Traveling to a coastal city, especially in Florida, often means spending more than you had bargained. However, as we discovered during our recently concluded summer vacation, traveling to West Palm Beach is affordable with proper planning.
There is no Atlantic Ocean shoreline in West Palm Beach, so the city does not have a beach. However, this has not prevented thousands of tourists from visiting as the area provides a cheaper accommodation alternative to Palm Beach, just across the Intracoastal Waterway.
Despite not having a beach, the nightlife here rivals most of the party beaches in Florida. Besides, the thriving city has a vibrant cultural and art scene, award-winning restaurants, upscale shopping centers, world-class golf courses, and a superb public transportation system.
How Much Does a Vacation at West Palm Beach Cost?
Since no two vacations are the same, the total costs vary depending on the accommodation options, the length of your stay, and the nature of the activities you will engage in.
Here are the daily average costs for a solo traveler and a couple’s trip to West Palm Beach:
Accommodation
I typically prefer to stay in hostels. During my trip, I stayed for a total of 4 nights in a 4-star hostel, which amounted to a total cost of $363.
This means that, on average, I paid approximately $90.76 per night.
However, excluding Double Tree by Hilton West Palm Beach, other hostels are available at a rate of $87 per night.
If you are willing to spend a bit more per night, you can get a hotel with a better location or more tour options, with an average price of $157.
On the other hand, vacation rentals usually range from $220 to $560 per night for the entire home.
Food & Drinks
The prices of grocery items in supermarkets here are high, averaging around 6% more than in other places in the United States.
For example, a loaf of bread can cost up to $3.00 here.
The cost per person is usually below $15 when dining at budget-friendly restaurants. However, upscale establishments can charge over $100 per person, especially at five-star restaurants.
At some of the finest dining establishments, cocktails can be priced at $20 or more, while entrees range from $20 to $70 per person.
Transportation
Transportation in West Palm Beach is cheap if you opt for public transportation options.
Choosing Uber instead of taxis can significantly lower expenses. Moreover, Uber is considered safer, particularly during nighttime travel.
Throughout my trip, I mostly relied on the Palm Tran bus service, which operates 30 daily routes between West Palm Beach and Palm Beach.
Each bus ride costs approximately $2. There are also trolleys available in downtown West Palm Beach for convenient transportation, although their coverage is limited only to that area.
Budget Tips when Visiting West Palm Beach
You do not have to break the bank when touring West Palm Beach.
From our July experience, here are some functional tips on how to save money on your visit:
Travel during Low Season
Summer (June-August) is the off-peak season in West Palm Beach. While we braved the higher temperatures, we cumulatively saved almost $1000 during our 5-day vacation.
You’ll stay in the best hotels for less as the hotels slash rates significantly.
For instance, our Guest room at the Ben which was $489 per night in December, was offered to us for $310. Also, our flight to Palm Beach International Airport was $120 less.
Low season means fewer crowds and thus fewer queues in the airport and around popular attractions. You see more in less time and get value for money since the guides are not in a hurry to catch the next group of tourists.
Vacation Rentals over Hotel Accommodation
I had not thought of this until our tour guide pointed it out during lunch at Rosemary Square.
Do not get me wrong, our stay at the Ben Autograph Collection Hotel was perfect.
However, with the same budget, we could have stayed in the city for eight days rather than the five we spent at the Ben.
Besides, these properties have fully equipped kitchens to enable you to cook your own meals.
It is no secret preparing your meals is way cheaper than constantly eating at restaurants. Moreover, you determine your convenient dining hours, which adds to the comfort.
Other benefits of vacation rentals include:
- More privacy
- Larger rooms
- More space for family or friends
- Pets are usually allowed
- Secure parking spots
On our next trip to West Palm Beach, we are definitely staying in a vacation rental with the privacy and fully equipped kitchens winning us over. Besides, with rates starting as low as $60, this is such a bargain!
Use Public Transportation
While most West Palm Beach residents own cars, the city has a remarkably efficient public transport system.
This includes several train stations serviced by Tri-Rail and Amtrak, which make it cheaper to move in around the city.
On average, we spent $20-30 for a full day’s public transport excursions, while the cheapest car rental was $55.
Alternatively, there are paved, pedestrian-only streets that make it easy to walk around the central business district.
With the most popular attractions in close proximity to the CBD, we chose to stroll in between rather than take a taxi.
Not only was it refreshing, but we got to explore the city a bit more. Visit Clematis Street at dusk to experience the city’s buzzing nightlife as you hop in and out of the clubs lining the street.
Have a Budget and Learn How to Bargain
While a reasonable budget should be flexible, avoid impulse buying, as the array of products and food options in West Palm Beach can be overwhelming.
The Square and the Green Market are the easiest places to go overboard since everything looks so appealing.
Carry limited cash with you, or go with someone who will stop you from maxing your credit card on gifts and souvenirs.
Like any popular tourist destination, local sellers will always try to fleece visitors to make a killing, especially in the low season.
Sample products from different sellers and do not accept the first price the seller gives you without negotiation.
If you can befriend a trustworthy native, you are in luck. They always know where to get the best deals for souvenirs and to will help you save a few bucks.
In a nutshell, here are some tips we learned to lessen our expenses in West Palm Beach:
- Take Public transport – reduces the cost of car rentals, gas expenses, parking, and toll fees
- Make bookings and reservations in advance – take advantage of special offers and discounts
- Travel during the off-peak season – hotel and travel rates are cheaper
- Opt for Vacation rentals – provide value for money at a fraction of hotel prices
- Stick to your budget –buy what you need, not what you want
Final Thoughts
Warm and sunny year-round, West Palm Beach is the perfect destination for a vacation.
The coastal city is affordable with proper planning of the time of your visit, accommodation, and movement options.
Most importantly, have a budget and avoid exploring the city with large sums of cash.
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