Which place is cheaper, Pensacola or Duck Key?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Duck Key or Pensacola?
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 Pensacola can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Duck Key or Pensacola?
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.
Pensacola
With sands as white as sugar grain and a sky devoid of grey clouds and innumerable downpours, Pensacola is known by many as the "Western Gate to the Sunshine State." Located in northern Florida, Pensacola is a waterfront city known for its pristine beaches and rich Floridian history. As one of the earliest European settlements in the U.S., Pensacola is riddled with museums and landmarks that commemorate the state's history, making the city quite appetizing for history buffs and students alike. However, if you are simply looking to get the most out of the all-around good weather of Florida, Pensacola's protected beaches complemented with high-class restaurants and stores make this a vacation capital for many.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.
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Duck Key Prices
USA PricesPensacola Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDuck Key $175Pensacola $234
The average daily cost (per person) in Duck Key is $175, while the average daily cost in Pensacola is $234. 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 Pensacola in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDuck Key $56Pensacola $115
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDuck Key $112Pensacola $230
Compare Hotels in Duck Key and Pensacola
Looking for a hotel in Duck Key or Pensacola? 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: Pensacola Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Duck Key $69Pensacola $64
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Pensacola
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Pensacola:
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Boca Grande Causeway Toll$5.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pensacola
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pensacola:
- Pensacola to Pensacola International Airport (PNS) - Departure Private Transfer: $91
- Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Destin, FL - Arrival Private Transfer: $214
- Destin, FL to Pensacola International Airport (PNS) - Departure Private Transfer: $214
Is it cheaper to fly into Duck Key or Pensacola?
Prices for flights to both Pensacola 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 $77Pensacola $84
Typical Food Prices in Pensacola
Some typical examples of dining costs in Pensacola are as follows:
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Two Ice Creams$6.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pensacola
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Pensacola.
- Seville Stroll Food Tour: $50
- Seville Haunted Luncheon or Dinner and Ghost Tour: $50
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Duck Key $30Pensacola $13
Typical Entertainment Prices in Pensacola
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Pensacola are as follows:
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Bike Rental$16
Tours and Activities in Pensacola
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Pensacola are as follows:
- 1hr Segway Tour Downtown : $57
- 2hr Segway Tour of Downtown : $72
- 3 Hour Sandbar Adventure on Motorized Floats: $69
- Bay Cruise: $65
- Condor Sailing Fun, Relaxing Public Dolphin & Sightseeing Cruise: $99
- Daily Dolphin Cruise + Sightseeing Tour on Pensacola Beach: $35
- Dolphin & Scenic Bay Sightseeing Cruise Up to 49, Pensacola: $50
- Frisky Mermaid Fireworks Cruise Up to 49 Pax: $65
- Frisky Mermaid Public Dolphin + Sightseeing Cruise Up to 49 Pax: $39
- Ghosts and Graveyard Tour of Pensacola: $40
- Ghosts of Haunted Trolley Tour: $35
- Half Day Pontoon Boat Rental – Fun & Relaxing Water Adventure: $299
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDuck Key $7.99Pensacola $44
Sample the Local Flavors in Pensacola
Also in Pensacola, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Walking Ghost Tour Pub Crawl - Boos with Booze : $20
- Walking Pub Tour : $21
- Party Bike Pub Crawl of Downtown Pensacola : $45
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Duck Key and Pensacola, we can see that Pensacola 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 Pensacola would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pensacola 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 Pensacola Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Duck Key or Pensacola?
Pensacola has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Duck Key. When comparing the sizes of Duck Key and Pensacola, 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 Pensacola?
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 Duck Key or Pensacola in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Duck Key as well as Pensacola. Additionally, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pensacola this time of year.
Duck Key is around the same temperature as Pensacola in the summer. The daily temperature in Duck Key averages around 84°F (29°C) in July, and Pensacola fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).
It's quite rainy in Pensacola. Duck Key usually gets less rain in July than Pensacola. Duck Key gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Pensacola receives 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDuck Key 84°F (29°C)Pensacola 82°F (28°C)
Should I visit Duck Key or Pensacola in the Autumn?
Both Pensacola and Duck Key are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Pensacola for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Duck Key is a little warmer than Pensacola. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Duck Key in October average around 80°F (27°C), and Pensacola averages at about 69°F (21°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Pensacola. It's quite rainy in Duck Key. In October, Duck Key usually receives more rain than Pensacola. Duck Key gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Pensacola receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Pensacola is the hurricane season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDuck Key 80°F (27°C)Pensacola 69°F (21°C)
Should I visit Duck Key or Pensacola in the Winter?
Both Pensacola and Duck Key during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Pensacola in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Duck Key is generally much warmer than Pensacola. Daily temperatures in Duck Key average around 70°F (21°C), and Pensacola fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).
Pensacola gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Duck Key usually gets less rain in January than Pensacola. Duck Key gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Pensacola receives 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDuck Key 70°F (21°C)Pensacola 51°F (10°C)
Should I visit Duck Key or Pensacola in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Duck Key and Pensacola. Also, most visitors come to Pensacola for the beaches during these months.
Duck Key is a little warmer than Pensacola in the spring. The daily temperature in Duck Key averages around 77°F (25°C) in April, and Pensacola fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).
In April, Duck Key usually receives less rain than Pensacola. Duck Key gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Pensacola receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Pensacola is June to November.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDuck Key 77°F (25°C)Pensacola 67°F (20°C)
Typical Weather for Pensacola and Duck Key
| Duck Key | Pensacola | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 70°F (21°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) | 51°F (10°C) | 4.6 inches (117 mm) |
| Feb | 71°F (21°C) | 1.4 inches (36 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 5.4 inches (137 mm) |
| Mar | 74°F (23°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) | 60°F (16°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) |
| Apr | 77°F (25°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) | 67°F (20°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
| May | 81°F (27°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) |
| Jun | 83°F (28°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) | 80°F (27°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) |
| Jul | 84°F (29°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 82°F (28°C) | 7.4 inches (189 mm) |
| Aug | 84°F (29°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) | 82°F (28°C) | 7.4 inches (188 mm) |
| Sep | 83°F (29°C) | 5.7 inches (144 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 5.3 inches (135 mm) |
| Oct | 80°F (27°C) | 5.1 inches (129 mm) | 69°F (21°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) |
| Nov | 76°F (24°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) | 61°F (16°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) |
| Dec | 72°F (22°C) | 1.4 inches (35 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 4.3 inches (109 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.