A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Miami vs. Vancouver for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Miami or Vancouver?

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 Vancouver 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.

Vancouver

Vancouver is a scenic, diverse, and friendly city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Vancouver is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Vancouver travel costs.

Miami and Vancouver: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Miami or Vancouver?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Miami than Vancouver. While Vancouver is larger than Miami, Miami has more sights and attractions for tourists. Miami is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, and beaches, while Vancouver is known for its museums and attractions, hiking, and impressive beauty. Miami is more touristy than Vancouver and is popular for its long sandy beaches, glitzy nightlife scene, diverse cultures, and award-winning restaurants. It is also home to South Beach. Vancouver is popular for its beautiful setting, sweeping views, and welcoming atmosphere.

How is Miami different from Vancouver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Vancouver is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Vancouver that are not to be missed. There are tons of museums and sights around town such as the Vancouver Aquarium, the Museum of Anthropology, the Museum of Vancouver, and Science World. Also make sure you take a walk over the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Miami is a must-visit destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Vancouver is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Vancouver. You'll find diverse restaurants and fresh ingredients. Local seafood is a staple in many restaurants so make sure you try the prawns, salmon, and even sea urchin. Asian food is also excellent around town. Sushi, Japanese hot dogs, and dim sum are all worth sampling.

Is Miami or Vancouver Better for Nightlife?

Miami is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Vancouver is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Miami is a world class party destination. 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.

Vancouver has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city has a vibrant nightlife scene. Most of the activity is centered around The Granville Entertainment District in the downtown area. It runs along Granville Street between Robson Street and Davie Street. In the area you'll find a high concentration of bars and nightclubs.

Is Miami or Vancouver Better for Music?

Miami is a must-visit destination for live music. However, Vancouver 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.

Vancouver is not a live music destination.

Is Miami or Vancouver Better for Resorts?

Miami is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Vancouver 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.

Vancouver is not a resort destination.

Is Miami or Vancouver Better for Beaches?

Miami is a must-visit destination for its beaches. However, Vancouver 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.

Vancouver is not a beach destination.

Is Miami or Vancouver Better for Hiking?

Vancouver is an amazing city to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Miami is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Vancouver specifically for its hiking. The city is surrounded by water and mountains, making it one of the best hiking cities in the world. You don't have to go far to enjoy spectacular vistas, serene rainforests, and rugged coastline. The trails range from casual strolls to more strenuous day long hikes.

Miami is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Miami or Vancouver?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Vancouver and Miami.

Miami is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Known for shopping, Vancouver draws large crowds to its stores. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. You can enjoy strolling through Chinatown, hitting up a public market, or wandering around a large shopping mall.

Is Miami or Vancouver More Beautiful?

Vancouver is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Miami is not a destination known for its beauty.

Vancouver is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It sits between the Pacific Ocean and high reaching mountains, so the city offers spectacular views.

Miami is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Miami or Vancouver Better for Families?

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

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, Vancouver is very family-friendly. There are great kid-friendly museums like the Science Museum, as well as outdoor markets, public parks, and easy access to the nearby nature. A visit to Grouse Mountain is a must for many families. You can see the bears, take a gondola, and see the a lumberjack show.

Is Miami or Vancouver Better for Couples?

Vancouver is an amazing city to visit for romance. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Vancouver has plenty to offer. Most of the activities take advantage of the beautiful outdoor setting. You can take a carriage ride in Stanley Park or visit the Sun Yat Sen Chinese Garden. Eat dim sum in Chinatown and then wander through the diverse neighborhood. End the day with a show at Orpheum Theater.

Miami is a great beach city if you're traveling as 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.

Is Miami or Vancouver Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vancouver is well known for backpackers. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Vancouver. It's a favorite city for backpackers who enjoy the many outdoor activities. There are also many hostels available around town.

It's common for backpackers to visit Miami. This city is large enough to have something for everyone, so you'll find several hostels in the area that bring in the backpackers.

Is Miami or Vancouver Better for Students?

Vancouver is well known for students. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Vancouver is very popular with students. The cities friendly personality and fun energy make it a great place to study.

It's common for students to visit Miami. Spring break in Miami is the stuff of legends.

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

Vancouver is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Vancouver is top-notch. Public transit is efficient and comfortable. The Translink system includes buses, the SeaBus ferry, and the SkyTrain light rail system.

While Miami offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's an elevated metrorail as well as buses around the city.

Is Miami or Vancouver a more walkable city?

Vancouver is an amazing city to visit for its walkability. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Vancouver on foot is easy. The downtown area is very compact and fun to explore on foot.

Miami is a very walkable beach city. 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Vancouver or Miami?

How long in Miami or Vancouver?

In either Miami or Vancouver, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Vancouver than Miami because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Miami, and 3-5 days is enough time in Vancouver.

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

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

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

One day in Miami or Vancouver?

People visit Miami because there is so much to do. 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.

In Vancouver, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this friendly big city offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This city 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 Vancouver?

People visit Miami because there is so much to do. 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 beach city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vancouver. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Miami or Vancouver?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the bustling beach city of Miami. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Vancouver is a fun place to experience. In Vancouver, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this big city destination offers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Miami or Vancouver?

Miami is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find food and shopping around the friendly big city of Vancouver. 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 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Miami or Vancouver?

Vancouver has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Miami. When comparing the sizes of Miami and Vancouver, 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.

When is the best time to visit Miami or Vancouver?

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 Miami or Vancouver in the Summer?

Both Vancouver and Miami during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Miami in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Vancouver for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Miami is much warmer than Vancouver in the summer. The daily temperature in Miami averages around 83°F (28°C) in July, and Vancouver fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Vancouver, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Miami. In the summer, Miami often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Vancouver. Miami gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 296 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Miami. Miami usually gets more rain in July than Vancouver. Miami gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Miami or Vancouver in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Miami and Vancouver. Most visitors come to Miami for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Vancouver because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Miami is much warmer than Vancouver. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Miami in October average around 78°F (26°C), and Vancouver averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In Miami, it's very sunny this time of the year. Miami usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during autumn. Miami gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 124 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Vancouver receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Miami gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Miami usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Miami gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Miami or Vancouver in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Miami as well as Vancouver. The winter months attract visitors to Miami because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Vancouver this time of year.

It's quite cold in Vancouver in the winter. In January, Miami is generally much warmer than Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Miami average around 67°F (20°C), and Vancouver fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Miami this time of the year. In the winter, Miami often gets more sunshine than Vancouver. Miami gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 55 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Vancouver. Miami usually gets less rain in January than Vancouver. Miami gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Miami or Vancouver in the Spring?

Both Vancouver and Miami are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Miami this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Vancouver for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Miami is much warmer than Vancouver in the spring. The daily temperature in Miami averages around 75°F (24°C) in April, and Vancouver fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Miami. Miami usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during spring. Miami gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Vancouver. In April, Miami usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Miami gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Vancouver and Miami