A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Boca Raton vs. Key West for Beaches, Food, Nightlife, and Resorts

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.

Boca Raton

Boca Raton is a luxurious, posh, and outdoorsy coastal city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Key West

Key West is a active, lively, and quaint town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and food.

Boca Raton and Key West: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Boca Raton or Key West?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Boca Raton. Although Boca Raton and Key West are both popular with visitors, Boca Raton has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Boca Raton is more popular for its museums & sights, food, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Key West is known for its historical sights, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Key West is more touristy than Boca Raton and is popular 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. Boca Raton is popular for its golf courses, outdoor recreational activities, and safe atmosphere. It is also home to Red Reef Park.

How is Boca Raton different from Key West?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Key West and Boca Raton. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Boca Raton or Key West?

Boca Raton is notable for its sights and museums. However, Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

Boca Raton offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. While most visitors focus on the beaches and outdoor activities in the area, there are also a surprising number of museums that you can visit. On a rainy day head to the Boca Raton Museum of Art or the Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum. Sports enthusiasts will like the Sports Immortals Museum and kids will want to check out the Children's Science Explorium.

Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Boca Raton or Key West? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Boca Raton is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Key West is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Boca Raton. You'll find a mix of local and international flavors with both casual and upscale dining available. Reservations are recommended, particularly on weekend nights. For the health-conscious, there's also a nice selection of healthy eateries to choose from.

Key West is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Head to town for local restaurants with quirky atmospheres. There are many local dishes to sample, be 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.

Is Boca Raton or Key West Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is superb in both Boca Raton and Key West.

Many people head to Boca Raton for the nightlife scene. You'll find plenty of upscale wine bars, cocktail bars, and live music venues that will keep you entertained late into the evening.

Key West has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

Is Boca Raton or Key West Better for Resorts?

There are superb resorts to choose from in both Boca Raton and Key West.

There are plenty of resorts in Boca Raton to choose from. You'll find many luxury beachside resorts that offer all of the amenities, from access to golf course to family-friendly kids clubs.

Key West is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are a number of high end resorts around the island, many with recognizable names such as the Hyatt and Hilton. Prices can be high, but these resorts often come with reliable luxury.

Is Boca Raton or Key West Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

You'll find good places where you can go scuba diving or snorkeling in Boca Raton and Key West.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Boca Raton. Head to the "Aqua Zoo", which is just to the south of Boca Inlet to see stingrays, groupers, and moray eels. Red Reef Park offers excellent snorkeling as well.

Key West has a few good snorkeling spots. There are a number of dive shops and snorkeling excursions that leave from Key West. Like many tourist areas these days, the coral shows its damage from the crowds, but you'll likely see some barracuda or a Grouper.

Is Boca Raton or Key West Better for Beaches?

Boca Raton is renowned for the beache. Also, Key West is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for the beach.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Boca Raton. There's a two mile stretch of beautiful sandy beaches that are all monitored by lifeguards. The beaches offer all of the facilities that you might need such as picnic areas, restrooms, and showers. Many beaches are part of park land and some offer nice snorkeling. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Spanish River Park, Bark Park Dog Beach, Red Reef Beach, and South Beach Park.

Key West is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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.

Is Boca Raton or Key West Better for its Old Town?

Key West is great for its historic old town charm. However, Boca Raton does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Key West. 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.

Boca Raton does not have a historic old town.

Is Boca Raton or Key West Better for Hiking?

Boca Raton is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Key West is not a hiking destination.

Boca Raton is a good destination for hiking. There's a surprising number of nature parks in the area that have hiking trails, nature walks, and beach paths that are fun to explore.

Key West is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Boca Raton or Key West?

Boca Raton is notable for its shopping opportunities. However, Key West is a mediocre town for its shopping areas.

Boca Raton is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. It's an upscale area, and you'll find no shortage of luxury shopping around town. Popular areas for shopping include Downtown Boca, Mizner Park, and the Town Center at Boca Raton.

Key West has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. While it definitely has its share of gimmicky souvenir shops and t-shirt stores, there are still a number of art galleries and local shops around Key West where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Boca Raton or Key West Better for Families?

Both Boca Raton and Key West are superb family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Boca Raton. It's an upscale area with a family-friendly atmosphere and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Many of the hotels have kids clubs that will keep the young ones entertained. The area also has nature centers, children's museums, and waterparks that will ensure everyone stays entertained.

Key West is a very family-friendly place to visit. Families that enjoy snorkeling, aquariums, water sports, and exploring new places will enjoy visiting this part of the Florida Keys. There are many ways to get out on the water from kayaking and snorkeling to glass bottom boat tours and sunset cruises. There are also many kid-friendly beaches in the area. The town can have a party atmosphere, but it's not hard to find a more family-friendly area where everyone can have fun.

Is Boca Raton or Key West Better for Couples?

Boca Raton and Key West both superb destinations for a couple.

Boca Raton is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. There's an upscale vibe with plenty of nature trails and nice beaches. Many of the hotels offer a touch of luxury that honeymooning couples will appreciate. You can also head to the downtown area for music, events, and museums.

Key West is a very popular place to visit for couples. From Mallory Square to the beautiful nearby parks, Key West makes a wonderful, romantic destination. Whether it's your honeymoon, an anniversary, or simply a couples' retreat, Key West is a great option. You can sip wine on a sunset cruise or dine at one of the many character-filled restaurants in town. If you are looking for a party, it's not hard to find, but if you want a more laid back holiday, that's also possible.

Is Boca Raton or Key West Better for Students?

Key West is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Boca Raton is not popular with students.

Many students visit Key West. It's a great spring break destination with a quirky personality and many great activities.

Boca Raton is not popular with students.

Is Boca Raton or Key West Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Boca Raton is a popular place for its public transit. However, Key West is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

Boca Raton has a few public transit options. The Downtowner is a fleet of free, oversized golf cars that shuttle visitors around town, passing by many top sites such as Mizner Park, Red Reef Park, and the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. There's also a public bus system, Palm Tran, that offers service around town.

Public transit is quite limited in Key West. Public transportation in Key West is limited to a few buses.

Is Boca Raton or Key West a more walkable city?

Boca Raton and Key West are good when it comes to walkability.

Boca Raton is a somewhat walkable coastal city. There are some communities within the city that are more walkable than others, particularly East Boca Raton, Royal Palm Place, and Mizner Park. There are also many pedestrian and bike paths around town. Even so, you really must have a car to explore the area in depth.

Key West is somewhat walkable. The town is the most walkable part of the Florida Keys. The area around Mallory Square and Duval Street is the most pedestrian friendly.

For even more information, also check out Is Boca Raton Worth Visiting? and Is Key West Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Key West or Boca Raton?

How long in Boca Raton or Key West?

Both Boca Raton and Key West have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Key West than in Boca Raton. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Boca Raton, and 5-7 days is enough time in Key West.

Families should spend more time in Boca Raton than Key West. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Boca Raton, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Boca Raton than Key West. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Boca Raton that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

One day in Boca Raton or Key West?

The coastal city of Boca Raton offers museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the quaint town of Key West, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Boca Raton or Key West?

Boca Raton is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Key West, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Boca Raton or Key West?

Boca Raton is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Boca Raton, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Key West, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Boca Raton or Key West?

Boca Raton is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal city offers something for everyone.

Key West is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this town makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.

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.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Boca Raton Expensive? and Is Key West Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Boca Raton or Key West?

Boca Raton has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Key West. When comparing the sizes of Boca Raton and 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 along with the activities and attractions 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. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Boca Raton this time of year. 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.

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Boca Raton and Key West. Many travelers come to Boca Raton for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. 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. The hurricane season in Boca Raton is June to November. The hurricane season in Key West is June to November.

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

The winter brings many poeple to Boca Raton as well as Key West. Many visitors come to Boca Raton in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. 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.

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. Most visitors come to Boca Raton for the beaches during these months. 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. June to November is the hurricane season in Boca Raton. June to November is the hurricane season in Key West.

Typical Weather for Key West and Boca Raton