Melissa Donovan
From theme parks and outdoor adventures to nightlife, dining, and cultural attractions, what makes a city “fun” can vary widely. But one factor is increasingly clear: entertainment comes at a cost. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American spends more than $3,600 annually on leisure and entertainment.
A new nationwide analysis from WalletHub suggests that where you live can influence both how much you spend and the options available. The financial analytics site evaluated over 180 U.S. cities using 65 metrics—including access to fitness centers, movie affordability, restaurant density, and brewery hours—to determine which places offer the greatest variety of fun, budget-friendly experiences.
Orlando Ranked No. 2 in the Nation
Florida stands out prominently in this year’s results, with Orlando securing the No. 2 spot, just behind Las Vegas and ahead of Miami. The study’s top five most fun cities include:
Las Vegas, NV
Orlando, FL
Miami, FL
Atlanta, GA
New Orleans, LA
“The most fun cities naturally include some of the most popular tourist destinations in the U.S., like Las Vegas, Orlando and Miami, but these cities are far more than tourist traps. They provide a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities for all types of interests, from sports to theaters to arcades, and they have plenty of diverse restaurants to try. The top cities offer affordable options for year-round fun for their residents, which is good for residents’ wallets and their mental health,” WalletHub Analyst Chip Lupo said on their website.
How Orlando Stands Out
Orlando’s ranking reflects much more than its global reputation for theme parks. While home to major attractions such as Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort, the city also earned high marks in categories that impact residents just as much as tourists:
Entertainment & Recreation Rank: 3
Nightlife & Parties Rank: 3
Costs Rank: 72
WalletHub highlights Orlando for leading the country in the number of amusement parks and for offering a wide selection of performing arts venues, fitness centers, lounges, spas, arcades, and recreation facilities. Despite being a major visitor destination, Orlando remains comparatively affordable in certain categories—ranking 11th for lowest 3-star hotel rates, 19th for average pizza prices, and 53rd for wine affordability.
Sports fans also benefit from a robust local scene. Orlando ranks high for soccer enthusiasm and boasts numerous sports stadiums per capita.
Miami Claims No. 3
Miami also performs strongly in the study, ranking third overall and offering a different flavor of Florida fun. The city leads the nation in water-based recreation, including marinas, boat tours, fishing facilities, and water sports. Miami’s strong presence of parks, gyms, restaurants, and bars, along with its professional sports franchises, helps solidify its place among the country’s top entertainment hubs.
Florida Cities Appear Throughout the Rankings
Several other Florida cities made the list, underscoring the state’s reputation for recreation and lifestyle appeal:
Fort Lauderdale – #15
Tampa – #16
St. Petersburg – #33
Jacksonville – #39
Tallahassee – #72
Cape Coral – #79
Pembroke Pines – #98
Hialeah – #119
Port St. Lucie – #156
Florida also appears prominently in specific metrics. Tampa is tied for No. 1 in festivals per capita, while Orlando ranks among the top U.S. cities for restaurant availability, tied for first with Las Vegas, Miami, San Francisco, and Houston.
What Makes a City Fun?
WalletHub’s analysis evaluated cities across three major categories:
Entertainment & Recreation – including parks, attractions, fitness options, cultural amenities, and affordability.
Nightlife & Parties – such as bar density, music venues, and social entertainment.
Costs – reflecting the price of common leisure activities, food, lodging, and general affordability.
Each city received a total score based on its performance across these dimensions.
A Closer Look at the Leaders
Las Vegas earned the top spot overall, largely due to its unmatched entertainment offerings—from casinos and live shows to restaurants, music events, and nightlife. Despite its reputation, the city is mid-range in costs and offers surprisingly affordable options in certain categories, such as fitness memberships and casual dining.
Orlando, with its mix of theme parks, arts venues, sports attractions, and comparatively budget-friendly options, continues to shine as both a tourist destination and a lively place for residents.
Miami, with its beaches, water recreation, parks, and sports culture, delivers a uniquely active and social lifestyle with strong restaurant and nightlife availability.
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