A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Islamorada vs. Saint Augustine for Families, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Islamorada or Saint Augustine?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Islamorada or Saint Augustine, 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 adventurous, relaxing, and tropical village. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine is a historic, notable, and colonial city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Islamorada and Saint Augustine: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Islamorada or Saint Augustine?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Saint Augustine. Although Islamorada and Saint Augustine are both popular with visitors, Saint Augustine has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Saint Augustine is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and shopping, while Islamorada is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and impressive beauty. Islamorada is popular for its sportfishing, state parks, and local vibe. Saint Augustine is popular for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States. It is also home to the Colonial Quarter.

How is Islamorada different from Saint Augustine?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine?

Islamorada
Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Islamorada is not as popular, but is still a nice village for its sights and museums.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Saint Augustine can be an interesting and educational experience. It's history is brought to life with many monuments and museums. The Lightner Museum, the Old Jail Museum, the Lincolnville Museum, and Castillo De San Marcos are among the city's most notable sights. Also worth a visit is the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum.

Islamorada offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.


Is the Food Better in Islamorada or Saint Augustine? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Islamorada
Saint Augustine

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at superb restaurants in both Islamorada and Saint Augustine.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Islamorada. 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Saint Augustine. The food scene is influenced by the long history of the city. You'll find flavors that are influenced by Spanish, African, and Native American cultures. There are several popular dishes around town such as fried shrimp, clam chowder, and shrimp and grits.

Is Islamorada or Saint Augustine Better for Nightlife?

Islamorada
Saint Augustine

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find good options in both Islamorada and Saint Augustine.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Saint Augustine. There are wineries, pubs, live music venues, and a number of activities that take advantage of the outdoor setting.

Is Islamorada or Saint Augustine Better for Resorts?

Islamorada
Saint Augustine

Islamorada is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Saint Augustine is not a resort destination.

Islamorada has a handful of resorts to choose from. You'll find plenty of resorts with spas, pools or oceanfront views in the area.

Saint Augustine is not a resort destination.


Is Islamorada or Saint Augustine Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Islamorada
Saint Augustine

Islamorada is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Saint Augustine is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Islamorada has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. 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.

Saint Augustine is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Islamorada or Saint Augustine Better for Beaches?

Islamorada
Saint Augustine

Both Islamorada and Saint Augustine have superb beaches worth visiting.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Islamorada. 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.

The beaches at Saint Augustine attract visitors from all over. Head to the beach to relax and swim. There are miles of sandy beach nearby, with some of the most popular being Ponte Vedra Beach, known for its golf courses, Vilano Beach, with its charming atmosphere, and the scenic Anastasia State Park.

Is Islamorada or Saint Augustine Better for its Old Town?

Islamorada
Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine is renowned for its historic old town. However, Islamorada does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Saint Augustine is one of the most recognized in the world. As the longest running, continuously occupied city in the United States, the Historic Downtown is at the heart of the city. It's filled with quaint restaurants, historic hotels, and charming streets. You can take carriage rides or wander through the historic sites. Many of the buildings date back to the 1700s and offer a glimpse into Florida's past.

Islamorada does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Islamorada or Saint Augustine?

Islamorada
Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine is a great city for shopping. Also, Islamorada is not as popular, but is still a nice village for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Saint Augustine. The Historic Downtown has unique art galleries and boutiques. St. George Street is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir and Aviles Street is the oldest street in the United States. It's also filled with artisan boutiques. Plaza de la ConstituciĆ³n is known for its long running public market and it often has live entertainment.

Islamorada offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find a few jewelry boutiques as well as sporting goods shops and souvenir stands.

Is Islamorada or Saint Augustine Better for Families?

Islamorada
Saint Augustine

Islamorada is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Saint Augustine is very family-friendly. Kids will love the Alligator Farm but there's also a surprisingly fascinating archaeological park - The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. The Colonial Quarter is fun for all ages as well, as is a visit to Fort Castillo De San Marcos. If you have some time, head outside of town to the Marineland Dolphin Adventure, which is well worth the trip.

Is Islamorada or Saint Augustine Better for Couples?

Islamorada
Saint Augustine

Islamorada is very popular for romance. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Islamorada has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Saint Augustine is a great village if you're traveling as a couple. The Ancient City has a charm that is unique in Florida. There is beautiful architecture and a historical atmosphere that is romantic and genuine. You can enjoy a carriage ride and then sample some local cuisine before heading to the beach.


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

Islamorada
Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Islamorada is not known for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Saint Augustine. The Old Town Trolley travels through the historic center. There's also a bus service through the region, but you really need a private vehicle to explore everything.

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

Is Islamorada or Saint Augustine a more walkable city?

Islamorada
Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine is a great city for its walkability. However, Islamorada is not known for its high level of walkability.

Saint Augustine is very walkable. It's one of the more walkable cities in the area. Downtown, Uptown, and even near the beach have accessible areas with sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly zones.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Islamorada Worth Visiting? and Is Saint Augustine Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint Augustine or Islamorada?

How long in Islamorada or Saint Augustine?

It's fun to spend time in either Islamorada or Saint Augustine. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Islamorada due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Islamorada, and 3-4 days is enough time in Saint Augustine.

Families should spend more time in Islamorada than Saint Augustine. 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 Saint Augustine. 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 Saint Augustine than Islamorada 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 Saint Augustine.


  • How many days in Islamorada or Saint Augustine? Ideal Length of Stay
    Islamorada 4-7 
    Saint Augustine 3-4

One day in Islamorada or Saint Augustine?

The relaxing destination of Islamorada offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the notable city of Saint Augustine, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Islamorada or Saint Augustine?

The village of Islamorada offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Saint Augustine, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Saint Augustine?

Islamorada is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This village offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Saint Augustine, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Islamorada or Saint Augustine?

The relaxing village of Islamorada offers museums and nightlife. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

Saint Augustine is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. 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, Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine is $159. 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 Saint Augustine in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Islamorada $79
    Saint Augustine $86
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Islamorada $158
    Saint Augustine $172
Compare Hotels in Islamorada and Saint Augustine

Looking for a hotel in Islamorada or Saint Augustine? 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 Saint Augustine


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 Saint Augustine Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Islamorada $28
    Saint Augustine $39

Is it cheaper to fly into Islamorada or Saint Augustine?

Prices for flights to both Saint Augustine 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
    Saint Augustine $49

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Augustine

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Saint Augustine.

  • Cooking Class/Dinner W/ Celebrity French Chef OR Private Chef Ser: $105
  • Feast of Saint Augustine Walking Food Tour: $139

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Islamorada $19
    Saint Augustine $18

Tours and Activities in Islamorada

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

  • Snorkeling Experience : $80
  • 2-Hour Snorkeling Adventure on Pontoon : $80
  • Day Tour Glass Bottom Boat In Islamorada: $80
  • Night Tour Glass Bottom Boat in Islamorada: $80
  • Islamorada Florida Keys Sunset Sightseeing Cruise Music : $86
  • Snorkeling Adventure in Islamorada : $90
  • Snorkeling and Beach Adventure from Cheeca Spa: $90
  • Snorkeling and Beach Adventure: $90
  • Guided Tour with Local Highlights: $95
  • Snorkel Adventure & Sandbar Trip: $130
  • Snorkel Adventure & Sandbar Trip from Cheeca Spa: $140
  • Snorkel adventure & Sandbar Trip : $150

Tours and Activities in Saint Augustine

Here are a few actual costs in Saint Augustine for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Arcimoto Electric Vehicle Adventure Rental in St. Augustine: $96
  • 1-Hour Your Studiyo Admission Ticket: $34
  • : Step back in time with pastime private historical tours: $38
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour of St Augustine's Twisted History: $20
  • Adventure Boat Tours - Ghost Boat - Boo Cruise: $40
  • Adventure Boat Tours - Sunset Water Tour in St. Augustine: $38
  • Adventure Meets History Tour in St Augustine: $89
  • Afterlife Tours- Beyond the Grave Tour: $25
  • Airboat Adventure in Saint Augustine with a Guide: $80
  • Bay to City Nights of Lights Tour by Boat and Cart: $150
  • Best of St. Augustine with Scenic Cruise: $193
  • Bones Under Us, Ghost Tour with Archeology: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Islamorada $15
    Saint Augustine $25

Sample the Local Flavors in Saint Augustine

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Saint Augustine:

  • The Original Haunted Pub Tour: $24
  • St. Augustine Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Ghosts and Spirits of St Augustine Pub Crawl Tour: $39
  • Toast of St. Augustine Walking Pub Crawl - drinks included: $63


When comparing the travel costs between Islamorada and Saint Augustine, we can see that Saint Augustine is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Islamorada or Saint Augustine?

Saint Augustine has a larger population, and is about 70% larger than the population of Islamorada. When comparing the sizes of Islamorada and Saint Augustine, 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 Saint Augustine?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Islamorada or Saint Augustine in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Islamorada as well as Saint Augustine. The summer months attract visitors to Islamorada because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint Augustine this time of year.

Islamorada is around the same temperature as Saint Augustine in the summer. The daily temperature in Islamorada averages around 84°F (29°C) in July, and Saint Augustine fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Augustine. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamorada this time of the year. In the summer, Islamorada often gets more sunshine than Saint Augustine. Islamorada gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Augustine receives 286 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Saint Augustine. Islamorada usually gets less rain in July than Saint Augustine. Islamorada gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Saint Augustine receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Islamorada 84°F (29°C) 
    Saint Augustine 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Islamorada or Saint Augustine in the Autumn?

Both Saint Augustine and Islamorada are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Islamorada this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Saint Augustine for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Islamorada is a little warmer than Saint Augustine. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Islamorada in October average around 80°F (27°C), and Saint Augustine averages at about 70°F (21°C).

It's quite sunny in Saint Augustine. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamorada. Islamorada usually receives more sunshine than Saint Augustine during autumn. Islamorada gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Augustine receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Islamorada. In October, Islamorada usually receives more rain than Saint Augustine. Islamorada gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Saint Augustine receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Islamorada is the hurricane season. June to November in Saint Augustine is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Islamorada 80°F (27°C) 
    Saint Augustine 70°F (21°C)

Should I visit Islamorada or Saint Augustine in the Winter?

Both Saint Augustine and Islamorada during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Islamorada for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Saint Augustine in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Islamorada is generally much warmer than Saint Augustine. Daily temperatures in Islamorada average around 70°F (21°C), and Saint Augustine fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Islamorada. In the winter, Islamorada often gets more sunshine than Saint Augustine. Islamorada gets 252 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Augustine receives 191 hours of full sun.

Islamorada usually gets less rain in January than Saint Augustine. Islamorada gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Saint Augustine receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Islamorada 70°F (21°C) 
    Saint Augustine 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Islamorada or Saint Augustine in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamorada and Saint Augustine. Many visitors come to Islamorada in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Saint Augustine for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Islamorada is a little warmer than Saint Augustine in the spring. The daily temperature in Islamorada averages around 77°F (25°C) in April, and Saint Augustine fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Augustine this time of the year. In Islamorada, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamorada usually receives more sunshine than Saint Augustine during spring. Islamorada gets 326 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Augustine receives 285 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Islamorada usually receives less rain than Saint Augustine. Islamorada gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Saint Augustine receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Islamorada is June to November. The hurricane season in Saint Augustine is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Islamorada 77°F (25°C) 
    Saint Augustine 68°F (20°C)

Typical Weather for Saint Augustine and Islamorada

Islamorada Saint Augustine
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 70°F (21°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Feb 71°F (21°C) 1.4 inches (36 mm) 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Mar 74°F (23°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Apr 77°F (25°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm) 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
May 81°F (27°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Jun 83°F (28°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm) 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm)
Jul 84°F (29°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Aug 84°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm)
Sep 83°F (29°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm) 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm)
Oct 80°F (27°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm) 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Nov 76°F (24°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Dec 72°F (22°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)