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

Should you visit Key Largo or Memphis?

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 Memphis 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 family-friendly, beautiful, and relaxed island. As it is a quaint destination, it has a nice vibe. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling and beaches.

Memphis

Memphis is a laid-back, soulful, and creative 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 live music.

Key Largo and Memphis: 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 nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Key Largo or Memphis?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Memphis. Although Key Largo and Memphis are popular destinations, Memphis has more sights and attractions for tourists. Memphis is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Key Largo attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and quaint atmosphere. Key Largo is more touristy than Memphis 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. Memphis is famous for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue. It is also well known for Elvis Presley's Graceland.

How is Key Largo different from Memphis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Key Largo
Memphis

Memphis 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 Memphis. Many attractions in town are related to the city's history in music. There is the famed Graceland as well as the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame and Stax Museum of American Soul Music. The city also has several art museums that are worth checking out.

Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Key Largo
Memphis

Memphis 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.

Memphis is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The town has grown into a foodie destination with excellent barbecue and ribs. There are many award winning barbecue joints, but you'll also find casual bars that serve nachos, pizza, and other quick bites.

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 Memphis Better for Nightlife?

Key Largo
Memphis

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

Many people head to Memphis for the nightlife scene. Music is at the heart of the nightlife scene. Head to Beale Street in Memphis's downtown for the most active nightlife that usually stays open the latest. You'll also find a lot of bars and clubs in Midtown around Overton Square.

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 Memphis Better for Music?

Key Largo
Memphis

Memphis is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Key Largo is not a live music destination.

Memphis has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. There are plenty of live music venues in the downtown area that you can explore. Several of the most famous include B.B. King's Blues Club, Handy Park Pavilion, and Blues City Cafe. The city is known for its influential role in several music genres including the blues, soul, and rock 'n' roll. There are also many music related museums and attractions in town like Graceland, the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame and Stax Museum of American Soul Music.

Key Largo is not a live music destination.


Is Key Largo or Memphis Better for Resorts?

Key Largo
Memphis

Key Largo is a great island for its luxury resorts. However, Memphis is not a resort destination.

Key Largo is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Popular resorts in the area include Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, Reefhouse Resort & Marina, and Largo Resort.

Memphis is not a resort destination.

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

Key Largo
Memphis

Key Largo is a great island for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Memphis is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Key Largo to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Memphis is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key Largo or Memphis Better for Beaches?

Key Largo
Memphis

Key Largo is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Memphis is not a beach destination.

Key Largo has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Memphis is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Key Largo or Memphis?

Key Largo
Memphis

Memphis is adequate for its shopping areas. However, Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Memphis has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. The city has plenty of malls and chain stores where you can grab anything you might need.

Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Key Largo or Memphis Better for Families?

Key Largo
Memphis

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

Key Largo is an amazing family-friendly island to visit. 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.

Memphis is a family-friendly place to visit. The town has some great activities for kids including a zoo, several museums, petting farms, and a botanical garden.

Is Key Largo or Memphis Better for Couples?

Key Largo
Memphis

Both Key Largo and Memphis 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.

Memphis is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy good music and southern food will enjoy a weekend here. There are many music related landmarks including Graceland and the Rock 'n' Soul Museum. Live music is very popular as well.


Is Key Largo or Memphis Better for Students?

Key Largo
Memphis

Memphis 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 Memphis. The live music scene and great food options make this is a fun town for students.

Key Largo is not popular with students.

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

Key Largo
Memphis

Memphis 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 Memphis. There is a trolley and bus system that the city operates, but a car is really helpful for getting around.

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 Memphis a more walkable city?

Key Largo
Memphis

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

Memphis is a somewhat walkable city. Most of the touristy parts of town are walkable, but if you want to explore further out you'll need 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 Memphis Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Memphis or Key Largo?

How long in Key Largo or Memphis?

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

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

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


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

One day in Key Largo or Memphis?

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.

You'll find food and museums around the city of Memphis. 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 Memphis?

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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the creative destination of Memphis. 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 Memphis?

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 nightlife and live music when visiting the soulful city of Memphis. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the live music. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Key Largo or Memphis?

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.

Memphis 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, Memphis 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 Memphis is $167. 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 Memphis in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Key Largo or Memphis? 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 Memphis


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 Memphis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Key Largo $56
    Memphis $59

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 Memphis

Also for Memphis, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Guided Tour with Riverboat Cruise & Hotel Transfers: $339
  • Memphis Airport MEM to Hot Springs Resorts Round-Trip Transfer: $284
  • Memphis Airport (MEM) to Memphis City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $133
  • Greater Memphis To MEM International Airport - Luxury Transfer: $95
  • Private Departure Transfer to Memphis Airport MEM: $72
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Memphis Airport MEM: $72
  • Memphis Airport Transfers: $60

Is it cheaper to fly into Key Largo or Memphis?

Prices for flights to both Memphis 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
    Memphis $43

Typical Food Prices in Memphis

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Memphis:


  • Baskin Robins (for 2)
    $6.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Memphis

For Memphis, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Taste of Downtown Memphis Food Tour: $75

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Key Largo $27
    Memphis $45

Tours and Activities in Key Largo

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Key Largo.

  • 1.5 Hour Bay Side Key Largo Sunset Cruise on a Spacious Catamaran: $69
  • 2 Location Snorkel Tour - Gear Included, 65 minutes per location: $79
  • Cruisin' Tikis Key Largo - Sunset Cruise: $99
  • Florida Key West Self-Driving Tour (Overseas Highway, 7 Mile Bridge): $17
  • Florida Keys Mangrove Eco Tour of Manatee Bay: $75
  • Guided Tour Explore Key Largo on Jet Ski : $185
  • Half-Day Florida Keys Catamaran Snorkel Adventure: $79
  • Key Largo Bay Sunset Tour: $66
  • Key Largo Boat Charter Day Tour: $65
  • Key Largo Coral Reef Glass Bottom Boat Adventure : $45
  • Key Largo Snorkeling Tour - rental mask, fins and vest INCLUDED: $70
  • Key Largo Two Reef Snorkel Tour - All Snorkel Equipment Included!: $78

Tours and Activities in Memphis

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Memphis.

  • 2.5 Hours Essence of Memphis African American History Tour: $72
  • Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure - Memphis: $44
  • Beale Street & Sun Studio: Private Half-Day Walking Tour: $160
  • Beale Street Experience Audio App Self Guided Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Beale Street Guided Walking Tour: $22
  • Best of Memphis Walking Tour: $149
  • Downtown Memphis : Ultimate Party Experience - Public: $35
  • Downtown Memphis : Ultimate Private Party Experience: $430
  • Elvis Presley's Childhood Home Sightseeing Daytrip from Memphis: $111
  • Elvis Unleashed: Private Elvis Walking Tour: $150
  • From Tupelo Elvis Presley's Upbringing Tour: $102
  • Guided Memphis City Tour with Riverboat Cruise along Mississippi River: $85

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Key Largo $24
    Memphis $26

Sample the Local Flavors in Memphis

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Memphis:

  • Drinking Spirits with Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $27
  • Haunted Pub Crawl in Memphis: $27
  • Memphis Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $59
  • Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $69


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

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 Memphis Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Key Largo or Memphis?

Memphis has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Key Largo. When comparing the sizes of Key Largo and Memphis, 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 Memphis?

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 Memphis in the Summer?

Both Memphis and Key Largo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Key Largo for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Memphis because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Key Largo is around the same temperature as Memphis in the summer. The daily temperature in Key Largo averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Memphis fluctuates around 83°F (29°C).

It's quite sunny in Memphis. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key Largo. Key Largo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Memphis during summer. Key Largo gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Memphis receives 328 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Key Largo. In July, Key Largo usually receives more rain than Memphis. Key Largo gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Key Largo 82°F (28°C) 
    Memphis 83°F (29°C)

Should I visit Key Largo or Memphis in the Autumn?

Both Memphis and Key Largo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Memphis this time of year.

In the autumn, Key Largo is a little warmer than Memphis. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Key Largo in October average around 78°F (26°C), and Memphis averages at about 64°F (18°C).

In Memphis, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Key Largo. In the autumn, Key Largo often gets more sunshine than Memphis. Key Largo gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 240 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Key Largo. Key Largo usually gets more rain in October than Memphis. Key Largo gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Key Largo 78°F (26°C) 
    Memphis 64°F (18°C)

Should I visit Key Largo or Memphis in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Key Largo and Memphis. The cuisine are the main draw to Key Largo this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Memphis for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Memphis. In January, Key Largo is generally much warmer than Memphis. Daily temperatures in Key Largo average around 67°F (19°C), and Memphis fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

In Key Largo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Key Largo usually receives more sunshine than Memphis during winter. Key Largo gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Memphis receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Key Largo usually receives less rain than Memphis. Key Largo gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Key Largo 67°F (19°C) 
    Memphis 40°F (5°C)

Should I visit Key Largo or Memphis in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Key Largo as well as Memphis. Many travelers come to Key Largo for the beaches. Additionally, many visitors come to Memphis in the spring for the activities around the city.

Key Largo is a little warmer than Memphis in the spring. The daily temperature in Key Largo averages around 74°F (24°C) in April, and Memphis fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Memphis. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key Largo this time of the year. In the spring, Key Largo often gets more sunshine than Memphis. Key Largo gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 254 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Memphis. Key Largo usually gets less rain in April than Memphis. Key Largo gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Key Largo 74°F (24°C) 
    Memphis 64°F (18°C)

Typical Weather for Memphis and Key Largo

Key Largo Memphis
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 67°F (19°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 40°F (5°C) 2.4 inches (62 mm)
Feb 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Mar 71°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 54°F (12°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Apr 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 64°F (18°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm)
May 78°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm) 80°F (27°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 83°F (29°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm) 82°F (28°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm) 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Oct 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
Nov 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)
Dec 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)