Travel Budget for Key West Visit Key West on a Budget or Travel in Style

Key West, Florida, United States of America

Key West is an active town known for its festive nightlife, quirky town center, colorful personality, adrenaline-filled watersports, stunning beaches, turquoise water, and location at the southernmost point of the continental U.S. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. Whether you're eating the delicious cuisine, enjoying the nightlife, or relaxing on the beaches, we'll help you plan the ideal trip to Key West that stays within your budget.

How much does it cost to travel to Key West?

You should plan to spend around $832 per day on your vacation in Key West. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $667 on meals
  • $51 on local transportation
  • $264 on hotels

A one week trip to Key West for two people costs, on average, $11,648. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $832
  • One Week Per person
    $5,824
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $11,648
  • One Month Per person
    $24,960
  • One Week For a couple
    $11,648
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $23,296
  • One Month For a couple
    $49,920
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Key West cost?

A one week trip to Key West usually costs around $5,824 for one person and $11,648 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Key West on average costs around $11,648 for one person and $23,296 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Key West will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Key West on average costs around $24,960 for one person and $49,920 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Key West expensive to visit?

Key West is a terrific town that attracts a multitude of tourists with a broad spectrum of travel styles and budgeting preferences. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.

If you're not cautious, Key West can become costly, but you can save with strategies like eating at less expensive restaurants and spending long days at the beach.

On average, budget travelers spend $299 per day, mid-range travelers spend $832 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $2,546 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Key West.

Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Key West is a very expensive destination compared to other places. It is in the top 10% of cities in North America for its travel costs. There are only a few cities as expensive as Key West in the region, such as Nantucket.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Key West Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Key West?

The average Key West trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Key West travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Key West cost?

Key West on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
$59 $132 $241
Local Transportation 1 $23 $51 $94
Food 2 $225 $667 $2,246
Entertainment 1 $15 $33 $51
Alcohol 2 $4-11 $8-24 $13-38

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

It's important to be realistic about your budget for Key West. Many assume they can visit on a shoestring, but most travelers find that to be very challenging. Think about what matters to you when traveling. Is it staying in a resort, visiting all the attractions, or dining out at nice restaurants? These factors will determine how much you spend on your trip.

Key West on a Shoestring Budget?

You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $299 that backpackers often get by on.

Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.

While food is an important aspect for all visitors in Key West, budget travelers tend to favor street food or prepare their own meals in hostels, which might keep them from experiencing the local cuisine.

Do You Fit the Profile of an Average Traveler?

As a couple or family looking for fun, you're likely to choose a mid-range hotel, dine at popular restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions with entry fees. It's a common desire for visitors to Key West to experience the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. After all, most activities do cost money. Therefore, it's sensible to expect your daily budget to be approximately $832 per person, per day.

There's a wide selection of hotels and vacation rentals in Key West. If you're traveling with others, sharing a hotel room with a partner, friend, or kids will help split costs and save money. When traveling as a family, look for hotels and restaurants that welcome children. Almond Tree Inn is a great choice for kids, and Ambrosia Key West is another wonderful option. For more family and couple-friendly places to stay, check out our Key West hotel costs guide.

Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?

If you want a vacation with premium amenities and superior service, brace yourself for a price near $2,546 daily. Choosing upscale hotels, dining at award-winning eateries, enjoying lavish excursions, and using taxis or private drivers around the town will require a luxury budget. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as PM Half-Day Trip from Key West with Kayaking, Snorkeling & Sunset - offered by Viator.

Accommodation Budget in Key West

The price of hotels in Key West can be quite surprising. Higher-end hotels offer more luxury and amenities, but with much higher price tags, especially during peak season. Off-season averages are around $350, while peak winter or spring season averages can reach $653. Prices range from $225 to $1,153, but hostels are usually cheaper. Traveling during the low season and booking early are good ways to save money.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Key West for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $264. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $132 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $132
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $264

Hotels in Key West

Looking for a hotel in Key West? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Key West

The average hotel room price in Key West based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $350 in the low season and $653 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Key West include:

  • The Perry Hotel Key West starting at $276
  • Oceans Edge Key West starting at $284
  • Parrot Key Hotel & Villas starting at $294
  • Ambrosia Key West starting at $229
  • The Artist House Key West starting at $257
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Key West

Key West is known as a family-friendly town, so if you're traveling with kids, be sure to look for an apartment with extra space.

This town provides numerous resorts to consider. You might find one that includes meals or at least breakfast, and many feature onsite dining options.

Many people stay up to a week in Key West. If you're here for a longer time, you might want a vacation rental with a kitchen for preparing some of your own meals.

Traveling during the shoulder or low season (instead of winter or spring) means you'll get lower prices on accommodations and have fewer crowds to deal with.

The town's unique old town is a major draw for visitors. Hotels here may be more expensive, but they typically offer a lot of character and convenient access to all the attractions.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Key West

In Key West, the public transit system is not very good. Public transportation in Key West is limited to a few buses.

In some sections of Key West, you can enjoy a walkable environment, which helps you see the sights. The town is the most walkable part of the Florida Keys. The area around Mallory Square and Duval Street is the most pedestrian friendly.

Public Transit:  starstarstarstarstar (poor)
Walkability:      starstarstarstarstar (good)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $51 per person, per day, on local transportation in Key West. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Key West is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $51

Transportation Tips

If you're using a car, make sure your hotel has convenient parking available.

A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:

  • Private Arrival Transfer from Key West Airport EYW for $144 details
  • Private Transfer from Key West Int Airport to Key West Port for $39 details
  • Key West Int Airport (EYW) to Key West - Arrival Private Transfer for $65 details

Recommended Services


Flights to Key West
How much does it cost to go to Key West? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Key West
The price of renting a car in Key West will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.


What did other people spend on Transportation in Key West?

Listed below are some transit expenses in Key West, taken from reports by other travelers. These costs offer a snapshot of transportation prices in the city to give you an idea of what to expect. Keep in mind that your costs may differ, especially if you opt for more expensive options like taxis, which typically cost more than public transportation.


  • Rental Car for One Day
    $38


Food Budget in Key West

The food scene in Key West is incredible, so be sure to spend time tasting all the local dishes. Head to town for local restaurants with quirky atmospheres. There are many local dishes to sample, but the town is most known for its stone crabs, conch fritters, and Mahi Mahi sandwiches. You'll also find cold drinks and waterfront dining areas.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Key West can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Key West is $667 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $667

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Key West is around $667 ($667) per person, with previous travelers spending from $225 to $2246. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Key West are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $67 to $200
  • Lunch: $100 to $267
  • Dinner: $200 to $467
  • Coffee: $53
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $100

There are a good number of restaurants around Key West that cater to all budget types. Seafood is plentiful and delicious. There are also Cuban restaurants that offer excellent food at affordable prices. Cafes, raw bars, and fine dining restaurants are all centrally located in the Duval Street area.

Key West also offers plenty of bars where you can grab a drink. Some of the most popular include Bourbon Street Pub, Captain Tony's Saloon, Fat Tuesdays, Hog's Breath Saloon, and the Lazy Gecko Bar, among others.

Food & Dining Tips

When you're on the road with kids, look for eateries that have a kids' menu. This can lead to considerable savings, as those meals are generally less expensive. Some restaurants might not highlight their kids' options, so don't hesitate to ask the waiter before you order.

Lots of hotels throw breakfast into the room rate, but some will charge for it. The quality and price can differ by hotel. Understanding this in advance can help you figure out if you'll need to spend extra money. It may be worth splurging on the hotel buffet, or you could find a less expensive option at a nearby bakery or cafe.

Enjoying a picnic is a great way to save money while taking in the scenery. Find a local grocery store or market, gather fresh food, and head to a lovely park or scenic area to enjoy your meal.

Take a water bottle along instead of purchasing drinks constantly. This is also an eco-conscious choice.

Before booking a tour, make a point of knowing which meals are part of the package. You may be responsible for some of your food costs, which can increase your overall budget.

If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Key West, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:

  • Southernmost Food & Cultural Walking Tour by Key West Food Tours for $93 details
  • The Hemingway Experience by Key West Food Tours for $185 details
  • Key West Sunset Cruise: Dinner, Live Music & Drinks Included for $93 details

Recommended


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Key West

It's no surprise that Key West sees many visitors since it offers food, nightlife, resorts, and beaches.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Key West typically cost an average of $33 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $33

Key West is a fascinating place to visit as it is both beautiful and fun. One of the most visited sites on the island is the Southernmost Point, which is a marker that claims a spot as the southern most point in the continental United States. If you're looking for a good view of the island head to either the observation tower at the Shipwreck Museum or Key West Lighthouse. Also worth visiting is the Key West AIDS Memorial and Key West City Cemetery. There are any number of state and local parks around the island that are fun to explore. You'll find the best beaches at some of Florida's state parks. Wildlife Rescue of the Florida Keys is a good place to explore. McCoy Indigenous Park is the location where more than 2,000 rehabilitated animals have been released into the wild since 1993. You may find up to 100 animals at the center at any given time. It's free to visit, but donations are accepted.



Snorkeling and scuba diving are both fun in the Florida Keys. While some of the coral has been brutalized by the tourist crowds, you can still see some colorful fish and stingrays among other things. If you're not up for either snorkeling or diving, then you can take a glass bottom boat and see many of the fish. There is also no shortage of water sports you can participate in around Key West. You have options ranging from jet skiing, to fishing, or windsurfing.

Another popular activity in the Florida Keys is to take a sunset cruise which can be quite beautiful. Also make sure you head to Mallory Square at sunset when everybody is out and about and there are street performers entertaining the crowds.

A visit to Dry Tortugas is also a must-do activity. I can take a full day (or you can spend the night). You'll need to take a ferry to this very scenic island that has an old fort and some amazing snorkeling opportunities.

Sightseeing Tips

Beaches:
Many travelers seek the calming shores of Key West. One of the best beaches in the area is Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. The beach has soft sand and stunning turquoise water. As is typical in the Keys, the water stays shallow for great distances.

Historical Sights:
A significant number of visitors flock to the historic old town. The town has the most charming Old Town areas in the Florida Keys. Head to Mallory Square for the sunset street performers and explore the historic streets around Duval Street.

Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Key West. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • 2-Hour Live Music Guided Tour in Key West for $35 details
  • Hemingway Tour for $69 details
  • Private E-Pedicab 1/2 Hour Sightseeing Ride of Old Town Key West for $55 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Key West

With its fun and active nightlife, Key West attracts visitors eager to experience the local bars, clubs, and parties. This area has some of the most lively nightlife in the Florida Keys. There are quirky bars and fun hangouts where you can spend the evening. The party starts at Mallory Square around sunset and many bars stay open well into the early hours. You can also enjoy sunset cruises or pass your time at one of the many tiki bars.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $16 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Key West per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $16

Nightlife in Key West

Nightlife Tips

While nightlife is a key part of many trips, scaling back on drinks can help free up some extra cash in your budget.

When you're out at night and drinking, be aware of what's going on around you. You could become a target for pickpockets or other crimes, so it's safest to stay in groups.

Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Key West. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:

  • Key West Haunted Pub Crawl and Ghost Tour with Free T-Shirt for $32 details
  • 2.5-Hour Duval Street Pub Crawl for $43 details
  • Bone Island Haunted Pub Crawl for $32 details

Recommended


Budgeting and Travel Tips for Key West

  • During winter or spring, the town can get really crowded, and prices go up significantly. To avoid the crowds and save some money, it's best to visit during the shoulder seasons or low season.
  • Since Key West is large, you'll likely encounter a variety of price ranges for accommodations, dining, and activities. To keep costs low, shop around, secure your bookings early, and take advantage of free things to do.
  • Slowing down your travel pace can be a great way to save money while still enjoying the beautiful sights around you. If you fill your days with too many activities, the costs can quickly add up. However, by taking your time and appreciating the moment, you'll typically find yourself spending less.

Budgeting Challenges

  • Visitors flock to Key West for its outstanding scuba diving, but be prepared for the costs, as there's not much room for saving. Dive trips, equipment rentals, and boat outings can significantly impact your budget. Also, check your travel insurance to make sure it covers all aspects, including accidents and cancellations due to weather.
  • Key West offers limited public transit options. Renting a car or having a pre-arranged ride, such as a tour, could be a wise choice. Just remember, this might take a toll on your budget in other areas.
  • If you were planning on staying in a hostel in Key West, you might want to reconsider. There aren't many options available, so finding a budget hotel or renting an apartment might be a better choice.
Expert Advice from Local Travelers

We're asking our community members and registered users to contribute their experiences about Key West.

How can you save money during your time in Key West?

We've tried several times to book state campgrounds in the Florida Keys, but they always fill up a year in advance. If you're better planners than we are, then this is a great way to save money.

Janet_609
-
Sep 23 2023

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Traveling in Key West
Key West Key West

Key West is both a city and an island as well as the southern most Florida Key. It is also the southern most city in the continental United States. The island is only about four miles long and one mile wide. The total land mass covers just 4.2 square miles. The most famous street in town is Duval Street, which runs just 1.1 miles from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. There are 14 blocks. The size of the island doubled during the 1950s when many of the salt ponds along the eastern side of the island were filled in.

The island's semi-tropical climate makes it a great travel destination year around. It can be quite hot during the summer months and hurricanes can come unexpectedly during the fall months and wreak havoc on your vacation plans. It's also not unheard of for the weather to be unexpectedly cool during the winter months, although normally it is quite pleasant and comfortable. On occasion temperatures may dip into the 40s, but this is uncommon. Key West is the only city in the continental US that has never had a frost. There is a dry and a wet season to the island. From November through April there is plenty of sunshine and less than 25 percent of the annual rainfall. May through October is the wet season when rain occurs most days, usually in the early morning. Still, Key West is the driest city in Florida.



Neighborhoods & Around

Key West is divided into Old Town and New Town. Old Town is between White Street and Bertha-First-Palm. This is where you'll find the more historic architecture and compact streets. Within Old Town you'll find the areas of Solares Hill, Duval Street, and Bahama Village.

New Town is everything that isn't included in Old Town. This area has modern shopping centers, grocery stores, strip malls and suburban style development. Smather's Beach, Charterboat Row and East Martello Museum are the areas of most interest to tourists.

Stock Island is also technically a part of the City of Key West. It's an island that is connected to Key West Island by the Cow Key Channel Bridge. On the island you'll find several restaurants, a marina, a public Golf Course, and a botanical garden.

Related
Looking for a party hostel in Hawaii or Miami? Traveling alone to LA or New Orleans? Want a budget hostel in NYC?

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.