Miami : What budget to travel? Money and currency

The currency is the US dollar. Make your reservation of quarters that serve all day long: buses, car parks, tolls.... Florida is one of the most expensive states and Miami is the most expensive city in Florida. Prices decrease by a third, especially for hotels, during the low season. Remember to add VAT to the price indicated on the label or restaurant bill and tip.

Miami : What budget for activities and outings?

Admission at the adult rate generally costs between US$10 and US$25. Almost all sites offer reduced rates for seniors, students and children, and free admission for children under 2 or 3. State parks such as the Everglades are a special case, where the price is per vehicle rather than per person. You'll also find places that are free but where a contribution is appreciated.

Miami lends itself to a wide range of low-cost outdoor activities. The least expensive is, of course, swimming in the sea! For just a few dollars, you can also access the state parks, which are teeming with hiking trails. Other water-based activities are available throughout Florida (kayaking, snorkeling, paddle boarding, diving...), but you'll have to pay a higher price.

The cost of living is generally high in Florida, particularly in Miami (and even more so since the pandemic). When it comes to shopping, there are a number of outlets dedicated entirely to big-name brands at knock-down prices. Often open-air, these factory outlets feature the biggest fashion brands (Levi's, Converse, Adidas, Nike, Tommy Hilfiger...) selling products from previous collections at reduced prices. Reductions can be as much as 75%! It's not uncommon to find a pair of Levi's jeans for €30 after conversion. The main outlets are located around Orlando, Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Here too, a 6% tax must be added.

As in Europe, entry to nightclubs can be free or for a fee. Some venues organize ladies nights, when admission is free for ladies. A number of cinemas and theaters offer discounts for matinee shows.

Miami : What is the budget for eating?

You can eat on the run for around US$10, but it's usually tacos or sandwiches. In a traditional restaurant, you'll find dishes starting at US$15, rising to US$60 or more depending on the range. The bill can quickly climb if you add a drink and dessert. It's quite common to ask for a doggy bag if you don't finish your plate.

If you want to eat healthily at a reasonable price, large supermarkets such as Publix or Whole Foods Market have huge catering departments. You'll find salads to choose from, hot dishes such as soups, marinated meats and cooked vegetables. The principle: you choose a tray (with a choice of sizes) and fill it with whatever you like. The price per kilo is indicated next to each dish, and you pay in full at the checkout. Traditional pizza slices and sushi are also available. You can also customize your sandwich on the spot. You'll find plenty of locals in the aisles, especially in the evenings. Indeed, Miami locals, like Americans in general, cook less than Europeans.

In the USA, tipping is a common and often expected practice. In restaurants and bars, you should leave between 15 and 20% of the bill. Check whether service is included before adding an extra tip. This is often the case in very touristy areas. It's a good idea to always carry some cash for cash tips, especially in hotels and for small services.

Miami : What is the budget for accommodation?

In high season, it's rare to find hotels for less than US$200 a night. If you're on a budget, you'll want to check out the youth hostels - of which there are around ten in Miami - some of which offer double rooms for greater privacy.

Prices quoted do not include taxes (sales tax, resort tax and tourist tax): add 13% per night. Most hotels also charge a resort fee, which includes pool access, wifi, beach towels and other services.

It's generally more advantageous to book directly on hotel websites rather than on the big booking platforms that charge commissions to hoteliers. However, if you want to leave room for the unexpected and book as you go, there are a number of apps that offer discounted hotel nights for the same evening. The best-known is Hotel Tonight.

Miami : Travel budget and cost of living

Expect to pay between US$100 and US$200 per day on average if you're very careful, especially when it comes to hotels, which will be the most expensive part of your trip (in high season, expect to pay at least US$150). If you wish to stay in the Keys, you'll have to pay a supplement.

Urban transport costs an average of US$1.50 a ticket, but cabs are a little too expensive for the distances covered. We recommend Uber or Lyft, which are available in all major Florida cities.