A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Key Largo vs. Miami for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Beaches

Should you visit Key Largo or Miami?

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 Miami 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. It's also known for scuba diving and snorkeling and beaches. See Key Largo travel costs.

Miami

Miami is a bustling, high energy, and glamorous beach 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. See Miami travel costs.

Key Largo and Miami: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key Largo or Miami?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Miami than Key Largo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Miami is better known for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Key Largo is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling and quaint atmosphere. Miami is more touristy than Key Largo and is popular for its long sandy beaches, glitzy nightlife scene, diverse cultures, and award-winning restaurants. Also, Miami is famous for South Beach. 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.

How is Key Largo different from Miami?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Miami and Key Largo. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Miami is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Miami have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city's food scene is as diverse as its population. It is a blend of Caribbean, Latin American, and South American flavors and it is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. There is everything from award-winning restaurants to local dives that offer excellent dishes and experiences. The city is known for its stone crabs, fish sandwiches, Cuban sandwiches, and key lime pie.

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 Miami Better for Nightlife?

Miami is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for nightlife.

The nightlife in Miami is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. From the posh nightlife clubs in South Beach, to the local salsa dancing venues in Little Havana, Miami is a city that thrives with energy. There are many world-renowned clubs that keep the music and drinks flowing through the entire night. There's also a glitzy and glamourous scene where the wealthy like to see and be seen.

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 Miami Better for Music?

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

Miami has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Popular live music venues include Ball and Chain, Cafe La Trova, Flamingo Theater Bar.

Key Largo is not a live music destination.

Is Key Largo or Miami Better for Resorts?

Miami is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. Also, Key Largo is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its resorts.

Miami is a world class resort vacation destination. Known for it's luxury, you'll find many resorts in the area. Popular options include The Ritz-Carlton South Beach, Fontainebleau, and Carillon Miami.

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.

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

Key Largo is well known for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Miami 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.

Miami is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key Largo or Miami Better for Beaches?

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

Miami is considered to be a world-class beach destination. If you're looking for long sandy beaches, luxury yacht clubs, and fine dining restaurants, the area's beaches have them all. Some of the best beaches in the area include the world-famous South Beach, the North Beach Oceanside Park, Sunny Isles Beach, and Surfside. Many beaches are lined with high rise hotels that offer an urban beach experience.

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 the Shopping Better in Key Largo or Miami?

Miami is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. However, Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many people travel to Miami specifically to go shopping. The city has every high end brand you could want, along with diverse neighborhoods with local finds and unique purchases. You'll find many diverse shopping opportunities that are influenced by the city's cultural scene. You'll also find many souvenir stands and t-shirt shops.

Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Key Largo or Miami Better for Families?

Key Largo is an amazing island to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Miami is very family-friendly. Because it's so big, you'll find a number of kid-friendly activities in the area. There's the Miami Zoo, various waterparks, the Everglades Alligator Park, Miccosukee Indian Village, and plenty of indoor playgrounds in case the weather doesn't cooperate.

Is Key Largo or Miami Better for Couples?

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

Miami is a great beach city if you're traveling as a couple. For couples who love nightlife, wining and dining, and high end beach clubs, this is the place to be. There are many award-winning restaurants and plenty of glitz and glam that make for a great romantic getaway.

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 Miami Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Miami is a beach city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for backpackers.

Miami is a good beach city to visit for backpackers. This city is large enough to have something for everyone, so you'll find several hostels in the area that bring in the backpackers.

Key Largo is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This area is a bit more affordable than the more southern keys so it appeals to budget travelers and backpackers.

Is Key Largo or Miami Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to visit Miami. Spring break in Miami is the stuff of legends.

Key Largo is not popular with students.

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

Miami is a beach 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 Miami offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's an elevated metrorail as well as buses around the city.

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 Miami a more walkable city?

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

Miami is a very walkable destination. Many parts of city are surprisingly walkable and pedestrian friendly, allowing you to eat out, go shopping, or explore without the need for 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 Miami Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Miami or Key Largo?

How long in Key Largo or Miami?

Both Key Largo and Miami have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Miami has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Miami than Key Largo. In general, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Key Largo, and 7 days is enough time in Miami.

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

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

One day in Key Largo or Miami?

In Key Largo, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling that this beautiful destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

People visit Miami because there is so much to do. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Miami?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Key Largo. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

People visit Miami because there is so much to do. 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 city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Key Largo or Miami?

Key Largo is a fun place to experience. In Key Largo, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

People visit Miami because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A week in Key Largo or Miami?

In Key Largo, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling that this family-friendly destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Miami is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Miami, 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.

When comparing the travel costs between Key Largo and Miami, we can see that Miami 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 Miami Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Key Largo or Miami?

Miami has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Key Largo. When comparing the sizes of Key Largo and Miami, 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 Miami?

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 Miami in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Key Largo as well as Miami. Many visitors come to Key Largo in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Miami for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Key Largo is around the same temperature as Miami. Typically, the summer temperatures in Key Largo in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Miami averages at about 83°F (28°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Miami. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key Largo this time of the year. In the summer, Key Largo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Miami. Key Largo gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Miami receives 316 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Miami. Key Largo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Key Largo usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Miami. Key Largo gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Miami receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key Largo or Miami in the Autumn?

Both Miami and Key Largo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Miami because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Key Largo is generally around the same temperature as Miami. Daily temperatures in Key Largo average around 78°F (26°C), and Miami fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Miami. 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 Miami during autumn. Key Largo gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Miami receives 275 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Miami. It's quite rainy in Key Largo. In October, Key Largo usually receives around the same amount of rain as Miami. Key Largo gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Miami receives 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Key Largo or Miami in the Winter?

Both Miami and Key Largo during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Key Largo because of the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Miami this time of year.

Key Largo is around the same temperature as Miami in the winter. The daily temperature in Key Largo averages around 67°F (19°C) in January, and Miami fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

In Miami, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Key Largo. In the winter, Key Largo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Miami. Key Largo gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Miami receives 243 hours of full sun.

Key Largo usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Miami. Key Largo gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Miami receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key Largo or Miami in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Key Largo and Miami. The beaches are the main draw to Key Largo this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Miami for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Key Largo is around the same temperature as Miami. Typically, the spring temperatures in Key Largo in April average around 74°F (24°C), and Miami averages at about 75°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Miami this time of the year. In Key Largo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Key Largo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Miami during spring. Key Largo gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Miami receives 300 hours of full sun in the spring.

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

Typical Weather for Miami and Key Largo