Which place is cheaper, Galveston or Duck Key?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Duck Key or Galveston?
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 Duck Key and Galveston can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Duck Key or Galveston?
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.
Galveston
Located on Galveston Island off the Texas Gulf Coast, Galveston is a popular destination for Texans and a departure point for cruise ships. It also makes a great beach destination for anyone looking to enjoy a week or weekend.
Galveston is a popular destination during the summer months, but the warm climate makes it comfortable year round. Even during the winter months you can enjoy mild temperatures, although on occasion it can have a cold spell.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDuck Key $143Galveston $183
The average daily cost (per person) in Duck Key is $143, while the average daily cost in Galveston is $183. 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 Duck Key and Galveston in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDuck Key $56Galveston $81
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDuck Key $112Galveston $162
Compare Hotels in Duck Key and Galveston
Looking for a hotel in Duck Key or Galveston? 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: Galveston Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Duck Key $69Galveston $35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Galveston
Also for Galveston, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Departure Transfer from Galveston to HOU Airport: $168
- Private Departure Transfer from Galveston Port to HOU Airport: $168
- Privat Transfer from Galveston Port to Houston Airport (IAH): $194
- Galveston to Houston George Bush Airport (IAH) Private Transfer: $194
- Galveston Port to William Hobby Airport Departure Transfer: $168
- Galveston Port to George Bush Airport Private Departure Transfer: $194
Is it cheaper to fly into Duck Key or Galveston?
Prices for flights to both Galveston and Duck Key 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 dayDuck Key $45Galveston $52
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Galveston
For Galveston, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Taste of the Strand Food Tour on Galveston Island: $105
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Duck Key $30Galveston $15
Tours and Activities in Galveston
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Galveston.
- 2 Hours Private Cemeteries of Galveston Walking Tour: $181
- Al's Authentic Paranormal Excursion Tour: $16
- Authentic Galveston Ghost City Tour: $25
- Baywatch Dolphin Tour : $25
- Baywatch Galveston Island Bus Tours: $25
- Dark Side and Cemeteries of Galveston – Walking Tour: $352
- Dolphin Sightseeing Tour with Guide: $34
- Galveston Dark of the Moon Ghost Tour with Red Light District: $20
- Galveston Dark of the Moon Tour: $999
- Galveston Ghosts of the Gulf Haunted Tour: $33
- Galveston Great Storm Talk and Tour : $35
- Galveston Haunted Tour with Ghost Hunting Equipment: $20
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDuck Key $7.99Galveston $37
Sample the Local Flavors in Galveston
Also in Galveston, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Galveston Island Brewing Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting : $10
- Happy Hour Pub Crawl: $25
- Galveston's Best Pub Crawl: $25
- Galveston Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
- Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Duck Key and Galveston, we can see that Galveston 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 Galveston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Galveston 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 Duck Key Expensive? and Is Galveston Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Duck Key or Galveston?
Galveston has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Duck Key. When comparing the sizes of Duck Key and Galveston, 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 Duck Key or Galveston?
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 Duck Key or Galveston in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Duck Key and Galveston. Furthermore, the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Galveston this time of year.
Duck Key is around the same temperature as Galveston in the summer. The daily temperature in Duck Key averages around 84°F (29°C) in July, and Galveston fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).
In July, Duck Key usually receives around the same amount of rain as Galveston. Duck Key gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDuck Key 84°F (29°C)Galveston 84°F (29°C)
Should I visit Duck Key or Galveston in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Duck Key as well as Galveston. Additionally, many travelers come to Galveston for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.
In the autumn, Duck Key is a little warmer than Galveston. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Duck Key in October average around 80°F (27°C), and Galveston averages at about 71°F (22°C).
Duck Key receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Duck Key usually gets more rain in October than Galveston. Duck Key gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDuck Key 80°F (27°C)Galveston 71°F (22°C)
Should I visit Duck Key or Galveston in the Winter?
Both Galveston and Duck Key are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Galveston in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Duck Key is generally much warmer than Galveston. Daily temperatures in Duck Key average around 70°F (21°C), and Galveston fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).
In January, Duck Key usually receives less rain than Galveston. Duck Key gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDuck Key 70°F (21°C)Galveston 52°F (11°C)
Should I visit Duck Key or Galveston in the Spring?
Both Galveston and Duck Key during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Galveston for the beaches and the small town charm during these months.
Duck Key is a little warmer than Galveston in the spring. The daily temperature in Duck Key averages around 77°F (25°C) in April, and Galveston fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).
Duck Key usually gets less rain in April than Galveston. Duck Key gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDuck Key 77°F (25°C)Galveston 70°F (21°C)
Typical Weather for Galveston and Duck Key
| Duck Key | Galveston | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 70°F (21°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) | 52°F (11°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Feb | 71°F (21°C) | 1.4 inches (36 mm) | 55°F (13°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) |
| Mar | 74°F (23°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) | 63°F (17°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Apr | 77°F (25°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) | 70°F (21°C) | 2.4 inches (60 mm) |
| May | 81°F (27°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Jun | 83°F (28°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) | 81°F (27°C) | 4.3 inches (108 mm) |
| Jul | 84°F (29°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 84°F (29°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) |
| Aug | 84°F (29°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) | 83°F (29°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Sep | 83°F (29°C) | 5.7 inches (144 mm) | 80°F (27°C) | 5.6 inches (141 mm) |
| Oct | 80°F (27°C) | 5.1 inches (129 mm) | 71°F (22°C) | 2.3 inches (59 mm) |
| Nov | 76°F (24°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) | 63°F (17°C) | 3.2 inches (81 mm) |
| Dec | 72°F (22°C) | 1.4 inches (35 mm) | 55°F (13°C) | 3.3 inches (84 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.