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

Should you visit Key Largo or Columbus?

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

Columbus

Columbus is a down-to-earth, authentic, and friendly city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Key Largo and Columbus: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key Largo or Columbus?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Key Largo than Columbus, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Key Largo is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and quaint atmosphere, while Columbus is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Key Largo is more touristy than Columbus and is 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. Also, Key Largo is famous for John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Columbus is well known for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene.

How is Key Largo different from Columbus?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Columbus 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 Columbus. Popular museums around town include the Center of Science and Technology, the Franklin Park Conservatory, the Columbus Museum of Art, and the Ohio History Center.

Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Key Largo and Columbus can be an enjoyable experience.

Key Largo may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. 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.

Columbus offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Hearty and heavy comfort food is the mainstay in this town. There's pizza, casseroles, sausage, and milkshakes around town.

Is Key Largo or Columbus Better for Nightlife?

Columbus 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 Columbus has a few options to choose from. The live music scene is growing. There are also a growing number of breweries around town.

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 Columbus Better for Resorts?

Key Largo is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Columbus 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.

Columbus is not a resort destination.

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

Key Largo is a very popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Columbus 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.

Columbus is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key Largo or Columbus Better for Beaches?

Key Largo is a popular place for its beaches. However, Columbus 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.

Columbus is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Key Largo or Columbus?

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

Columbus has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. In addition to the standard shopping malls and retail outlets, there are some interesting shops in the Short North Arts District, German Village, and Easton Town Center.

Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Key Largo or Columbus Better for Families?

Key Largo is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-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.

Columbus is a very kid-friendly island. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a highlight for many families. Right by it is the Zoombezi Bay Waterpark. For hands-on science-based activities check out the Center of Science and Industry. Kids will also love the Legoland Discovery Center or the Anthony-Thomas Candy Factory. There are also many outdoor parks, greenways, and playgrounds to visit.

Is Key Largo or Columbus Better for Couples?

Key Largo is a popular place for romance. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

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

Most people don't think of Columbus as a couple's destination. You'll find restaurants and music venues that make for a nice date night. There are also wine tours and other entertainment options.

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

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Columbus. While there's a bus system, you'll really want to have a vehicle to get around town efficiently.

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 Columbus a more walkable city?

Columbus is a city with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its walkability.

Columbus is a somewhat walkable city. The older neighborhoods are the most walkable, but if you want to get around town, you'll need to have 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 Columbus Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Columbus or Key Largo?

How long in Key Largo or Columbus?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Key Largo or Columbus to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Key Largo than Columbus because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Key Largo, and 1-2 days is enough time in Columbus.

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

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

One day in Key Largo or Columbus?

The island of Key Largo offers scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

A weekend in Key Largo or Columbus?

Key Largo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the friendly destination of Columbus. 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 Columbus?

Key Largo is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Key Largo, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the down-to-earth city of Columbus. 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 Columbus?

Key Largo is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Key Largo has to offer. This island offers something for everyone.

Columbus 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.

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

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 Columbus Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Key Largo or Columbus?

Columbus has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Key Largo. When comparing the sizes of Key Largo and Columbus, 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 Columbus?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Key Largo or Columbus in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Key Largo and Columbus. Many travelers come to Key Largo for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Columbus in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Key Largo is a little warmer than Columbus. Typically, the summer temperatures in Key Largo in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Columbus averages at about 77°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Columbus this time of the year. In Key Largo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Key Largo usually receives more sunshine than Columbus during summer. Key Largo gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Columbus receives 254 hours of full sun in the summer.

Columbus receives a lot of rain in the summer. Key Largo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Key Largo usually receives more rain than Columbus. Key Largo gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Key Largo or Columbus in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Key Largo as well as Columbus. Additionally, most visitors come to Columbus for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Key Largo is generally much warmer than Columbus. Daily temperatures in Key Largo average around 78°F (26°C), and Columbus fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key Largo this time of the year. In the autumn, Key Largo often gets more sunshine than Columbus. Key Largo gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbus receives 179 hours of full sun.

Key Largo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Key Largo usually gets more rain in October than Columbus. Key Largo gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key Largo or Columbus in the Winter?

Both Columbus and Key Largo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Key Largo for the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Columbus because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Columbus can be very cold. Key Largo is much warmer than Columbus in the winter. The daily temperature in Key Largo averages around 67°F (19°C) in January, and Columbus fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key Largo. Key Largo usually receives more sunshine than Columbus during winter. Key Largo gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Columbus receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Key Largo usually receives around the same amount of rain as Columbus. Key Largo gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Key Largo or Columbus in the Spring?

Both Columbus and Key Largo during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Key Largo because of the beaches.

In the spring, Key Largo is much warmer than Columbus. Typically, the spring temperatures in Key Largo in April average around 74°F (24°C), and Columbus averages at about 54°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Key Largo. In the spring, Key Largo often gets more sunshine than Columbus. Key Largo gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbus receives 200 hours of full sun.

Key Largo usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Columbus. Key Largo gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Columbus and Key Largo