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

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 Fort Lauderdale is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. See Fort Lauderdale travel costs.

Key West

Key West is a quaint, laid-back, and quirky town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Key West 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. See Key West travel costs.

Fort Lauderdale and Key West: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fort Lauderdale or Key West?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Fort Lauderdale. Although Fort Lauderdale and Key West are popular destinations, Fort Lauderdale has more sights and attractions for tourists. Fort Lauderdale is very popular for its resorts, beaches, and shopping, while Key West attracts visitors for its historical sights, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Fort Lauderdale is famous for its canals, beaches, walkable waterfront, and luxury resorts. It is also well known for The Local Beaches. Key West is famous for its festive nightlife, quirky town center, colorful personality, adrenaline-filled watersports, stunning beaches, turquoise water, and location at the southernmost point of the continental U.S.

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 the Food Better in Fort Lauderdale or Key West? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Fort Lauderdale makes for a great culinary experience. Seafood is the obvious option with popular dishes being fish tacos, sea bass, and scallop risotto. There are many waterfront restaurants or you could head to Las Olas Boulevard, which has many bistros, cafes, and restaurants.

Key West has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Head to town for local restaurants with quirky atmospheres. There are many local dishes to sample, but the town is most known for its stone crabs, conch fritters, and Mahi Mahi sandwiches. You'll also find cold drinks and waterfront dining areas.

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. Trendy and upscale partying is the name of the game in this Florida city. 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. You'll find the most activity around the weekends, but there really is something going on any night of the week.

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. The party starts at Mallory Square around sunset and many bars stay open well into the early hours. You can also enjoy sunset cruises or pass your time at one of the many tiki bars.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Key West Better for Resorts?

Fort Lauderdale is renowned for its resorts. Also, Key West is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its luxury resorts.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Fort Lauderdale is a great choice. Luxury beachfront resorts are plentiful in the area. Several of the most impressive include the Ritz-Carlton, W Fort Lauderdale, and the Dalmar. Most resorts have a beachfront pool, hot tubs, and depending on the resort, a kid's club.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Key West. 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 nice 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. Although the snorkeling doesn't compare to what you'll find further south around the Florida Keys, there are some great places to pull your mask and fins out in the area. 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 is renowned for the beach. Also, Key West is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for the beach.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Fort Lauderdale. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches, a fun boardwalk, and impressive views, the beaches here are among the best in the area. They are surprisingly walkable and, while there can be crowds, there's still a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere.

Key West is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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 its Old Town?

Key West is a great destination for its historic old town. However, Fort Lauderdale does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Key West. The town has the most charming Old Town areas in the Florida Keys. Head to Mallory Square for the sunset street performers and explore the historic streets around Duval Street.

Fort Lauderdale does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Fort Lauderdale or Key West?

Fort Lauderdale is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Key West is a mediocre town for its shopping areas.

Fort Lauderdale offers some nice shopping areas. For interesting local boutiques head to Las Olas Boulevard and for name brand stores you'll want to visit Sawgrass Mills Mall.

Key West has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. 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 More Beautiful?

Fort Lauderdale and Key West both are comparable with their superb scenery and beauty.

Fort Lauderdale is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Seven miles of scenic coastline with a boardwalk to explore make this a beautiful Florida beach destination.

The beauty of Key West is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. There are blue waters as far as the eye can see. It doesn't get much more beautiful than this.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Key West Better for Families?

Both Fort Lauderdale and Key West are superb 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 love it here. Fun activities include Bluefoot Pirate Adventures, Butterfly World, and Funderdome. On sunny days there are many outdoor recreation areas and when the weather isn't cooperating, there are hands-on museums.

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 this part of the Florida Keys. There are many ways to get out on the water from kayaking and snorkeling to glass bottom boat tours and sunset cruises. There are also many kid-friendly beaches in the area. The town can have a party atmosphere, but it's not hard to find a more family-friendly area where everyone can have fun.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Key West Better for Couples?

Fort Lauderdale is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Key West is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for couples.

Fort Lauderdale makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Fine dining, beautiful beaches, and great shopping make for a great romantic getaway. Couples and honeymooners love relaxing at the beaches in Fort Lauderdale. A sunset walk on the beach and a stay at a romantic resort will make for an unforgettable trip.

Key West makes for a fun place to visit for 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. You can sip wine on a sunset cruise or dine at one of the many character-filled restaurants in town. If you are looking for a party, it's not hard to find, but if you want a more laid back holiday, that's also possible.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Key West Better for Students?

Key West is a great destination for students. However, Fort Lauderdale is not popular with students.

Many students visit Key West. It's a great spring break destination with a quirky personality and many great activities.

Fort Lauderdale is not popular with students.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Key West Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Fort Lauderdale is a moderate coastal city for its public transit. However, Key West is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Fort Lauderdale. Transportation options include a water taxi and the Sun Trolley Hop-on Bus.

Public transit is quite limited in Key West. Public transportation in Key West is limited to a few buses.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Key West a more walkable city?

Fort Lauderdale is notable for its high level of walkability. Also, Key West is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its ease of walking around.

Fort Lauderdale is a very walkable coastal city. 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 coastal city. The town is the most walkable part of the Florida Keys. The area around Mallory Square and Duval Street is the most pedestrian friendly.

For even more information, also check out Is Fort Lauderdale Worth Visiting? and Is Key West Worth Visiting?.

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. In our opinion, Fort Lauderdale has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than Key West. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Fort Lauderdale, and 5-7 days is enough time in Key West.

Families should spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than Key West. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Fort Lauderdale, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than Key West. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Fort Lauderdale that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Key West than Fort Lauderdale if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Key West.

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 laid-back 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 bustling 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Fort Lauderdale or Key West?

Fort Lauderdale has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Key West. When comparing the sizes of Fort Lauderdale and Key West, 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 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 average around 83°F (28°C), and Key West averages at 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. Daily temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 78°F (26°C), and Key West fluctuates 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. Also, June to November in Key West is the hurricane season.

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 daily temperature in Fort Lauderdale averages around 67°F (20°C) in January, and Key West fluctuates 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 average around 75°F (24°C), and Key West averages at 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. Also, the hurricane season in Key West is June to November.

Typical Weather for Key West and Fort Lauderdale