A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Washington vs. Fort Lauderdale for Food, Couples, Nightlife, and Families

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Should you visit Washington or Fort Lauderdale?

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 Washington and Fort Lauderdale can help you decide which place is right for you.

Washington

Washington is a active, monument-filled, and international city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is a bustling, spirited, and luxury coastal city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Washington and Fort Lauderdale: Pros and Cons

Washington
Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Family-friendly
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Cons
  • Less popular with couples
Fort Lauderdale
Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Cons
  • Less popular for food


How is Washington different from Fort Lauderdale?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Washington or Fort Lauderdale Better for Food?

Washington
Fort Lauderdale

Foodies will appreciated the dining options available in Washington a bit more than Fort Lauderdale.

Washington has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. You can find restaurants from almost any cuisine here, so it's worth exploring and stepping out of your comfort zone.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Fort Lauderdale. Seafood is the obvious option with popular dishes being fish tacos, sea bass, and scallop risotto.


Is Washington or Fort Lauderdale Better for Nightlife?

Washington
Fort Lauderdale

The vibe at night is comparable in Washington and Fort Lauderdale.

Many people head to Washington for the nightlife scene. Head into Dupont Circle, U Street, and even Arlington to enjoy some of the area's best nightlife.

Fort Lauderdale has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Most people head to the beach, Las Olas Blvd, River Front and The New Hard Rock Seminole Hotel Complex for the best bars and clubs.

Is Washington or Fort Lauderdale Better for Shopping?

Washington
Fort Lauderdale

If you're looking to go shopping, Washington and Fort Lauderdale both offer plenty of spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Washington. Head to Georgetown and Dupont Circle for some of the city's best local shopping.

Fort Lauderdale offers some nice shopping areas. For interesting local boutiques head to Las Olas Boulevard and for name brand stores you'll want to visit Sawgrass Mills Mall.

Is Washington or Fort Lauderdale Better for Families?

Washington
Fort Lauderdale

You'll find kid-friendly activities in either Washington or Fort Lauderdale.

Washington is a very family-friendly destination. It is a fun and educational destination where kids can explore world class museums and try unique foods from all around the world.

Fort Lauderdale is a very kid-friendly city. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches and a number of kid-oriented activities the kids will be entertained. Fun activities include Bluefoot Pirate Adventures, Butterfly World, and Funderdome.

Is Washington or Fort Lauderdale Better for Couples?

Washington
Fort Lauderdale

Couples will find a longer list of romantic activities in Fort Lauderdale than Washington.

For those traveling as a couple, Fort Lauderdale has plenty to offer. Fine dining, beautiful beaches, and great shopping make for a great romantic getaway. Couples and honeymooners love relaxing at the beaches in Fort Lauderdale.

Washington makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city lights up at night, so couples will enjoy wandering by the monuments in the evening or taking in a dinner and show.


Is Washington or Fort Lauderdale a more walkable city?

Washington
Fort Lauderdale

Washington and Fort Lauderdale are similar when it comes to walkability.

Washington is a very easy city to get around on foot. Many neighborhoods around the city are easy to explore on foot. Most tourists spend a lot of time in the Mall area, which is very pedestrian friendly.

Fort Lauderdale is a very walkable city. It is one of the most walkable Florida communities with a boardwalk and several pedestrian areas that are fun to wander around.

Should I spend more time in Fort Lauderdale or Washington?

How long in Washington or Fort Lauderdale?

Both Washington and Fort Lauderdale have a number of activities to choose from. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Washington is 3-7 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Fort Lauderdale is 3-7 days.


  • How many days in Washington or Fort Lauderdale? Ideal Length of Stay
    Washington 3-7 
    Fort Lauderdale 3-7

One day in Washington or Fort Lauderdale?

Washington is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

With shopping and nightlife around the scenic coastal city of Fort Lauderdale, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Washington or Fort Lauderdale?

Washington is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Fort Lauderdale, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Washington or Fort Lauderdale?

Washington is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Fort Lauderdale, a popular coastal city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


A week in Washington or Fort Lauderdale?

Washington is a big city with plenty to do. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Fort Lauderdale is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Which city is cheaper, Fort Lauderdale or Washington?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Washington is $155, while the average daily cost in Fort Lauderdale is $146. 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 Washington and Fort Lauderdale in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Washington $91
    Fort Lauderdale $77
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Washington $182
    Fort Lauderdale $154
Compare Hotels in Washington and Fort Lauderdale

Looking for a hotel in Washington or Fort Lauderdale? 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 Washington


Hotels in Fort Lauderdale


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: Washington Hotel Prices and Fort Lauderdale Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Washington $37
    Fort Lauderdale $41
Typical Local Transportation prices in Washington

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Washington are as follows:


  • Metro Day Pass
    $9.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Washington

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

  • Airport Transfer to and from Dulles International IAD Airport: $160
  • BWI Airport: Transfer to Baltimore or Washington DC: $200
  • DCA Private 1-Way Transfer from D.C. City Center Hotels: $97
  • DCA to D.C. City Center Hotels: 1-Way Private Transfer: $102
  • Departure Private Transfers : Washington to Dulles Airport IAD in Business Car: $118
  • Departure Private Transfers : Washington to Dulles Airport IAD in Luxury SUV: $154
  • Departure Private Transfers : Washington to Dulles Airport IAD in Luxury Van: $154
  • Departure Private Transfers: Washington to Baltimore Airport BWI in Business Car: $119
  • Departure Private Transfers: Washington to Baltimore Airport BWI in Luxury SUV: $151
  • Departure Private Transfers: Washington to Baltimore Airport BWI in Luxury Van: $159
  • Departure Private Transfers: Washington to National Airport DCA in Business Car: $72
  • Departure Private Transfers: Washington to National Airport DCA in Luxury SUV: $78

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fort Lauderdale

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Fort Lauderdale:

  • Private Transfer from Fort Lauderdale to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $851
  • Private Transfer from Fort Lauderdale to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $754
  • Transfer from Fort Lauderdale Airport to Orlando: $750
  • Private Transfer from Fort Lauderdale to Port Canaveral: $710
  • Private Ft Lauderdale to Orlando Transfer up to 11-One Price-Mercedes Sprinter: $699
  • Party Bus Limo Sprinter Transfer Service things to do Miami Beach #dreamridellc: $450
  • Fort Lauderdale Transfer Luxury Suv: $281
  • Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Boynton Beach - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $274
  • Private transfer from or to MIA , FLL airports and Miami & Lauderdale FL: $250
  • Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Delray Beach - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $246
  • Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Doral - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $229
  • Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Boca Raton - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $197

Is it cheaper to fly into Washington or Fort Lauderdale?

Prices for flights to both Fort Lauderdale and Washington 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
    Washington $30
    Fort Lauderdale $39
Typical Food prices in Washington

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Washington:


  • Water
    $2.00
  • Snacks on Monuments Tour
    $6.15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Washington

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

  • Seattle: Pike Place Market Plant-Based Food Tour: $64
  • Washington D.C.: 3.5-Hour Georgetown Food Tour: $65
  • Washington DC: 3-Hour Italian Food Tour: $65
  • Washington DC Food Tour: Italian Cuisine in Dupont Circle: $65
  • Washington, DC: The Original Brew Tour with Tasting & Dinner: $70
  • Adams Morgan Food Tour: $76
  • Washington DC: Private Food Tour Experience: $79
  • Capitol Hill Walking Food Tour: $79
  • U Street Neighborhood Food Tour: $99
  • Washington DC Odyssey Dinner Cruise: $100
  • Private French Cooking Class with an Expert in the Heart of Washington DC: $108
  • Washington, DC 3-Hour Dinner Buffet Cruise: $122

Typical Food prices in Fort Lauderdale

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Fort Lauderdale:


  • Quick Lunch
    $12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Fort Lauderdale

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Fort Lauderdale.

  • All You Can Eat BBQ Dinner and Show at Tropical Isle with Sightseeing Cruise: $60

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Washington $19
    Fort Lauderdale $12

Tours and Activities in Washington

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Washington.

  • Tidal Basin: Stroll around the cherry blossoms and monuments on an audio tour: $5.00
  • The National Mall: Discover the monuments and their memories on an audio tour: $5.00
  • Lincoln's Assassination: Explore Lincoln's final day on this audio walking tour: $5.55
  • The Kennedy Homes: Explore the colonial architecture on this audio walking tour: $5.55
  • Washington DC Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Washington DC Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Virtual Tour of Martin Luther King Memorial: $18
  • Virtual Tour African American Heritage in Washington DC: $19
  • Washington, DC: US Capitol Building Entry with 1-Hour Tour: $20
  • City Sightseeing Chester Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour: $21
  • DC Ghost Tour: $24
  • Advance Tickets to Washington, D.C.'s Newseum: $24

Tours and Activities in Fort Lauderdale

Here are a few actual costs in Fort Lauderdale for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1 Hour Central Park Guided Electric Bike Tour: $49
  • 1-Hour Bike Tour of Hugh Taylor Birch State Park: $47
  • 1-Hour Interactive Pirate Adventure Cruise in Fort Lauderdale (Family-Friendly): $23
  • 2 Hour Fort Lauderdale Guided Electric Bike Tour: $60
  • 2 Hour Venice Of America Jet Ski Adventure & Exploration Tour of Fort Lauderdale: $225
  • 3 Hour All Inclusive 007 Millionaires Row Jet Ski Adventure Fort Lauderdale: $307
  • 5-Day Miami+Key West+Palm Beach+Fort Lauderdale Tour (Miami Departure)(MIA5-A): $579
  • 90-Minute Narrated Sightseeing Cruises: $23
  • 90-Minute Snorkel & Seabob Underwater Guided Reef Tour in Fort Lauderdale: $139
  • Airport to Cruise Shuttle Private Group Transportation: $580
  • Beach Cruiser Bike Rentals in Fort Lauderdale: $11
  • Champagne Sunset Cruise Ft. Lauderdale: $58

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Washington $15
    Fort Lauderdale $27

Sample the Local Flavors in Washington

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Washington:

  • Epic Washington DC Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
  • Haunted Washington D.C. Ghost and Pub Walking Tour: $27
  • Washington DC: Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $34
  • DC: 'New York Times Journeys' Walking Tour with Beer, Cheese and Wine Tasting: $120
  • Seattle All-Inclusive: Hike Mt. Rainier and Wine Tasting: $278
  • NOVA Private Custom Wine Tours & Tasting from DMV: $645
  • 6 Hours Northern VA Wine Tour: $920

Typical Alcohol prices in Fort Lauderdale

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Fort Lauderdale are as follows:


  • Beer
    $7.30

Sample the Local Flavors in Fort Lauderdale

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Fort Lauderdale:

  • Party Bike Bar Crawl: $59

About these numbers

When comparing the travel costs between Washington and Fort Lauderdale, we can see that Washington 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 Washington or Fort Lauderdale?

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 Washington or Fort Lauderdale in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Washington as well as Fort Lauderdale. Many visitors come to Washington in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Fort Lauderdale for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Washington is around the same temperature as Fort Lauderdale in the summer. The temperature in Washington is usually 79°F (26°C) in July, and Fort Lauderdale stays around 83°F (28°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fort Lauderdale. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Washington this time of the year. In the summer, Washington often gets less sunshine than Fort Lauderdale. Washington gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Fort Lauderdale receives 316 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Fort Lauderdale. Washington usually gets less rain in July than Fort Lauderdale. Washington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Fort Lauderdale receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Washington 79°F (26°C) 
    Fort Lauderdale 83°F (28°C)

Should I visit Washington or Fort Lauderdale in the Autumn?

Both Fort Lauderdale and Washington are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Washington for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Fort Lauderdale because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Washington is much colder than Fort Lauderdale. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Washington in October are around 60°F (15°C), and Fort Lauderdale is about 78°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Fort Lauderdale. Washington usually receives less sunshine than Fort Lauderdale during autumn. Washington gets 197 hours of sunny skies, while Fort Lauderdale receives 275 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Fort Lauderdale. In October, Washington usually receives less rain than Fort Lauderdale. Washington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Fort Lauderdale receives 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Washington 60°F (15°C) 
    Fort Lauderdale 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Washington or Fort Lauderdale in the Winter?

Both Fort Lauderdale and Washington during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Washington because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Fort Lauderdale this time of year.

The weather in Washington can be very cold. In January, Washington is generally much colder than Fort Lauderdale. Temperatures in Washington average around 35°F (1°C), and Fort Lauderdale stays around 67°F (20°C).

In Fort Lauderdale, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Washington often gets less sunshine than Fort Lauderdale. Washington gets 139 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Fort Lauderdale receives 243 hours of full sun.

Washington usually gets more rain in January than Fort Lauderdale. Washington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Fort Lauderdale receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Washington 35°F (1°C) 
    Fort Lauderdale 67°F (20°C)

Should I visit Washington or Fort Lauderdale in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Washington and Fort Lauderdale. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Washington this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Fort Lauderdale for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Washington is much colder than Fort Lauderdale in the spring. The temperature in Washington is usually 56°F (14°C) in April, and Fort Lauderdale stays around 75°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fort Lauderdale this time of the year. In Washington, it's very sunny this time of the year. Washington usually receives less sunshine than Fort Lauderdale during spring. Washington gets 228 hours of sunny skies, while Fort Lauderdale receives 300 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Washington usually receives less rain than Fort Lauderdale. Washington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Fort Lauderdale receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Washington 56°F (14°C) 
    Fort Lauderdale 75°F (24°C)

Typical Weather for Fort Lauderdale and Washington

Washington Fort Lauderdale
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Feb 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 72°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
Apr 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 79°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm)
Jun 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 83°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm)
Aug 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm)
Sep 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm)
Oct 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Nov 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Dec 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)


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Washington vs. Fort Lauderdale Travel Comparison

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