Comparison · Miami vs Tampa · United States
Miami vs Tampa
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
Choose Miami for South Beach, Art Deco architecture and free sights; choose Tampa for Ybor City and Cuban sandwich. Tampa is generally less expensive, and the two are about 331 km (206 mi) apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 331 km (206 mi)
- Less expensive
- Tampa
- Best time for Miami
- December–April
- Best time for Tampa
- March–May and November
Plan either trip
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Side by side
| Miami | Tampa | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | United States | United States |
| Known for | South Beach, Art Deco architecture and Cuban food | Ybor City, Cuban sandwich and Busch Gardens |
| Best time to visit | December–April | March–May and November |
| Ideal stay | 5 days | 4 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | US$230–400 | US$200–350 |
| Cost level | Expensive | Moderately priced |
| Warmest month | July, 32°C (90°F) | July, 33°C (91°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 24°C (75°F) | January, 22°C (72°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 7 | 4 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 7 |
| Beaches | South Beach | Clearwater Beach |
| Airports | MIA, FLL | TPA, PIE |
Month by month
Going by our guides' own ratings, the better pick is Miami in December–February, and Tampa in May and October–November. Both are at their best in March–April.
| Month | Miami | Tampa | Better pick |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 24°C (75°F), 7 rainy days · best time | 22°C (72°F), 6 rainy days · shoulder season | Miami |
| February | 25°C (77°F), 6 rainy days · best time | 23°C (73°F), 6 rainy days · shoulder season | Miami |
| March | 26°C (79°F), 6 rainy days · best time | 26°C (79°F), 6 rainy days · best time | Both at their best |
| April | 28°C (82°F), 6 rainy days · best time | 28°C (82°F), 4 rainy days · best time | Both at their best |
| May | 30°C (86°F), 10 rainy days · shoulder season | 31°C (88°F), 4 rainy days · best time | Tampa |
| June | 31°C (88°F), 17 rainy days | 32°C (90°F), 13 rainy days | No clear pick |
| July | 32°C (90°F), 17 rainy days | 33°C (91°F), 17 rainy days | No clear pick |
| August | 32°C (90°F), 19 rainy days · best avoided | 33°C (91°F), 17 rainy days · best avoided | Neither: both best avoided |
| September | 31°C (88°F), 18 rainy days · best avoided | 32°C (90°F), 13 rainy days · best avoided | Neither: both best avoided |
| October | 29°C (84°F), 13 rainy days | 29°C (84°F), 5 rainy days · shoulder season | Tampa |
| November | 27°C (81°F), 8 rainy days · shoulder season | 26°C (79°F), 4 rainy days · best time | Tampa |
| December | 25°C (77°F), 7 rainy days · best time | 23°C (73°F), 5 rainy days · shoulder season | Miami |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Miami for…
South Beach, Art Deco architecture and free sights. Miami pairs a long barrier-island beach, Miami Beach, with a mainland city of Cuban cafés, glass towers and street art. South Beach's Art Deco District and Ocean Drive face the Atlantic; across Biscayne Bay, Little Havana, Wynwood, Brickell and Coconut Grove…
Choose Tampa for…
Ybor City and Cuban sandwich. Tampa sits at the top of Tampa Bay on Florida's Gulf Coast, with a compact downtown on the Hillsborough River, the historic cigar-making district of Ybor City and the long balustraded promenade of Bayshore Boulevard. Busch Gardens, the Florida Aquarium and…
Top sights compared
| # | Miami | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Beach | Tampa Riverwalk |
| 2 | Art Deco Historic District | Ybor City Historic District |
| 3 | Wynwood Walls | Busch Gardens Tampa Bay |
| 4 | Vizcaya Museum and Gardens | The Florida Aquarium |
| 5 | Little Havana and Calle Ocho | ZooTampa at Lowry Park |
Food compared
| Miami | Tampa |
|---|---|
| Cuban sandwich | Tampa Cuban sandwich |
| Cafecito and colada | Cuban bread |
| Croquetas | Deviled crab |
| Pastelitos | Spanish bean soup |
Which is cheaper?
Tampa is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about US$200–350 per person there, against US$230–400 in Miami (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Tampa on a budget.
Miami or Tampa from the U.S.
Worked out from time zones and airport coordinates: straight-line distances, not flight routes.
| Miami | Tampa | |
|---|---|---|
| Time vs New York | Same time | Same time |
| Time vs Los Angeles | +3 h | +3 h |
| From New York (JFK) | 1,090 mi (1,760 km) | 1,010 mi (1,620 km) |
| From Los Angeles (LAX) | 2,340 mi (3,770 km) | 2,160 mi (3,470 km) |
| U.S. plugs | U.S. plugs fit | U.S. plugs fit |
From New York, Tampa is about 86 miles (139 km) closer than Miami in a straight line.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Miami and Tampa are about 331 km (206 mi) apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 5 days in Miami and 4 in Tampa.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Miami or Tampa cheaper?
Tampa is usually less expensive: about US$200–350 a day mid-range against US$230–400 (estimates).
+Is Miami or Tampa better for a first trip?
Pick Miami for South Beach, Art Deco architecture and free sights, or Tampa for Ybor City and Cuban sandwich.
+How far is Miami from Tampa?
About 331 km (206 mi) in a straight line.