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

Should you visit Fort Lauderdale or Reno?

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 Reno. 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 scenic, bustling, and spirited coastal city. With stunning beauty, Fort Lauderdale attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. See Fort Lauderdale travel costs.

Reno

Reno is a growing, vibrant, and energetic city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Reno travel costs.

Fort Lauderdale and Reno: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fort Lauderdale or Reno?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Fort Lauderdale than Reno, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Fort Lauderdale is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Reno is more popular for its museums and attractions. Fort Lauderdale is more touristy than Reno and is popular for its canals, beaches, walkable waterfront, and luxury resorts. Also, Fort Lauderdale is famous for The Local Beaches. Reno is well known for its casinos and nightlife scene.

How is Fort Lauderdale different from Reno?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Reno 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 Reno?

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

Reno is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Museums in town range from art and history to local or quirky. The National Automobile Museum, the Nevada Museum of Art, Fleischmann Planetarium, and the Anthropology Museum are some of the favorites.

Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Fort Lauderdale is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Reno is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Fort Lauderdale has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Reno offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The food scene has been growing in recent years and you'll find plenty of casual restaurants that serve hearty and filling comfort foods.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Reno Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Fort Lauderdale or Reno has a better nightlife scene.

The people in Fort Lauderdale know how to have a good time. 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.

The nightlife in Reno has something for everybody. There's a big nightlife scene with a huge number of bars and entertainment options. There are also a growing number of breweries in town.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Reno Better for Resorts?

Fort Lauderdale is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Reno is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Fort Lauderdale is a great choice. 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.

Reno is not a resort destination.

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

Fort Lauderdale is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Reno is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Fort Lauderdale has a few good snorkeling spots. 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.

Reno is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Reno Better for Beaches?

Fort Lauderdale is renowned for the beach. However, Reno is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Fort Lauderdale. 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.

Reno is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Fort Lauderdale or Reno?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Reno 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 Reno. In addition to your standard suburban shopping malls and strip malls, there's the Midtown District, which has local retail shops and an eclectic and alternative vibe. The area has thrift shops, music vendors, and more.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Reno More Beautiful?

Fort Lauderdale is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Reno is not a destination known for its 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.

Reno is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Reno Better for Families?

Fort Lauderdale is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Reno is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Fort Lauderdale. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Reno. You'll find some arcades and entertainment options for kids in some of the casinos. There's also the Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum, which has kid-friendly, hands-on exhibits, and the largest zoo in Nevado, the Sierra Nevada Zoological Park.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Reno Better for Couples?

Fort Lauderdale is renowned for couples. Also, Reno is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Fort Lauderdale makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Reno is a nice destination for couples. There are outdoor parks and scenic walks like the Truckee River Walk or the Rancho San Rafael Regional Park. There's also several great museums and some interesting restaurants.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Reno 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 Reno.

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 Reno. There's a public bus system with routes around town.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Reno a more walkable city?

Fort Lauderdale is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Reno is lacking in options 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.

Reno is generally not very walkable. While there are some reasonably walkable neighborhoods, you really need a car to get around town.

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

Should I spend more time in Reno or Fort Lauderdale?

How long in Fort Lauderdale or Reno?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Fort Lauderdale and Reno. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than in Reno. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Fort Lauderdale, and 1-3 days is enough time in Reno.

Families should spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than Reno. 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 Reno. 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 Reno 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 Reno.

One day in Fort Lauderdale or Reno?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Fort Lauderdale. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The energetic destination of Reno offers nightlife and food. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Fort Lauderdale or Reno?

Fort Lauderdale is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the beaches. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The city of Reno offers food and shopping. 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 Reno?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the luxury destination of Fort Lauderdale. This coastal city offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Reno is a great place to explore. 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 Reno?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the bustling coastal city of Fort Lauderdale. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Reno. 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fort Lauderdale and Reno, we can see that Fort Lauderdale is more expensive. And not only is Reno much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Reno would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Reno 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 Fort Lauderdale would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fort Lauderdale than you might in Reno.

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 Reno Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Fort Lauderdale or Reno?

Reno has a larger population, and is about 19% larger than the population of Fort Lauderdale. When comparing the sizes of Fort Lauderdale and Reno, 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.