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

Should you visit Duck Key or Jacksonville?

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 Jacksonville can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Duck Key or Jacksonville?

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.

Jacksonville

As the sky above you darkens, the city around you glows with a vividness of a thousand colors as you hear the soft swell of waves upon the shore. Such an urban paradise is none other than Jacksonville, Florida. Located on the northeastern side of the sunshine state, Jacksonville stands where the St. John's River meets the Atlantic Ocean. Estimated to be the 12th most populous city in the United States, Jacksonville works as the cultural, commercial and financial hive of north Florida. The large city is known for its exquisite beaches, interactive museums, and golf course areas. Surf, shop, and socialize in one of Florida's most popular metropolitan areas.

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.


Which place is cheaper, Jacksonville or Duck Key?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Duck Key is $143, while the average daily cost in Jacksonville is $220. 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 Jacksonville in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Duck Key $56
    Jacksonville $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Duck Key $112
    Jacksonville $184
Compare Hotels in Duck Key and Jacksonville

Looking for a hotel in Duck Key or Jacksonville? 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 Duck Key


Hotels in Jacksonville


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: Jacksonville Hotel Prices.

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jacksonville

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

  • Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville Cruise Port -Arrival Private Transfer: $55
  • Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $122
  • Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville City - Arrival Private Transfer: $61
  • JAX Airport Transfer to Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront: $147
  • JAX Airport Transfer to Amelia Island: $195
  • Carnival Cruise Port to Jacksonville Airport (JAX) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
  • Carnival Cruise Port Transfer to Jacksonville: $335
  • Carnival Cruise Port Jacksonville to Jacksonville, FL - Arrival Private Transfer: $63

Is it cheaper to fly into Duck Key or Jacksonville?

Prices for flights to both Jacksonville 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Duck Key $45
    Jacksonville $96

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jacksonville

For Jacksonville, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • 1 Hour of Chocolate Pizza Making Class in Jacksonville: $18

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Duck Key $30
    Jacksonville $20

Tours and Activities in Jacksonville

For Jacksonville, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Jacksonville Ghosts and Ghouls Tour By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • 2-Flights Indoor Skydiving Experience in Jacksonville: $91
  • 20 Minutes Chocolate & Candy Factory Tour in Jacksonville: $6.00
  • 90 Minute Self-Guided Arcimoto FUV Adventure: $125
  • Amelia Island Area Kayak Rental on Lofton Creek with Adventures Up The Creek: $36
  • Amelia Island Guided Kayak Tour of Lofton Creek : $60
  • Best of the Beaches E-Bike Tour: $100
  • Big Talbot Island Self Guided Tour with Smart Helmets: $115
  • CraigCat Boat Tour from Fernandina Beach: $145
  • Downtown Fernandina Historical Walking Tour: $30
  • Eight Flags Road Tour: $50
  • Electric Bike Art and Architecture Guided Tour in Jacksonville : $60

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Duck Key $7.99
    Jacksonville $20

Sample the Local Flavors in Jacksonville

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

  • Jax Brewery Tour (Drinks Included): $135


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Duck Key and Jacksonville, we can see that Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Duck Key or Jacksonville?

Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 1630 times larger than the population of Duck Key. When comparing the sizes of Duck Key and Jacksonville, 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 Jacksonville?

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 Jacksonville in the Summer?

Both Jacksonville and Duck Key are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Jacksonville for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Duck Key is around the same temperature as Jacksonville. Typically, the summer temperatures in Duck Key in July average around 84°F (29°C), and Jacksonville averages at about 82°F (28°C).

It's quite sunny in Jacksonville. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Duck Key. Duck Key usually receives more sunshine than Jacksonville during summer. Duck Key gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Jacksonville receives 286 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Jacksonville. In July, Duck Key usually receives less rain than Jacksonville. Duck Key gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Jacksonville receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Duck Key 84°F (29°C) 
    Jacksonville 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Duck Key or Jacksonville in the Autumn?

Both Jacksonville and Duck Key during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Jacksonville because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Duck Key is generally a little warmer than Jacksonville. Daily temperatures in Duck Key average around 80°F (27°C), and Jacksonville fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

In Jacksonville, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Duck Key. In the autumn, Duck Key often gets more sunshine than Jacksonville. Duck Key gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jacksonville receives 214 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Duck Key. Duck Key usually gets more rain in October than Jacksonville. Duck Key gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Jacksonville receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Jacksonville is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Duck Key 80°F (27°C) 
    Jacksonville 70°F (21°C)

Should I visit Duck Key or Jacksonville in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Duck Key and Jacksonville. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Jacksonville this time of year.

Duck Key is much warmer than Jacksonville in the winter. The daily temperature in Duck Key averages around 70°F (21°C) in January, and Jacksonville fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

In Duck Key, it's very sunny this time of the year. Duck Key usually receives more sunshine than Jacksonville during winter. Duck Key gets 252 hours of sunny skies, while Jacksonville receives 191 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Duck Key usually receives less rain than Jacksonville. Duck Key gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Jacksonville receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Duck Key 70°F (21°C) 
    Jacksonville 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Duck Key or Jacksonville in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Duck Key as well as Jacksonville. Also, many travelers come to Jacksonville for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Duck Key is a little warmer than Jacksonville. Typically, the spring temperatures in Duck Key in April average around 77°F (25°C), and Jacksonville averages at about 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jacksonville. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Duck Key this time of the year. In the spring, Duck Key often gets more sunshine than Jacksonville. Duck Key gets 326 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jacksonville receives 285 hours of full sun.

Duck Key usually gets less rain in April than Jacksonville. Duck Key gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Jacksonville receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Jacksonville is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Duck Key 77°F (25°C) 
    Jacksonville 68°F (20°C)

Typical Weather for Jacksonville and Duck Key

Duck Key Jacksonville
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 70°F (21°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Feb 71°F (21°C) 1.4 inches (36 mm) 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Mar 74°F (23°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Apr 77°F (25°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm) 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
May 81°F (27°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Jun 83°F (28°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm) 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm)
Jul 84°F (29°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Aug 84°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm)
Sep 83°F (29°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm) 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm)
Oct 80°F (27°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm) 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Nov 76°F (24°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Dec 72°F (22°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)