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

Should you visit Key Largo or Nantucket?

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 Nantucket 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. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling and beaches.

Nantucket

Nantucket is a upscale, charming, and serene island. 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Key Largo and Nantucket: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Key Largo or Nantucket?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nantucket than Key Largo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nantucket is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Key Largo is more popular for its 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. Nantucket is well known for its pristine beaches, upscale atmosphere, and history of whaling. Also, Nantucket is famous for Great Point Lighthouse.

How is Key Largo different from Nantucket?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Key Largo
Nantucket

Nantucket is a island 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 Nantucket. There are several museums around town that educate visitors on the island's whaling history and maritime past.

Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Key Largo
Nantucket

Nantucket 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 Nantucket have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Upscale eateries where you can look out on the water make dining on this island a true experience. There are raw bars, seafood restaurants, and local cafes with elaborate salads and duck carnitas. Dishes usually use the highest quality fresh ingredients and chefs bring their "A game" with every customer.

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 Nantucket Better for Nightlife?

Key Largo
Nantucket

Nantucket is a island 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 Nantucket has a few options to choose from. You'll find a number of bars and a lively singles scene in town. There's also live music and a laid back but active atmosphere in the evening.

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 Nantucket Better for Resorts?

Key Largo
Nantucket

If luxury resorts are your style, both Key Largo and Nantucket have superb options.

In Key Largo, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Popular resorts in the area include Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, Reefhouse Resort & Marina, and Largo Resort.

There are plenty of resorts in Nantucket to choose from. Luxury resorts and upscale inns offer guests a relaxed setting with oceanfront views and family-friendly activities.


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

Key Largo
Nantucket

Key Largo is a great island for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Nantucket 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.

Nantucket is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key Largo or Nantucket Better for Beaches?

Key Largo
Nantucket

Nantucket is great for the beach. Also, Key Largo is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its beaches.

The beaches at Nantucket attract visitors from all over. You'll find the calmest water at the northern beaches, and cooler water with rougher surf to the south. Many of the beaches are accessible from town, but parking can be limited. There are both public and private beaches, each with beautiful settings and relaxing vibes.

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 Nantucket Better for its Old Town?

Key Largo
Nantucket

Nantucket is great for its historic old town charm. However, Key Largo does not have a historic old town.

Nantucket is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The Historic District is filled with New England charm, cobblestone streets, and upscale boutiques. There are many great restaurants and a lot of historic character.

Key Largo does not have a historic old town.


Is Key Largo or Nantucket Better for Hiking?

Key Largo
Nantucket

Nantucket is great for hiking. However, Key Largo is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Nantucket for the hiking trails. The island is easy to explore on foot, and its covered with hiking trails that follow the serene coastline or take you through forests, bogs, and marshland.

Key Largo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Key Largo or Nantucket?

Key Largo
Nantucket

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Nantucket. The Historic District is filled with boutiques, art galleries, and upscale shops. It's the perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering around and shopping.

Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Key Largo or Nantucket Better for Families?

Key Largo
Nantucket

Key Largo is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nantucket is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-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.

Nantucket is a very kid-friendly island. There's a calm beach that's perfect for kids as well as quaint ice cream shops and plenty of New England charm. The town is also filled with hiking and biking trails.


Is Key Largo or Nantucket Better for Couples?

Key Largo
Nantucket

Nantucket is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Key Largo is not as popular, but is still a nice island for romance.

Nantucket is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The New England charm, natural beauty, and relaxing coastal atmosphere make this a perfect romantic destination. There are also many romantic places to stay and great local restaurants.

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

Key Largo
Nantucket

Nantucket is a island 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 Nantucket offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are shuttle buses around the island that operate with greater frequency during the summer months.

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 Nantucket a more walkable city?

Key Largo
Nantucket

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

Nantucket is a very walkable destination. The town is very walkable and parking can be challenging, so it's best to leave your car in the ferry parking lot.

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 Nantucket Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nantucket or Key Largo?

How long in Key Largo or Nantucket?

It's fun to spend time in either Key Largo or Nantucket. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Key Largo due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Key Largo, and 2-4 days is enough time in Nantucket.

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

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


  • How many days in Key Largo or Nantucket? Ideal Length of Stay
    Key Largo 5-7 
    Nantucket 2-4

One day in Key Largo or Nantucket?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling around the island of Key Largo. 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.

Even though Nantucket is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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 Nantucket?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling around the peaceful destination of Key Largo. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Nantucket is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Key Largo or Nantucket?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling around the relaxed island of Key Largo. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

Nantucket is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Key Largo or Nantucket?

Key Largo 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 Key Largo, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Nantucket is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.


Which place is cheaper, Nantucket 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 Nantucket is $350. 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 Nantucket in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Key Largo $117
    Nantucket $237
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Key Largo $234
    Nantucket $474
Compare Hotels in Key Largo and Nantucket

Looking for a hotel in Key Largo or Nantucket? 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 Nantucket


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 Nantucket Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Key Largo $56
    Nantucket $47

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 Nantucket?

Prices for flights to both Nantucket 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
    Nantucket $81

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Key Largo $27
    Nantucket $34

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Key Largo $24
    Nantucket $35


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Key Largo and Nantucket, we can see that Nantucket 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 Nantucket would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nantucket 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 Nantucket Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Key Largo or Nantucket?

Nantucket has a larger population, and is about 21% larger than the population of Key Largo. When comparing the sizes of Key Largo and Nantucket, 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 Nantucket?

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 Nantucket in the Summer?

Both Nantucket and Key Largo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Key Largo in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Nantucket for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Key Largo is a little warmer than Nantucket. Typically, the summer temperatures in Key Largo in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Nantucket averages at about 68°F (20°C).

It's quite rainy in Key Largo. In July, Key Largo usually receives more rain than Nantucket. Key Largo gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Key Largo 82°F (28°C) 
    Nantucket 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Key Largo or Nantucket in the Autumn?

Both Nantucket and Key Largo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Nantucket because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Key Largo is generally much warmer than Nantucket. Daily temperatures in Key Largo average around 78°F (26°C), and Nantucket fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

Nantucket 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 October than Nantucket. Key Largo gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Key Largo 78°F (26°C) 
    Nantucket 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Key Largo or Nantucket in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Key Largo and Nantucket. The winter months attract visitors to Key Largo because of the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nantucket this time of year.

It's quite cold in Nantucket in the winter. Key Largo is much warmer than Nantucket in the winter. The daily temperature in Key Largo averages around 67°F (19°C) in January, and Nantucket fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

Nantucket receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Key Largo usually receives less rain than Nantucket. Key Largo gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Key Largo 67°F (19°C) 
    Nantucket 31°F (-0°C)

Should I visit Key Largo or Nantucket in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Key Largo as well as Nantucket. The beaches are the main draw to Key Largo this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Nantucket for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Key Largo is much warmer than Nantucket. Typically, the spring temperatures in Key Largo in April average around 74°F (24°C), and Nantucket averages at about 45°F (7°C).

It's quite rainy in Nantucket. Key Largo usually gets less rain in April than Nantucket. Key Largo gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Key Largo 74°F (24°C) 
    Nantucket 45°F (7°C)

Typical Weather for Nantucket and Key Largo

Key Largo Nantucket
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 67°F (19°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 31°F (-0°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Feb 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 32°F (-0°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)
Mar 71°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (102 mm)
Apr 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 45°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)
May 78°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm) 62°F (17°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Oct 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 53°F (12°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm)
Nov 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Dec 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 36°F (2°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)