Which city is cheaper, Seattle or Miami?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Miami vs. Seattle for Food, Nightlife, Music, and Couples
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Should you visit Miami or Seattle?
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 Seattle can help you decide which place is right for you.
Miami
Miami is a diverse, bustling, and high energy beach city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include shopping, nightlife, and live music.
Seattle
Seattle is a cultural, outdoorsy, and bustling 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 food, beaches, and hiking.
Miami and Seattle: Pros and Cons
Miami
Pros- Good nightlife
- Good music scene
- Popular beach
- Good for shopping
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big city activities
- Less family-friendly
Seattle
Pros- Good music scene
- Popular beach
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big city activities
- Less popular for nightlife
- Less popular for shopping
How is Miami different from Seattle?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Seattle and Miami. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Is Miami or Seattle Better for Food?
Miami
Seattle
Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Miami and Seattle can be difficult as they are each unique in their own way.
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 known for its Stone Crabs, fish sandwiches, Cuban sandwiches, and Key Lime pie.
Seattle has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city is famous for its seafood. Salmon, oysters, and Starbucks coffee are favorites here. Also check out the donuts at Pike's Place Market.
Is Miami or Seattle Better for Nightlife?
Miami
Seattle
Party-goers will usually choose Miami over Seattle.
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.
If you're looking for night time activities Seattle has a few options to choose from. The city is known for its breweries and eclectic nightlife scene. The best neighborhoods for nightlife include Capitol Hill, Belltown, and Downtown.
Is Miami or Seattle Better for Music?
Miami
Seattle
Live music enthusiatsts will find something to enjoy in either Miami or Seattle.
Miami is a world class music destination. Popular live music venues include Ball and Chain, Cafe La Trova, Flamingo Theater Bar.
The music scene in Seattle draws a good crowd. The city has developed its own music culture around several genres including alternative rock and grunge.
Is Miami or Seattle Better for Beaches?
Miami
Seattle
Miami and Seattle are good choices for a beach vacation.
Many people head to Miami to enjoy the beach. If you're looking for long sandy beaches, luxury yacht clubs, and fine dining restaurants, the area's beaches have them all.
Seattle has a beach worth visiting. The city is surrounded by water so there are a number of rocky and sandy beaches nearby. Some beaches are more popular with locals while others attract a large amount of tourists.
Is Miami or Seattle Better for Shopping?
Miami
Seattle
Most people pick Miami for the shopping over Seattle.
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.
Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Seattle. Shopping in town has an eclectic mix of high end brands, local vendors, and vintage shops.
Is Miami or Seattle Better for Families?
Miami
Seattle
You'll find kid-friendly activities in either Miami or Seattle.
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.
Seattle offers lots of family activities. There are several good museums as well as outdoor activities, parks, and a zoo. Make sure you check out the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Volunteer Park, and Artists at Play Playground.
Is Miami or Seattle Better for Couples?
Miami
Seattle
Both Miami and Seattle 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.
Seattle makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has a laid back vibe, a nice downtown area, and plenty of outdoor activities.
Is Miami or Seattle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Miami
Seattle
Miami and Seattle 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.
It's common for backpackers to visit Seattle. Although it's not the most popular city for backpackers in America, the city's chill vibe, fun breweries, and lively setting make it a great spot for young backpackers.
Is Miami or Seattle Better for Students?
Miami
Seattle
Miami and Seattle are comparable places to visit for students.
Miami is popular with students. Spring break in Miami is the stuff of legends.
Seattle is a great beach city to visit as a student. It is a major IT center with a large university, so international students will have plenty of opportunities here.
Is Miami or Seattle Better for Public Transit?
Miami
Seattle
You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Miami and Seattle.
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 Seattle offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a light rail system, a monorail, a street car, and buses.
Is Miami or Seattle a more walkable city?
Miami
Seattle
Miami and Seattle 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.
Seattle is a somewhat walkable place. Many neighborhoods are very walkable, particularly in the downtown and major tourist areas.
Should I spend more time in Seattle or Miami?
How long in Miami or Seattle?
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Miami and Seattle. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Seattle 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 Seattle is 2-3 days.
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How many days in Miami or Seattle? Ideal Length of StayMiami 7Seattle 2-3
One day in Miami or Seattle?
Because Miami is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This beach city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.
In Seattle, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this cultural 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 Seattle?
Because Miami is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Seattle. 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 Seattle?
Miami is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.
Seattle is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the big city destination of Seattle. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.
A week in Miami or Seattle?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Miami. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Miami. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.
You'll find shopping and museums around the outdoorsy big city of Seattle. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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 $164Seattle $156
The average daily cost (per person) in Miami is $164, while the average daily cost in Seattle is $156. 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 Seattle in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMiami $105Seattle $94
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMiami $210Seattle $188
Compare Hotels in Miami and Seattle
Looking for a hotel in Miami or Seattle? 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.
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 Seattle Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Miami $30Seattle $18
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 to Port of Miami: $28
- Luxury Airport Transfer from Miami International Airport: $33
- Private Departure Transfer: Miami City or Miami Beach to Miami Airport: $37
- Private Arrival Transfer: MIA Miami Airport to Miami City or Miami Beach: $37
- Miami Airport Transfer To Miami Area: $40
- Private Airport Transfer: Miami International Airport (MIA) to Miami: $41
- Private Airport Transfer: from Miami to Miami International Airport (MIA): $41
- Miami Private Airport Transfer: $44
- 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
- Private Miami International Airport (MIA) Transfer: $48
Typical Local Transportation prices in Seattle
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Seattle:
-
Lightrail from Airport (for 2)$5.50
-
Roundtrip Ferry to Bainbridge Island (for 2)$15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seattle
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seattle:
- Arrival Private Transfer Seattle Airport SEA to Seattle or Cruise Port - Minibus: $195
- Arrival Private Transfer from Seattle Airport SEA to Seattle by Business Car: $108
- Chauffeured Airport Transfer to/from or Sea-Tac International Airport - One Way: $91
- Cruise Port to Seattle Tacoma Airport (SEA) - Departure Private Transfer: $71
- Departure Private Transfer Seattle or Cruise Port to Seattle Airport SEA Minibus: $195
- Departure Private Transfer from Seattle to Seattle Airport SEA by Business Car: $108
- Low Cost Private Transfer From Seattle Tacoma International Airport to Kent City - One Way: $62
- Low Cost Private Transfer From Seattle Tacoma International Airport to Seattle City - One Way: $149
- Low Cost Private Transfer From Seattle Tacoma International Airport to Tacoma City - One Way: $139
- One-Way Seattle Private Transfer up to 12 Pax: Cruises, Sea-Tac, Hotels: $319
- Private Airport Transfer: Seattle to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA): $40
- Private Departure Transfer from Seattle City to SEA Seattle Airport: $46
Is it cheaper to fly into Miami or Seattle?
Prices for flights to both Seattle 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 $33Seattle $38
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
Typical Food prices in Seattle
Some typical examples of dining costs in Seattle are as follows:
-
Expresso & cookie at Pier 70$7.00
-
Cashews at Pike Place Market$6.00
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6 Mini Donuts at Pike Place Market$3.25
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Chinese Lunch in International District (for 2)$21
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Breakfast at Lowel's in Pike Place Market (for 2)$32
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Breakfast at French Cafe (for 2)$37
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seattle
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Seattle.
- Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market- 1 Hour: $34
- Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market- 2 Hours: $58
- Pacific Northwest-Style Dinner and Pairing in Seattle: $61
- Exclusive: Early-Access Food Tour of Pike Place Market: $73
- Street Theater and Dinner in Seattle's Fremont District: $86
- Seattle Dinner Cruise: $115
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Miami $25Seattle $12
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
Tours and Activities in Seattle
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Seattle are as follows:
- Private Auto-guided Tour of Seattle: $4.96
- Historic Ballard audio tour: A slice of Seattle's quirky history: $5.00
- Skip the Line: Sky View Observatory Admission Tickets: $10
- Smith Tower Straight Up Observatory Access Ticket: $12
- Seattle Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
- Seattle Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Seattle Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
- Seattle Walking Ghost Tour: $23
- The Museum of Flight Admission Ticket: $25
- Underground Walking Tour: $29
- Beneath The Streets Underground History Tour: $29
- Seattle Harbor Cruise: $36
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMiami $18Seattle $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:
- Making Your Own Gin Distillery Tour and Tasting Experience: $190
Sample the Local Flavors in Seattle
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Seattle:
- Seattle Bar Hunt: Sleepless in Seattle Bar Crawl: $12
- Haunted Seattle Ghost and Pub Walking Tour: $27
- Georgetown Brewery Tour: $72
- Bon Vivant Woodinville Wine Tasting Tour: $98
- Seattle Coffee, Chocolate and Wine Tour: $112
- Seattle Wine Tour (Hourly): $135
When comparing the travel costs between Miami and Seattle, 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.
When is the best time to visit Miami or Seattle?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Miami or Seattle in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Miami and Seattle. The beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Miami this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Seattle for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Miami is generally a little warmer than Seattle. Temperatures in Miami average around 83°F (28°C), and Seattle stays around 67°F (19°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seattle this time of the year. In Miami, it's very sunny this time of the year. Miami usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Seattle during summer. Miami gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.
Miami gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Miami usually receives more rain than Seattle. Miami gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMiami 83°F (28°C)Seattle 67°F (19°C)
Should I visit Miami or Seattle in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Miami as well as Seattle. Many travelers come to Miami for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, many visitors come to Seattle in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Miami is much warmer than Seattle in the autumn. The temperature in Miami is usually 78°F (26°C) in October, and Seattle stays around 54°F (12°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Miami this time of the year. In the autumn, Miami often gets more sunshine than Seattle. Miami gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 143 hours of full sun.
Miami receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Miami usually gets more rain in October than Seattle. Miami gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMiami 78°F (26°C)Seattle 54°F (12°C)
Should I visit Miami or Seattle in the Winter?
Both Seattle and Miami are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Miami in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Seattle for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.
In the winter, Miami is much warmer than Seattle. Typically, the winter temperatures in Miami in January are around 67°F (20°C), and Seattle is about 42°F (5°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Miami. Miami usually receives more sunshine than Seattle during winter. Miami gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 67 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Seattle. In January, Miami usually receives less rain than Seattle. Miami gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMiami 67°F (20°C)Seattle 42°F (5°C)
Should I visit Miami or Seattle in the Spring?
Both Seattle and Miami during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Miami for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Seattle because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In April, Miami is generally much warmer than Seattle. Temperatures in Miami average around 75°F (24°C), and Seattle stays around 51°F (11°C).
In Seattle, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Miami. In the spring, Miami often gets more sunshine than Seattle. Miami gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 212 hours of full sun.
Miami usually gets more rain in April than Seattle. Miami gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMiami 75°F (24°C)Seattle 51°F (11°C)
Typical Weather for Seattle and Miami
| Miami | Seattle | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 67°F (20°C) | 2.2 inches (55 mm) | 42°F (5°C) | 5.4 inches (136 mm) |
| Feb | 68°F (20°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) | 45°F (7°C) | 4 inches (102 mm) |
| Mar | 72°F (22°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) | 47°F (9°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) |
| Apr | 75°F (24°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) | 51°F (11°C) | 2.5 inches (64 mm) |
| May | 79°F (26°C) | 6.4 inches (162 mm) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.9 inches (47 mm) |
| Jun | 81°F (27°C) | 9.4 inches (238 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
| Jul | 83°F (28°C) | 5.9 inches (149 mm) | 67°F (19°C) | 0.9 inches (22 mm) |
| Aug | 83°F (28°C) | 7.5 inches (191 mm) | 67°F (19°C) | 1.2 inches (31 mm) |
| Sep | 82°F (28°C) | 7.6 inches (194 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Oct | 78°F (26°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Nov | 73°F (23°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 47°F (8°C) | 5.7 inches (144 mm) |
| Dec | 69°F (21°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) | 42°F (6°C) | 6 inches (152 mm) |
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