A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tulum vs. Miami for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Beaches

Should you visit Tulum or Miami?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tulum and Miami 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.

Tulum

Tulum is a lively, ancient, and archeological town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food.

Miami

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

Tulum and Miami: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tulum or Miami?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Miami. Although Tulum and Miami are both popular with visitors, Miami has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Miami is more popular for its food, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Tulum is known for its museums, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, and impressive beauty. Tulum is popular for its archeological sights, beautiful beaches, and dramatic cenotes. Miami is popular for its long sandy beaches, glitzy nightlife scene, diverse cultures, and award-winning restaurants. It is also home to South Beach.

How is Tulum different from Miami?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Tulum or Miami?

Tulum is an amazing town to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Tulum that are not to be missed. It's famous for its world-renowned archeological ruins. The Tulum Archeological Site is very popular for its Mayan temples and castles. You can also travel a bit further to see the Cobá Ruins.

Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Miami is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Tulum is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Miami have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Tulum has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Despite being well established as a top tourist destination in Mexico, you'll still find authentic and delicious local cuisine. Favorite dishes around town include the ceviche, tacos al pastor, and sopa de lima (chicken soup).

Is Tulum or Miami Better for Nightlife?

Both Tulum and Miami are amazing when it comes to partying.

Tulum is a must-see party destination. It's world renowned for its wild nightlife scene and you'll find iconic beach parties, jungle raves, and trendy Tuluminati parties. Most of the local places that are a bit more affordable are in town, and the more touristy and expensive places are around the Middle Beach Zone.

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.

Is Tulum or Miami Better for Music?

Miami is terrific for live music. However, Tulum is not a live music destination.

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

Tulum is not a live music destination.

Is Tulum or Miami Better for Resorts?

If luxury resorts are your style, both Tulum and Miami have amazing options.

Tulum is a world class resort vacation destination. If you're on a budget, you can stay in town for a more reasonable price, but if you want a classic beach vacation, head to the Zona Hotelera stretch along the coast. There are luxury hotels as well as resorts with beachfront pools and luxury restaurants.

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.

Is Tulum or Miami Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tulum is an amazing town to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Miami is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Tulum is not to be missed. The water along the coast is shallow and clear, which is perfect for snorkeling. There are also dive trips that take you a short distance out to diverse and beautiful reefs.

Miami is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tulum or Miami Better for Beaches?

Both Tulum and Miami are considered to be amazing beach destinations.

Tulum is considered to be a world-class beach destination. World class beaches with turquoise water and long stretches of sand make this a true beach-lovers paradise. Playa Paraíso is a favorite beach in the area and many consider it among the most beautiful beaches in Mexico.

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.

Is Tulum or Miami Better for Hiking?

Tulum is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Miami is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Tulum. There are coastal walks and routes that take you through the jungle or by archeological ruins. There are many places where you can enjoy a stroll through nature.

Miami is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tulum or Miami?

Miami is terrific for shopping. Also, Tulum is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

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. 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.

Tulum is well-known for its shopping. Quirky souvenir shops, local artisan boutiques, and colorful bazaars make shopping a fun experience. Make sure you check out Mercado Maya or the Tulum Bazaar while you're in town.

Is Tulum or Miami Better for Families?

Both Tulum and Miami are superb to visit with kids.

Tulum is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the beaches and archeological sights as much as adults. You can also visit a cenote or see the sea turtles at Akumal Bay. If you're open to getting out of town, there are many adventure parks in the area as well.

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 Tulum or Miami Better for Couples?

Tulum is an amazing town to visit for romance. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Tulum has plenty to offer. Beautiful beaches, world famous archeological sights, and a wild nightlife scene make this a great honeymoon or couple's destination. There are also spas, cenotes, and even cooking classes that you can take together.

Miami is a great town 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.

Is Tulum or Miami Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tulum is well known for backpackers. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Tulum. It's no longer an undiscovered backpacker paradise, but there are still affordable options in the area and there's a great nightlife scene.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Is Tulum or Miami Better for Students?

Miami is a beach city with good options for students. However, Tulum is not popular with students.

Miami is a good beach city to visit for students. Spring break in Miami is the stuff of legends.

Tulum is not popular with students.

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

Both Tulum and Miami offer good public transit options.

Tulum has a few public transit options. There are shared vans, Collectivos, that provide transportation through the area. The Tiburon is also a local bus that runs along the coastline.

Miami has some public transit options. There's an elevated metrorail as well as buses around the city.

Is Tulum or Miami a more walkable city?

Tulum and Miami both are superb when exploring on foot.

Tulum is very walkable. It's easy to walk around downtown Tulum and explore on foot.

Miami is a very walkable town. 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Miami or Tulum?

How long in Tulum or Miami?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Tulum than Miami. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Tulum that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tulum than Miami 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 Tulum.

One day in Tulum or Miami?

In Tulum, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this active destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This town 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.

Each neighborhood in Miami has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This beach 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 Tulum or Miami?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tulum. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Miami. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tulum or Miami?

Tulum is a fun place to experience. In Tulum, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Miami is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Miami has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Tulum or Miami?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the archeological destination of Tulum. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Each neighborhood in Miami has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Tulum or Miami?

Miami has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Tulum and Miami, 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 Tulum or Miami?

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 Tulum or Miami in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Miami. Many visitors come to Tulum in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Miami for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Tulum is around the same temperature as Miami in the summer. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Miami fluctuates around 83°F (28°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Miami this time of the year. In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tulum usually receives less sunshine than Miami during summer. Tulum gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Miami receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

Miami receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tulum gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Tulum usually receives around the same amount of rain as Miami. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Miami receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tulum or Miami in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Miami. Most visitors come to Tulum for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Miami because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Tulum is around the same temperature as Miami. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tulum in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Miami averages at about 78°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Miami. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. In the autumn, Tulum often gets less sunshine than Miami. Tulum gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Miami receives 275 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Miami. Tulum receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Tulum usually gets more rain in October than Miami. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Miami receives 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to April in Tulum is the dry season. June to October in Tulum is the rainy season. Also, the hurricane season in Tulum is June to October.

Should I visit Tulum or Miami in the Winter?

Both Miami and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Tulum because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Miami this time of year.

In January, Tulum is generally a little warmer than Miami. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 23°C (74°F), and Miami fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Miami. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually receives less sunshine than Miami during winter. Tulum gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Miami receives 243 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tulum usually receives around the same amount of rain as Miami. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Miami receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tulum or Miami in the Spring?

Both Miami and Tulum during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Tulum this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Miami for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Tulum is a little warmer than Miami in the spring. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Miami fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

In Miami, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tulum. In the spring, Tulum often gets less sunshine than Miami. Tulum gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Miami receives 300 hours of full sun.

Tulum usually gets less rain in April than Miami. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Miami receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Tulum. June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. Keep in mind that June to October is the hurricane season in Tulum.

Typical Weather for Miami and Tulum