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

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Should you visit Clearwater 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 Clearwater 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: Clearwater or Key West?

Clearwater

Clearwater is a city in Florida's Tampa Bay area known for its sunny weather and gulf coast beaches. Its most famous beach (Clearwater Beach) is located on a barrier island with white sands and crystal waters - a perfect setting for activities such as fishing, sailing, kayaking, jet skiing, dolphin and sunset tours, parasailing, 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 city is cheaper, Key West or Clearwater?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Clearwater is $241, while the average daily cost in Key West is $441. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Clearwater and Key West in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Clearwater $104
    Key West $106
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Clearwater $208
    Key West $212
Compare Hotels in Clearwater and Key West

Looking for a hotel in Clearwater 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 Clearwater


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: Clearwater Hotel Prices and Key West Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Clearwater $177
    Key West $41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Clearwater

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Clearwater:

  • Clearwater Beach to St.Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) -Departure Private Transfer: $37
  • St. Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) to St. Petersburg - Arrival Private Transfer: $37
  • St.Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) to Clearwater Beach -Roundtrip Private Transfer: $72
  • St. Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) to Clearwater Beach - Arrival Private Transfer: $75
  • Clearwater Beach to Tampa Airport (TPA) - Departure Private Transfer: $83
  • St. Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) to St. Petersburg - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $147
  • Private Transfer from Clearwater Beach to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $453
  • Private Transfer from Clearwater Beach to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $588
  • Private Transfer from Clearwater Beach to Port Canaveral: $658

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 International Airport One Way Transfer: $53
  • Miami & One-Way Transfer by Motor Coach Bus: $54
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Key West Airport to Hotel: $116
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Key West Airport: $116
  • Round-Trip Transfer: Fort Lauderdale to Key West: $198
  • Private Airport Transfer in Key West, Florida: $209

Is it cheaper to fly into Clearwater or Key West?

Prices for flights to both Key West and Clearwater 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
    Clearwater $38
    Key West $308

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Key West

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

  • Key West Sunset Dinner Cruise with Tropical Buffet: $68
  • Sunset Cruise with Buffet Dinner and Open Bar: $90
  • Private Secret Food Tour of Key West: $103
  • Secret Food Tour of Key West w/ Private Tour Option: $221

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Clearwater -
    Key West $26

Tours and Activities in Clearwater

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

  • Beach Cruiser Bicycle: $15
  • Journey through Space Simulator Experience: $15
  • Clearwater Encounters with Dolphins Tour: $20
  • Dolphin Sightseeing Tour of Clearwater Beach with Free Ice Cream: $21
  • Clearwater Evening Yacht Cruise with Optional Dining: $22
  • Clearwater Daytime Yacht Music Cruise with Optional Dining: $22
  • Adventure Boat in Clearwater Beach: $23
  • Sea Screamer Dolphin Tour Boat Ride Ticket: $25
  • Sunset Cruise from Clearwater: $27
  • Clearwater Dolphin-Watching Tour: $27
  • Clearwater Sunset Celebration Cruise: $29
  • Clearwater Beach: Boat Cruise with Dolphin Sightings: $29

Tours and Activities in Key West

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

  • Self-Guided Bike Tour to Key West Beaches and Back Roads: $7.19
  • Easy Stroll Audio Tour Downtown Key West: $7.99
  • The Ghosts of Key West Walking Tour: $20
  • Key West Scavenger Hunt Adventure Mobile Experience: $21
  • Key West Ghost Tour: $24
  • 6th Sense Haunted Tour of Key West: $25
  • Haunted Walking Tour with Psychic Guide: $27
  • The Dark Side of Key West Ghost Tour: $28
  • Southernmost Key West History and Culture Small-Group Walking Tour: $28
  • Old Town Key West Literary Walking Tour: $30
  • Key West Ghost and Mysteries Guided Tour: $32
  • Southernmost Key West Historical Tour in Small Group: $33

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Clearwater -
    Key West $13

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: $23
  • Yes, Queen! Drag Queen Pub Crawl of Key West: $34
  • Key West Pub Crawl: $35

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Clearwater and Key West, we can see that Key West is more expensive. And not only is Clearwater much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Clearwater would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Clearwater 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 Clearwater.


When is the best time to visit Clearwater or Key West?

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 Clearwater or Key West in the Summer?

Both Key West and Clearwater are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Key West for the beaches, snorkeling, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Clearwater is around the same temperature as Key West. Typically, the summer temperatures in Clearwater in July are around 82°F (28°C), and Key West is about 84°F (29°C).

It's quite sunny in Key West. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Clearwater. Clearwater usually receives less sunshine than Key West during summer. Clearwater gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Key West receives 328 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Clearwater. In July, Clearwater usually receives more rain than Key West. Clearwater gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Key West receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Clearwater or Key West in the Autumn?

Both Key West and Clearwater during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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.

In October, Clearwater is generally cooler than Key West. Temperatures in Clearwater average around 75°F (24°C), and Key West stays around 80°F (27°C).

In Key West, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Clearwater. In the autumn, Clearwater often gets less sunshine than Key West. Clearwater gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Key West receives 258 hours of full sun.

Key West gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Clearwater usually gets less rain in October than Key West. Clearwater gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Key West receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Clearwater 75°F (24°C) 
    Key West 80°F (27°C)

Should I visit Clearwater or Key West in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Clearwater and Key West. Also, most visitors come to Key West for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Clearwater is cooler than Key West in the winter. The temperature in Clearwater is usually 60°F (15°C) in January, and Key West stays around 70°F (21°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key West this time of the year. In Clearwater, it's very sunny this time of the year. Clearwater usually receives less sunshine than Key West during winter. Clearwater gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Key West receives 252 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Clearwater usually receives more rain than Key West. Clearwater gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Key West receives 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Clearwater 60°F (15°C) 
    Key West 70°F (21°C)

Should I visit Clearwater or Key West in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Clearwater as well as Key West. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Key West because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Clearwater is cooler than Key West. Typically, the spring temperatures in Clearwater in April are around 71°F (22°C), and Key West is about 77°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key West. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Clearwater this time of the year. In the spring, Clearwater often gets less sunshine than Key West. Clearwater gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Key West receives 326 hours of full sun.

Clearwater usually gets more rain in April than Key West. Clearwater gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Key West receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Clearwater 71°F (22°C) 
    Key West 77°F (25°C)

Typical Weather for Key West and Clearwater

Clearwater Key West
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 60°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 70°F (21°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm)
Feb 61°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 71°F (21°C) 1.4 inches (36 mm)
Mar 67°F (19°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 74°F (23°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Apr 71°F (22°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 77°F (25°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
May 77°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 81°F (27°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 83°F (28°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 84°F (29°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 84°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 83°F (29°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm)
Oct 75°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 80°F (27°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm)
Nov 68°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 76°F (24°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 72°F (22°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm)


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Clearwater vs. Key West Travel Comparison

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