A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Naples vs. West Palm Beach for Resorts, Beaches, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Naples or West Palm Beach?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Naples and West Palm Beach can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Naples

Naples is a relaxing, peaceful, and nature-filled beach town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is a vibrant, fun-filled, and diverse beach area. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Naples and West Palm Beach: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food


Is there more to do in Naples or West Palm Beach?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Naples than West Palm Beach, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Naples is better known for its museums, food, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while West Palm Beach is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, and scuba diving & snorkeling. Naples is well known for its white sand, blue water, water sports, and golf resorts. Also, Naples is famous for Naples Pier and the miles of sandy beach. West Palm Beach is well known for its nice resorts, a lively boardwalk, great seafood, and fun watersports.

How is Naples different from West Palm Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between West Palm Beach and Naples. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Naples or West Palm Beach?

Naples
West Palm Beach

Naples is a popular place for its historical sights. However, West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Naples is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. While most visitors spend most of their time at the beach, on a rainy day you can check out the town's art museums, history museums, or local spots such as the Palm Cottage.

West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Naples or West Palm Beach? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Naples
West Palm Beach

Naples is a great beach town for its local flavors and cuisine. However, West Palm Beach is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Naples. Seafood is a favorite around town, but you'll also find plenty of Italian food. Everything from casual to fine dining is available with many local favorites to choose from.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in West Palm Beach. Oceanfront restaurants usually have a great view and offer local and fresh seafood. There are also many local restaurants concentrated around Clematis Street and CityPlace districts.

Is Naples or West Palm Beach Better for Nightlife?

Naples
West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Naples is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

West Palm Beach has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. With rooftop bars and clubs, oceanfront venues, and plenty of nightlife options downtown, this city rivals most places when it comes to nightlife. The nightlife scene is particularly active during spring break, when university students head to town.

Naples has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are live music venues, cocktail bars, and dance clubs around town.

Is Naples or West Palm Beach Better for Resorts?

Naples
West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is renowned for its luxury resorts. Also, Naples is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

West Palm Beach is a world class resort vacation destination. All of the major names are present including the Hilton, Marriott, and Four Seasons.

There are plenty of resorts in Naples to choose from. There are luxury resorts, family-friendly hotels, and a range of prices to choose from. Most have pools and many have oceanfront views with golf facilities available. Many of the major brands such as Marriott are found here.


Is Naples or West Palm Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Naples
West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is an excellent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. Also, Naples is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

West Palm Beach is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. Check out Phil Foster Park in Rivera Beach. It's a man-made reef that is surprisingly clear.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Naples. Snorkeling and scuba diving are both available in the area, in part because of the impressive artificial reefs that have been constructed. Snorkeling is available at Tigertail Beach, Clam Pass, and Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park.

Is Naples or West Palm Beach Better for Beaches?

Naples
West Palm Beach

Both Naples and West Palm Beach are considered to be terrific beach destinations.

Naples is considered to be a world-class beach destination. White sand beaches and calm Gulf waters make this an ideal beach destination. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is a favorite beach spot in the area, but you should also check out Naples Municipal Beach which is where you'll find the Naples Pier. If you want a more natural setting, head to Barefoot Beach Preserve County Park.

West Palm Beach offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. From bustling beaches with a boardwalk to quieter, more relaxing beaches surrounded by parkland, there are are number of options in the area.

Is Naples or West Palm Beach Better for Hiking?

Naples
West Palm Beach

Naples is a popular place for hiking. However, West Palm Beach is not a hiking destination.

Naples is a good destination for hiking. The area is filled with state parks and nature reserves where you can explore and enjoy a scenic hike. There are also greenways and coastal paths nearby.

West Palm Beach is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Naples or West Palm Beach?

Naples
West Palm Beach

Naples is a popular place for shopping. However, West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Naples. You'll find shopping centers, outlet malls, and plenty of retail space around town. Some of the favorite shopping spots are the Mercato, Coastland Center, and Waterside Shops. For souvenirs and beach items head to Tin City Waterfront Shops.

West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Naples or West Palm Beach Better for Families?

Naples
West Palm Beach

Both Naples and West Palm Beach are excellent to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Naples. You'll find relaxing beaches, nice parks, plenty of playgrounds, and even the Golisano Childrens Museum for rainy days. There are also nature centers with great walks as well as gardens and wildlife viewpoints.

West Palm Beach is a very family-friendly place to visit. Animal lovers will appreciate the zoos and aquariums in the area. Check out McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary, Manatee Lagoon, the Palm Beach Zoo, and the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium.

Is Naples or West Palm Beach Better for Couples?

Naples
West Palm Beach

Both Naples and West Palm Beach are excellent destinations for a couple's getaway.

Naples makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Beautiful beaches and relaxing spas make this a favorite couples destination. Golf, high end restaurants and plenty of romantic activities will ensure you have the anniversary trip or honeymoon to remember.

Couples visit West Palm Beach frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples will enjoy kayaking, dining out, or simply relaxing on the beach. It's fun to spend a day exploring the botanical gardens and an evening wandering around Clematis Street.


Is Naples or West Palm Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Naples
West Palm Beach

Naples is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, West Palm Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Naples. There's a hostel or two in the area as well as cheaper accommodation than other parts of Florida.

West Palm Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Naples or West Palm Beach Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Naples
West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is a beach area with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Naples is lacking in options for its public transit.

West Palm Beach has some public transit options. There's a downtown trolley, a commuter trail line (connecting West Palm Beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale), and a bus system with about 30 lines.

Public transit is generally limited in Naples. There's a trolley system as well as a public bus system.

Is Naples or West Palm Beach a more walkable city?

Naples
West Palm Beach

Naples and West Palm Beach are notable when it comes to walkability.

Naples is a somewhat walkable beach town. The downtown area is relatively walkable, but to fully explore the region you'll need your own car.

West Palm Beach is somewhat walkable. West Palm Beach has a surprisingly walkable area and it's possible to explore the downtown area on foot.


For even more information, also check out Is Naples Worth Visiting? and Is West Palm Beach Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in West Palm Beach or Naples?

How long in Naples or West Palm Beach?

Both Naples and West Palm Beach have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in West Palm Beach than in Naples. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Naples, and 3-7 days is enough time in West Palm Beach.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Naples than West Palm Beach 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 Naples.


  • How many days in Naples or West Palm Beach? Ideal Length of Stay
    Naples 2-5 
    West Palm Beach 3-7

One day in Naples or West Palm Beach?

The peaceful destination of Naples offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the destination of West Palm Beach. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Naples or West Palm Beach?

The beach town of Naples offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

West Palm Beach is a great place to explore. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Naples or West Palm Beach?

Naples is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. This beach town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in West Palm Beach. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A week in Naples or West Palm Beach?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Naples. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the diverse destination of West Palm Beach. This beach area offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.


Which place is cheaper, West Palm Beach or Naples?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Naples is $226, while the average daily cost in West Palm Beach is $330. 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 Naples and West Palm Beach in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Naples $119
    West Palm Beach $234
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Naples $238
    West Palm Beach $468
Compare Hotels in Naples and West Palm Beach

Looking for a hotel in Naples or West Palm Beach? 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 Naples


Hotels in West Palm Beach


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: Naples Hotel Prices and West Palm Beach Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Naples $62
    West Palm Beach $49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Naples

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

  • Naples to Southwest Florida Airport (RSW) - Departure Private Transfer: $103
  • Marco Island to Southwest Airport (RSW) - Departure Private Transfer: $94

Hired Cars and Shuttles in West Palm Beach

Also for West Palm Beach, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from PBI to Palm Beach City : $105
  • Private Transfer from Cruise Port of Palm Beach to Palm Beach: $42
  • Port of Palm Beach to Palm Beach Intl Airport (PBI) - Departure Private Transfer: $42
  • Palm Beach to Palm Beach Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $42
  • Palm Beach hotels to Cruise Port of Palm Beach - Departure Private Transfer : $42
  • Palm Beach Port to Palm Beach Airport (PBI) - Departure Transfer: $42
  • Palm Beach Intl Airport (PBI) to Port of Palm Beach - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $84
  • Palm Beach Intl Airport (PBI) to Port of Palm Beach - Arrival Private Transfer : $42
  • Palm Beach City to Palm Beach Airport (PBI) - Departure Private Transfer: $31
  • Palm Beach Airport (PBI) to Palm Beach Port - Arrival Transfer: $42
  • Palm Beach Airport (PBI) to Palm Beach City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $62
  • Palm Beach Airport (PBI) to Palm Beach City - Arrival Private Transfer: $31

Is it cheaper to fly into Naples or West Palm Beach?

Prices for flights to both West Palm Beach and Naples 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
    Naples $70
    West Palm Beach $66

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Naples

For Naples, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Traditional Greek Cooking Class in Naples Florida: $224

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in West Palm Beach

For West Palm Beach, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Mornings in the Market Food Tour: $75
  • Mornings in the Market Food Tour: $75
  • Downtown West Palm Beach Food Tour: $85
  • Downtown Food Tour: $85
  • Prohibition Dinner & Drinks Tour: $101
  • Food Tour of Historic West Palm Beach Neighborhoods: $101
  • Prohibition Dinner & Drinks Tour: $101
  • Historic Neighborhood Food Tour: $101

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Naples $26
    West Palm Beach $19

Tours and Activities in Naples

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

  • 10,000 Islands Boat Excursion - 3.5-Hour Dolphins & Shelling Tour: $170
  • 10,000 Islands Excursion Small-Group 3.5 hour Dolphin & Shelling Boat Tour : $160
  • 10000 Islands Everglades Boat Tour : $59
  • 2 Hour Dolphin, Birding and Shelling Tour: $100
  • 2 Hours Cycle Boat Sunset Tour in Marco Island : $59
  • 2Hour Everglades Kayak Safari Adventure Through Mangrove Tunnels: $105
  • 3 Hour Guided Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Eco Tour: $120
  • 3 Hour Hobie Kayak Adventure In Bonita Springs: $70
  • 3 Hour Natural Florida Everglades Guided Bicycle Eco Tour: $119
  • 4-Hour Guided Kayak Adventure in Bonita Springs: $110
  • 90 Minute Guided Moped Tour in Naples Florida: $69
  • 90 Minute Segway Tour - Explore Naples Florida - Family Fun: $62

Tours and Activities in West Palm Beach

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for West Palm Beach.

  • 2-Hour Guided Snorkel Tour of Phil Foster Park, Blue Heron Bridge: $60
  • 3 Hour Cruise & Swimming Excursion off Peanut Island Park: $77
  • Beginner Scuba Diving Tour With Videos in West Palm Beach: $99
  • Beginner Snorkel Tour With Videos in West Palm Beach: $49
  • Blue Heron Bridge Guided Snorkel Tour : $90
  • Blue Heron Bridge Half Day Reef Snorkeling Adventure With Lunch: $56
  • Bulk Candy Store Tour: $13
  • Christmas Light Cruise from Jupiter: $75
  • Clear Kayak Eco Tour in Jupiter, Florida: $75
  • Clear Kayak Tour in Jupiter: $79
  • Experience Peanut Island Adventures: $50
  • Flamingle Happy Hour Cruise: $40

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Naples $38
    West Palm Beach $39

Sample the Local Flavors in Naples

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

  • Epic Naples Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12

Sample the Local Flavors in West Palm Beach

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in West Palm Beach:

  • Brewery, Distillery & Coffee Roaster Walking Tour with VIP Access: $69
  • Guided 3 Brewery Bus Tour in West Palm Beach: $85


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Naples and West Palm Beach, we can see that West Palm Beach is more expensive. And not only is Naples much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Naples would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Naples 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 West Palm Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in West Palm Beach than you might in Naples.

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


Which is Bigger, Naples or West Palm Beach?

West Palm Beach has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Naples. When comparing the sizes of Naples and West Palm Beach, 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.