Which place is cheaper, Key West or Havana?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Havana or Key West?
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 Havana and Key West can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Havana or Key West?
Havana
The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).
This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.
Key West
Key West is both a city and an island as well as the southern most Florida Key. It is also the southern most city in the continental United States. The island is only about four miles long and one mile wide. The total land mass covers just 4.2 square miles. The most famous street in town is Duval Street, which runs just 1.1 miles from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. There are 14 blocks. The size of the island doubled during the 1950s when many of the salt ponds along the eastern side of the island were filled in.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHavana $65Key West $551
The average daily cost (per person) in Havana is $65, while the average daily cost in Key West is $551. 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 Havana and Key West in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHavana $40Key West $132
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHavana $80Key West $264
Compare Hotels in Havana and Key West
Looking for a hotel in Havana or Key West? 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: Key West Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Havana $19Key West $51
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Havana
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Havana:
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Short Taxi Ride$0.68
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Key West
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Key West:
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Rental Car for One Day$38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Key West
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Key West:
- Key West Airport (EYW) to Key West - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $129
- Key West Int Airport (EYW) to Key West - Arrival Private Transfer: $64
- Key West Int Airport (EYW) to Key West hotels Round-Trip Transfer: $129
- Key West hotels to Key West Int Airport (EYW) Departure Transfer: $64
- Key West to Key West Airport (EYW) - Departure Private Transfer: $64
- Marathon/ Key Largo to Fort Lauderdale Airport(FLL) - Departure Private Transfer: $109
- Private Arrival Transfer from Key West Airport EYW: $144
- Private Transfer from Key West Cruise Port to Key West hotels: $38
- Private Transfer from Key West Int Airport to Key West Port: $38
Is it cheaper to fly into Havana or Key West?
Prices for flights to both Key West and Havana 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 dayHavana $10Key West $385
Typical Food Prices in Havana
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Havana:
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Pizza$0.03
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Key West
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Key West.
- Sunset Dinner Cruise with Open Bar & Live Music: $81
- Key West Sunset Cruise: Dinner and Drinks Included: $93
- Southernmost Food & Cultural Walking Tour by Key West Food Tours: $93
- Historic Seaport Food & Walking Tour by Key West Food Tours: $93
- Old Town Secret Food Tour: $107
- Sunset Sail Full Bar, Live Music & Dinner & Early Morning Snorkeling: $160
- Snorkeling, Sunset Dinner Cruise & Open Bar: $200
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Havana $11Key West $33
Tours and Activities in Key West
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Key West are as follows:
- Self-guided old town treasures walking tour: $6.99
- Key West's Self Guided Ghost Walking Tours Smartphone Navigated on WalknTours: $7.75
- Florida Keys: Self-Guided Walking Tour: $8.49
- Audio Tours to Walk, Bike, or Drive in Key West: $9.99
- Cruise Through Key West's Black History Audio Tour: $11
- Easy Stroll (or Bike) Through Downtown Key West Audio Tour: $11
- Key West’s Old Town Treasures: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Florida: Key West Overseas Highway Self-Driving Tour: $15
- Mel Fisher Maritime Museum Admission Ticket: $18
- Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum Tickets: $19
- Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum Admission Ticket: $19
- Key West Aquarium Admission Ticket: $23
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHavana $5.76Key West $16
Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Havana:
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Mojito$0.15
Sample the Local Flavors in Key West
Also in Key West, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
- Key West Haunted Pub Crawl and Ghost Tour with Free T-Shirt: $32
- Bone Island Haunted Pub Crawl: $32
- 2.5-Hour Duval Street Pub Crawl: $43
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Havana and Key West, we can see that Key West is more expensive. And not only is Havana much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Havana is in Caribbean Islands and Key West 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 Havana would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Havana 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 Havana.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Havana Expensive? and Is Key West Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Havana or Key West?
Havana has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Key West. When comparing the sizes of Havana 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 Havana or Key West?
Key West has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Havana experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Havana or Key West in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Havana and Key West. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Havana year-round. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Key West because of the beaches, snorkeling, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Havana is generally around the same temperature as Key West. Daily temperatures in Havana average around 27°C (81°F), and Key West fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).
In July, Havana usually receives less rain than Key West. Havana gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Key West receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHavana 27°C (81°F)Key West 84°F (29°C)
Should I visit Havana or Key West in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Havana as well as Key West. Havana attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Key West this time of year.
Havana is around the same temperature as Key West in the autumn. The daily temperature in Havana averages around 25°C (77°F) in October, and Key West fluctuates around 80°F (27°C).
It's quite rainy in Key West. Havana usually gets less rain in October than Key West. Havana gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Key West receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Key West.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHavana 25°C (77°F)Key West 80°F (27°C)
Should I visit Havana or Key West in the Winter?
Both Key West and Havana are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Havana throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Key West for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
In the winter, Havana is around the same temperature as Key West. Typically, the winter temperatures in Havana in January average around 21°C (70°F), and Key West averages at about 70°F (21°C).
In January, Havana usually receives less rain than Key West. Havana gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Key West receives 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHavana 21°C (70°F)Key West 70°F (21°C)
Should I visit Havana or Key West in the Spring?
Both Key West and Havana during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Havana because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Key West in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.
In April, Havana is generally around the same temperature as Key West. Daily temperatures in Havana average around 24°C (75°F), and Key West fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).
Havana usually gets more rain in April than Key West. Havana gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Key West receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Key West is the hurricane season.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHavana 24°C (75°F)Key West 77°F (25°C)
Typical Weather for Key West and Havana
| Havana | Key West | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 70°F (21°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 71°F (21°C) | 1.4 inches (36 mm) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 83°F (28°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 84°F (29°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 84°F (29°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
| Sep | 26°C (79°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 83°F (29°C) | 5.7 inches (144 mm) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 80°F (27°C) | 5.1 inches (129 mm) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) |
| Dec | 22°C (72°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 1.4 inches (35 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.