A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Daytona Beach vs. Duck Key for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Daytona Beach or Duck Key?

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

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Duck Key? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Daytona Beach or Duck Key?

Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach, Florida, located on the Atlantic coast, is a wildly popular tourist destination for people from all over the world due to great beaches, spring break fun, and NASCAR races. Tourists come to enjoy the warm Florida weather, the beautiful beaches, the activities, the boardwalk, the nightlife, and many other things the city has to offer. The beaches around Daytona are famous for their hard-packed sand, which makes them easy for cars to drive on. For this reason, Daytona has a history of automobile racing, and is home to dozens of races that take place throughout the year, the most famous of which is the Daytona 500. Naturally, Daytona is also home to NASCAR headquarters. But it's so much more than just a race destination, as it's also a fun and family-friendly destination that attractions a wide range of visitors.

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 Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Duck Key or Daytona Beach?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Daytona Beach Prices
    USA Prices
    Duck Key Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Daytona Beach $269
    Duck Key $175

The average daily cost (per person) in Daytona Beach is $269, while the average daily cost in Duck Key is $175. 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 Daytona Beach and Duck Key in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Daytona Beach $84
    Duck Key $56
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Daytona Beach $168
    Duck Key $112
Compare Hotels in Daytona Beach and Duck Key

Looking for a hotel in Daytona 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.

Hotels in Daytona Beach


Hotels in Duck Key


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: Daytona Beach Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Daytona Beach $53
    Duck Key $69

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Daytona Beach

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Daytona Beach:

  • Private Transfer from New Smyrna Beach to Port Canaveral: $263

Is it cheaper to fly into Daytona Beach or Duck Key?

Prices for flights to both Duck Key and Daytona 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Daytona Beach $138
    Duck Key $77

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Daytona Beach

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Daytona Beach.

  • Polynesian Fire and Dinner Show Ticket in Daytona Beach: $53

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Daytona Beach $28
    Duck Key $30

Tours and Activities in Daytona Beach

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

  • St. Johns River Cruise - Blue Spring State Park : $38
  • 2-Hour Glass Bottom Guided Eco Tour in Flagler County-Small-group: $85
  • 3 Hour Coastal Fun Cruise : $150
  • 3 Hour Social Sip N Dip Party Cruise: $70
  • Coastal Discovery Cruise: $75
  • Daytona Beach Champagne Sunset Cruise: $89
  • Coastal Discovery Cruise: $75
  • Guided Kayaking or Standup Paddling Tour: $65
  • Paddle Pub Experience: $45
  • Sunrise Cruise on the Atlantic Ocean: $110
  • Discovery Dolphin Boat Tour: $35
  • Dolphin and Manatee Kayak Tour of Daytona Beach: $65

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Daytona Beach $43
    Duck Key $7.99

Sample the Local Flavors in Daytona Beach

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Daytona Beach:

  • Karaoke Party Bus Dive Bar Crawl: $40
  • Dive Bar Bus Crawl: $50


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

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


Which is Bigger, Daytona Beach or Duck Key?

Daytona Beach has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Duck Key. When comparing the sizes of Daytona 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 Daytona Beach or Duck Key?

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 Daytona Beach or Duck Key in the Summer?

Both Duck Key and Daytona Beach during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Daytona Beach this time of year.

In July, Daytona Beach is generally around the same temperature as Duck Key. Daily temperatures in Daytona Beach average around 81°F (27°C), and Duck Key fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Daytona Beach. Daytona Beach usually gets more rain in July than Duck Key. Daytona Beach gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Duck Key receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Daytona Beach 81°F (27°C) 
    Duck Key 84°F (29°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Duck Key in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Daytona Beach and Duck Key. Many travelers come to Daytona Beach for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Daytona Beach is cooler than Duck Key in the autumn. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 74°F (23°C) in October, and Duck Key fluctuates around 80°F (27°C).

Duck Key receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Daytona Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Daytona Beach usually receives less rain than Duck Key. Daytona Beach gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Duck Key receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Daytona Beach 74°F (23°C) 
    Duck Key 80°F (27°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Duck Key in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Daytona Beach as well as Duck Key. Many visitors come to Daytona Beach in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In the winter, Daytona Beach is cooler than Duck Key. Typically, the winter temperatures in Daytona Beach in January average around 58°F (14°C), and Duck Key averages at about 70°F (21°C).

Daytona Beach usually gets more rain in January than Duck Key. Daytona Beach gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Duck Key receives 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Daytona Beach 58°F (14°C) 
    Duck Key 70°F (21°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Duck Key in the Spring?

Both Duck Key and Daytona Beach are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Daytona Beach for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Daytona Beach is generally cooler than Duck Key. Daily temperatures in Daytona Beach average around 69°F (21°C), and Duck Key fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

In April, Daytona Beach usually receives more rain than Duck Key. Daytona Beach gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Duck Key receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Daytona Beach 69°F (21°C) 
    Duck Key 77°F (25°C)

Typical Weather for Duck Key and Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach Duck Key
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 58°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 70°F (21°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm)
Feb 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 71°F (21°C) 1.4 inches (36 mm)
Mar 65°F (18°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 74°F (23°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Apr 69°F (21°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 77°F (25°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
May 75°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 81°F (27°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 6 inches (152 mm) 83°F (28°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 84°F (29°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 6.2 inches (157 mm) 84°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Sep 80°F (26°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 83°F (29°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm)
Oct 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 80°F (27°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm)
Nov 66°F (19°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 76°F (24°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Dec 60°F (16°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 72°F (22°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm)