A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Key Largo vs. Atlantic City for Nightlife, Families, Resorts, and Food

Should you visit Key Largo or Atlantic City?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Key Largo and Atlantic City can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Key Largo

Key Largo is a peaceful, family-friendly, and beautiful island. It's a quaint destination. It's also known for scuba diving and snorkeling and beaches.

Atlantic City

Atlantic City is a colorful, glitzy, and flashy city. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Key Largo and Atlantic City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key Largo or Atlantic City?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Atlantic City than Key Largo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Atlantic City is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Key Largo is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling and quaint atmosphere. Atlantic City is more touristy than Key Largo and is popular for its casinos, gambling culture, nightlife scene, and wild personality Also, Atlantic City is famous for Steel Pier and the Boardwalk. 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 Key Largo different from Atlantic City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Atlantic City is adequate for its historical sights. However, Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Atlantic City specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. While most people don't spend their time in museums, there is the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, the African American Heritage Museum, and the Noyes Museum Galleries.

Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Atlantic City is a city with good options for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Atlantic City is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are budget buffets around town as well as seafood restaurants and even some fine dining. Salt water taffy is a local specialty that you should pick up while you're in the area.

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 Key Largo or Atlantic City Better for Nightlife?

Atlantic City is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for nightlife.

The nightlife in Atlantic City is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. This is a city that is all about its nightlife scene. Many visitors come here just to party, and you'll find clubs with DJs or bands playing from sunset to sunrise. There are glitzy lounges and dive bars with everything in between. As a gambling town, there are casinos and all-night activities that keep the energy going round the clock.

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 Key Largo or Atlantic City Better for Resorts?

If luxury resorts are your style, both Key Largo and Atlantic City have very good options.

In Key Largo, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Popular resorts in the area include Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, Reefhouse Resort & Marina, and Largo Resort.

There are plenty of resorts in Atlantic City to choose from. The beach and boardwalk are lined with casinos and resorts. There are many recognizable names such as Harrah's, Bally's, Caesars, Hard Rock, and the Tropicana.

Is Key Largo or Atlantic City Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Key Largo is well known for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Atlantic City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Key Largo. 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.

Atlantic City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key Largo or Atlantic City Better for Beaches?

Both Key Largo and Atlantic City are considered to be notable beach destinations.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Key Largo. 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.

Atlantic City offers a nice beach destination. There's a Boardwalk that runs along the beach and is lined with piers and hotels. The Downtown Beach is the most accessible, and where most tourists hang out. If you're willing to travel a little further, there are some nice beaches nearby such as Margate Beach and Brigantine Beach.

Is the Shopping Better in Key Largo or Atlantic City?

Atlantic City is a city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Atlantic City has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find many souvenir shops along the boardwalk. There's also a Tangier Outlet Mall in the area. Some of the hotels such as the Tropicana have their own shopping areas as well.

Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Key Largo or Atlantic City Better for Families?

Key Largo is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Key Largo is very family-friendly. 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.

For families, Atlantic City is not always the best place to visit. Most families avoid this area for more family-friendly beaches, but if you find yourself in the area, you can check out Ripley's Believe It or Not or go on a dolphin cruise. Also popular is Steel Pier, which has rides for all ages.

Is Key Largo or Atlantic City Better for Couples?

Both Key Largo and Atlantic City are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

Key Largo is a good island for couples to visit. 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.

Atlantic City is a nice destination for couples. It's not exactly known for its romance, but there are casinos, hotels, and a beaches that are fun to visit. You'll also find several spas and sunset cruises in the area.

Is Key Largo or Atlantic City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Atlantic City is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for backpackers.

Atlantic City is a good city to visit for backpackers. There is a hostel in the area. You'll also find a younger crowd and plenty of partying.

Key Largo is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This area is a bit more affordable than the more southern keys so it appeals to budget travelers and backpackers.

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

Atlantic City is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Atlantic City offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The Jitney are shuttle buses that runs from one end of the city to the other. They pass by most of the hotels and casinos along Pacific Avenue.

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 Key Largo or Atlantic City a more walkable city?

Atlantic City is great for its ease of walking around. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its walkability.

Atlantic City is a very walkable destination. Many of the hotels are walkable and located near the boardwalk.

Key Largo is not a walkable island. 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 Key Largo Worth Visiting? and Is Atlantic City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Atlantic City or Key Largo?

How long in Key Largo or Atlantic City?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Key Largo and Atlantic City. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Key Largo than in Atlantic City. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Key Largo, and 1-3 days is enough time in Atlantic City.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City.

One day in Key Largo or Atlantic City?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the family-friendly destination of Key Largo. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Atlantic City. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Atlantic City has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Key Largo or Atlantic City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Key Largo. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the flashy destination of Atlantic City. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Key Largo or Atlantic City?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the relaxed destination of Key Largo. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the glitzy city of Atlantic City. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Key Largo or Atlantic City?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the island of Key Largo. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Atlantic City is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Key Largo or Atlantic City?

Atlantic City has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Key Largo. When comparing the sizes of Key Largo and Atlantic City, 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 Key Largo or Atlantic City?

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 Key Largo or Atlantic City in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Key Largo as well as Atlantic City. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Key Largo this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Atlantic City for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Key Largo is a little warmer than Atlantic City. Typically, the summer temperatures in Key Largo in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Atlantic City averages at about 75°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlantic City. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key Largo this time of the year. In the summer, Key Largo often gets more sunshine than Atlantic City. Key Largo gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlantic City receives 273 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Atlantic City. Key Largo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Key Largo usually gets more rain in July than Atlantic City. Key Largo gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key Largo or Atlantic City in the Autumn?

Both Atlantic City and Key Largo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Atlantic City in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In October, Key Largo is generally much warmer than Atlantic City. Daily temperatures in Key Largo average around 78°F (26°C), and Atlantic City fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key Largo. Key Largo usually receives more sunshine than Atlantic City during autumn. Key Largo gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Atlantic City receives 197 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Key Largo. In October, Key Largo usually receives more rain than Atlantic City. Key Largo gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Key Largo or Atlantic City in the Winter?

Both Atlantic City and Key Largo during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Key Largo in the winter for the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Atlantic City for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Atlantic City can be very cold during winter. Key Largo is much warmer than Atlantic City in the winter. The daily temperature in Key Largo averages around 67°F (19°C) in January, and Atlantic City fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

It's quite sunny in Key Largo. In the winter, Key Largo often gets more sunshine than Atlantic City. Key Largo gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlantic City receives 146 hours of full sun.

Key Largo usually gets less rain in January than Atlantic City. Key Largo gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key Largo or Atlantic City in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Key Largo and Atlantic City. Most visitors come to Key Largo for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Atlantic City because of the beaches.

In the spring, Key Largo is much warmer than Atlantic City. Typically, the spring temperatures in Key Largo in April average around 74°F (24°C), and Atlantic City averages at about 51°F (10°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Atlantic City this time of the year. In Key Largo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Key Largo usually receives more sunshine than Atlantic City during spring. Key Largo gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Atlantic City receives 217 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Key Largo usually receives around the same amount of rain as Atlantic City. Key Largo gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Atlantic City and Key Largo