A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Key Largo vs. Chapel Hill for Families, Nightlife, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Key Largo or Chapel Hill?

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 Chapel Hill 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. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling and beaches.

Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill is a student-oriented, collegiate, and southern town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Key Largo and Chapel Hill: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Key Largo or Chapel Hill?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Chapel Hill. Although Key Largo and Chapel Hill are popular destinations, Chapel Hill has more sights and attractions for tourists. Chapel Hill is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Key Largo attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and quaint atmosphere. Key Largo is more touristy than Chapel Hill and is popular for its snorkeling and scuba diving including that around John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the artificial reef around the USS Spiegel Grove. Chapel Hill is famous for being the home of the oldest public university in the United States. It is also well known for the University of North Carolina.

How is Key Largo different from Chapel Hill?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill?

Key Largo
Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill is great for its historical sights. However, Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Chapel Hill. Many of the museums are affiliated with UNC. A highlight of many trips is a visit to the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center. Hours can vary, so check the schedule ahead of time. Also worth visiting are the Ackland Art Museum and the Carolina Basketball Museum.

Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Key Largo
Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill is a town with good options for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Chapel Hill is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Students often eat on Franklin Street, which has a diverse mix of casual and slightly nicer restaurants. You'll find Indian food, Mediterranean, Italian, and Greek. The city also has excellent barbecue and other southern favorites.

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 Chapel Hill Better for Nightlife?

Key Largo
Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill is great for its evening party scene. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Chapel Hill for the nightlife scene. Most of the nightlife is centered around the student population. Franklin Street has a number of bars where students hang out. There are also parties hosted by fraternities and sororities. Things are quieter during the summer months when students are mostly gone.

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 Chapel Hill Better for Resorts?

Key Largo
Chapel Hill

Key Largo is well known for its resorts. However, Chapel Hill is not a resort destination.

Key Largo is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Popular resorts in the area include Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, Reefhouse Resort & Marina, and Largo Resort.

Chapel Hill is not a resort destination.


Is Key Largo or Chapel Hill Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Key Largo
Chapel Hill

Key Largo is well known for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Chapel Hill is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting 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.

Chapel Hill is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key Largo or Chapel Hill Better for Beaches?

Key Largo
Chapel Hill

Key Largo is a popular place for the beach. However, Chapel Hill is not a beach destination.

Key Largo is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Chapel Hill is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Key Largo or Chapel Hill?

Key Largo
Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill is a town with good options for its shopping areas. However, Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Chapel Hill has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a mix of local shops, larger shopping centers, and suburban malls. There are also weekly farmer's markets that are fun to check out.

Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Key Largo or Chapel Hill Better for Families?

Key Largo
Chapel Hill

Key Largo is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Chapel Hill is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Key Largo is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Chapel Hill offers lots of family activities. You can wander around the UNC campus or visit one of the museums affiliated with the school. This includes a planetarium that has regular shows and movies (The Morehead Planetarium and Science Center). There are also science exhibits geared specifically towards kids.

Is Key Largo or Chapel Hill Better for Couples?

Key Largo
Chapel Hill

Both Key Largo and Chapel Hill are nice 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.

Chapel Hill is a nice destination for couples. There's an eclectic mix of restaurants on Franklin Street. Couples will also enjoy exploring the campus at UNC, visiting the botanical garden, or checking out one of the town's museums.

Is Key Largo or Chapel Hill Better for Students?

Key Largo
Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Key Largo is not popular with students.

Chapel Hill is a very popular town for students. It's a quintessential college town. UNC has a nice campus and Franklin Street is the main spot for restaurants and shopping. Most of the students live near or on campus, but once you head further out things get more suburban.

Key Largo is not popular with students.


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

Key Largo
Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill is a town 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 Chapel Hill offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are bus routes that operate between Chapel Hill and Carrboro.

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 Chapel Hill a more walkable city?

Key Largo
Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill is a town with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its walkability.

Chapel Hill is a somewhat walkable town. The area around UNC is the most walkable part of town. Elsewhere things are very suburban and you'll need a car.

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 Chapel Hill Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chapel Hill or Key Largo?

How long in Key Largo or Chapel Hill?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill.


  • How many days in Key Largo or Chapel Hill? Ideal Length of Stay
    Key Largo 5-7 
    Chapel Hill 1-3

One day in Key Largo or Chapel Hill?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the beautiful island of Key Largo. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Chapel Hill. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Chapel Hill has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A weekend in Key Largo or Chapel Hill?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the peaceful destination of Key Largo. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This island offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the southern destination of Chapel Hill. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Key Largo or Chapel Hill?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the peaceful island of Key Largo. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the collegiate town of Chapel Hill. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Key Largo or Chapel Hill?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Key Largo. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this island.

Chapel Hill is a popular choice for travelers. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Chapel Hill or Key Largo?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Key Largo is $212, while the average daily cost in Chapel Hill is $164. 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 Key Largo and Chapel Hill in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Key Largo $117
    Chapel Hill $95
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Key Largo $234
    Chapel Hill $190
Compare Hotels in Key Largo and Chapel Hill

Looking for a hotel in Key Largo or Chapel Hill? 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 Key Largo


Hotels in Chapel Hill


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 Largo Hotel Prices and Chapel Hill Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Key Largo $56
    Chapel Hill $34

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 Key Largo or Chapel Hill?

Prices for flights to both Chapel Hill and Key Largo 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
    Key Largo $60
    Chapel Hill $49

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Key Largo $27
    Chapel Hill $17

Tours and Activities in Key Largo

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

  • Florida Key West Self-Driving Tour (Overseas Highway, 7 Mile Bridge): $17
  • Sunset Pontoon Boat Tour Around Key Largo: $36
  • Ultimate Florida Self Guided Driving Audio Tour Bundle: $40
  • Key Largo Coral Reef Glass Bottom Boat Adventure : $45
  • Small Group Florida Keys Eco Tour by Boat: $60
  • Sunset Cruise on the Florida Bay: $60
  • Mangroves and Manatees - Guided Kayak Eco Tour: $65
  • Key Largo Boat Charter Day Tour: $65
  • Key Largo Bay Sunset Tour: $66
  • Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Adventure in Key Largo: $68
  • 1.5 Hour Bay Side Key Largo Sunset Cruise on a Spacious Catamaran: $69
  • Key Largo Snorkeling Tour - rental mask, fins and vest INCLUDED: $70

Tours and Activities in Chapel Hill

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

  • 8 Hours Private Crystal Coast Sightseeing in North Carolina: $275
  • Carolina History & Haunts Greensboro Historical Ghost Tour: $20
  • Chapel Hill Historic Churches Tour: $16
  • Chapel Hill, NC: Murder Mystery Detective Experience: $15
  • Coastal Excursion/Sunset Cruise/Sand Dollars/Sea Shells/Horses: $225
  • Morning Aerial Adventure Adult Course from Riegelwood: $55
  • Raleigh Guided E-Bike Tour: Burgers, Brews, and History too: $107
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Greensboro by Zombie Scavengers: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Key Largo $24
    Chapel Hill $40

Sample the Local Flavors in Chapel Hill

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Chapel Hill:

  • Wacky Fayetteville Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12


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

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 Chapel Hill Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Key Largo or Chapel Hill?

Chapel Hill has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Key Largo. When comparing the sizes of Key Largo and Chapel Hill, 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 Chapel Hill?

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 Chapel Hill in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Key Largo as well as Chapel Hill. Many travelers come to Key Largo for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Chapel Hill in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Key Largo is around the same temperature as Chapel Hill in the summer. The daily temperature in Key Largo averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Chapel Hill fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chapel Hill. 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 Chapel Hill. Key Largo gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chapel Hill receives 259 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Chapel Hill. Key Largo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Key Largo usually gets more rain in July than Chapel Hill. Key Largo gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Chapel Hill receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Key Largo 82°F (28°C) 
    Chapel Hill 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Key Largo or Chapel Hill in the Autumn?

Both Chapel Hill and Key Largo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Chapel Hill for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Key Largo is much warmer than Chapel Hill. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Key Largo in October average around 78°F (26°C), and Chapel Hill averages at about 61°F (16°C).

It's quite sunny in Chapel Hill. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key Largo. Key Largo usually receives more sunshine than Chapel Hill during autumn. Key Largo gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Chapel Hill receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Key Largo. In October, Key Largo usually receives more rain than Chapel Hill. Key Largo gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Chapel Hill receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Key Largo 78°F (26°C) 
    Chapel Hill 61°F (16°C)

Should I visit Key Largo or Chapel Hill in the Winter?

Both Chapel Hill and Key Largo during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Key Largo for the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Chapel Hill because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Chapel Hill can be very cold. In January, Key Largo is generally much warmer than Chapel Hill. Daily temperatures in Key Largo average around 67°F (19°C), and Chapel Hill fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

It's quite sunny in Key Largo. In the winter, Key Largo often gets more sunshine than Chapel Hill. Key Largo gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chapel Hill receives 162 hours of full sun.

Key Largo usually gets less rain in January than Chapel Hill. Key Largo gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Chapel Hill receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Key Largo 67°F (19°C) 
    Chapel Hill 40°F (5°C)

Should I visit Key Largo or Chapel Hill in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Key Largo and Chapel Hill. The spring months attract visitors to Key Largo because of the beaches.

Key Largo is a little warmer than Chapel Hill in the spring. The daily temperature in Key Largo averages around 74°F (24°C) in April, and Chapel Hill fluctuates around 60°F (16°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chapel Hill this time of the year. In Key Largo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Key Largo usually receives more sunshine than Chapel Hill during spring. Key Largo gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Chapel Hill receives 251 hours of full sun in the spring.

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Key Largo 74°F (24°C) 
    Chapel Hill 60°F (16°C)

Typical Weather for Chapel Hill and Key Largo

Key Largo Chapel Hill
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 67°F (19°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 40°F (5°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Feb 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Mar 71°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Apr 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 60°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
May 78°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm) 76°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 79°F (26°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm) 78°F (26°C) 4.9 inches (125 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Oct 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 61°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Nov 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 53°F (11°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Dec 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)