A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Key Largo vs. Orlando for Resorts, Families, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Key Largo or Orlando?

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 Orlando 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.

Orlando

Orlando is a active, family-friendly, and entertaining city. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and food.

Key Largo and Orlando: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key Largo or Orlando?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Orlando than Key Largo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Orlando is better known for its theatre productions, food, nightlife, resorts, and shopping, while Key Largo is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and quaint atmosphere. Orlando is more touristy than Key Largo and is known for being the home of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and many other theme parks and family-friendly activities. Also, Orlando is famous for Disney World, Universal Studios, and the city's many amusement parks. 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 Orlando?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Key Largo or Orlando Better for Theater?

Orlando is a city with good options for its shows and theatre. However, Key Largo is not a theatre destination.

If you have some extra time in Orlando, take in a show. The city has a number of local theaters that are fun to explore. As home to Disney World and Universal Studios, there are also a number of shows available that are affiliated with the parks.

Key Largo is not a theatre destination.

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

Orlando is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Orlando has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are a diversity of restaurants on the Disney grounds and nearby. You'll also find many restaurants at Universal CityWalk and Disney Springs. Food can be expensive, and the quality can vary dramatically. Many people enjoy going to dinner shows as well. Restaurants can be challenging also, as reservations must be made months in advance.

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 Orlando Better for Nightlife?

Orlando is a city with good options for its evening party scene. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Orlando has a few options to choose from. If you need a break from the kids, you'll find some of the best nightlife around Orlando at Disney Springs, Wall Street Plaza and Universal CityWalk.

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 Orlando Better for Resorts?

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

Orlando is a world class resort vacation destination. Disney World is famous for its many iconic resorts. Some of the most popular are the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Port Orleans Resort, and the Grand Floridian Resort. There are also many resorts that aren't affiliated with the major theme parks. These tend to be more affordable, but transportation options to and from the park are limited. You'll also miss out on the perks that come with staying at a theme park resort.

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 Orlando Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Key Largo is great for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Orlando is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting 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.

Orlando is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key Largo or Orlando Better for Beaches?

Key Largo is a popular place for its beaches. However, Orlando is not a beach destination.

Key Largo is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Orlando is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Key Largo or Orlando?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Orlando. Shopping is a dream for any Disney enthusiast. There are countless malls and shops, both on and off the Disney grounds, that sell all of the Disney paraphernalia. Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk are the most famous areas. During the evenings, these areas can be very crowded, but during the day they're less popular as most people are at the theme parks.

Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Key Largo or Orlando Better for Christmas?

Orlando is an unbeatable place for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Key Largo does not offer Christmas activities.

With so many activities, Orlando is a top place to visit during Christmas. Christmas at Disney World is lots of fun. There are decorations and all kinds of seasonal activities around town.

Key Largo does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Key Largo or Orlando Better for Families?

Both Key Largo and Orlando are terrific to visit with kids.

Key Largo is an extremely popular island to visit for families. 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.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Orlando is very family-friendly. Known as a theme park capital, here you'll find the iconic Disney World, as well as Universal Studios, SeaWorld and many more. While most people spend their vacation at the Disney or Universal resorts, there is also an endless supply of less mainstream parks and activities in the area.

Is Key Largo or Orlando Better for Couples?

Both Key Largo and Orlando are notable 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.

Orlando is a nice destination for couples. While most people visit the area with family, there is a niche crowd that enjoys honeymooning or vacationing here as a couple. There are many beautiful restaurants and interesting activities that couples can enjoy together. This is the perfect trip for fun loving couples who don't take themselves to seriously.

Is Key Largo or Orlando Better for Students?

Orlando 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 Orlando. Most people don't think about education when they think about Orlando, but there are actually a diversity of internships and opportunities for students to learn in a fun setting.

Key Largo is not popular with students.

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

Orlando 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 Orlando. If you're staying at a Disney Property, there is excellent transportation around the complex, but otherwise, a car is essential.

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 Orlando a more walkable city?

Neither Key Largo or Orlando are walkable places.

Key Largo is not a very walkable island. It is a sprawling area that spreads out along a main highway that is not pedestrian friendly.

Orlando is not a walkable island. The city is sprawling, so unless you stay on the Disney grounds, it's best to rent a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Key Largo Worth Visiting? and Is Orlando Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Orlando or Key Largo?

How long in Key Largo or Orlando?

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

Families should spend more time in Orlando than Key Largo. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Orlando, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

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

One day in Key Largo or Orlando?

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 shopping and theater around the city of Orlando. 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 Orlando?

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 theater and nightlife around the active destination of Orlando. 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 city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Key Largo or Orlando?

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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the family-friendly city of Orlando. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Key Largo or Orlando?

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.

Orlando 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 Orlando, 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 Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Key Largo or Orlando?

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

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 Orlando in the Summer?

Both Orlando and Key Largo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Key Largo for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Orlando in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Orlando. It's quite rainy in Key Largo. In July, Key Largo usually receives less rain than Orlando. Key Largo gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Orlando receives 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Key Largo or Orlando in the Autumn?

Both Orlando and Key Largo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Orlando for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Key Largo is generally around the same temperature as Orlando. Daily temperatures in Key Largo average around 78°F (26°C), and Orlando fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

Orlando 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 Orlando. Key Largo gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Orlando receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key Largo or Orlando in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Key Largo and Orlando. Most visitors come to Key Largo for the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Orlando because of the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Key Largo is a little warmer than Orlando in the winter. The daily temperature in Key Largo averages around 67°F (19°C) in January, and Orlando fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

In January, Key Largo usually receives around the same amount of rain as Orlando. Key Largo gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Orlando receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Key Largo or Orlando in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Key Largo as well as Orlando. The spring months attract visitors to Key Largo because of the beaches.

In the spring, Key Largo is around the same temperature as Orlando. Typically, the spring temperatures in Key Largo in April average around 74°F (24°C), and Orlando averages at about 72°F (22°C).

Key Largo usually gets more rain in April than Orlando. Key Largo gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Orlando receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Orlando and Key Largo