A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cancun vs. Key Largo for Nightlife, Resorts, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, and Beaches

Should you visit Cancun or Key Largo?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Cancun and Key Largo can help you decide which place is right for you.

Cancun

Cancun is a adventurous, wild, and party-hard city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Key Largo

Key Largo is a relaxed, peaceful, and family-friendly island. As it is a quaint destination, it has a nice vibe. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling and beaches.

Cancun and Key Largo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cancun or Key Largo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cancun. Although Cancun and Key Largo are both popular with visitors, Cancun has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cancun is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Key Largo is known for its quaint atmosphere. Cancun is more touristy than Key Largo and is known for its water sports, white sand beaches, popularity at spring break, and access to Mayan ruins. It is also home to . Key Largo is popular for its snorkeling and scuba diving including that around John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the artificial reef around the USS Spiegel Grove.

How is Cancun different from Key Largo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cancun or Key Largo?

Cancun is great for its historical sights. However, Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Cancun. It's possible to do a day trip to visit the impressive Chichén Itzá, but closer by you'll find El Rey Maya Ruins and El Meco Archaeological Site. You can also visit the Maya Museum in town. For something truly unique, you can take a diving or snorkeling trip to the Cancun Underwater Museum.

Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Cancun or Key Largo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cancun is a city with good options for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Cancun is becoming an appealing option for foodies. If you step away from the tourist scene, you'll find some amazing local restaurants that serve authentic and fresh Mexican cuisine. Favorite dishes in the area include tamales, sopa de lima, and tacos al pastor.

Key Largo offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Like the rest of the Florida Keys, Key Largo is known for its Key Lime pie and seafood. You'll find a great selection of restaurants that serve seafood dishes and options for the land-loving crew. There are even a few international restaurants to choose from.

Is Cancun or Key Largo Better for Nightlife?

Cancun is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for nightlife.

The nightlife in Cancun is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It's long been known as a party destination and there are large world famous clubs as well as smaller bars where you can hang out. The party never stops here, so be prepared for all night dancing and drinking, and it will definitely live up to its reputation.

Most people don't head to Key Largo specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. This area is not known for its nightlife, so you'll need to head further south if partying is your style.

Is Cancun or Key Largo Better for Resorts?

Cancun is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. Also, Key Largo is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its resorts.

Cancun is a world class resort vacation destination. You'll find most of the accommodation options in the Hotel Zone, which runs along Boulevard Kukulkan. The stretch can be divided into three areas, which each have a slightly different personality.

There are plenty of resorts in Key Largo to choose from. Popular resorts in the area include Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, Reefhouse Resort & Marina, and Largo Resort.

Is Cancun or Key Largo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cancun is an unbeatable place for snorkeling and scuba diving. Also, Key Largo is not as popular, but is still a nice island for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

Cancun is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. Beautiful reefs and world class dives make this a popular destination for those who want to explore the undersea world. You'll find plenty of snorkeling and dive excursions in the area with diverse coral and marine life.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Key Largo. Near this island you'll find some of the best snorkeling and diving in the Florida Keys at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. There are private tours that head out to the reef for either snorkeling or diving. There are also shipwrecks and other fascinating spots to explore.

Is Cancun or Key Largo Better for Beaches?

Cancun is an unbeatable place for the beach. Also, Key Largo is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its beaches.

Cancun is considered to be a world-class beach destination. There are stunning white sand beaches and turquoise blue water that make this a beautiful beach destination. There are miles of sandy coastline with many of the beaches found in the Hotel Zone.

Key Largo offers a nice beach destination. Many of the beaches around Key Largo are man-made, but they do offer nice sand and beautiful blue water. The water is turquoise, although not as striking as further south.

Is Cancun or Key Largo Better for Hiking?

Cancun is a city with good options for hiking. However, Key Largo is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Cancun. There are some beautiful walking paths and hiking trails that are within the area.

Key Largo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cancun or Key Largo?

Cancun is a city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Cancun has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. While most people visit for the beaches and nightlife, there are shopping malls and markets where you can enjoy some retail therapy.

Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cancun or Key Largo Better for Families?

You'll find amazing kid-friendly activities in either Cancun or Key Largo.

Cancun is one of the most popular family destinations. Although this part of Mexico has long had a reputation for its party scene, the area also attracts many families, who come for the family-friendly resorts, world class snorkeling, and fascinating jungle tours. You can snorkel at the Garrafon Natural Reef Park or have fun on the water slides at Ventura Park. Xel-Ha Park is also worth a visit.

Key Largo is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. This area has some of the best family-friendly snorkeling at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. There's also several places where your kids can interact with dolphins or experience wildlife. If you want to get out on the water, there's kayaking, sunset cruises, and glass bottom boats, all of which are great for the whole family.

Is Cancun or Key Largo Better for Couples?

Cancun is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Key Largo is not as popular, but is still a nice island for romance.

Cancun is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. As a world class honeymoon destination, you'll find stunning white sand beaches, amazing snorkeling and diving, and a huge range of entertainment options. You can enjoy the nightlife scene or check out Cirque du Soleil. Sunset boat cruises and romantic horseback rides all make this an amazing honeymoon destination.

Key Largo is a nice destination for couples. Most couples head further down the Florida Keys, but for snorkeling and scuba diving, Key Largo is the better option. You'll also find kayaking and sunset cruises that leave from the area.

Is Cancun or Key Largo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cancun is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Cancun. Mixed in between the luxury resorts are a few hostels that cater to the backpacker crowd. There are so many activities in the area, from diving to partying, that appeal to the backpacker crowd, that it won't be long before you find your people.

Key Largo is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This area is a bit more affordable than the more southern keys so it appeals to budget travelers and backpackers.

Is Cancun or Key Largo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cancun is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Cancun offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The buses are an efficient way to get around. They stop along Boulevard Kukulcán and throughout the downtown.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Key Largo. There's no real public transit around the island and you must have a car to get around.

Is Cancun or Key Largo a more walkable city?

Cancun is great for its ease of walking around. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its walkability.

Cancun is a very walkable destination. The Hotel Zone is where most tourists spend their time, and this area is very walkable.

Key Largo is not a walkable city. It is a sprawling area that spreads out along a main highway that is not pedestrian friendly.

For even more information, also check out Is Cancun Worth Visiting? and Is Key Largo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Key Largo or Cancun?

How long in Cancun or Key Largo?

Both Cancun and Key Largo have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Cancun has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Cancun than Key Largo. In general, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Cancun, and 5-7 days is enough time in Key Largo.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cancun than Key Largo if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Cancun.

One day in Cancun or Key Largo?

You'll find nightlife and food around the city of Cancun. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Key Largo. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cancun or Key Largo?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the active destination of Cancun. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Key Largo is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Cancun or Key Largo?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the active city of Cancun. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Key Largo. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Cancun or Key Largo?

Cancun is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cancun, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the family-friendly destination of Key Largo. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cancun and Key Largo, we can see that Key Largo is more expensive. And not only is Cancun much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cancun would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cancun 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 Largo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Key Largo than you might in Cancun.

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

Which is Bigger, Cancun or Key Largo?

Cancun has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Key Largo. When comparing the sizes of Cancun and Key Largo, 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.