A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Miami vs. Durango for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Miami or Durango?

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 Miami and Durango can help you decide which place is right for you.

Miami

Miami is a high energy, glamorous, and exciting beach city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and beaches. See Miami travel costs.

Durango

Durango is a charming, quaint, and scenic small town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. Durango is a gorgeous place to visit. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. It's also known for hiking and museums. See Durango travel costs.

Miami and Durango: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Miami or Durango?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Miami. Although Miami and Durango are both popular with visitors, Miami has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Miami is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Durango is known for its skiing, museums and attractions, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Miami is more touristy than Durango and is popular for its long sandy beaches, glitzy nightlife scene, diverse cultures, and award-winning restaurants. It is also home to South Beach. Durango is popular for its historic narrow gauge railroad, its charming small town atmosphere, and its many family-friendly activities.

How is Miami different from Durango?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Miami or Durango Better for Skiing?

Miami
Durango

Durango is a small town with a few options for winter skiing. However, Miami is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Durango to take advantage of their winter sports. Purgatory Ski Resort is about 20 minutes from town and it's a family-friendly mountain with beginner and intermediate runs. It's small, and geared specifically to the beginner and younger crowd.

Miami is not a skiing destination.


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

Miami
Durango

Durango is very good for its museums and landmarks. However, Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

Durango is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Most visitors come to town specifically to ride the Silverton & Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad. There's also the D&SNGRR Railroad Museum, and the Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum.

Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Miami
Durango

Miami is a world-class destination for its restaurants. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Miami, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Durango. Most of the restaurants are casual and family-friendly, serving up burgers or sandwiches for a reasonable price. You'll also find some coffeeshops and even a few food trucks and international restaurants.

Is Miami or Durango Better for Nightlife?

Miami
Durango

Miami is a world-class destination for nightlife. However, Durango is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

People head to Miami just to party. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Durango. It's a small town that attracts tourists mainly for its train, so you won't find much in the way of a nightlife scene.


Is Miami or Durango Better for Music?

Miami
Durango

Miami is a world-class destination for live music. However, Durango is not a live music destination.

Miami is known as a music capital around the world. Popular live music venues include Ball and Chain, Cafe La Trova, Flamingo Theater Bar.

Durango is not a live music destination.

Is Miami or Durango Better for Resorts?

Miami
Durango

Miami is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Durango is not a resort destination.

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.

Durango is not a resort destination.

Is Miami or Durango Better for Beaches?

Miami
Durango

Miami is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Durango is not a beach destination.

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.

Durango is not a beach destination.


Is Miami or Durango Better for its Old Town?

Miami
Durango

Durango is very good for its historic old town. However, Miami does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Durango to see the historical old town. Filled with character, the downtown feels like you've stepped into a Western. The town has a long history as a mining and railroad community, which you can see throughout the historic area. It really feels like you're in the "Wild West."

Miami does not have a historic old town.

Is Miami or Durango Better for Hiking?

Miami
Durango

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

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Durango. It's surrounded by plenty of natural beautiful and there is an endless supply of hikes in the region. Popular nearby hikes include Animas Mountain Trail, Falls Creek Trail, and Purgatory Trail.

Miami is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Miami or Durango?

Miami
Durango

Miami is a world-class destination for shopping. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Miami. 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Durango has some nice offerings. The charming town has some boutiques that sell beautifully made Native American jewelry and other interesting items. There are also souvenir shops and other venues that target tourists specifically.


Is Miami or Durango More Beautiful?

Miami
Durango

Durango is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Miami is not a destination known for its beauty.

Durango is a gorgeous place to visit. The town is surrounded by plenty of natural beauty.

Miami is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Miami or Durango Better for Families?

Miami
Durango

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Miami or Durango.

Miami is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Durango is very family-friendly. In the area you'll find ziplining, alpine slides, and plenty of outdoor areas to explore - and of course there's the railroad.

Is Miami or Durango Better for Couples?

Miami
Durango

Miami is a very popular place for romance. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Miami makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Most people don't think of Durango as a couple's destination. The town may not be the first romantic destination that comes to mind, but the railroad combined with wandering the downtown can make for a great couple's getaway.


Is Miami or Durango Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Miami
Durango

Miami and Durango are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Miami is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. This city is large enough to have something for everyone, so you'll find several hostels in the area that bring in the backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Durango. With plenty of parks and outdoor areas nearby, backpackers will have plenty of places to explore.

Is Miami or Durango Better for Students?

Miami
Durango

Miami is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Durango is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Miami. Spring break in Miami is the stuff of legends.

Durango is not popular with students.

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

Miami
Durango

Miami is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Durango. It's a small town with no real public transit options so a car is a must.


Is Miami or Durango a more walkable city?

Miami
Durango

Miami is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

Miami is very walkable. 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.

Durango is generally not very walkable. While the Main Street through town is walkable, it's not as pedestrian-friendly as some small towns.

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

Should I spend more time in Durango or Miami?

How long in Miami or Durango?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Miami and Durango. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Durango than in Miami. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Miami, and 2-3 days is enough time in Durango.

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

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


  • How many days in Miami or Durango? Ideal Length of Stay
    Miami 7 
    Durango 2-3

One day in Miami or Durango?

Because Miami is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This beach city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Even though Durango is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This small 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.

A weekend in Miami or Durango?

Because Miami is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Durango. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


Five days in Miami or Durango?

Miami is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Durango is a fun place to experience. Durango is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Miami or Durango?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Miami. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Miami. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Durango is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Durango or Miami?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Miami Prices
    USA Prices
    Durango Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Miami $258
    Durango $190

The average daily cost (per person) in Miami is $258, while the average daily cost in Durango is $190. 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Miami and Durango in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Miami $154
    Durango $79
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Miami $308
    Durango $158
Compare Hotels in Miami and Durango

Looking for a hotel in Miami or Durango? 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 Miami


Hotels in Durango


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: Miami Hotel Prices and Durango Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Miami $38
    Durango $27
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Miami

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


  • Car Rental for a Day
    $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Miami

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Miami:

  • VIP Transfer to Miami International Airport and Port of Miami: $118
  • Transfers from Miami Airport to any Miami and Miami Beach area: $145
  • Transfer from Port Miami to Miami Airport. Up to 11 passengers.: $190
  • Transfer from Miami Airport to Miami Hotel or Miami Port: $160
  • Transfer Service Miami Port to Miami Airport: $125
  • Transfer Service Miami Airport to Miami Port: $140
  • Round Trip Motorcoach Transfer to Key West from Miami: $245
  • Private transfer from Miami hotel to Port of Miami: $160
  • Private Transfer in Miami (MIA) Airport/Home/Hotel/Work : $69
  • Private Transfer from Miami Hotels to Miami International Airport: $120
  • Private Transfer from Miami Hotels to Miami International Airport: $94
  • Private Transfer from Hotel in Miami to Port Miami. Up to 11 pax.: $160

Is it cheaper to fly into Miami or Durango?

Prices for flights to both Durango and Miami 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
    Miami $72
    Durango $86
Typical Food Prices in Miami

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


  • Lunch with Drinks (for 2)
    $45
  • David's Cafe Lunch (for 1)
    $16

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Miami

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

  • The Ultimate Little Havana Food Tour: $67
  • Little Havana Street Food Tour with Enthusiastic Guide: $69
  • South Beach Food Tour: $70
  • Taste of Little Havana Food Tour in Miami with Cuban Street Food: $75
  • Miami Mosaic Signature Food Tour: $75
  • Guided Small Group Little Havana Food Tour: $91
  • Mango's Tropical Cafe Dinner & Show: $98
  • Miami Dinner Party w/ Night Club Experience: $100
  • Ukrainian cooking class in Miami: $150
  • Traditional Cuban Cooking Class in Miami: $155
  • Food Tour in Little Havana, Miami: $216
  • Miami : Small Group Cuban Cooking Class: $620

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Miami $31
    Durango $46

Tours and Activities in Miami

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

  • 30 Minute- Ocean Drive Segway Tour: $42
  • Bayside Marketplace Miami Full Day Shopping Experience : $100
  • Discover Miami Beach with a Shared Golf Cart Tour: $55
  • Miami Beach Art Deco Tour with Cocktails: $75
  • Miami to Key West Bus Tour with Narration: $39
  • Miami's Most Authentic Walking Tour of Little Havana: $39
  • South Beach Top Highlights Tour with Lincoln Rd and Espanola Way: $49
  • #1 Private Boat Tour and 1 Hour Free Jet Ski Rental in Miami: $349
  • 1 Hour Lady Buggy Art Tour Experience in Wynwood: $160
  • 1 Hour Star Island Segway Tour: $74
  • 1 hr Private Airboat Everglades Tour near Miami: $225
  • 1-Hour ATV Tours: $130

Typical Entertainment Prices in Durango

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Durango's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Hot Springs (for 2)
    $50
  • Tubing (for 2)
    $40

Tours and Activities in Durango

For Durango, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Self-Guided Million Dollar Highway Driving Audio Tour: $14
  • Mesa Verde National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour: $16
  • Million Dollar Highway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Mesa Verde National Park: $20
  • Durango After Dark: Dead Rails Gorge Ghost Tour: $24
  • Mesa Verde Sunrise Tours: $36
  • La Plata Canyon Scenic Waterfalls Jeep Tour: $92
  • Scenic Waterfall Jeep Tour~ 2.5 hours: $99
  • Waterfalls and Mountains La Plata Canyon Jeep Tour: $100
  • 700 Year Tour - Half Day Mesa Verde Cultural Tour: $101
  • La Plata Canyon Exclusive Access Jeep Tour: $127
  • La Plata Canyon Jeep Tour, Waterfall's & Views ~ Half Day : $129

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Miami $22
    Durango $30
Typical Alcohol Prices in Miami

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


  • Evening at a Bar
    $32

Sample the Local Flavors in Miami

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Miami:

  • Miami Florida Bar Crawl: $15
  • #1 Miami Pub Crawl + Clubbing Experience: $19
  • Guided Pub Crawl Miami and Club Entry Wynwood: $21
  • Miami Bar Crawl: $29
  • Guided Bar Crawl with Drinks Discounts and Club Entry: $29
  • Pub Crawl Miami: $30
  • Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Miami Bachelorette Bar Crawl: $40
  • Pedal Pub Art District Party Bike Pub Crawl: $41
  • Miami Pedal Pub: Arts District Party Bike Pub Crawl: $58
  • Small-Group Brewery Golf Cart Tour of Wynwood with a Local Guide: $59
  • Wynwood Graffiti Brewery Golf Cart Tour: $63


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

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


Which is Bigger, Miami or Durango?

Miami has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Durango. When comparing the sizes of Miami and Durango, 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.