Daily costs per person in USD. Miami can be pricey but Cuban food is cheap, beaches are free, and free trolleys cover most neighborhoods.
Daily cost breakdown
Currency: USD ($) (1 EUR ≈ $1.08)
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Splurge | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $35–70 | $120–220 | $350+ | Hostels → boutique hotels → beachfront luxury |
| Food | $20–35 | $50–85 | $130+ | Cuban cafeterias → casual restaurants → oceanfront fine dining |
| Transport | $0–10 | $15–30 | $50+ | Free trolley & bus → Uber/Lyft → rental car |
| Activities | $0–15 | $30–60 | $100+ | Beaches & street art → museums & tours → Everglades + water sports |
| Drinks | $10–20 | $25–45 | $70+ | Happy hours → craft cocktails → rooftop bars & clubs |
| Daily Total | $65–150 | $240–440 | $700+ | Budget → comfortable → luxury |
Money-saving tips
Free beaches everywhere
South Beach, Crandon Park, North Beach, and Haulover are all free. Only Bill Baggs on Key Biscayne charges ($8/vehicle). Bring your own chair and snacks.
Cuban food = budget food
Little Havana cafecitos cost $1, pastelitos $2, and a full Cuban lunch plate is $12–18 at Versailles, El Exquisito, or any Calle Ocho ventanita.
Free art everywhere
Wynwood street art, ICA Miami, Design District architecture, Perez Art Museum on first Thursdays, and Art Basel events (December) offer world-class art for free.
Happy hour culture
Miami bars run aggressive happy hours 4–7pm. Brickell and Wynwood have the best deals — $6–8 beers, $8–12 cocktails, and often half-price appetizers.
Bus beats Uber
Miami-Dade Transit runs the South Beach Local bus (free) and Metrobus ($2.25/ride). The free trolley covers Brickell, Wynwood, and Coral Gables. Only Uber for late-night trips.
Skip the tourist traps
Ocean Drive restaurants have inflated prices and mediocre food. Walk one block to Collins or Washington Avenue for the same cuisine at 30–40% less.
