The most expensive destinations in Florida

Updated: March 8, 2018

Delray Beach has earned the title of most expensive Florida destination. A recent survey from MiamiHotels.org found that the southeast coastal city will cost more for an overnight stay this late winter than any other destination in the state.

In determining the rankings, the survey put 30 popular Floridian destinations side by side for comparison. Because it represents the high season for most of the Sunshine State’s beach destinations, the time period of February and March 2018 was chosen as the comparative basis.

The survey found that visitors to Delray Beach will shell out an average of $324 nightly—6.5% more than the second-place finisher. Visitors should note that the survey excluded hotels with less than a 3-star rating, as well as those that were not in close proximity to the beach/city center. Rounding out the survey’s Top 3 are Sanibel and Fort Myers Beach. Average nightly rates this February and March for both locations are coming in at just over $300.

Slipping this year is Key West. Two years ago when the same survey was conducted, the popular island city landed in the top spot. This year, it ranks fourth most expensive at an average rate of $284 per night. The least expensive destination on the survey, Panama City Beach, also dropped substantially in price since the last survey was undertaken. Two years ago, a late winter overnight stay in Panama City Beach cost an average of $146. In contrast, the same least expensive double room is now going for $107 nightly. That price tag represents a 26.7% decrease.

The following table compares rates of 30 popular destinations in Florida. The rates indicated reflect the average rate for the cheapest available double room (minimum 3-star hotel) at each locale for the time period spanning February 1 through March 31, 2018.