A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Boca Raton vs. Key West for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Boca Raton or Key West?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Boca Raton and Key West. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Boca Raton or Key West?

Boca Raton

An affluent city with a reputation for catering to the well-to-do, Boca Raton is a beautiful city in Southern Florida with plenty to offer for all tastes and budgets. Boca's warm weather climate has visitors flocking to its many beaches and parks each day, while others take advantage of the golf courses, spas, annual events, festivals, live shows, museums, shopping, dining, and more.

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.

Which place is cheaper, Key West or Boca Raton?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Boca Raton is $283, while the average daily cost in Key West is $551. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Boca Raton and Key West in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Boca Raton $171
    Key West $132
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Boca Raton $342
    Key West $264
Compare Hotels in Boca Raton and Key West

Looking for a hotel in Boca Raton or Key West? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Boca Raton


Hotels in Key West


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Boca Raton Hotel Prices and Key West Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Boca Raton $76
    Key West $51

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Boca Raton

Also for Boca Raton, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Boca Raton Private Transfer to FLL (UP TO 14 PASS): $80

Typical Local Transportation prices in Key West

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Key West:


  • Rental Car for One Day
    $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Key West

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Key West:

  • Key West Airport (EYW) to Key West - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $87

Is it cheaper to fly into Boca Raton or Key West?

Prices for flights to both Key West and Boca Raton change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Boca Raton $67
    Key West $385

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Boca Raton

For Boca Raton, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Craft Food Tour in Delray Beach: $99

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Key West

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Key West.

  • Sunset Cruise with Buffet Dinner and Open Bar: $90
  • Key West Sunset Dinner Cruise with Tropical Buffet Dinner: $93
  • Key West Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $97
  • Old Town Secret Food Tour: $110
  • Sunset Sail Full Bar, Live Music & Dinner & Early Morning Snorkeling: $160
  • Dolphin Watching & Snorkeling in Key West with Sunset Dinner Cruise and Open Bar: $190
  • Snorkeling, Sunset Dinner Cruise & Open Bar: $200

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Boca Raton $28
    Key West $33

Tours and Activities in Boca Raton

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Boca Raton.

  • Boomers Park Admission Tickets: $50
  • 90 minute South Florida Jet Ski Adventure Fun Thrilling : $195

Tours and Activities in Key West

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Key West are as follows:

  • Private Electric Pedicab 1 Hour Guided Tour of Old Town Key West: $90
  • 2-Hour Private Sunset Cruise Boat in Key West: $345
  • 2-Hour Private Sunset Cruise around Key West: $150
  • 2-Hour Private Sunset Cruise on a Tiki Bar Boat in Key West: $457
  • 3-Hour Extreme Adventure in Key West: $140
  • 4-Hour Private Sand Bar Cruise on a Tiki Bar Boat in Key West: $565
  • Adults only Champagne Celebration Sunset Cruise from Key West: $81
  • All-Inclusive Water Adventure Excursion in Key West: $158
  • Clear Kayak Tours in Florida Keys: $75
  • Cruise Through Key West's Black History Audio Tour: $11
  • Dinghy Drinking Tour through Key West Waters: $75
  • Do It All Watersports Adventure with Lunch in Key West, Florida: $180

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Boca Raton $40
    Key West $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Key West

Also in Key West, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Key West Haunted Pub Crawl and Ghost Tour: $27
  • Bone Island Haunted Pub Crawl: $27
  • Key West Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
  • Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
  • Original Key West Pub Crawl: $38
  • 2.5-Hour Duval Street Pub Crawl: $38


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Boca Raton and Key West, we can see that Key West is more expensive. And not only is Boca Raton much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Boca Raton would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Boca Raton and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Key West would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Key West than you might in Boca Raton.

Which is Bigger, Boca Raton or Key West?

Boca Raton is bigger, and its population is about 3.3 times larger than the population of Key West. When comparing the population of Boca Raton vs. Key West, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit and the activities that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Boca Raton or Key West?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Key West in the Summer?

Both Key West and Boca Raton during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Key West for the beaches, snorkeling, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Boca Raton is generally around the same temperature as Key West. Daily temperatures in Boca Raton average around 82°F (28°C), and Key West fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).

In Key West, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Boca Raton. In the summer, Boca Raton often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Key West. Boca Raton gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Key West receives 328 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Boca Raton. Boca Raton usually gets more rain in July than Key West. Boca Raton gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Key West receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Boca Raton 82°F (28°C) 
    Key West 84°F (29°C)

Should I visit Boca Raton or Key West in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Boca Raton and Key West. Also, many visitors come to Key West in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Boca Raton is around the same temperature as Key West in the autumn. The daily temperature in Boca Raton averages around 78°F (25°C) in October, and Key West fluctuates around 80°F (27°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key West this time of the year. In Boca Raton, it's very sunny this time of the year. Boca Raton usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Key West during autumn. Boca Raton gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Key West receives 258 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Key West receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Boca Raton gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Boca Raton usually receives more rain than Key West. Boca Raton gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Key West receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Boca Raton 78°F (25°C) 
    Key West 80°F (27°C)

Should I visit Boca Raton or Key West in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Boca Raton as well as Key West. Also, most visitors come to Key West for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Boca Raton is cooler than Key West. Typically, the winter temperatures in Boca Raton in January average around 65°F (19°C), and Key West averages at about 70°F (21°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key West. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Boca Raton this time of the year. In the winter, Boca Raton often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Key West. Boca Raton gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Key West receives 252 hours of full sun.

Boca Raton usually gets more rain in January than Key West. Boca Raton gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Key West receives 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Boca Raton 65°F (19°C) 
    Key West 70°F (21°C)

Should I visit Boca Raton or Key West in the Spring?

Both Key West and Boca Raton are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Key West because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Boca Raton is generally around the same temperature as Key West. Daily temperatures in Boca Raton average around 74°F (23°C), and Key West fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

It's quite sunny in Key West. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Boca Raton. Boca Raton usually receives less sunshine than Key West during spring. Boca Raton gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Key West receives 326 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Boca Raton usually receives more rain than Key West. Boca Raton gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Key West receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Boca Raton 74°F (23°C) 
    Key West 77°F (25°C)

Typical Weather for Key West and Boca Raton

Boca Raton Key West
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 65°F (19°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 70°F (21°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm)
Feb 66°F (19°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 71°F (21°C) 1.4 inches (36 mm)
Mar 70°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 74°F (23°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Apr 74°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 77°F (25°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
May 78°F (25°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm) 81°F (27°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 8.1 inches (207 mm) 83°F (28°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (166 mm) 84°F (29°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (176 mm) 84°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 9.8 inches (250 mm) 83°F (29°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm)
Oct 78°F (25°C) 8.7 inches (222 mm) 80°F (27°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm)
Nov 72°F (22°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm) 76°F (24°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Dec 67°F (20°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 72°F (22°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm)


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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Boca Raton vs. Key West Travel Comparison

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