A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Cape Canaveral vs. Key Largo for Families, Resorts, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Cape Canaveral or Key Largo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cape Canaveral or Key Largo, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Cape Canaveral

Cape Canaveral is a iconic, fascinating, and wonder-filled town. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and beaches.

Key Largo

Key Largo is a family-friendly, beautiful, and relaxed island. As it is a quaint destination, it has a nice vibe. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling and beaches.

Cape Canaveral and Key Largo: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Home to the Kennedy Space Center
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Cape Canaveral or Key Largo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cape Canaveral. Although Cape Canaveral and Key Largo are popular destinations, Cape Canaveral has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cape Canaveral is very popular for its museums, food, and shopping, while Key Largo attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and quaint atmosphere. Cape Canaveral is famous for being the location of the Kennedy Space Center and at the heart of space exploration in the United States. It is also well known for The Kennedy Space Center. Key Largo is famous 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 Cape Canaveral different from Key Largo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cape Canaveral
Key Largo

Cape Canaveral is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. However, Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Cape Canaveral has many famous sights for visitors. The area has become synonymous with the Kennedy Space Center. Visitors head to the Space Coast to see the museums, learn about the space program, or possibly even see a rocket launch. The attractions are world class and offer a truly unique glimpse into the evolution of space travel.

Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Cape Canaveral
Key Largo

Cape Canaveral is a town with good options for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Cape Canaveral is becoming an appealing option for foodies. It's a small town but there's no shortage of excellent seafood in the area. Many restaurants have outdoor seating and patios that let you take advantage of the Florida sunshine. You'll find crab, mussels, shrimp, and clams on many menus around town.

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 Cape Canaveral or Key Largo Better for Nightlife?

Cape Canaveral
Key Largo

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find reasonable options in both Cape Canaveral and Key Largo.

Cape Canaveral doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The area isn't known for its nightlife scene, but there are enough places that you can go out for a good meal and drink.

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 Cape Canaveral or Key Largo Better for Resorts?

Cape Canaveral
Key Largo

Key Largo is a great island for its luxury resorts. Also, Cape Canaveral is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its resorts.

Key Largo is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Popular resorts in the area include Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, Reefhouse Resort & Marina, and Largo Resort.

Cape Canaveral has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are a number of resorts in the area that attract visitors. Some of the most popular are the Holiday Inn Club Vacations Resort and the Radisson Resort.


Is Cape Canaveral or Key Largo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cape Canaveral
Key Largo

Key Largo is a great island for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Cape Canaveral is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Key Largo to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Cape Canaveral is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cape Canaveral or Key Largo Better for Beaches?

Cape Canaveral
Key Largo

Both Cape Canaveral and Key Largo have nice beaches worth visiting.

Cape Canaveral has a beach worth visiting. You'll likely want to head to the Cocoa Beach area for the best beaches. Jetty Park Beach and Pier is one of the most popular nearby areas for fishing and camping, but visitors must purchase a pass. Other popular beaches include Playalinda Beach and Cherie Down Park.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Key Largo. 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 the Shopping Better in Cape Canaveral or Key Largo?

Cape Canaveral
Key Largo

Cape Canaveral is a town with good options for its shopping areas. However, Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Cape Canaveral has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are some nice local shopping areas around town. For a little retail therapy, head to Banana River Square, White Rose Shopping Center, or Belair Courtyard.

Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Cape Canaveral or Key Largo Better for Families?

Cape Canaveral
Key Largo

Cape Canaveral and Key Largo are both first-rate destinations for the whole family.

Cape Canaveral is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. What sets this area apart is the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. There are many kid-friendly activities that outer space enthusiasts will love. Planet Play is a highlight, and if your timing is right, you might even see a rocket launch. In addition to the Kennedy Space Center, the area is a quintessential beach town. There are parks and outdoor areas as well as places where kids can interact with animals.

Key Largo is an extremely popular town to visit for families. 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 Cape Canaveral or Key Largo Better for Couples?

Cape Canaveral
Key Largo

Cape Canaveral is great for couples. Also, Key Largo is not as popular, but is still a nice island for romance.

Cape Canaveral is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. The beautiful Florida beaches, combined with the unique opportunity to visit the Kennedy Space Center, make this a fascinating couple's destination. There are also many nice restaurants and great places to relax and enjoy the Florida sunshine.

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

Cape Canaveral
Key Largo

Neither Cape Canaveral or Key Largo offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Cape Canaveral. There are very limited public transportation options, but there are a few shuttle buses and SCAT (the Space Coast Area Transit). Route 9 travels from Cocoa to Port Canaveral with service available Monday through Saturday.

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 Cape Canaveral or Key Largo a more walkable city?

Cape Canaveral
Key Largo

Neither Cape Canaveral or Key Largo are walkable places.

Cape Canaveral is not a very walkable town. It's not a walkable area, which can be particularly challenging if you're arriving by cruise ship.

Key Largo is not a walkable town. 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 Cape Canaveral Worth Visiting? and Is Key Largo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Key Largo or Cape Canaveral?

How long in Cape Canaveral or Key Largo?

Both Cape Canaveral and Key Largo have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Key Largo than in Cape Canaveral. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cape Canaveral, and 5-7 days is enough time in Key Largo.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cape Canaveral 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 Cape Canaveral.


  • How many days in Cape Canaveral or Key Largo? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cape Canaveral 1-3 
    Key Largo 5-7

One day in Cape Canaveral or Key Largo?

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Cape Canaveral. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cape Canaveral has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Key Largo, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling. People often spend their time relaxing 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 Cape Canaveral or Key Largo?

You'll find museums and food around the iconic destination of Cape Canaveral. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Key Largo is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.


Five days in Cape Canaveral or Key Largo?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the fascinating town of Cape Canaveral. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the museums. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Key Largo. It's also a relaxing resort destination. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

A week in Cape Canaveral or Key Largo?

Cape Canaveral is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Key Largo, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Key Largo or Cape Canaveral?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cape Canaveral is $220, while the average daily cost in Key Largo is $212. 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 Cape Canaveral and Key Largo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cape Canaveral $155
    Key Largo $117
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cape Canaveral $310
    Key Largo $234
Compare Hotels in Cape Canaveral and Key Largo

Looking for a hotel in Cape Canaveral or Key Largo? 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 Cape Canaveral


Hotels in Key Largo


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: Key Largo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cape Canaveral $35
    Key Largo $56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cape Canaveral

Also for Cape Canaveral, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $281
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Orlando Airport: $281
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Reunion: $269
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Altamonte Springs: $246
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to SeaWorld: $239
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Melbourne: $216
  • Port Canaveral to Orlando Airport MCO and Hotels Private Transfer: $195
  • Round Trip MCO Orlando Airport/Port Canaveral Private Transfer: $170
  • Orlando Airport to/from Port Canaveral Sedan Transfer up to 3 pax: $145
  • Private Transfer: Port Canaveral to Orlando Airport MCO in Luxury SUV: $113
  • One Way MCO Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral Private Transfer: $85
  • Canaveral Cruise Port to Orlando Airport (MCO) - Departure Private Transfer: $84

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Key Largo

Also for Key Largo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Key Largo Private Transfers (up to 14 passengers): $142

Is it cheaper to fly into Cape Canaveral or Key Largo?

Prices for flights to both Key Largo and Cape Canaveral 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
    Cape Canaveral $43
    Key Largo $60

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cape Canaveral $17
    Key Largo $27

Tours and Activities in Cape Canaveral

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Cape Canaveral.

  • Cape Canaveral Private Surf Lesson with Experienced Instructor: $70
  • Wizard of Oz Museum Entry Ticket: $32
  • Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures ticket: $58
  • Cocoa Beach Night Time Bioluminescence Kayak Tour: $79
  • Dolphin & Manatee Kayaking Tour in Orlando Area: $65
  • Fully Guided Kayaking Backwater Manatee and Dolphin Tour: $75
  • SUP Paddleboard Lesson and Tour - Port Canaveral & Cocoa Beach: $95
  • Self-Guided Kayaking Manatee and Dolphin Tour: $55
  • Two Hour Bioluminescence Kayak Tour Near Orlando: $60
  • Wizard of OZ Museum Ticket with Guided Tour by the Owner: $125
  • Wizard of OZ Museum tour: $30

Tours and Activities in Key Largo

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Key Largo.

  • 1.5 Hour Bay Side Key Largo Sunset Cruise on a Spacious Catamaran: $69
  • 2 Location Snorkel Tour - Gear Included, 65 minutes per location: $79
  • Cruisin' Tikis Key Largo - Sunset Cruise: $99
  • Florida Key West Self-Driving Tour (Overseas Highway, 7 Mile Bridge): $17
  • Guided Tour Explore Key Largo on Jet Ski : $185
  • Half-Day Florida Keys Catamaran Snorkel Adventure: $79
  • Key Largo Bay Sunset Tour: $66
  • Key Largo Boat Charter Day Tour: $65
  • Key Largo Coral Reef Glass Bottom Boat Adventure : $45
  • Key Largo Snorkeling Tour - rental mask, fins and vest INCLUDED: $68
  • Key Largo Two Reef Snorkel Tour - All Snorkel Equipment Included!: $78
  • Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Adventure in Key Largo: $68

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cape Canaveral $13
    Key Largo $24


When comparing the travel costs between Cape Canaveral and Key Largo, we can see that Cape Canaveral is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Cape Canaveral or Key Largo?

Key Largo has a larger population, and is about 21% larger than the population of Cape Canaveral. When comparing the sizes of Cape Canaveral 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.


When is the best time to visit Cape Canaveral or Key Largo?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Key Largo in the Summer?

Both Key Largo and Cape Canaveral are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cape Canaveral this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Key Largo for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

Cape Canaveral is around the same temperature as Key Largo in the summer. The daily temperature in Cape Canaveral averages around 80°F (27°C) in July, and Key Largo fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Key Largo. It's quite rainy in Cape Canaveral. In July, Cape Canaveral usually receives more rain than Key Largo. Cape Canaveral gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Key Largo receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cape Canaveral 80°F (27°C) 
    Key Largo 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Key Largo in the Autumn?

Both Key Largo and Cape Canaveral during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cape Canaveral for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Cape Canaveral is around the same temperature as Key Largo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cape Canaveral in October average around 74°F (24°C), and Key Largo averages at about 78°F (26°C).

Key Largo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Cape Canaveral. Cape Canaveral usually gets less rain in October than Key Largo. Cape Canaveral gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Key Largo receives 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Cape Canaveral is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cape Canaveral 74°F (24°C) 
    Key Largo 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Key Largo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Canaveral and Key Largo. Many visitors come to Cape Canaveral in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Key Largo for the cuisine during these months.

In January, Cape Canaveral is generally cooler than Key Largo. Daily temperatures in Cape Canaveral average around 60°F (15°C), and Key Largo fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

In January, Cape Canaveral usually receives around the same amount of rain as Key Largo. Cape Canaveral gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Key Largo receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cape Canaveral 60°F (15°C) 
    Key Largo 67°F (19°C)

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Key Largo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cape Canaveral as well as Key Largo. Most visitors come to Cape Canaveral for the beaches during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Key Largo because of the beaches.

Cape Canaveral is cooler than Key Largo in the spring. The daily temperature in Cape Canaveral averages around 70°F (21°C) in April, and Key Largo fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

Cape Canaveral usually gets less rain in April than Key Largo. Cape Canaveral gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Key Largo receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Cape Canaveral.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cape Canaveral 70°F (21°C) 
    Key Largo 74°F (24°C)

Typical Weather for Key Largo and Cape Canaveral

Cape Canaveral Key Largo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 60°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 67°F (19°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Feb 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
Mar 65°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 71°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
Apr 70°F (21°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 78°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm)
Jun 78°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (181 mm) 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm)
Jul 80°F (27°C) 8.3 inches (211 mm) 82°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 6.7 inches (171 mm) 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.2 inches (183 mm) 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm)
Oct 74°F (24°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Nov 64°F (18°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Dec 62°F (16°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)