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

Should you visit Fort Lauderdale or Flagstaff?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Fort Lauderdale and Flagstaff. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is a luxury, high energy, and scenic coastal city. With stunning beauty, Fort Lauderdale attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Fort Lauderdale travel costs.

Flagstaff

Flagstaff is a picturesque, active, and adventurous city. Flagstaff is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping. See Flagstaff travel costs.

Fort Lauderdale and Flagstaff: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fort Lauderdale or Flagstaff?

You'll generally find more things to do in Fort Lauderdale than Flagstaff. Fort Lauderdale is bigger than Flagstaff, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Fort Lauderdale is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Flagstaff is more popular for its museums and attractions and hiking. Fort Lauderdale is more touristy than Flagstaff and is known for its canals, beaches, walkable waterfront, and luxury resorts. Also, Fort Lauderdale is famous for The Local Beaches. Flagstaff is well known for its nearby craters and volcanic caves as well as its location along the historic Route 66.

How is Fort Lauderdale different from Flagstaff?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Fort Lauderdale or Flagstaff?

Flagstaff is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

Flagstaff is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Lowell Observatory is a highlight for many visitors, especially those who are fascinated by space. There's also the Museum of Northern Arizona, the Pioneer Museum, and Fort Tuthill Military History Museum.

Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Fort Lauderdale or Flagstaff? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Fort Lauderdale and Flagstaff offer a number of very good restaurants to choose from.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Fort Lauderdale makes for a great culinary experience. Seafood is the obvious option with popular dishes being fish tacos, sea bass, and scallop risotto. There are many waterfront restaurants or you could head to Las Olas Boulevard, which has many bistros, cafes, and restaurants.

Flagstaff has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The food scene is diverse and growing. There's a focus on local recipes and ingredients. You'll also find many casual and family-friendly restaurants. American cuisine is common, but you'll also find burritos, Indian curries, and frittatas.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Flagstaff Better for Nightlife?

Fort Lauderdale is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Flagstaff is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Fort Lauderdale is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Trendy and upscale partying is the name of the game in this Florida city. 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. You'll find the most activity around the weekends, but there really is something going on any night of the week.

If you're looking for night time activities Flagstaff has a few options to choose from. You'll find a range of bars and cocktail lounges around town that come to life in the evening hours.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Flagstaff Better for Resorts?

Fort Lauderdale is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Flagstaff is not a resort destination.

Fort Lauderdale is a world class resort vacation destination. Luxury beachfront resorts are plentiful in the area. Several of the most impressive include the Ritz-Carlton, W Fort Lauderdale, and the Dalmar. Most resorts have a beachfront pool, hot tubs, and depending on the resort, a kid's club.

Flagstaff is not a resort destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Flagstaff Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Fort Lauderdale is a coastal city with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Flagstaff is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Fort Lauderdale. Although the snorkeling doesn't compare to what you'll find further south around the Florida Keys, there are some great places to pull your mask and fins out in the area. Popular snorkeling spots nearby include the Vista Park Reef, Pompano Beach, and Hollywood North Beach Park.

Flagstaff is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Flagstaff Better for Beaches?

Fort Lauderdale is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Flagstaff is not a beach destination.

Fort Lauderdale is considered to be a world-class beach destination. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches, a fun boardwalk, and impressive views, the beaches here are among the best in the area. They are surprisingly walkable and, while there can be crowds, there's still a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere.

Flagstaff is not a beach destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Flagstaff Better for Hiking?

Flagstaff is a must-visit destination for its hiking experiences. However, Fort Lauderdale is not a hiking destination.

Flagstaff is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Nearby you'll find world class hikes through surreal landscapes and diverse environments. The area is filled with desert landscapes and varied rock formations that are best explored on foot. Trails range in length and skill level, but whatever your ability, the hiking in the area is among the best.

Fort Lauderdale is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Fort Lauderdale or Flagstaff?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Flagstaff and Fort Lauderdale.

Fort Lauderdale is a great destination for shopping. For interesting local boutiques head to Las Olas Boulevard and for name brand stores you'll want to visit Sawgrass Mills Mall.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Flagstaff. Located along historic Route 66, you'll find many shops that capture the city's history, particularly in the Southside Historic District. The town also has farmer's markets as well as shopping centers and large malls.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Flagstaff More Beautiful?

Fort Lauderdale is well known for its scenery and beauty. Also, Flagstaff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

With stunning beauty, Fort Lauderdale attracts visitors from all around. Seven miles of scenic coastline with a boardwalk to explore make this a beautiful Florida beach destination.

Flagstaff is a gorgeous place to visit. While the city itself isn't exactly beautiful, the surrounding landscapes are surreal and truly unique.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Flagstaff Better for Families?

Both Fort Lauderdale and Flagstaff are very good family-friendly destinations.

Fort Lauderdale is a very family-friendly place to visit. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches and a number of kid-oriented activities, the kids will love it here. Fun activities include Bluefoot Pirate Adventures, Butterfly World, and Funderdome. On sunny days there are many outdoor recreation areas and when the weather isn't cooperating, there are hands-on museums.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Flagstaff is very family-friendly. The city is filled with outdoor activities for kids like ropes courses and adventure parks. Kids will also enjoy climbing around the Lava River Cave, visiting Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, or hiking through the many diverse landscapes in the area. There are also museums that educate visitors on the city's history as well as Lowell Observatory, which will intrigue all the space enthusiasts among us.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Flagstaff Better for Couples?

Fort Lauderdale is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Flagstaff is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Fort Lauderdale is a great coastal city for couples, as it 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. A sunset walk on the beach and a stay at a romantic resort will make for an unforgettable trip.

Flagstaff is a nice destination for couples. Hiking and outdoor adventure sports make this city a good destination for couples who enjoy active living. There are many parks that you can visit as well as hiking trails and unique natural settings.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Flagstaff Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Flagstaff is a great destination for backpackers. However, Fort Lauderdale is a coastal city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Flagstaff. There are campgrounds nearby as well as tons of nature parks and countless hiking trails in the area.

Fort Lauderdale is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. You'll find few backpackers heading to the high end city.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Flagstaff Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Fort Lauderdale and Flagstaff.

Public transit is generally limited in Fort Lauderdale. Transportation options include a water taxi and the Sun Trolley Hop-on Bus.

Public transit is mostly limited in Flagstaff. The Mountain Line offers eight routes through town.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Flagstaff a more walkable city?

Fort Lauderdale is well known for its ease of walking around. Also, Flagstaff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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

Flagstaff is somewhat walkable. The downtown is compact and walkable, but you'll really want to have a car to explore the nearby hiking trails and natural areas.

For even more information, also check out Is Fort Lauderdale Worth Visiting? and Is Flagstaff Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Flagstaff or Fort Lauderdale?

How long in Fort Lauderdale or Flagstaff?

It's fun to spend time in either Fort Lauderdale or Flagstaff. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Fort Lauderdale due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Fort Lauderdale, and 2-4 days is enough time in Flagstaff.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Flagstaff than Fort Lauderdale 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 Flagstaff.

One day in Fort Lauderdale or Flagstaff?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the coastal city of Fort Lauderdale. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The adventurous destination of Flagstaff offers nightlife and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It's no surprise that hiking 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.

A weekend in Fort Lauderdale or Flagstaff?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the scenic destination of Fort Lauderdale. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

The city of Flagstaff offers food and shopping. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.

Five days in Fort Lauderdale or Flagstaff?

You'll find nightlife and food around the high energy coastal city of Fort Lauderdale. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer.

Flagstaff is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Fort Lauderdale or Flagstaff?

Fort Lauderdale is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Fort Lauderdale, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Flagstaff. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.

When comparing the travel costs between Fort Lauderdale and Flagstaff, we can see that Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale Expensive? and Is Flagstaff Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Fort Lauderdale or Flagstaff?

Fort Lauderdale has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Flagstaff. When comparing the sizes of Fort Lauderdale and Flagstaff, 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.