How Much Does Miami Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
Miami is a high-energy destination where costs reflect its status as a global hub for luxury and nightlife. Travelers should expect a wide pricing spectrum, with daily budgets typically ranging from $125 for solo budget seekers to over $1,146 for those indulging in the city's famous high-end resorts. While basic public transport is affordable, the city is famous for premium add-ons, from valet parking at $55 to mandatory resort fees. The cost of a visit is heavily influenced by neighborhood choice, with South Beach and Brickell commanding the highest prices. Despite the potential for high spending, strategic choices in dining and free local transport can make the city accessible to more modest budgets.
Is Miami expensive to visit?
Miami is a premium destination—expect to spend between $125 and $1,146 per day depending on your preference for luxury and nightlife.
On This Page
Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Miami
$125
per person /day
$324
per person /day
$1,146
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $374 | $972 | $3,438 |
| 5-Day Trip | $623 | $1,620 | $5,731 |
| 7-Day Trip | $872 | $2,267 | $8,022 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
It is essential to maintain a 15–20% buffer to cover mandatory ~$45 resort fees and the 7% sales tax that is added at checkout for both food and lodging. International visitors must also account for the ~$21 ESTA application fee required for entry into the country.
How Does It Compare?
See how Miami stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Miami
Food & Drink (2)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant Typical for a casual diner or Cuban lunch counter (~$30). | $30 |
| Iced Latte at Specialty Cafe After tax and mandatory ~$1.18 tip, expect to pay ~$6.73. | $6.73 |
Transport (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Metrorail Single Trip (Orange/Green Line) Direct link from Airport to Downtown/Brickell for ~$2.25. | $2.25 |
| Miami Beach Airport Express (Route 150) Cheapest way to get from MIA to South Beach (~$2.25). | $2.25 |
| Uber/Lyft (MIA to South Beach) Price fluctuates heavily with traffic; ~$38 is the mid-point estimate. | $38 |
| Valet Parking Fee (Luxury Hotel) Avoid bringing a car to South Beach; parking costs ~$55 per night. | $55 |
Accommodation (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Freehand Miami Hostel Dorm Bed Located in Mid-Beach. Prices spike during Art Basel and Spring Break to over ~$124. | $55 |
| Miami Budget Hotel Nightly Rate Lowest verified nightly price for a standard double room. | $101 |
| Mid-Range Hotel (Average Weekend) Expect prices around ~$166 per night in popular areas like Brickell. | $166 |
| 1 Hotel South Beach (Luxury) Sustainable luxury. Total cost with taxes is ~$937 per night. | $822 |
Activities (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Everglades NP Non-US Resident Entry Total for international visitors is ~$120. American residents pay only ~$20. | $120 |
| Wynwood Walls Adult Admission Timed entry tickets recommended; ~$12 per person. | $12 |
| Vizcaya Museum & Gardens Admission One of Miami's top cultural sites (~$25). | $25 |
Connectivity (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Airalo USA eSIM (10GB) Available from official Airalo. Works on all major US carriers. | $24 |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
The dining landscape is defined by a mix of casual Cuban counters, where a meal costs around $30, and upscale beachside establishments. Budgeting must account for an automatic 18–20% service charge added to most checks in popular areas, plus a 7% combined sales tax that is never included in menu prices. Even casual stops like specialty cafes can be pricey, with an iced latte typically costing $6.73 after tax and tip.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
El Mago de las Fritas
$6.98–$15West Miami · Local chain
The 'Frita' (Cuban burger) is a Miami essential for ~$6.98.
La Sandwicherie
$12–$18South Beach · Street food area
Ask for the signature 'French Vinaigrette' on any sandwich (~$12–$18).
Sanguich de Miami
$13–$20Little Havana · Local chain
Widely considered the best Cuban sandwich in the city for ~$13.
The Taco Stand
$3.99–$15Wynwood · Food court
Perfect for a quick bite while mural hopping; 3 tacos cost ~$13.
Versailles Restaurant
$7.97–$25Little Havana · Local chain
Order a 'cafecito' at the walk-up window (la ventanita) for ~$1.53.
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
Navigating the city can be expensive if relying on ride-shares, which average $38 from the airport to South Beach, or valet parking, which costs $55 per night. However, the Metrorail and the Route 150 Miami Beach Airport Express offer excellent value at just $2.25 per trip. For local movement, free trolley systems and the automated Metromover provide zero-cost alternatives in the most popular districts.
Accommodation Overview
Lodging prices are highly volatile and peak during major events, where a dorm bed at Freehand Miami can rise from $55 to over $124. Mid-range stays in Brickell average $166 per night, while luxury oceanfront properties like 1 Hotel South Beach reach approximately $822 before taxes. Travelers should always check for mandatory resort fees, which often add ~$45 to the nightly bill.
Accommodation Budget in Miami
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Ride the Miami Beach Trolley or the Coral Gables Trolley for free to avoid expensive ride-share fees between attractions.
- 2 Use the Metromover, a free automated train system, to explore the Downtown and Brickell skyline without spending a cent.
- 3 Eat at Versailles Restaurant or Sanguich de Miami in Little Havana for authentic meals that provide better value than $30 beachside diners.
- 4 Take the Route 150 Airport Express bus for $2.25 instead of an Uber which can cost upwards of $38 to reach the beach.
- 5 Avoid the $55 valet parking fee by using public parking garages on 7th or 13th Street, which offer much lower hourly rates.
- 6 Visit during May or November when the weather is pleasant and hotel rates often drop to around $188 for mid-range options.
- 7 Purchase beach essentials like sunscreen and snacks at a mainland pharmacy to avoid the inflated 'resort' prices found on Ocean Drive.
- 8 Attend the 'Big Night in Little Haiti' or other community cultural events which often offer free music and art performances.
- 9 Utilize 'Happy Hour' menus in the Design District or Wynwood to enjoy appetizers and drinks at half the usual coastal prices.
- 10 Look for 'Executive Lunch' specials in the Brickell financial district for high-quality meals at a fraction of the dinner price.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
+40-60%
Jul, Aug, Sep
-30-50%
May, Oct, Nov
Summer is cheaper but extremely hot/humid and has hurricane risk. For the best weather, visit in May or November when hotel rates drop to ~$188.
Events to Watch
- ● Art Basel (early Dec): +100% hotels
- ● Miami Boat Show (Feb): +50% hotels
- ● Spring Break (March): Crowded/higher costs
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Relax on the public sands of South Pointe Park and watch the cruise ships depart the harbor.
- 2 Wander through the Art Deco Historic District to view the iconic 1930s architecture.
- 3 Explore the outdoor street art galleries in the blocks surrounding Wynwood Walls.
- 4 Visit the Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach, a powerful and beautifully designed outdoor site.
- 5 Stroll along the 6km Miami Beach Boardwalk for views of the Atlantic Ocean and luxury resorts.
- 6 Take a self-guided tour of the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) Miami (free with advance booking).
- 7 Watch the sunset from the lush Maurice Gibb Memorial Park in Sunset Harbour.
- 8 Explore the 'Walk of Fame' on Calle Ocho in Little Havana to see the stars of Latin celebrities.
- 9 Enjoy the free 'SoundScape' cinema series at the New World Center during the winter months.
- 10 Walk the grounds of the historic Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables to admire the Mediterranean architecture.
- 11 Visit the Bayfront Park in Downtown for views of Biscayne Bay and free community yoga sessions.
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Private Yacht Charter (2 Hours)
Seeing the Miami skyline and 'Millionaire's Row' from the water is the quintessential Miami experience for ~$547.
Joe's Stone Crab Dinner
A legendary institution; stone crab claws are a local delicacy priced seasonally at ~$120 for a large order.
Helicopter Tour of South Beach
Unbeatable aerial views of the turquoise coastline and Art Deco district for ~$198.
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Miami
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from Miami and what they cost
Key West
$75 by bus
Free
$140
Fort Lauderdale
$30 by train
Free
$85
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
US Dollar (USD)
No
Everywhere including food trucks and parking meters
18-22% is standard at restaurants. Tipping ~$2–$4.94 for valet and ~$1.18 per drink at bars is expected.
Avoid 'generic' ATMs in convenience stores which charge up to ~$7.89; use bank ATMs (Chase, BofA, Wells Fargo).
Connectivity
eSIM: $4.12–$38 (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $47–$65 at airport
WiFi: Excellent in cafes and hotel lobbies; limited on the beach itself.
Use Airalo eSIM for data and download the 'Freebee' app for free electric shuttle rides in designated zones.
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Miami.
Updated: February 16, 2026
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Best Time to Visit
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Where to Stay
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Complete Cost Guide
Full budget and cost breakdown