A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Islamorada vs. Key Largo for Families, Couples, Food, and Resorts

Should you visit Islamorada or Key Largo?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Islamorada or Key Largo, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Islamorada

Islamorada is a tropical, adventurous, and relaxing village. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Key Largo

Key Largo is a family-friendly, beautiful, and relaxed island. As it is a quaint destination, it has a nice vibe. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling and beaches.

Islamorada and Key Largo: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Islamorada or Key Largo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Islamorada than Key Largo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Islamorada is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Key Largo is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and quaint atmosphere. Islamorada is well known for its sportfishing, state parks, and local vibe. Also, Islamorada is famous for Theater of the Sea. Key Largo is well known for its snorkeling and scuba diving including that around John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the artificial reef around the USS Spiegel Grove.

How is Islamorada different from Key Largo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Islamorada or Key Largo?

Islamorada
Key Largo

Islamorada is a village with good options for its historical sights. However, Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Islamorada. There are a variety of museums and aquariums in the area such as the History of Diving Museum, the Keys History and Discovery Center, and the famous Theater of the Sea.

Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Islamorada or Key Largo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Islamorada
Key Largo

Islamorada is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Islamorada has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Has a sports fishing destination, you'll find no shortage of seafood options in the area. There are cafes and bistros that have an old school Florida Key's atmosphere. Popular dishes include grilled fish and curry seafood.

Key Largo offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Like the rest of the Florida Keys, Key Largo is known for its Key Lime pie and seafood. You'll find a great selection of restaurants that serve seafood dishes and options for the land-loving crew. There are even a few international restaurants to choose from.

Is Islamorada or Key Largo Better for Nightlife?

Islamorada
Key Largo

Islamorada is a village with good options for its evening party scene. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Islamorada has a few options to choose from. The nightlife consists of mostly bars and restaurants that serve cocktails and frozen drinks. There are sports bars and casual eateries where you can enjoy a drink in a relaxed atmosphere.

Most people don't head to Key Largo specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. This area is not known for its nightlife, so you'll need to head further south if partying is your style.

Is Islamorada or Key Largo Better for Resorts?

Islamorada
Key Largo

Key Largo is a great island for its luxury resorts. Also, Islamorada is not as popular, but is still a nice village for its resorts.

Key Largo is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Popular resorts in the area include Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, Reefhouse Resort & Marina, and Largo Resort.

With a selection of resorts, Islamorada makes a nice vacation spot. You'll find plenty of resorts with spas, pools or oceanfront views in the area.


Is Islamorada or Key Largo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Islamorada
Key Largo

Key Largo is a great island for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. Also, Islamorada is not as popular, but is still a nice village for its diving and snorkeling.

Many visitors go to Key Largo to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. Near this island you'll find some of the best snorkeling and diving in the Florida Keys at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. There are private tours that head out to the reef for either snorkeling or diving. There are also shipwrecks and other fascinating spots to explore.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Islamorada. There are plenty of dive shops that offer snorkeling and dive trips to the surrounding areas. You could also grab a mask and head out into the water on your own. You're sure to see some beautiful marine life.

Is Islamorada or Key Largo Better for Beaches?

Islamorada
Key Largo

Islamorada is great for the beach. Also, Key Largo is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its beaches.

The beaches at Islamorada attract visitors from all over. Blue water and white sand make the beaches a true paradise. Favorite beaches in the area include Anne's Beach, which has a boardwalk and mangroves, Library Beach, which is small and well maintained, Holiday Isle Beach, which is near the hotels and restaurants, and Long Key State Park, which has camping and picnic spots.

Key Largo offers a nice beach destination. Many of the beaches around Key Largo are man-made, but they do offer nice sand and beautiful blue water. The water is turquoise, although not as striking as further south.

Is the Shopping Better in Islamorada or Key Largo?

Islamorada
Key Largo

Islamorada is a village with good options for its shopping areas. However, Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Islamorada has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find a few jewelry boutiques as well as sporting goods shops and souvenir stands.

Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Islamorada or Key Largo Better for Families?

Islamorada
Key Largo

Islamorada and Key Largo are both first-rate destinations for the whole family.

Islamorada is an amazing family-friendly village to visit. Theater of the Sea is a highlight for kids and adults alike. You'll have the opportunity to interact with many types of sea life including dolphins, sea lions, and even sharks. Founders Park is another great place to take the kids. You can have a picnic, hang out at the beach, or hit up the playground. There's also plenty of snorkeling and diving in the area, particularly around Alligator Reef Lighthouse.

Key Largo is an extremely popular village to visit for families. This area has some of the best family-friendly snorkeling at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. There's also several places where your kids can interact with dolphins or experience wildlife. If you want to get out on the water, there's kayaking, sunset cruises, and glass bottom boats, all of which are great for the whole family.

Is Islamorada or Key Largo Better for Couples?

Islamorada
Key Largo

Islamorada is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Key Largo is not as popular, but is still a nice island for romance.

Islamorada is a great village for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Couples will enjoy the resorts, spas, beaches, and adventures in the area. Head to Little Palm Spa for a little relaxation or hit up Florida Keys Brewing Company for some live music. There's also snorkeling, diving, and some good restaurants nearby as well.

Key Largo is a nice destination for couples. Most couples head further down the Florida Keys, but for snorkeling and scuba diving, Key Largo is the better option. You'll also find kayaking and sunset cruises that leave from the area.

Is Islamorada or Key Largo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Islamorada
Key Largo

Neither Islamorada or Key Largo offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Islamorada. There's no real public transit in the area and you must have your own vehicle.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Key Largo. There's no real public transit around the island and you must have a car to get around.


Is Islamorada or Key Largo a more walkable city?

Islamorada
Key Largo

Neither Islamorada or Key Largo are walkable places.

Islamorada is not a very walkable village. Like the rest of the Florida Keys, it's not very walkable and you'll need a car to get around.

Key Largo is not a walkable village. It is a sprawling area that spreads out along a main highway that is not pedestrian friendly.

For even more information, also check out Is Islamorada Worth Visiting? and Is Key Largo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Key Largo or Islamorada?

How long in Islamorada or Key Largo?

Both Islamorada and Key Largo have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Islamorada has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Islamorada than Key Largo. In general, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Islamorada, and 5-7 days is enough time in Key Largo.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Islamorada than Key Largo 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 Islamorada.


  • How many days in Islamorada or Key Largo? Ideal Length of Stay
    Islamorada 4-7 
    Key Largo 5-7

One day in Islamorada or Key Largo?

You'll find nightlife and food around the village of Islamorada. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

With scuba diving and snorkeling around the family-friendly island of Key Largo, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Islamorada or Key Largo?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the relaxing destination of Islamorada. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This village offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With scuba diving and snorkeling around the destination of Key Largo, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.


Five days in Islamorada or Key Largo?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the adventurous village of Islamorada. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this village makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this village has to offer.

Key Largo, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this island. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Islamorada or Key Largo?

Islamorada is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Islamorada, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Key Largo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this island makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Key Largo or Islamorada?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Islamorada is $145, while the average daily cost in Key Largo is $212. 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 Islamorada and Key Largo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Islamorada $79
    Key Largo $117
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Islamorada $158
    Key Largo $234
Compare Hotels in Islamorada and Key Largo

Looking for a hotel in Islamorada 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 Islamorada


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: Islamorada Hotel Prices and Key Largo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Islamorada $28
    Key Largo $56

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 Islamorada or Key Largo?

Prices for flights to both Key Largo and Islamorada 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
    Islamorada $47
    Key Largo $60

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Islamorada $19
    Key Largo $27

Tours and Activities in Islamorada

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

  • 1.5 Hour (20 miles) Waverunner Tour. See Mangrove Tunnels, 20 Islands & SandBar: $225
  • Day Tour Glass Bottom Boat In Islamorada: $80
  • From Miami: Key Largo & Islamorada Private Open-Top Bus Tour: $1,515
  • Islamorada Florida Keys Sunset Sightseeing Cruise Music : $86
  • Islamorada Sandbar and Sunset Tour : $94
  • 2-Hour Snorkeling Adventure on Pontoon : $80
  • Guided Tour with Local Highlights: $95
  • Snorkel Adventure & Sandbar Trip: $130
  • Snorkel Adventure & Sandbar Trip from Cheeca Spa: $140
  • Snorkel adventure & Sandbar Trip : $150
  • Snorkel adventure & Sandbar Trip : $160
  • Snorkeling Experience : $80

Tours and Activities in Key Largo

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

  • 1.5 Hour Bay Side Key Largo Sunset Cruise on a Spacious Catamaran: $60
  • 2 Location Snorkel Tour - Gear Included, 65 minutes per location: $79
  • Cruisin' Tikis Key Largo - Sunset Cruise: $99
  • Florida Key West Self-Driving Tour (Overseas Highway, 7 Mile Bridge): $17
  • Guided Tour Explore Key Largo on Jet Ski : $185
  • Half-Day Florida Keys Catamaran Snorkel Adventure: $79
  • Key Largo Bay Sunset Tour: $66
  • Key Largo Boat Charter Day Tour: $65
  • Key Largo Coral Reef Glass Bottom Boat Adventure : $45
  • Key Largo Snorkeling Tour - rental mask, fins and vest INCLUDED: $68
  • Key Largo Two Reef Snorkel Tour - All Snorkel Equipment Included!: $78
  • Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Adventure in Key Largo: $68

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Islamorada $15
    Key Largo $24


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Islamorada and Key Largo, we can see that Key Largo is more expensive. And not only is Islamorada much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Islamorada would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Islamorada 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 Islamorada.

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


Which is Bigger, Islamorada or Key Largo?

Key Largo has a larger population, and is about 72% larger than the population of Islamorada. When comparing the sizes of Islamorada 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 Islamorada or Key Largo?

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 Islamorada or Key Largo in the Summer?

Both Key Largo and Islamorada are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Islamorada this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Key Largo for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Islamorada is generally around the same temperature as Key Largo. Daily temperatures in Islamorada average around 84°F (29°C), and Key Largo fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

It's quite sunny in Key Largo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamorada. Islamorada usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Key Largo during summer. Islamorada gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Key Largo receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Key Largo. In July, Islamorada usually receives less rain than Key Largo. Islamorada gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Key Largo receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Islamorada 84°F (29°C) 
    Key Largo 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Islamorada or Key Largo in the Autumn?

Both Key Largo and Islamorada during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Islamorada for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Islamorada is around the same temperature as Key Largo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Islamorada averages around 80°F (27°C) in October, and Key Largo fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

In Key Largo, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Islamorada. In the autumn, Islamorada often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Key Largo. Islamorada gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Key Largo receives 275 hours of full sun.

Key Largo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Islamorada. Islamorada usually gets less rain in October than Key Largo. Islamorada gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Key Largo receives 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Islamorada.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Islamorada 80°F (27°C) 
    Key Largo 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Islamorada or Key Largo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamorada and Key Largo. Many visitors come to Islamorada in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Key Largo for the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Islamorada is around the same temperature as Key Largo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Islamorada in January average around 70°F (21°C), and Key Largo averages at about 67°F (19°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key Largo this time of the year. In Islamorada, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamorada usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Key Largo during winter. Islamorada gets 252 hours of sunny skies, while Key Largo receives 243 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Islamorada usually receives less rain than Key Largo. Islamorada gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Key Largo receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Islamorada 70°F (21°C) 
    Key Largo 67°F (19°C)

Should I visit Islamorada or Key Largo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Islamorada as well as Key Largo. Most visitors come to Islamorada for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Key Largo because of the beaches.

In April, Islamorada is generally around the same temperature as Key Largo. Daily temperatures in Islamorada average around 77°F (25°C), and Key Largo fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key Largo. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamorada this time of the year. In the spring, Islamorada often gets more sunshine than Key Largo. Islamorada gets 326 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Key Largo receives 300 hours of full sun.

Islamorada usually gets less rain in April than Key Largo. Islamorada gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Key Largo receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Islamorada is the hurricane season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Islamorada 77°F (25°C) 
    Key Largo 74°F (24°C)

Typical Weather for Key Largo and Islamorada

Islamorada Key Largo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 70°F (21°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm) 67°F (19°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Feb 71°F (21°C) 1.4 inches (36 mm) 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
Mar 74°F (23°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm) 71°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
Apr 77°F (25°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
May 81°F (27°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 78°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm)
Jun 83°F (28°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm) 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm)
Jul 84°F (29°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 82°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm)
Aug 84°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm)
Sep 83°F (29°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm) 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm)
Oct 80°F (27°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm) 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Nov 76°F (24°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Dec 72°F (22°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm) 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)