Is Miami Expensive to Visit?

UPDATED NOVEMBER 2024
Is Miami Expensive to Visit?

Are you heading to Miami this year but worried about the budget? Check out our guide to money in Miami, discover if it's expensive to visit the city, and check out our tips to squeeze your cents!

Including:

  • Can you go to Miami on a budget?
  • What is the cheapest month to go to Miami?
  • Can I enjoy Miami without a car?
  • Is Miami Expensive to Visit?
  • and more!

Can you go to Miami on a budget?

is miami expensive to visit

It is absolutely possible to enjoy Miami on a budget. However, doing so depends on your choices. Read on, and you'll learn about all the tips and tricks you need to ensure your trip to Miami doesn't break the bank!

What is the cheapest month to go to Miami?

Miami's off-season tends to run from mid-spring to the end of summer, so if you travel at any point between April and September, you'll likely find cheaper deals on flights and accommodation. While it may seem strange that Miami's off-season is right in the middle of the northern hemisphere's typically sunniest period, Miami is built different. The summer's scorching heat keeps many away, but if you can handle it, make the most of the deals!

 

Can I enjoy Miami without a car?

is miami expensive to visit

It is possible to enjoy Miami without a car, but it depends on a few factors. Firstly, if you're staying in Miami Beach, Coral Gables, downtown Miami, and South Miami, it's doable, thanks to those areas' public transport networks. However, if you're planning to travel further afield, you'll likely have to rent a car, or take a cab at the very least.

 

Is Miami Expensive to Visit?

There's no beating about the bush with this one. Yes, Miami is expensive to visit. In fact, it's one of the most expensive cities on the planet. The cost of living is over 20% higher in Miami than in the rest of America, which means your hard-earned wages won't go as far.

This doesn't matter so much for residents, who typically earn more than the national average to cancel this out. However, for humble visitors such as yourself, those Miami wages won't play a part.

Accommodation is much the same, because Miami's housing market is 47% higher than the national average. Nearly 50%! In layperson's terms, rich people move to Miami and drive the price of housing up. Sadly, this has a knock-on effect on rented accommodation too, including many hotels. In fact, you're likely to find cheaper hotels in Vegas than Miami, if you don't know where to look.

How Expensive is Miami to visit?

is miami expensive to visit

How expensive Miami is to visit depends on three main factors: where you stay, where you go to eat and drink, and the attractions and experiences you want to have when you go. So, for the sake of simplicity, we'll focus on these three topics throughout this article.

Hotels come in all shapes and sizes, but if you want to sleep in style, then you'll pay for the privilege. It's the same with food and experiences. You can eat on a budget if you shop around, and look for cheaper attractions that won't break the bank, but if you don't, your visit to Miami is going to be expensive. How expensive? Well, let's get into it.

 

Is Miami Expensive to Visit: Accommodation

As we mentioned earlier, where you stay will determine the answer to this question. If you choose a hostel that's inside or adjacent to the areas you want to visit, you can effectively squeeze your cents at the cost of luxury. If you don't mind sharing bathrooms, kitchens, and - dare we say - bedrooms with other travelers, hostels will drive your Miami budget down dramatically.

On the flip side, if you want to live in the lap of luxury and won't settle for anything less than 5-star treatment, you'll pay for it. Miami is absolutely full to the brim with extravagant, expensive hotels, as well as upmarket Airbnbs, that will eat into any modest budget and then some.

So, if you want to find a happy medium, what do you do? Well, you're best off deciding your budget and then doing some research! Mid-range offerings like the Eurostars Langford Hotel are reasonably priced, offer a good location near most of Miami's best bits, and still let you sleep in your own room - ace! Alternatively, you could shop around on Airbnb and try to find deals that suit your finances, but you may need to book months in advance to ensure you get something budget-friendly.

Is Miami Expensive to Visit: Food

is miami expensive to visit

Again, what you eat - and what you're willing to eat - will determine how much food eats into your Miami vacation budget. Something as simple as street food - a burger or hotdog, for instance - could set you back nearly $10. Restaurants, too, aren't particularly cheap, but at around $40 per person per meal, it really depends on what you're used to spending on meals out. Bear in mind that's just for the main course - you still need to add the tip and any extra dishes like starters, desserts, and, of course, drinks into the equation.

So, eating out is expensive - that's somewhat unavoidable. However, if you book an Airbnb or rented accommodation another way, you can, of course, buy groceries and cook your own meals. Yes, groceries are more expensive than in many other parts of America, but the difference between groceries and a restaurant meal is astronomical. So, if you're budget's running thin towards the back end of your vacation, don't be afraid to eat in and save some cash for Miami's other treats.

 

Is Miami Expensive to Visit: Attractions

Paying to get into each of Miami's biggest attractions on an individual basis is sure to add up. So, why not save money and see them all with Go City? Pick from our All-Inclusive Pass or our Explorer Pass - whichever suits your trip - and skip the queue and save at some of Miami's best experiences! See Miami's Seaquarium, snorkel in Fort Lauderdale, check out the white-knuckle thrills at Fun Spot America, and much, much more! So grab a Miami pass and save while you sightsee!

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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The Stonehenge of Florida

Coral Castle entrance and tower. From museums and aquariums to boat cruises and jungle tours, there are so many things to do in Miami that it is difficult to narrow down the list! Yet there is one lesser known destination that you should add to your itinerary. Most people have never heard of "The Stonehenge of Florida," also known as Coral Castle. Coral Castle, a sculpture garden made of stone, was built by a single man named Edward Leedskalnin. From 1923 to 1951, Edward secretly carved over 1,100 tons of coral rock. This feat is amazing in and of itself, but even more mind boggling is that the process he used is unknown. The website calls Coral Castle "one of the world's most mysterious accomplishments." Apparently, Edward was a small man, weighing just 100 pounds and standing a little over 5 feet tall. In 1940, he would have charged just ten cents in admission to introduce you to his fantasy realm. Interestingly, no one is reported to have ever seen Edward laboring over his stone carving, and Ed himself would say that he knew the secrets of the ancient pyramids. Since his death, scientists have debated his methods for years. For anyone who has visited Stonehenge in England, you know how mysterious and impressive that site is. How did the stones get there? Who moved them, and why? Likewise, if you add Coral Castle to your list of Things to do in Miami, you will leave with just as many questions. Why would a man spend sixty years carving his beloved coral? What inspired him? Was he insane, or just passionate? And where does one draw the line between the two? Today, you can tour the Coral Castle using excellent audio stands, with narration available in English, Spanish, French or German. The museum also offers knowledgeable human guides available to conduct tours. Other highlights of the Coral Castle Museum include a 9-ton gate that moves with just a touch of the finger, a Polaris telescope and functioning rocking chairs – all made entirely of stone. With a Miami Attractions pass, your admission to Coral Castle is free!
Go City Expert
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Things to do in Brickell Miami

Looking for things to do in Miami? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Miami is a wonderful tourism hub boasting incredible scenery and fun attractions for you and your loved ones. The Magic City is one of the most popular visitor hotspots in the United States, with many of its visitors choosing to stay in Brickell. Located just south of the Central Business District, the area is characterized by its modern high-rises, unique landmarks and great shopping destinations. Highlights include browsing the stores at Brickell City Centre, walking the Underline, and sipping cocktails high above the city at Sugar. With tourists only visiting for a week or two, this means you’ll have to choose how you want to spend your time wisely. So, if you’ve never made your way over to the Sunshine State before and aren’t quite sure where to start, have a read through our list of cool things to see and do in the area. Let’s get started! Explore the Area Though Miami is well-recognized for its pristine paradisial beaches and lush greenery, its modern urban center has something a little different to offer visitors. There are countless wonderful attractions to check out in Brickell, but one of our favorites has got to be Brickell City Centre, a sprawling open-air mall spanning over five blocks. Whether you’re looking to shop ‘til you drop or grab a bite to eat, this place has it all. For those who enjoy a vacation heavily focused on retail therapy, this place has a myriad of high-street stores and luxury brands to be enjoyed. If it’s entertainment that you’re after, check out the Cinemex. Or, if you’re looking for some great eats, the center has a wonderful Farmers’ Market which runs every Saturday, serving up a wide variety of delectable options from local artisans. We love this spot because it’s a total crowd-pleaser. If you’re looking for something a little different, you might enjoy the next item on our list. Situated along the sparkling waters of Biscayne Bay, Brickell Key is a man-made island with calming vibes, refreshing breezes and breathtaking ocean views. Standing out amongst all other aquatic attractions in the city, this place is more than just a place to kick back and relax by the ocean; rather, you’ll find a lot of fun amenities to check out, making it a great place for a fun day trip. Exploring the island, visitors can enjoy everything from great shopping and entertainment to top-notch dining and bars. Combining the urban character of the area with the beachy feel that Miami is best known for, the island has a lot to see for all types of travellers. This place is best explored by foot, so we recommend bringing a lot of sunblock and water with you if you plan to spend most of the day here. Find Interesting Activities Whilst Brickell is known for its modern structures and towering skyscrapers, the area doesn’t disappoint for history lovers. For those who want to learn more about the background of Miami, we recommend the Miami Circle, a fascinating heritage site like no other. Discovered in 1998 and constructed primarily out of limestone bedrock, this architectural marvel is considered to be anywhere between 1, 700 and 2, 000 years old. Though the site doesn’t appear to be particularly impressive upon first glance, it is thought to be the only known evidence of prehistoric permanent structure cut into bedrock in Eastern United States. Areologists believe that the Tequesta Indians used the holes cut into it as support for some sort of structure. Since this is a quick stop, we recommend taking some time to explore the surrounding area – you'll find interesting stores, sidewalk cafes, and bars nearby. Relax! With its glittering skyscrapers and busy streets, Brickell can sometimes feel like a bit of a concrete jungle. For those looking to take a break from all of the hustle and bustle, we just might have the answer. Spanning underneath the southern half of Miami's Metrorail, the Underline is an urban trail offering a great respite from city life for those seeking some mobility in nature. Granting fantastic views of the Miami River, this 10-mile stretch is a great place to go for a casual stroll, a fun picnic, or just simply soak up the sun. Aside from its lush greenery, the park has also been utilized as a fantastic public art destination, with the exhibits constantly rotating to keep us on our toes. The spot is also host to a lot of fun events including outdoor yoga, dance, and storytelling for those who are interested. Whether you’re looking for the perfect place to spend some quality time with the family or just a quiet spot of contemplation, the Underline serves its purpose well. After a long day of touring, you might just be looking for a great spot to grab a drink and rest your weary feet. Brickell is filled with great bars and nightclubs, though none are quite as noteworthy as Sugar. Nestled in a secret rooftop garden high above the city, this chic cocktail bar brings a luxurious slice of Balinese flair to Brickell. Reflecting the unique tropical landscape of Miami, this place is decked with a hand-carved wooden bar and tiki lounges. If you’re wondering about food (and let’s face it, why wouldn’t you be?) Sugar is known for its incredible Asian tapas dishes, including sushi and dumplings, along with an impressive cocktail program of course. The space is forty floors up, making it one of the most elevated spots in the city and granting incredible 360-views of Biscayne Bay and the Miami cityscape. Sleek and lively, we couldn’t think of a better place to spend an evening in the Magic City. Indeed, Brickell’s to-do list is as plentiful as its sunny days. Fun things to do here run the gamut – whether you’re a serious shopping addict or just looking to explore the local bar scene, you’re sure to find something to suit you. Explore the area to its full potential with an All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris

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