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

Should you visit Key Largo or Dallas?

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 Dallas 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 beautiful, relaxed, and peaceful island. It's a quaint destination. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling and beaches.

Dallas

Dallas is a chic, active, and upscale city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Key Largo and Dallas: 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 food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Key Largo or Dallas?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dallas. Although Key Largo and Dallas are both popular with visitors, Dallas has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Dallas is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Key Largo is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and quaint atmosphere. Key Largo is more touristy than Dallas 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. Dallas is popular for its Tex Mex cuisine, upscale shopping venues, and cowboy culture. It is also home to the Sixth Floor Museum.

How is Key Largo different from Dallas?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Key Largo
Dallas

Dallas 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 Dallas. Museums range from historical to art and science with some of the favorites being the Dallas Contemporary Museum, the African American Museum, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Frontiers of Flight Museum. The city is also home to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and the Nasher Sculpture Center. A must-see is the Sixth Floor Museum, which is in historic Dealey Plaza and is where Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots that killed JFK. Today there's a museum that goes over the events of that day.

Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Key Largo
Dallas

Dallas is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Dallas has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a perfect combination of Texas cuisine and international flavors. You'll find Texas barbecue, Tex Mex, and steakhouses intermixed with Thai, Japanese, and Caribbean cuisine. There's also a great food truck scene and many local eateries.

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 Dallas Better for Nightlife?

Key Largo
Dallas

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

Many people head to Dallas for the nightlife scene. Head to East Dallas for the most active clubs with large dance floors and great music. The city also has rooftop lounges and plenty of live music as well as comedy clubs.

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 Dallas Better for Resorts?

Key Largo
Dallas

Key Largo is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Dallas is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Key Largo. Popular resorts in the area include Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, Reefhouse Resort & Marina, and Largo Resort.

Dallas is not a resort destination.


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

Key Largo
Dallas

Key Largo is a well-known place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Dallas is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in 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.

Dallas is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key Largo or Dallas Better for Beaches?

Key Largo
Dallas

Key Largo is very good for the beache. However, Dallas is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Key Largo to enjoy the beach. 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.

Dallas is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Key Largo or Dallas?

Key Largo
Dallas

Dallas is great for its shopping areas. However, Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Dallas. You'll find a very diverse shopping scene around town, with everything from quirky local vendors to upscale fashion boutiques. There are cowboy outfitters where you can get a feel for the Texas style, but there are also posh shopping centers and local flea markets.

Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Key Largo or Dallas Better for Families?

Key Largo
Dallas

Key Largo is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Dallas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Key Largo is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Dallas. The city is filled with families, and you'll find many kid-friendly activities around town. For some outdoor time you can visit the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden or the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The Dallas Zoo is a favorite for many kids and there are also a number of kid-friendly museums around town such as the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Dallas World Aquarium.

Is Key Largo or Dallas Better for Couples?

Key Largo
Dallas

Dallas is great for couples. Also, Key Largo is not as popular, but is still a nice island for romance.

Dallas is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Head to the observation deck at Reunion Tower for spectacular views of the night skyline. The city also has many great comedy clubs and performing arts venues as well as fine dining restaurants that make for a great date night.

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.

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

Key Largo
Dallas

Dallas 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 Dallas offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. While it's still very much a car-centered city, the public transportation system, DART, is one of the fastest growing in the country. It includes both light rail and bus service.

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 Dallas a more walkable city?

Key Largo
Dallas

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

Dallas is generally not a very walkable city. The city is not particularly walkable, but there are several more walkable areas such as Ellum and Uptown.

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 Dallas Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dallas or Key Largo?

How long in Key Largo or Dallas?

It's fun to spend time in either Key Largo or Dallas. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Key Largo due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Key Largo, and 2-4 days is enough time in Dallas.

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

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


  • How many days in Key Largo or Dallas? Ideal Length of Stay
    Key Largo 5-7 
    Dallas 2-4

One day in Key Largo or Dallas?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Key Largo. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Dallas. 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 Dallas?

Key Largo is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the upscale destination of Dallas. 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 Dallas?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Key Largo. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the upscale city of Dallas. 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 Dallas?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the beautiful destination of Key Largo. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Dallas 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, Dallas 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 Dallas is $141. 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 Dallas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Key Largo $117
    Dallas $84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Key Largo $234
    Dallas $168
Compare Hotels in Key Largo and Dallas

Looking for a hotel in Key Largo or Dallas? 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 Dallas


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 Dallas Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Key Largo $56
    Dallas $28

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dallas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dallas:

  • Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW): Transfer to Dallas: $203
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private Minivan Dallas Airport (DFW) - Dallas City Center: $138
  • Arrival Private Transfer Dallas Airport DAL to Fort Worth by Luxury Vehicle: $135
  • Private Transfer from Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas in Luxury Van: $126
  • Private Transfer from Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas in Luxury SUV: $126
  • Departure Private Transfer: Dallas to Dallas Airport DFW in Luxury SUV: $126
  • RoundtripTransfer Executive Private Car Dallas Airport (DFW) -Dallas City Center: $120
  • Private Transfer Fort Worth Airport DFW to Downtown Fort Worth by Luxury Vehicle: $109
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas in Business Car: $105
  • Private Transfer from Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas in Business Car: $104
  • Private Transfer from Dallas to Dallas Airport DFW in Business Car: $101
  • Private Transfer Downtown Dallas to Fort Worth Airport DFW Luxury Vehicle: $92

Is it cheaper to fly into Key Largo or Dallas?

Prices for flights to both Dallas 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
    Dallas $35

Typical Food Prices in Dallas

Some typical examples of dining costs in Dallas are as follows:


  • Cowboys Stadium Tour (for 2)
    $55
  • Whataburger Lunch (family of 4)
    $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dallas

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

  • West Village Happy Hour Food Tour: $39
  • Dallas Secret Food Tour: $97
  • Secret Food Tour of Dallas with Private Tour Option: $99

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Key Largo $27
    Dallas $13

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 Dallas

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dallas are as follows:

  • 2 Hour Dallas Night Sightseeing E-Scooter Tour: $90
  • Private Walking Tour of Dealey Plaza Assassination of JFK: $135
  • 1-Hour JFK Assassination Walking Tour: $28
  • 1-Hour JFK Assassination Walking Tour : $28
  • 2-Hour Historic Dallas Segway Tour: $79
  • 3-Hour Ropes Course & Zip Line Adventure : $60
  • 3hr Dallas Cowboys Stadium Small Group Tour with Transportation: $108
  • Combination Southfork Ranch and Dallas/JFK Highlights Tour: $145
  • Dallas Highlights Tour: $205
  • Dallas Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate: $114
  • Dallas Terrors Ghost Tour By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Dallas and Cowboys Stadium Combo Tour: $153

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Key Largo $24
    Dallas $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Dallas

Also in Dallas, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Party Bike Pub Crawl in Deep Ellum and Downtown Dallas: $55
  • Dallas Party Bike Pub Crawl in Deep Ellum: $55


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

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 Dallas Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Key Largo or Dallas?

Dallas has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Key Largo. When comparing the sizes of Key Largo and Dallas, 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 Dallas?

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 Dallas in the Summer?

Both Dallas and Key Largo during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Key Largo in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Dallas for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Key Largo is generally around the same temperature as Dallas. Daily temperatures in Key Largo average around 82°F (28°C), and Dallas fluctuates around 88°F (31°C).

In Dallas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Key Largo. In the summer, Key Largo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dallas. Key Largo gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dallas receives 337 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Key Largo. Key Largo usually gets more rain in July than Dallas. Key Largo gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Key Largo 82°F (28°C) 
    Dallas 88°F (31°C)

Should I visit Key Largo or Dallas in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Key Largo and Dallas. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Dallas because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Key Largo is a little warmer than Dallas in the autumn. The daily temperature in Key Largo averages around 78°F (26°C) in October, and Dallas fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dallas this time of the year. In Key Largo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Key Largo usually receives more sunshine than Dallas during autumn. Key Largo gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Dallas receives 222 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Key Largo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Key Largo usually receives more rain than Dallas. Key Largo gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Key Largo 78°F (26°C) 
    Dallas 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit Key Largo or Dallas in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Key Largo as well as Dallas. The winter months attract visitors to Key Largo because of the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Dallas this time of year.

In the winter, Key Largo is much warmer than Dallas. Typically, the winter temperatures in Key Largo in January average around 67°F (19°C), and Dallas averages at about 46°F (8°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key Largo this time of the year. In the winter, Key Largo often gets more sunshine than Dallas. Key Largo gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dallas receives 183 hours of full sun.

Key Largo usually gets more rain in January than Dallas. Key Largo gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Key Largo 67°F (19°C) 
    Dallas 46°F (8°C)

Should I visit Key Largo or Dallas in the Spring?

Both Dallas and Key Largo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches are the main draw to Key Largo this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Dallas for the activities around the city.

In April, Key Largo is generally a little warmer than Dallas. Daily temperatures in Key Largo average around 74°F (24°C), and Dallas fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Dallas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key Largo. Key Largo usually receives more sunshine than Dallas during spring. Key Largo gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Dallas receives 251 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Key Largo usually receives less rain than Dallas. Key Largo gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Key Largo 74°F (24°C) 
    Dallas 68°F (20°C)

Typical Weather for Dallas and Key Largo

Key Largo Dallas
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 67°F (19°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 46°F (8°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Feb 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm)
Mar 71°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 60°F (15°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Apr 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
May 78°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm) 76°F (24°C) 5 inches (128 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm) 83°F (29°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 88°F (31°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm) 87°F (31°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm) 80°F (27°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Oct 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Nov 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 59°F (15°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
Dec 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 50°F (10°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)