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

Should you visit Key Largo or Durham?

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 Durham 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. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling and beaches.

Durham

Durham is a diverse, student-filled, and sports oriented city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Key Largo and Durham: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key Largo or Durham?

Both Durham and Key Largo have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Key Largo is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and quaint atmosphere, while Durham attracts visitors for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping. Key Largo is more touristy than Durham 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. Durham is famous for its college town vibe as well as being the home of the famous Blue Devil basketball team.

How is Key Largo different from Durham?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Durham 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 Durham. Duke University is one of the most popular destinations in town. There are several museums on campus as well as the famous Duke Chapel. Elsewhere in Durham there's the Durham Museum of Life and Science.

Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Durham 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.

Durham is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Barbecue is a favorite around town. You'll also find plenty of restaurants that cater to the student population, particularly along Nineth Street near Duke's campus.

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 Durham Better for Nightlife?

Durham 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 Durham has a few options to choose from. The younger population tends to hang out near campus and along Nineth Street. If you're looking for something less student oriented, head to downtown Durham.

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 Durham Better for Resorts?

Key Largo is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Durham 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.

Durham is not a resort destination.

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

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

Durham is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key Largo or Durham Better for Beaches?

Key Largo is very good for the beach. However, Durham 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.

Durham is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Key Largo or Durham?

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

Durham has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The Streets of Southpoint is the best mall in the area. Other shopping areas include Brightleaf Square and Nineth Street.

Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Key Largo or Durham Better for Families?

Key Largo is an amazing island to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Durham 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.

Durham is a family-friendly island. A highlight for kids is a visit to the Durham Museum of Life and Science. It has both an indoor and an outdoor section and brings science to life for families. There's also an impressive playground and climbing area. Other activities in town include the Notasium and Eno River State Park. If you plan ahead you could also organize a trip to the Duke Lemur Center.

Is Key Largo or Durham Better for Couples?

Both Key Largo and Durham 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.

Durham is a nice destination for couples. Have a picnic at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens or spend the day hiking at Eno River State Park. In the evening there's a wonderful selection of restaurants around town. Then you can check out a show at the Durham Performing Arts Center or see a Durham Bulls game.

Is Key Largo or Durham Better for Students?

Durham is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Key Largo is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Durham. Duke University has a stunning campus with a world class garden. There's also nearby Nineth Street, which has shops, restaurants, and bars that are geared toward the student population.

Key Largo is not popular with students.

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

Durham 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 Durham. There are buses around town, but you really need a car to explore the area.

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 Durham a more walkable city?

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

Durham is generally not a very walkable city. Downtown Durham and a few areas near Duke University are the most walkable areas.

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 Durham Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Durham or Key Largo?

How long in Key Largo or Durham?

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

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

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

One day in Key Largo or Durham?

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 Durham. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Durham has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Key Largo or Durham?

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 sports oriented destination of Durham. 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 Durham?

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 student-filled city of Durham. 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 Durham?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the relaxed 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.

Durham 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 Durham, we can see that Key Largo is more expensive. And not only is Durham much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Durham would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Durham 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 Durham.

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 Durham Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Key Largo or Durham?

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

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 Durham in the Summer?

Both Durham 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 Durham for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

In Durham, 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 Durham. Key Largo gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Durham receives 259 hours of full sun.

Durham 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 Durham. Key Largo gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Durham receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key Largo or Durham in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Key Largo and Durham. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Durham because of the shopping scene.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Durham this time of the year. In Key Largo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Key Largo usually receives more sunshine than Durham during autumn. Key Largo gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Durham 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 Durham. Key Largo gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Durham receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Key Largo or Durham in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Key Largo as well as Durham. 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 Durham this time of year.

It's quite cold in Durham in the winter. In January, Key Largo is generally much warmer than Durham. Daily temperatures in Key Largo average around 67°F (19°C), and Durham fluctuates around 40°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 Durham. Key Largo gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Durham receives 162 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Key Largo or Durham in the Spring?

Both Durham 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.

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

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

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

Typical Weather for Durham and Key Largo