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

Should you visit Key Largo or Chattanooga?

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 Chattanooga 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.

Chattanooga

Chattanooga is a bustling, outdoorsy, and thriving city. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Key Largo and Chattanooga: 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
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Key Largo or Chattanooga?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Chattanooga. Although Key Largo and Chattanooga are popular destinations, Chattanooga has more sights and attractions for tourists. Chattanooga is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, hiking, and shopping, while Key Largo attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and quaint atmosphere. Key Largo is more touristy than Chattanooga 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. Chattanooga is famous for it's hikes, railways, and nearby natural areas. It is also well known for Rock City.

How is Key Largo different from Chattanooga?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Key Largo
Chattanooga

Chattanooga is a city 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 Chattanooga. It's a thriving city and there are a number of museums to explore. The Hunter Museum of American Art is great for art enthusiasts. There's also the Creative Discovery Museum, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, and the 6th Cavalry Museum, as well as several smaller museums that you can visit.

Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Key Largo
Chattanooga

Chattanooga 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.

Chattanooga is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are a growing number of restaurants that range from local dives to fine dining. Fried food is common, but you'll also find Mexican and classic hamburgers. Popular dishes that are local to the area include catfish, southern barbecue, and hush puppies.

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 Chattanooga Better for Nightlife?

Key Largo
Chattanooga

Chattanooga is a city 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 Chattanooga has a few options to choose from. You'll find plenty of bars and clubs around town. There are also a number of comedy and improv clubs that are fun to check out.

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 Chattanooga Better for Resorts?

Key Largo
Chattanooga

Key Largo is a great destination for its resorts. However, Chattanooga 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.

Chattanooga is not a resort destination.


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

Key Largo
Chattanooga

Key Largo is a great destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Chattanooga 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.

Chattanooga is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key Largo or Chattanooga Better for Beaches?

Key Largo
Chattanooga

Key Largo is a popular place for the beach. However, Chattanooga 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.

Chattanooga is not a beach destination.

Is Key Largo or Chattanooga Better for Hiking?

Key Largo
Chattanooga

Chattanooga is great for hiking. However, Key Largo is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Chattanooga for the hiking trails. It's proximity to the mountains means that you don't have to go far to find good hiking. Within a half hour of town there are more than 50 trailheads. Lookout Mountain and Signal Mountain are both hiking destinations. Several trails have swimming spots and many pass through nice forests or head to impressive viewpoints.

Key Largo is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Key Largo or Chattanooga?

Key Largo
Chattanooga

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

Chattanooga has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head downtown for local shops or to the larger malls if you want mainstream stores. Many visitors enjoy antiquing while they're in town, but there are also farmer's markets and thrift stores.

Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Key Largo or Chattanooga Better for Families?

Key Largo
Chattanooga

Key Largo is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Chattanooga 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.

Chattanooga offers lots of family activities. Many people enjoy a visit to the Tennessee Aquarium, which has a touch tank and a butterfly exhibit, among other things. Near downtown, Coolidge Park is a great place for kids to get their energy out. There's also the popular Lookout Mountain Incline Railway as well as many hiking trails in the area.

Is Key Largo or Chattanooga Better for Couples?

Key Largo
Chattanooga

Both Key Largo and Chattanooga 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.

Chattanooga is a nice destination for couples. Many couples enjoy staying at a local inn and then dining in a nice restaurant or visiting a winery. There's an eclectic art district to explore as well as horse drawn carriages and plenty of nearby hiking trails.


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

Key Largo
Chattanooga

Chattanooga is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Chattanooga. The city has a convenient and free electric shuttle service. It travels through the downtown and has stops at many points of interest such as the Chattanooga Choo Choo and the Tennessee Aquarium.

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 Chattanooga a more walkable city?

Key Largo
Chattanooga

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

Chattanooga is a very walkable destination. The city has put a lot of effort into improving its walkability. In particular, the downtown is nice to explore on foot.

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 Chattanooga Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chattanooga or Key Largo?

How long in Key Largo or Chattanooga?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Key Largo and Chattanooga. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Key Largo than in Chattanooga. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Key Largo, and 2-3 days is enough time in Chattanooga.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga.


  • How many days in Key Largo or Chattanooga? Ideal Length of Stay
    Key Largo 5-7 
    Chattanooga 2-3

One day in Key Largo or Chattanooga?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the peaceful 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 city of Chattanooga. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.


A weekend in Key Largo or Chattanooga?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the relaxed 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 outdoorsy destination of Chattanooga. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Chattanooga?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the relaxed 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 bustling city of Chattanooga. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Key Largo or Chattanooga?

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.

Chattanooga is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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, Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga is $182. 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 Chattanooga in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Key Largo $117
    Chattanooga $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Key Largo $234
    Chattanooga $184
Compare Hotels in Key Largo and Chattanooga

Looking for a hotel in Key Largo or Chattanooga? 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 Chattanooga


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 Chattanooga Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Key Largo $56
    Chattanooga $35

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chattanooga

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Chattanooga:


  • Chattanooga Zoo (for 2)
    $16

Is it cheaper to fly into Key Largo or Chattanooga?

Prices for flights to both Chattanooga 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
    Chattanooga $59

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chattanooga

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

  • MLK Walking Art History & Food Tour: $65
  • Historic Southside Food Tour in Chattanooga: $99
  • ChattaBrunch Food Tour: $99
  • Downtown Chattanooga Food Tour: $119

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Key Largo $27
    Chattanooga $52

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 Chattanooga

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

  • 2 Virtual Reality Simulator Bundle for Outdoor Experiences: $27
  • ChattaBOOga Ghost Walk Tour in Chattanooga: $23
  • Chattanooga "C-Block Prison Break" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $36
  • Chattanooga "Locker Room Lockdown: Mascot Rescue" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $34
  • Chattanooga "Secret Agent" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $34
  • Chattanooga "The Inheritance Mystery Room" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $36
  • Chattanooga "Vaccine: Search For The Zombie Cure" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $36
  • Chattanooga Ghosts of the Misty Mountains Walking Tour: $26
  • Chattanooga Guided Walking Tour: $23
  • A Spooky and Family-Friendly Walking Tour: $25
  • Adults-Only Haunted City Walking Tour: $35
  • City Trolley Tour with Coker Automotive Museum visit: $44

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Key Largo $24
    Chattanooga $24


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

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 Chattanooga Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Key Largo or Chattanooga?

Chattanooga has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Key Largo. When comparing the sizes of Key Largo and Chattanooga, 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 Chattanooga?

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 Chattanooga in the Summer?

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

Key Largo is around the same temperature as Chattanooga in the summer. The daily temperature in Key Largo averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Chattanooga fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chattanooga. 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 Chattanooga. Key Largo gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chattanooga receives 265 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Chattanooga. Key Largo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Key Largo usually gets more rain in July than Chattanooga. Key Largo gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Key Largo 82°F (28°C) 
    Chattanooga 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Key Largo or Chattanooga in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Key Largo is much warmer than Chattanooga. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Key Largo in October average around 78°F (26°C), and Chattanooga averages at about 63°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in Chattanooga. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key Largo. Key Largo usually receives more sunshine than Chattanooga during autumn. Key Largo gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga. Key Largo gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Key Largo 78°F (26°C) 
    Chattanooga 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Key Largo or Chattanooga in the Winter?

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

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

It's quite sunny in Key Largo. In the winter, Key Largo often gets more sunshine than Chattanooga. Key Largo gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chattanooga receives 145 hours of full sun.

Chattanooga gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Key Largo usually gets less rain in January than Chattanooga. Key Largo gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Key Largo or Chattanooga in the Spring?

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

Key Largo is a little warmer than Chattanooga in the spring. The daily temperature in Key Largo averages around 74°F (24°C) in April, and Chattanooga fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chattanooga this time of the year. In Key Largo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Key Largo usually receives more sunshine than Chattanooga during spring. Key Largo gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Chattanooga receives 243 hours of full sun in the spring.

Chattanooga receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Key Largo usually receives less rain than Chattanooga. Key Largo gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Key Largo 74°F (24°C) 
    Chattanooga 62°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for Chattanooga and Key Largo

Key Largo Chattanooga
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 67°F (19°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 40°F (5°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Feb 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm)
Mar 71°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 53°F (12°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Apr 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 62°F (17°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm)
May 78°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm) 70°F (21°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm) 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 81°F (27°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm) 80°F (27°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Oct 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 63°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Nov 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Dec 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm)