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

Should you visit Orlando or West Palm Beach?

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

Should I visit Orlando or West Palm Beach? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Orlando

Orlando is a family-friendly, entertaining, and active city. Other reasons to visit include theater, nightlife, and food.

West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is a fun-filled, diverse, and vibrant beach area. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Orlando and West Palm Beach: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Orlando than West Palm Beach, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Orlando is more popular for its theatre productions, food, and shopping, while West Palm Beach is known for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Orlando is more touristy than West Palm Beach and is known for being the home of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and many other theme parks and family-friendly activities. It is also home to Disney World, Universal Studios, and the city's many amusement parks. West Palm Beach is popular for its nice resorts, a lively boardwalk, great seafood, and fun watersports.

How is Orlando 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 Orlando. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Orlando or West Palm Beach Better for Theater?

Orlando is a popular place for theatre. However, West Palm Beach is not a theatre destination.

If you have some extra time in Orlando, take in a show. The city has a number of local theaters that are fun to explore. As home to Disney World and Universal Studios, there are also a number of shows available that are affiliated with the parks.

West Palm Beach is not a theatre destination.

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

Orlando is a great city 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 Orlando. There are a diversity of restaurants on the Disney grounds and nearby. You'll also find many restaurants at Universal CityWalk and Disney Springs. Food can be expensive, and the quality can vary dramatically. Many people enjoy going to dinner shows as well. Restaurants can be challenging also, as reservations must be made months in advance.

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 Orlando or West Palm Beach Better for Nightlife?

West Palm Beach is great for nightlife. Also, Orlando is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to West Palm Beach for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Orlando. If you need a break from the kids, you'll find some of the best nightlife around Orlando at Disney Springs, Wall Street Plaza and Universal CityWalk.

Is Orlando or West Palm Beach Better for Resorts?

Orlando and West Palm Beach offer a relatively similar set of first-rate luxury resort options.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Orlando is a great choice. Disney World is famous for its many iconic resorts. Some of the most popular are the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Port Orleans Resort, and the Grand Floridian Resort. There are also many resorts that aren't affiliated with the major theme parks. These tend to be more affordable, but transportation options to and from the park are limited. You'll also miss out on the perks that come with staying at a theme park resort.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, West Palm Beach is a perfect choice. All of the major names are present including the Hilton, Marriott, and Four Seasons.

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

West Palm Beach is great for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Orlando is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting West Palm Beach. Check out Phil Foster Park in Rivera Beach. It's a man-made reef that is surprisingly clear.

Orlando is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Orlando or West Palm Beach Better for Beaches?

West Palm Beach is renowned for its beaches. However, Orlando is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in West Palm Beach. From bustling beaches with a boardwalk to quieter, more relaxing beaches surrounded by parkland, there are are number of options in the area.

Orlando is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orlando or West Palm Beach?

Orlando is a great city for shopping. However, West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Orlando. Shopping is a dream for any Disney enthusiast. There are countless malls and shops, both on and off the Disney grounds, that sell all of the Disney paraphernalia. Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk are the most famous areas. During the evenings, these areas can be very crowded, but during the day they're less popular as most people are at the theme parks.

West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Orlando or West Palm Beach Better for Christmas?

Orlando is very popular for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, West Palm Beach does not offer Christmas activities.

People travel from all around to experience the Christmas season in Orlando. Christmas at Disney World is lots of fun. There are decorations and all kinds of seasonal activities around town.

West Palm Beach does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Orlando or West Palm Beach Better for Families?

Orlando is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, West Palm Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice beach area for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Orlando is a very family-friendly destination. Known as a theme park capital, here you'll find the iconic Disney World, as well as Universal Studios, SeaWorld and many more. While most people spend their vacation at the Disney or Universal resorts, there is also an endless supply of less mainstream parks and activities in the area.

West Palm Beach is a very kid-friendly city. 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 Orlando or West Palm Beach Better for Couples?

West Palm Beach is great for romance. Also, Orlando is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

West Palm Beach is a great beach area if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Orlando makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While most people visit the area with family, there is a niche crowd that enjoys honeymooning or vacationing here as a couple. There are many beautiful restaurants and interesting activities that couples can enjoy together. This is the perfect trip for fun loving couples who don't take themselves to seriously.

Is Orlando or West Palm Beach Better for Students?

Orlando is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, West Palm Beach is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Orlando. Most people don't think about education when they think about Orlando, but there are actually a diversity of internships and opportunities for students to learn in a fun setting.

West Palm Beach is not popular with students.

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

West Palm Beach is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Orlando is not a good destination for its public transit.

While West Palm Beach offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. 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 Orlando. If you're staying at a Disney Property, there is excellent transportation around the complex, but otherwise, a car is essential.

Is Orlando or West Palm Beach a more walkable city?

West Palm Beach is a popular place for its walkability. However, Orlando is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

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.

Orlando is not a walkable city. The city is sprawling, so unless you stay on the Disney grounds, it's best to rent a car.

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

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

How long in Orlando or West Palm Beach?

Both Orlando 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 Orlando. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Orlando, and 3-7 days is enough time in West Palm Beach.

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

Couples should spend more time in West Palm Beach than Orlando. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in West Palm Beach that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Orlando 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 Orlando.

One day in Orlando or West Palm Beach?

The family-friendly destination of Orlando offers nightlife and food. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

In West Palm Beach, you'll find nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This beach area offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Orlando or West Palm Beach?

The city of Orlando offers food and shopping. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

In West Palm Beach, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Orlando or West Palm Beach?

Orlando is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

West Palm Beach is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that West Palm Beach has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Orlando or West Palm Beach?

Many people enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting Orlando. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in West Palm Beach. In West Palm Beach, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Orlando and West Palm Beach, we can see that West Palm Beach 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Orlando or West Palm Beach?

Orlando has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of West Palm Beach. When comparing the sizes of Orlando 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.

When is the best time to visit Orlando or West Palm Beach?

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 Orlando or West Palm Beach in the Summer?

Both West Palm Beach and Orlando are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Orlando because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to West Palm Beach this time of year.

Orlando is around the same temperature as West Palm Beach in the summer. The daily temperature in Orlando averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and West Palm Beach fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in West Palm Beach. It's quite rainy in Orlando. In July, Orlando usually receives more rain than West Palm Beach. Orlando gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Orlando or West Palm Beach in the Autumn?

Both West Palm Beach and Orlando during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Orlando this time of year.

In the autumn, Orlando is around the same temperature as West Palm Beach. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Orlando in October average around 75°F (24°C), and West Palm Beach averages at about 78°F (25°C).

West Palm Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Orlando. Orlando usually gets less rain in October than West Palm Beach. Orlando gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in West Palm Beach is June to November.

Should I visit Orlando or West Palm Beach in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Orlando and West Palm Beach. Many travelers come to Orlando for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to West Palm Beach in the winter for the cuisine.

In January, Orlando is generally cooler than West Palm Beach. Daily temperatures in Orlando average around 59°F (15°C), and West Palm Beach fluctuates around 65°F (19°C).

In January, Orlando usually receives less rain than West Palm Beach. Orlando gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Orlando or West Palm Beach in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Orlando as well as West Palm Beach. Additionally, most visitors come to West Palm Beach for the beaches during these months.

Orlando is around the same temperature as West Palm Beach in the spring. The daily temperature in Orlando averages around 72°F (22°C) in April, and West Palm Beach fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

Orlando usually gets less rain in April than West Palm Beach. Orlando gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in West Palm Beach.

Typical Weather for West Palm Beach and Orlando