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

Should you visit Key Largo or Houston?

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 Houston 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. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling and beaches.

Houston

Houston is a diverse, sprawling, and southern city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the nightlife, live music, and food.

Key Largo and Houston: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Key Largo or Houston?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Houston. Although Key Largo and Houston are both popular with visitors, Houston has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Houston is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, 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 Houston 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. Houston is popular for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA. It is also home to The Space Center Houston.

How is Key Largo different from Houston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Key Largo
Houston

Houston 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 Houston. Head to Houston's Museum District to explore 19 different museums in a walkable area. A highlight of a trip to the city is a visit to the Space Center, but other popular museums include the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Houston Children's Museum.

Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Key Largo
Houston

Houston 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.

Houston is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The city is famous for its Texas barbecue, Mexican food, and a wide diversity of other different ethnic foods. It's a surprisingly diverse city and this is reflected in the restaurant selection around town.

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 Houston Better for Nightlife?

Key Largo
Houston

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

Many people head to Houston for the nightlife scene. The nightlife is at its best on weekends when bars, dance clubs, and concert halls come to life. There are a diversity of venues around town including dance clubs, Honky Tonks, and cocktail bars. Some of the most active nightlife areas are Downtown, Midtown, Montrose, Washington Avenue, and Rice Village.

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 Houston Better for Music?

Key Largo
Houston

Houston is a city with good options for its music scene. However, Key Largo is not a live music destination.

You'll find some good live music in Houston. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.

Key Largo is not a live music destination.


Is Key Largo or Houston Better for Resorts?

Key Largo
Houston

Key Largo is well known for its resorts. However, Houston is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Key Largo to choose from. Popular resorts in the area include Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, Reefhouse Resort & Marina, and Largo Resort.

Houston is not a resort destination.

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

Key Largo
Houston

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

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near 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.

Houston is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key Largo or Houston Better for Beaches?

Key Largo
Houston

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

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.

Houston is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Key Largo or Houston?

Key Largo
Houston

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

Houston has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of upscale malls and shopping centers that have brand names, chain stores, and the occasional local shop where you can pick up items.

Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Key Largo or Houston Better for Families?

Key Largo
Houston

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

With a huge array of activities for kids, Key Largo is very family-friendly. 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 Houston. It is a large city with plenty of things that kids can enjoy including museums, theaters, a zoo, and even the Space Center. The Children's Museum of Houston is perfect for a rainy day. For science loving kids there's the Health Museum and the Museum of Natural Science. Houston also has a Six Flags nearby which the whole family can enjoy.

Is Key Largo or Houston Better for Couples?

Key Largo
Houston

Both Key Largo and Houston are good 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.

Houston is a nice destination for couples. There's a surprising diversity of restaurants around the city. There are also performing arts productions and many outdoor parks and gardens.


Is Key Largo or Houston Better for Students?

Key Largo
Houston

Houston is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Key Largo is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Houston. It's a large city with a number of universities and a large student population.

Key Largo is not popular with students.

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

Key Largo
Houston

Houston 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 Houston. The system includes buses and a limited light rail. Houston is known as a car-centric city and you really need a car to fully experience it.

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 Houston a more walkable city?

Key Largo
Houston

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

Houston is generally not a very walkable city. The most walkable neighborhood is the historic Houston Heights, but most parts of the city aren't very walkable.

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 Houston Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Houston or Key Largo?

How long in Key Largo or Houston?

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

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

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


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

One day in Key Largo or Houston?

In Key Largo, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

People visit Houston because there is so much to do. 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 Houston?

In Key Largo, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

People visit Houston because there is so much to do. 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 Houston?

Key Largo is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Key Largo has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the diverse city of Houston. 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 Houston?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Key Largo. In Key Largo, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Houston 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, Houston 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 Houston is $262. 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 Houston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Key Largo $117
    Houston $142
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Key Largo $234
    Houston $284
Compare Hotels in Key Largo and Houston

Looking for a hotel in Key Largo or Houston? 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 Houston


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 Houston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Key Largo $56
    Houston $72

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 Houston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Houston:

  • William P.Hobby Airport (HOU): Transfer to Port of Galveston: $540
  • Houston George Bush Airport (IAH): Transfer to Houston: $347
  • George Bush Airport (IAH) to Galveston Port - Arrival Transfer: $194
  • RoundTrip transfer in private minivan from-to HoustonAirport in Houston Downtown: $176
  • William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Port of Galveston - Arrival Private Transfer: $168
  • Privat Transfer from Houston Airport (HOU) to Port of Galveston: $168
  • William P. Hobby Airport to Galveston Port Arrival Transfer: $168
  • Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Houston - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $162
  • Houston George Bush Airport (IAH) to Houston - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $162
  • Round trip transfer in private car from-to Houston Airport in Houston Downtown: $120
  • Departure Private Transfer: Houston to George Bush Airport IAH in Luxury SUV: $109
  • Arrival Private Transfer: George Bush Airport IAH to Houston in Business Car: $108

Is it cheaper to fly into Key Largo or Houston?

Prices for flights to both Houston 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
    Houston $35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Houston

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

  • Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $70
  • Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $70
  • Downtown Houston Food Tour: $76
  • Houston Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $85
  • Houston Downtown: Secret Food Tours: $87
  • Howdy H-Town EADO Food Tour: $90
  • East Downtown Food Tour: $90
  • Montrose Food Tour: $97

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Key Largo $27
    Houston $14

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 Houston

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

  • Houston Ghosts and Hauntings By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • 2 Hours H- Town Tour with 15ft Open Air Party Truck On Wheels: $49
  • 2-Hour Private Sightseeing Cart Tour of Houston and Galveston: $256
  • Astroville Best of Houston City Driving Tour with Live Guide: $45
  • Astroville Best of Houston City Driving Tour with Live Guide: $45
  • Astroville Driving Tour & NASA Space Center Admission and Shuttle: $80
  • Astroville Private Best of Houston City Driving Tour: $375
  • Astroville Tunnel Tour & NASA Space Center Admission with Shuttle: $80
  • Astroville Tunnel Tour of Downtown Houston (Air-Conditioned): $32
  • Astroville Tunnel Tour of Downtown Houston (Air-Condtioned): $32
  • Austin & Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Downtown In App Audio Walking Tour: $9.00

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Key Largo $24
    Houston $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Houston

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

  • Brewery Pass with Beer Tastings: $50
  • Private Houston Brewery Tour by Cart: $57
  • 2-Hour Downtown Brewery Tour by Electric Cart: $70
  • Downtown Houston Brewery Bike Tour : $71


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Key Largo and Houston, we can see that Houston is more expensive. And not only is Key Largo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Key Largo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Key Largo 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 Houston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Houston than you might in Key Largo.

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 Houston Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Key Largo or Houston?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 170 times larger than the population of Key Largo. When comparing the sizes of Key Largo and Houston, 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 Houston?

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 Houston in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Key Largo as well as Houston. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Key Largo this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Houston for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Key Largo is generally around the same temperature as Houston. Daily temperatures in Key Largo average around 82°F (28°C), and Houston fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).

It's quite rainy in Houston. Key Largo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Key Largo usually gets more rain in July than Houston. Key Largo gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Key Largo 82°F (28°C) 
    Houston 84°F (29°C)

Should I visit Key Largo or Houston in the Autumn?

Both Houston and Key Largo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Houston in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Key Largo is a little warmer than Houston in the autumn. The daily temperature in Key Largo averages around 78°F (26°C) in October, and Houston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Houston. It's quite rainy in Key Largo. In October, Key Largo usually receives more rain than Houston. Key Largo gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Key Largo 78°F (26°C) 
    Houston 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Key Largo or Houston in the Winter?

Both Houston and Key Largo during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Key Largo in the winter for the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Houston for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Key Largo is much warmer than Houston. Typically, the winter temperatures in Key Largo in January average around 67°F (19°C), and Houston averages at about 52°F (11°C).

Key Largo usually gets less rain in January than Houston. Key Largo gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Key Largo 67°F (19°C) 
    Houston 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Key Largo or Houston in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Key Largo and Houston. Most visitors come to Key Largo for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Houston because of the activities around the city.

In April, Key Largo is generally a little warmer than Houston. Daily temperatures in Key Largo average around 74°F (24°C), and Houston fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Key Largo 74°F (24°C) 
    Houston 70°F (21°C)

Typical Weather for Houston and Key Largo

Key Largo Houston
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 67°F (19°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Feb 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Mar 71°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 63°F (17°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Apr 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 70°F (21°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
May 78°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm) 76°F (25°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm) 81°F (27°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 84°F (29°C) 4.8 inches (122 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm) 83°F (29°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm) 80°F (27°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Oct 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 71°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Nov 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 63°F (17°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm)
Dec 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)