A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Granada vs. Key Largo for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Granada or Key Largo?

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 Granada and Key Largo. 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.

Where Should I go: Granada or Key Largo?

Granada

Granada is Nicaragua's oldest colonial city, and arguably, the most beautiful city in the country. It sits on the northern edge of Lake Nicaragua (Lago Cocibolca) and has many beautifully colored buildings and nice churches. The city's beauty and colonial architecture, along with its relative safety and accessibility, make it one of Nicaragua's top tourist destinations. The city has long been a center for commerce, but today its economy depends heavily on tourism. The city is the sixth largest in Nicaragua and a real estate boom in the early 2000's brought a large number of expats to the town.

Key Largo

As the lustrous emerald waters ebb and flow against your sandy toes, you find yourself cooled by the gentle breeze as you bask under a golden sun. To you, it's paradise. To everyone else, it's Key Largo. Located in the northernmost of the Florida Keys, Key Largo is known as the dive capital of the world due to its well-preserved coral reefs and clear waters. Just an hour-drive from South Florida's major airports, Key Largo boasts in containing a vast biodiversity, such as tropical hardwoods, creeks, two state parks, a national park, and a portion of a national marine sanctuary. Besides its natural beauty, Key Largo is overflowing with top restaurants and chic boutiques. It is no wonder that Key Largo became a hotspot for Hollywood beach scenes, with even a movie holding its namesake! Whether you look to get your fun by land or by water, there is something for everyone at Key Largo!

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City.


Which place is cheaper, Key Largo or Granada?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Granada is $50, while the average daily cost in Key Largo is $256. 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 Granada and Key Largo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Granada $17
    Key Largo $117
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Granada $34
    Key Largo $234
Compare Hotels in Granada and Key Largo

Looking for a hotel in Granada or Key Largo? 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 Granada


Hotels in Key Largo


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: Granada Hotel Prices and Key Largo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Granada $8.54
    Key Largo $56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Granada

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Granada:

  • One-Way Private Transfer From/To Airport or Hotels in Granada: $40
  • From San Jorge: One way shared transfer to Granada: $39
  • Leon: One way shared transfer to Granada: $39
  • San Juan del Sur: One way shared transfer to Granada: $39
  • From One way shared transfer to Rivas: $39
  • From One way shared transfer to Leon: $39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Key Largo

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

  • Key Largo Private Transfers (up to 14 passengers): $142

Is it cheaper to fly into Granada or Key Largo?

Prices for flights to both Key Largo and Granada 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
    Granada $24
    Key Largo $104
Typical Food Prices in Granada

Some typical examples of dining costs in Granada are as follows:


  • Pizza
    $2.28

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Granada $10
    Key Largo $27
Typical Entertainment Prices in Granada

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Granada are as follows:


  • Lago de Nicaragua Boat Tour
    $8.14

Tours and Activities in Granada

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Granada are as follows:

  • Volcano Mombacho Adventure in the Cloud Forest & Apoyo Lake : $115
  • 3 Volcanoes Full Day Tour! Unique experience!: $145
  • Bird Watching Tour: $90
  • Boat Tour and Granada City Tour: $130
  • Canopy & Crater on Mombacho Volcano & Islets Sunset Boat Tour: $144
  • Charming Granada Outdoor "Private Tour" : $92
  • City Tour Granada, Nicaragua.: $40
  • Experience Granadas Best Sights Carriage ride + Local Guide: $65
  • From Full-Day Tour to 6 Attractions with Lunch incl: $125
  • Full Day Tour Isletas + Pueblos Blancos + Laguna from Granada: $120
  • Full Day Tour Masaya Volcano, Art Market and White Villages: $60
  • Full-Day Tour: Masaya Volcano, Art Market and White Villages: $60

Tours and Activities in Key Largo

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Key Largo.

  • Florida Key West Self-Guided Driving Tour (7 Mile Bridge): $17
  • Ultimate Florida Self Guided Driving & Walking Audio Tour Bundle: $40
  • Key Largo Coral Reef Glass Bottom Boat Adventure : $45
  • Small Group Florida Keys Eco Tour by Boat: $60
  • Key Largo Sunset Cruise: $60
  • Snorkel Tours to Shallow Coral Reefs at Pennekamp Underwater Park: $64
  • Sunset Cruise: $65
  • Boat Eco Tour: $65
  • Key Largo Day Tour: $65
  • Key Largo Bay Sunset Tour: $66
  • Mangroves and Manatees - Guided Kayak Eco Tour: $67
  • Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Adventure in Key Largo: $68

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Granada $7.48
    Key Largo $24
Typical Alcohol Prices in Granada

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Granada:


  • Tequila
    $1.36


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Granada and Key Largo, we can see that Key Largo is more expensive. And not only is Granada much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Granada is in Central America and Key Largo is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Granada would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Granada 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 Largo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Key Largo than you might in Granada.

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


Which is Bigger, Granada or Key Largo?

Granada has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Key Largo. When comparing the sizes of Granada and Key Largo, 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 Granada or Key Largo?

Key Largo has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Granada experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Granada or Key Largo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Granada as well as Key Largo. Granada attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Key Largo because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

Granada is around the same temperature as Key Largo in the summer. The daily temperature in Granada averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Key Largo fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key Largo. In the summer, Granada often gets less sunshine than Key Largo. Granada gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Key Largo receives 316 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Key Largo. Granada receives a lot of rain in the summer. Granada usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Key Largo. Granada gets 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Key Largo receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Granada 27°C (81°F) 
    Key Largo 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Granada or Key Largo in the Autumn?

Both Key Largo and Granada are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Granada throughout the year.

In the autumn, Granada is around the same temperature as Key Largo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Granada in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Key Largo averages at about 78°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Key Largo. Granada usually receives less sunshine than Key Largo during autumn. Granada gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Key Largo receives 275 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Key Largo. It's quite rainy in Granada. In October, Granada usually receives more rain than Key Largo. Granada gets 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Key Largo receives 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Granada 27°C (81°F) 
    Key Largo 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Granada or Key Largo in the Winter?

Both Key Largo and Granada during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Granada because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Key Largo for the cuisine.

In January, Granada is generally a little warmer than Key Largo. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 26°C (79°F), and Key Largo fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

In Key Largo, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Granada. In the winter, Granada often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Key Largo. Granada gets 244 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Key Largo receives 243 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets less rain in January than Key Largo. Granada gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Key Largo receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Granada 26°C (79°F) 
    Key Largo 67°F (19°C)

Should I visit Granada or Key Largo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Granada and Key Largo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Granada year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Key Largo in the spring for the beaches.

Granada is a little warmer than Key Largo in the spring. The daily temperature in Granada averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Key Largo fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key Largo this time of the year. In Granada, it's very sunny this time of the year. Granada usually receives less sunshine than Key Largo during spring. Granada gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Key Largo receives 300 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Granada usually receives less rain than Key Largo. Granada gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Key Largo receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Granada 29°C (84°F) 
    Key Largo 74°F (24°C)

Typical Weather for Key Largo and Granada

Granada Key Largo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 67°F (19°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Feb 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 71°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
May 29°C (84°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 78°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in) 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 144 mm (5.7 in) 82°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in) 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 197 mm (7.8 in) 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Nov 31°C (88°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)