Which place is cheaper, Duck Key or Cocoa Beach?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Cocoa Beach or Duck Key?
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 Cocoa Beach and Duck Key. 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: Cocoa Beach or Duck Key?
Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach, Florida has long been a favorite vacation spot for travelers looking for sun, sand, and waves. The location was also made famous as the setting for the 1960's television show, "I Dream of Jeannie". The town of just over 11,000 is located in Brevard County along the Atlantic coast. Many people visit the area because of its excellent surfing. There are many surfing festivals and competitions held here yearly and the famous Ron Jon's surf shop receives about 2 million visitors a year. The city is also home to the East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame.
Duck Key
If you are thirsty for the taste of tropical splendor, Duck Key, Florida will surely quench your desires. Located in Monroe County, Florida, right beside its neighbor Conch Key, Duck Key stands. The community is chock full of everyone's favorite seaside activities, including fishing, jetskiing, scuba diving, canoeing, and kayaking. Though a quaint town, Duck Key attracts tourists from all over due to its quiet beaches and friendly locals. Whether you are looking to meet and greet with the dolphins or simply lie upon the sandy white beaches as the fire orange sun sets before you, Duck Key is truly a sweet and small subtropical diversion.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCocoa Beach $145Duck Key $143
The average daily cost (per person) in Cocoa Beach is $145, while the average daily cost in Duck Key is $143. 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 Cocoa Beach and Duck Key in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCocoa Beach $85Duck Key $56
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCocoa Beach $170Duck Key $112
Compare Hotels in Cocoa Beach and Duck Key
Looking for a hotel in Cocoa Beach or Duck Key? 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.
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: Cocoa Beach Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cocoa Beach $26Duck Key $69
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cocoa Beach
Also for Cocoa Beach, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Melbourne to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $293
- Private Transfer from Melbourne to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $279
- Private Transfer from Cocoa to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $277
- Cocoa Beach/Cape Canaveral Hotel transfers : $47
Is it cheaper to fly into Cocoa Beach or Duck Key?
Prices for flights to both Duck Key and Cocoa Beach 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
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Food Meals for one dayCocoa Beach $43Duck Key $45
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cocoa Beach
For Cocoa Beach, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Guided Walking Food Tour in Cocoa Beach: $79
- 3-Hour Indian River Queen Cruise with Dinner: $79
- Guided Walking Food Tour in Cocoa Beach: $79
- Village Food Tours Lunch & History Tour: $100
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cocoa Beach $16Duck Key $30
Tours and Activities in Cocoa Beach
For Cocoa Beach, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- LED Bio Comb Jelly Clear Bottom Kayak or Paddleboard Tour!: $64
- 1 Hour Historic Riverboat Shared Cruise in Cocoa City: $25
- 2 hour Dolphin Sightseeing Tour in Melbourne Florida : $45
- Bicycle Tours and Rentals Throughout the Space Coast: $50
- Bioluminescence Clear Kayak or Paddleboard Adventure Tour: $75
- Bioluminescence Kayak Tour: $70
- Bioluminescence Night Kayaking Tour of Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge: $80
- Bioluminescent Clear Bottom Kayak or Paddleboard Sit-On-Top Kayak Hybrid Tour!: $75
- Bioluminescent Clear Kayak Tours in Titusville: $120
- Clear Kayak Bioluminescence Tour: $85
- Clear Kayak Florida Bioluminescence Tour | Beacon 42 (Titusville): $85
- Clear Kayak Guided Kayak Tours in Titusville: $65
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCocoa Beach $20Duck Key $7.99
Sample the Local Flavors in Cocoa Beach
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Cocoa Beach:
- Waterfront Happy Hour Bar Crawl: $39
When comparing the travel costs between Cocoa Beach and Duck Key, we can see that Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach Expensive? and Is Duck Key Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cocoa Beach or Duck Key?
Cocoa Beach has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Duck Key. When comparing the sizes of Cocoa Beach and Duck Key, 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 Cocoa Beach or Duck Key?
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 Cocoa Beach or Duck Key in the Summer?
Both Duck Key and Cocoa Beach are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cocoa Beach for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Cocoa Beach is generally around the same temperature as Duck Key. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 81°F (27°C), and Duck Key fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).
It's quite rainy in Cocoa Beach. In July, Cocoa Beach usually receives more rain than Duck Key. Cocoa Beach gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Duck Key receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCocoa Beach 81°F (27°C)Duck Key 84°F (29°C)
Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Duck Key in the Autumn?
Both Duck Key and Cocoa Beach during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cocoa Beach in the autumn for the shopping scene.
Cocoa Beach is around the same temperature as Duck Key in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 77°F (25°C) in October, and Duck Key fluctuates around 80°F (27°C).
Duck Key gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Cocoa Beach. Cocoa Beach usually gets less rain in October than Duck Key. Cocoa Beach gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Duck Key receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Cocoa Beach.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCocoa Beach 77°F (25°C)Duck Key 80°F (27°C)
Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Duck Key in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cocoa Beach and Duck Key. Most visitors come to Cocoa Beach for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In the winter, Cocoa Beach is cooler than Duck Key. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cocoa Beach in January average around 63°F (17°C), and Duck Key averages at about 70°F (21°C).
In January, Cocoa Beach usually receives more rain than Duck Key. Cocoa Beach gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Duck Key receives 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCocoa Beach 63°F (17°C)Duck Key 70°F (21°C)
Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Duck Key in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Cocoa Beach as well as Duck Key. The spring months attract visitors to Cocoa Beach because of the beaches.
In April, Cocoa Beach is generally cooler than Duck Key. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 73°F (23°C), and Duck Key fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).
Cocoa Beach usually gets more rain in April than Duck Key. Cocoa Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Duck Key receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Cocoa Beach is the hurricane season.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCocoa Beach 73°F (23°C)Duck Key 77°F (25°C)
Typical Weather for Duck Key and Cocoa Beach
| Cocoa Beach | Duck Key | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 63°F (17°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) | 70°F (21°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) |
| Feb | 62°F (17°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 71°F (21°C) | 1.4 inches (36 mm) |
| Mar | 67°F (20°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) |
| Apr | 73°F (23°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) | 77°F (25°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) |
| May | 77°F (25°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 81°F (27°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Jun | 80°F (26°C) | 7.1 inches (181 mm) | 83°F (28°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) |
| Jul | 81°F (27°C) | 8.3 inches (211 mm) | 84°F (29°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Aug | 81°F (27°C) | 6.7 inches (171 mm) | 84°F (29°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
| Sep | 81°F (27°C) | 7.2 inches (183 mm) | 83°F (29°C) | 5.7 inches (144 mm) |
| Oct | 77°F (25°C) | 4.1 inches (103 mm) | 80°F (27°C) | 5.1 inches (129 mm) |
| Nov | 69°F (21°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) |
| Dec | 64°F (18°C) | 1.9 inches (48 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.