A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Fort Lauderdale vs. Key West for Resorts, Beaches, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Fort Lauderdale or Key West?

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 Fort Lauderdale and Key West. 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.

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is a scenic, bustling, and spirited coastal city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Key West

Key West is a active, lively, and quaint town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. It's also known for scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and nightlife.

Fort Lauderdale and Key West: Pros and Cons

How is Fort Lauderdale different from Key West?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Key West and Fort Lauderdale. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Key West Better for Food?

Both Fort Lauderdale and Key West offer a number of unique restaurants to choose from.

Fort Lauderdale offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Seafood is the obvious option with popular dishes being fish tacos, sea bass, and scallop risotto.

Key West has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The town is known for its stone crabs, conch fritters, and Mahi Mahi sandwiches.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Key West Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Fort Lauderdale or Key West has a better nightlife scene.

The people in Fort Lauderdale know how to have a good time. Most people head to the beach, Las Olas Blvd, River Front and The New Hard Rock Seminole Hotel Complex for the best bars and clubs.

The nightlife in Key West has something for everybody. This area has some of the most lively nightlife in the Florida Keys. There are quirky bars and fun hangouts where you can spend the evening.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Key West Better for Resorts?

There are resorts to choose from in both Fort Lauderdale and Key West.

Vacationers flock to Fort Lauderdale for its luxury resorts. Luxury beachfront resorts are plentiful in the area. Several of the most impressive include the Ritz-Carlton, W Fort Lauderdale, and the Dalmar.

Key West is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are a number of high end resorts around the island, many with recognizable names such as the Hyatt and Hilton. Prices can be high, but these resorts often come with reliable luxury.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Key West Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

You'll find places where you can go scuba diving or snorkeling in Fort Lauderdale and Key West.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Fort Lauderdale. Popular snorkeling spots nearby include the Vista Park Reef, Pompano Beach, and Hollywood North Beach Park.

Key West has a few good snorkeling spots. There are a number of dive shops and snorkeling excursions that leave from Key West. Like many tourist areas these days, the coral shows its damage from the crowds, but you'll likely see some barracuda or a Grouper.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Key West Better for Beaches?

Fort Lauderdale and Key West both offer beautiful beaches.

Fort Lauderdale offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches, a fun boardwalk, and impressive views, the beaches here are among the best in the area.

Key West is considered a top beach destination. One of the best beaches in the area is Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. The beach has soft sand and stunning turquoise water. As is typical in the Keys, the water stays shallow for great distances.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Key West Better for Shopping?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Key West and Fort Lauderdale.

Fort Lauderdale is a great destination for shopping. For interesting local boutiques head to Las Olas Boulevard and for name brand stores you'll want to visit Sawgrass Mills Mall.

If you're looking to go shopping, Key West has some nice offerings. While it definitely has its share of gimmicky souvenir shops and t-shirt stores, there are still a number of art galleries and local shops around Key West where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Key West Better for Families?

Both Fort Lauderdale and Key West are family-friendly destinations.

Fort Lauderdale is a very family-friendly place to visit. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches and a number of kid-oriented activities the kids will be entertained. Fun activities include Bluefoot Pirate Adventures, Butterfly World, and Funderdome.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Key West is very family-friendly. Families that enjoy snorkeling, aquariums, water sports, and exploring new places will enjoy visiting here.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Key West Better for Couples?

Fort Lauderdale and Key West both fun destinations for a couple.

Fort Lauderdale is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Fine dining, beautiful beaches, and great shopping make for a great romantic getaway. Couples and honeymooners love relaxing at the beaches in Fort Lauderdale.

Key West is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. From Mallory Square to the beautiful nearby parks, Key West makes a wonderful, romantic destination. Whether it's your honeymoon, an anniversary, or simply a couples' retreat, Key West is a great option.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Key West a more walkable city?

Fort Lauderdale and Key West both are comparable when exploring on foot.

Fort Lauderdale is very walkable. It is one of the most walkable Florida communities with a boardwalk and several pedestrian areas that are fun to wander around.

Key West is a somewhat walkable place. The town is the most walkable part of the Florida Keys. The area around Mallory Square and Duval Street is the most pedestrian friendly.

Should I spend more time in Key West or Fort Lauderdale?

How long in Fort Lauderdale or Key West?

Both Fort Lauderdale and Key West have a number of activities to choose from. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Fort Lauderdale is 3-7 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Key West is 5-7 days.

One day in Fort Lauderdale or Key West?

The beautiful coastal city of Fort Lauderdale offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The active destination of Key West offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Fort Lauderdale or Key West?

Fort Lauderdale is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

The quaint town of Key West offers scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Fort Lauderdale or Key West?

Fort Lauderdale is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Fort Lauderdale, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Key West is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Fort Lauderdale or Key West?

Fort Lauderdale is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Fort Lauderdale has to offer. This coastal city offers something for everyone.

The lively town of Key West offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

When is the best time to visit Fort Lauderdale or Key West?

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 Fort Lauderdale or Key West in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Fort Lauderdale and Key West. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Fort Lauderdale this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Key West for the beaches, snorkeling, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Fort Lauderdale is around the same temperature as Key West. Typically, the summer temperatures in Fort Lauderdale in July are around 83°F (28°C), and Key West is about 84°F (29°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key West this time of the year. In Fort Lauderdale, it's very sunny this time of the year. Fort Lauderdale usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Key West during summer. Fort Lauderdale gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Key West receives 328 hours of full sun in the summer.

Fort Lauderdale gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Fort Lauderdale usually receives more rain than Key West. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Key West receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Key West in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Fort Lauderdale as well as Key West. Many travelers come to Fort Lauderdale for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Key West in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Fort Lauderdale is generally around the same temperature as Key West. Temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 78°F (26°C), and Key West stays around 80°F (27°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key West. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fort Lauderdale this time of the year. In the autumn, Fort Lauderdale often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Key West. Fort Lauderdale gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Key West receives 258 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Key West. Fort Lauderdale receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Fort Lauderdale usually gets more rain in October than Key West. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Key West receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Key West in the Winter?

Both Key West and Fort Lauderdale are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Fort Lauderdale in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Key West for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Fort Lauderdale is around the same temperature as Key West in the winter. The temperature in Fort Lauderdale is usually 67°F (20°C) in January, and Key West stays around 70°F (21°C).

It's quite sunny in Key West. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Key West during winter. Fort Lauderdale gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Key West receives 252 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Fort Lauderdale usually receives more rain than Key West. Fort Lauderdale gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Key West receives 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Key West in the Spring?

Both Key West and Fort Lauderdale during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Fort Lauderdale for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Key West because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Fort Lauderdale is around the same temperature as Key West. Typically, the spring temperatures in Fort Lauderdale in April are around 75°F (24°C), and Key West is about 77°F (25°C).

In Key West, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Fort Lauderdale. In the spring, Fort Lauderdale often gets less sunshine than Key West. Fort Lauderdale gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Key West receives 326 hours of full sun.

Fort Lauderdale usually gets more rain in April than Key West. Fort Lauderdale gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Key West receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Key West and Fort Lauderdale