Antonio

Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Antonio:

  • Private Arrival Transfer from San Antonio Airport SAT: $35
  • Private Departure Transfer to San Antonio Airport SAT: $35
  • Private San Antonio Transfer: Airport to Hotel: $147
  • Private San Antonio Transfer: Hotel to Airport: $138
  • Private Transfer from San Antonio Airport to San Antonio City: $78
  • Private Transfer from San Antonio to Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL) Airport: $270
  • Private Transfer from San Antonio to San Antonio Airport: $78
  • Private transfer San Antonio Pier to Airport: $125
  • Private transfer: San Antonio Airport (SAT) to San Antonio: $622
  • Private transfer: San Antonio to San Antonio Airport (SAT): $622
  • San Antonio Airport (SAT) to San Antonio - Arrival Private Transfer: $93
  • San Antonio Airport (SAT) to San Antonio - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $187

Is it cheaper to fly into Miami or San Antonio?

Prices for flights to both San Antonio 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
    San Antonio $32
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Antonio

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in San Antonio.

  • San Antonio Walking Food Tour: Downtown Delicacies: $66

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Miami $25
    San Antonio $28

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 San Antonio

Here are a few typical costs in San Antonio for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Spa Treatments
    $200

Tours and Activities in San Antonio

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

  • San Antonio Ranger Creek Brewstillery Tour: $13
  • Skip the Line: San Antonio Zoo General Admission Ticket: $17
  • LEGOLAND Discovery Center San Antonio Admission Ticket: $18
  • San Antonio Ghost Walking Tour: $18
  • Walking Ghost Tour of Downtown San Antonio: $19
  • Ripley's San Antonio Haunted Adventure Haunted House: $20
  • River City Ghost Walking Tour of San Antonio: $20
  • San Antonio Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • San Antonio Haunted History Ghost Tour: $21
  • The Madames and Mayhem Walking Ghost Tour: $23
  • Mutiny: Pirate Adventure Escape Room at Extreme Escape San Antonio: $32
  • Trapped Below: Underground Escape Room Adventure at Extreme Escape San Antonio: $32

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Miami $18
    San Antonio -
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 San Antonio

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Antonio:

  • Epic San Antonio Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
  • Haunted San Antonio Ghost and Pub Walking Tour: $27
  • Texas Hill Country and LBJ Ranch Tour with Wine Tasting Options: $109
  • Taste of Fredericksburg Wine Tour from San Antonio: $149
  • San Antonio port, wine tasting an off the beaten path destination: $151
  • Fredericksburg Wine Tour with Five Winery Stops: $325
  • Fredericksburg Wine Tour with Five Winery Stops and Transport to Local Eatery: $375

About these numbers

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

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Miami vs. San Antonio Travel Comparison

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