A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Key Largo vs. Duck for Beaches, Families, Resorts, and Couples

Should you visit Key Largo or Duck?

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 Duck 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. It's also known for scuba diving and snorkeling and beaches.

Duck

Duck is a traditional, compact, and charming beach town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and beaches.

Key Largo and Duck: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less attractive beach
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Key Largo or Duck?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Duck than Key Largo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Duck is better known for its museums, food, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Key Largo is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and quaint atmosphere. Key Largo is well known for its snorkeling and scuba diving including that around John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the artificial reef around the USS Spiegel Grove. Duck is well known for its quaint atmosphere and small town charm. Also, Duck is famous for the wide sandy beach.

How is Key Largo different from Duck?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Key Largo
Duck

Duck is mediocre for its historical sights. However, Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Duck. Hanging out at the beach and enjoy water sports or outdoor activities are the main draw of this town. You won't find much in the form of museums or indoor activities.

Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Key Largo
Duck

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

Duck is becoming an appealing option for foodies. For such a small town, there's a decent selection of restaurants that range from local seafood eateries to pizza delivery. Homemade ice cream is a favorite in the area, but you also can't skip out on the flagship Duck Donuts store.

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 Duck Better for Nightlife?

Key Largo
Duck

The vibe at night is respectable in both Key Largo and Duck.

Key Largo doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. This area is not known for its nightlife, so you'll need to head further south if partying is your style.

Most people don't head to Duck specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's known as a family-friendly destination that isn't often associated with a strong nightlife, but there is often live music and other festivals during the summer months.

Is Key Largo or Duck Better for Resorts?

Key Largo
Duck

Key Largo is a well-known place for its resorts. Also, Duck is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its luxury resorts.

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.

With a selection of resorts, Duck makes a nice vacation spot. Most of the accommodation around town is in the form of vacation beach rental houses that are perfect for family gatherings or larger groups.


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

Key Largo
Duck

Key Largo is a well-known place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Duck 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.

Duck is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key Largo or Duck Better for Beaches?

Key Largo
Duck

Duck is an unbeatable place for the beach. Also, Key Largo is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its beaches.

Duck is considered to be a world-class beach destination. Long sandy beaches with great surf and a wonderful boardwalk make this a great beach destination. Kids play in the tidal pools and families relax under their beach umbrellas in a classic beach setting.

Key Largo offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Is Key Largo or Duck Better for Hiking?

Key Largo
Duck

Duck is a beach town with good options for hiking. However, Key Largo is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Duck. The Duck Trail runs for six miles and passes through town. It's popular with walkers, cyclists, and inline skaters.

Key Largo is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Key Largo or Duck?

Key Largo
Duck

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Duck. Head to the Waterfront Shops for some of the town's best shopping. You can wander along the boardwalk and check out the independent vendors and local restaurants.

Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Key Largo or Duck Better for Families?

Key Largo
Duck

Key Largo is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Duck is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Duck is very family-friendly. Kid-friendly beaches, local ice cream joints, and the famed Duck Donuts all make this an ideal kid's beach destination. There's a waterpark nearby and plenty of water sports that the whole family can enjoy. The boardwalk is also a very family-friendly environment.

Is Key Largo or Duck Better for Couples?

Key Largo
Duck

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

Duck is a great beach town if you're traveling as a couple. It's a charming beach town with great local restaurants and a beautiful and peaceful setting. For couples who want to enjoy a relaxing beach town without the energy of a larger destination, then this is the perfect place. Much of the accommodation is in the form of rental houses, which can be a bit much for a couple, but the setting is perfect for a weekend escape.

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 Duck Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Key Largo
Duck

Duck 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 Duck. It's best to have a car if you want to exploring the Outer Banks and its many activities.

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 Duck a more walkable city?

Key Largo
Duck

Duck is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its walkability.

Duck is a very easy beach town to get around on foot. It's a wonderfully walkable and pedestrian-friendly town with a great boardwalk and many walking and cycling paths.

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 Duck Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Duck or Key Largo?

How long in Key Largo or Duck?

Both Key Largo and Duck have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Duck has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Duck than Key Largo. However, 5-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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


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

One day in Key Largo or Duck?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Key Largo. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Even though Duck is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Duck?

Key Largo is a fun place to experience. 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 a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Duck is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This beach town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Key Largo or Duck?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the beautiful destination of Key Largo. This island offers something for everyone. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Duck is a small town with plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this beach town makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this beach town has to offer.

A week in Key Largo or Duck?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the family-friendly island of Key Largo. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Duck is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Duck, one week is sufficent for most. 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, Duck 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 Duck is $188. 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 Duck in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Key Largo $117
    Duck $107
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Key Largo $234
    Duck $214
Compare Hotels in Key Largo and Duck

Looking for a hotel in Key Largo or Duck? 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 Duck


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Key Largo $56
    Duck $66

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 Duck?

Prices for flights to both Duck 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
    Duck $45

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Key Largo $27
    Duck $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
  • Sunset Cruise on the Florida Bay: $60
  • Small Group Florida Keys Eco Tour by Boat: $60
  • Key Largo Boat Charter Day Tour: $65
  • Mangroves and Manatees - Guided Kayak Eco Tour: $65
  • Key Largo Bay Sunset Tour: $66
  • Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Adventure in Key Largo: $68
  • Key Largo Snorkeling Tour - rental mask, fins and vest INCLUDED: $68
  • 1.5 Hour Bay Side Key Largo Sunset Cruise on a Spacious Catamaran: $69

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Key Largo $24
    Duck $45


When comparing the travel costs between Key Largo and Duck, we can see that Key Largo is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Duck Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Key Largo or Duck?

Key Largo has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Duck. When comparing the sizes of Key Largo and Duck, 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 Duck?

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 Duck in the Summer?

Both Duck and Key Largo during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Key Largo for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Duck in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Key Largo is around the same temperature as Duck. Typically, the summer temperatures in Key Largo in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Duck averages at about 78°F (26°C).

In Duck, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Key Largo. In the summer, Key Largo often gets more sunshine than Duck. Key Largo gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Duck receives 279 hours of full sun.

Duck gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Key Largo. Key Largo usually gets more rain in July than Duck. Key Largo gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Duck receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Key Largo 82°F (28°C) 
    Duck 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Key Largo or Duck in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Key Largo and Duck. Furthermore, most visitors come to Duck for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Key Largo is generally much warmer than Duck. Daily temperatures in Key Largo average around 78°F (26°C), and Duck fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Duck this time of the year. In Key Largo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Key Largo usually receives more sunshine than Duck during autumn. Key Largo gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Duck receives 211 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 Duck. Key Largo gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Duck receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Key Largo 78°F (26°C) 
    Duck 62°F (16°C)

Should I visit Key Largo or Duck in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Key Largo as well as Duck. Most visitors come to Key Largo for the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Duck because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

The weather in Duck can be very cold. Key Largo is much warmer than Duck in the winter. The daily temperature in Key Largo averages around 67°F (19°C) in January, and Duck fluctuates around 41°F (5°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 Duck. Key Largo gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Duck receives 168 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Duck. Key Largo usually gets less rain in January than Duck. Key Largo gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Duck receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Key Largo 67°F (19°C) 
    Duck 41°F (5°C)

Should I visit Key Largo or Duck in the Spring?

Both Duck and Key Largo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Key Largo because of the beaches. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Duck this time of year.

In the spring, Key Largo is much warmer than Duck. Typically, the spring temperatures in Key Largo in April average around 74°F (24°C), and Duck averages at about 59°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in Duck. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key Largo. Key Largo usually receives more sunshine than Duck during spring. Key Largo gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Duck receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Key Largo usually receives around the same amount of rain as Duck. Key Largo gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Duck receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Key Largo 74°F (24°C) 
    Duck 59°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Duck and Key Largo

Key Largo Duck
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 67°F (19°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 41°F (5°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Feb 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Mar 71°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Apr 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
May 78°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm) 67°F (19°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm) 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 78°F (26°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm) 78°F (25°C) 5 inches (127 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm)
Oct 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 62°F (16°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Nov 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Dec 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)