A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Miami vs. Sarasota for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Beaches

Should you visit Miami or Sarasota?

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

Miami

Miami is a high energy, glamorous, and exciting beach city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the live music, food, and beaches.

Sarasota

Sarasota is a underrated, relaxing, and entertaining city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Miami and Sarasota: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Miami or Sarasota?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Miami than Sarasota. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Miami is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Sarasota attracts visitors for its museums. Miami is more touristy than Sarasota and is popular for its long sandy beaches, glitzy nightlife scene, diverse cultures, and award-winning restaurants. It is also well known for South Beach. Sarasota is famous for its sandy beaches and its fun activities.

How is Miami different from Sarasota?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Sarasota is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Sarasota specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are some decent museums in town such as the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the Sarasota Classic Car Museum, and the Ca' da'Zan. Another highlight is the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium.

Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Miami is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through Miami, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Sarasota area. You'll find plenty of seafood around town, but there are also international restaurants and quirky local joints.

Is Miami or Sarasota Better for Nightlife?

Miami is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Sarasota. You'll find beach clubs, live entertainment such as drum circles, and plenty of bars around town. There are also evening cruises and late night parties.

Is Miami or Sarasota Better for Music?

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

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Miami. Popular live music venues include Ball and Chain, Cafe La Trova, Flamingo Theater Bar.

Sarasota is not a live music destination.

Is Miami or Sarasota Better for Resorts?

Miami is renowned for its luxury resorts. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its resorts.

Vacationers flock to Miami for its luxury resorts. 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.

Sarasota has a few great resort options. You'll find beachfront resorts with pools and nice views.

Is Miami or Sarasota Better for Beaches?

Miami is renowned for the beache. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the beach.

Miami offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. 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.

Sarasota is a good option for a beach vacation. There's no shortage of beaches in the area where you can spend a relaxing day playing the water and lounging in the sun. Siesta Key, Sarasota Gay Beach, Crescent Beach, and Coquina Beach are some of the favorites.

Is the Shopping Better in Miami or Sarasota?

Miami is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Miami draws large crowds to its stores. 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.

Many visitors go to Sarasota to go shopping. Upscale shopping can be found at St. Armand's Circle. There's also Sarasota Square Mall and the Mall at University Town Center. If you want to pick up some local items you can check out Sarasota Farmers Market.

Is Miami or Sarasota Better for Families?

Sarasota is an amazing city to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Sarasota is one of the most popular family destinations. There's a huge number of hands on activities for kids and families in the area. Many families enjoy a visit to Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. There are also botanical gardens, science museums, and outdoor adventure centers. Animal lovers will appreciate a visit to Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary. The city also has many performing arts and entertainment options for kids. And make sure you check out the museum dedicated to the Ringling Brothers Circus.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Miami is very family-friendly. 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.

Is Miami or Sarasota Better for Couples?

Miami is great for its romantic activities. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Miami is a great beach city if you're traveling as 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.

Sarasota is a good beach city for couples to visit. A night out at St. Armands Circle is a fun way to spend the evening. There are also sunset cruises, nice restaurants, comedy clubs, and more.

Is Miami or Sarasota Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Miami is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Sarasota is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Sarasota is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are budget friendly places to stay, but there isn't a large backpacker or young crowd hanging around.

Is Miami or Sarasota Better for Students?

Miami is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Sarasota is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Miami. Spring break in Miami is the stuff of legends.

Sarasota is not popular with students.

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

Miami is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Sarasota is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Miami offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's an elevated metrorail as well as buses around the city.

Public transit is generally limited in Sarasota. There's a bus system around town but most visitors depend on their own car for transportation.

Is Miami or Sarasota a more walkable city?

Miami is great for its high level of walkability. However, Sarasota is not a good destination for its ease of walking around.

Miami is a very walkable beach city. 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.

Sarasota is generally not very walkable. While the downtown has some walkable parts, you'll need a car to access most things around town.

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

Should I spend more time in Sarasota or Miami?

How long in Miami or Sarasota?

In either Miami or Sarasota, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Sarasota than Miami because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Miami, and 2-5 days is enough time in Sarasota.

Families should spend more time in Sarasota than Miami. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Sarasota, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Miami than Sarasota. 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 Sarasota 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.

One day in Miami or Sarasota?

Miami is a big city with plenty to do. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Sarasota, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this relaxing 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 Sarasota?

Miami is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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

Miami is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Sarasota is a fun place to experience. In Sarasota, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Miami or Sarasota?

Miami is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This beach city offers something for everyone.

You'll find food and shopping around the underrated destination of Sarasota. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Miami or Sarasota?

Miami has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Sarasota. When comparing the sizes of Miami and Sarasota, 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.

When is the best time to visit Miami or Sarasota?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Miami or Sarasota in the Summer?

Both Sarasota and Miami during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Miami in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Sarasota for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

In Sarasota, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Miami. In the summer, Miami often gets more sunshine than Sarasota. Miami gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarasota receives 265 hours of full sun.

Sarasota gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Miami. Miami usually gets less rain in July than Sarasota. Miami gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Sarasota receives 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Miami or Sarasota in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Miami and Sarasota. Most visitors come to Miami for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Sarasota because of the shopping scene.

In October, Miami is generally around the same temperature as Sarasota. Daily temperatures in Miami average around 78°F (26°C), and Sarasota fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sarasota this time of the year. In Miami, it's very sunny this time of the year. Miami usually receives more sunshine than Sarasota during autumn. Miami gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Sarasota receives 234 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Miami gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Miami usually receives more rain than Sarasota. Miami gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Sarasota receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Sarasota.

Should I visit Miami or Sarasota in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Miami as well as Sarasota. The winter months attract visitors to Miami because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sarasota this time of year.

Miami is a little warmer than Sarasota in the winter. The daily temperature in Miami averages around 67°F (20°C) in January, and Sarasota fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sarasota. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Miami this time of the year. In the winter, Miami often gets more sunshine than Sarasota. Miami gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarasota receives 200 hours of full sun.

Miami usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Sarasota. Miami gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Sarasota receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Miami or Sarasota in the Spring?

Both Sarasota and Miami are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Miami this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Sarasota for the beaches.

In the spring, Miami is around the same temperature as Sarasota. Typically, the spring temperatures in Miami in April average around 75°F (24°C), and Sarasota averages at about 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Sarasota. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Miami. Miami usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sarasota during spring. Miami gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Sarasota receives 299 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Miami usually receives more rain than Sarasota. Miami gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Sarasota receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Sarasota is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Sarasota and Miami