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

Should you visit Key Largo or Phoenix?

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 Phoenix 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.

Phoenix

Phoenix is a laid back, sprawling, and desert city. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Key Largo and Phoenix: 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
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Key Largo or Phoenix?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Phoenix. Although Key Largo and Phoenix are popular destinations, Phoenix has more sights and attractions for tourists. Phoenix is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, hiking, and shopping, while Key Largo attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and quaint atmosphere. Key Largo is more touristy than Phoenix 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. Phoenix is famous for its desert landscapes, high number of golf courses, and year round warm weather. It is also well known for Desert Botanical Garden.

How is Key Largo different from Phoenix?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Key Largo
Phoenix

Phoenix 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 Phoenix. You'll find art, science, and cultural museums around town. Favorites include the Heard Museum, the Phoenix Art Museum, S'edav Va'aki Museum, and the Arizona Science Museum.

Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Key Largo
Phoenix

Phoenix 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.

Phoenix is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are many mom-and-pop shops around town that serve everything from casual meals to quality steaks. There's also a huge selection of Mexican restaurants, as well as other international options such as sushi, dim sum, and Italian.

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 Phoenix Better for Nightlife?

Key Largo
Phoenix

Phoenix 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 Phoenix has a few options to choose from. The best nightlife scene is found in downtown and central Phoenix. There are bars, restaurants, and venues where you can catch a show. North Phoenix also has grown into a popular evening spot with cocktail bars and pubs.

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 Phoenix Better for Resorts?

Key Largo
Phoenix

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

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.

Phoenix is not a resort destination.


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

Key Largo
Phoenix

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

Key Largo is an extremely popular place to visit for 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.

Phoenix is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key Largo or Phoenix Better for Beaches?

Key Largo
Phoenix

Key Largo is a island with good options for the beach. However, Phoenix is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Key Largo. 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.

Phoenix is not a beach destination.

Is Key Largo or Phoenix Better for Hiking?

Key Largo
Phoenix

Phoenix is a city with good options for hiking. However, Key Largo is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Phoenix. You don't have to head far out of town for impressive hiking opportunities. You'll find trails that range from easy to challenging, and many pass through other-worldly landscapes. You'll find popular trails in Usery Mountain Regional Park, Papago Park, White Tank Mountain Regional Park, South Mountain Park and many others.

Key Largo is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Key Largo or Phoenix?

Key Largo
Phoenix

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

Phoenix has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are plenty of shopping centers, outlets, and malls where you'll find the standard chain stores. You'll also find farmer's markets around town.

Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Key Largo or Phoenix Better for Families?

Key Largo
Phoenix

Key Largo is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Phoenix is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the Phoenix Zoo, the Arizona Science Center, the SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, and the Bearizona Wildlife Park. There's also a number of parks and gardens as well as a children's museum and several other interactive museums for kids.

Is Key Largo or Phoenix Better for Couples?

Key Largo
Phoenix

Both Key Largo and Phoenix 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.

Phoenix is a nice destination for couples. There are many parks and gardens in town as well as beautiful hikes and outdoor activities that couples will enjoy. In the evening, there's theater, shows, and many romantic restaurants.


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

Key Largo
Phoenix

Phoenix 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 Phoenix. There's a bus and light rail system, but you really need your own vehicle to get 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 Phoenix a more walkable city?

Key Largo
Phoenix

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

Phoenix is generally not a very walkable city. It's a sprawling city and the only real area that's walkable is the downtown.

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 Phoenix Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Phoenix or Key Largo?

How long in Key Largo or Phoenix?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Key Largo and Phoenix. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Key Largo than in Phoenix. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Key Largo, and 1-3 days is enough time in Phoenix.

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

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


  • How many days in Key Largo or Phoenix? Ideal Length of Stay
    Key Largo 5-7 
    Phoenix 1-3

One day in Key Largo or Phoenix?

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 museums around the city of Phoenix. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Phoenix has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A weekend in Key Largo or Phoenix?

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 sprawling destination of Phoenix. 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 Phoenix?

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 food when visiting the sprawling city of Phoenix. 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 Phoenix?

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.

Phoenix 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, Phoenix 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 Phoenix is $238. 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 Phoenix in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Key Largo $117
    Phoenix $144
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Key Largo $234
    Phoenix $288
Compare Hotels in Key Largo and Phoenix

Looking for a hotel in Key Largo or Phoenix? 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 Phoenix


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 Phoenix Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Key Largo $56
    Phoenix $39

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 Phoenix

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

  • Departure Private Transfer: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury Van: $140
  • Phoenix International Airport (PHX) - Private transfer From/to Hotels: $118
  • Arrival Private Transfer Phoenix Airport PHX to Phoenix City : $117
  • Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) to Phoenix - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $116
  • Departure Private Transfer Phoenix City to Phoenix Airport PHX : $110
  • One-Way Transfer Sky Harbor Airport to Phoenix: $104
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Luxury SUV: $104
  • Private Transfer from Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury SUV: $104
  • Private Transfer from Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Luxury SUV: $104
  • Departure Private Transfer: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury SUV: $104
  • Private Transfer from Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Business Car: $90
  • Departure Private Transfer: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Business Car: $90

Is it cheaper to fly into Key Largo or Phoenix?

Prices for flights to both Phoenix 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
    Phoenix $52

Typical Food Prices in Phoenix

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


  • Nice Lunch (for 2)
    $36
  • Indian Food Dinner (for 2)
    $32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phoenix

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

  • Awesome French Crêpes Cooking Class: $75
  • Old Town Scottsdale Food Tour: $92
  • Downtown Phoenix Food Tour: $92
  • Scottsdale Waterfront Food Tour: $95
  • Quiche Lorraine French Cooking Class in Scottsdale: $129

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Key Largo $27
    Phoenix $40

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 Phoenix

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

  • 1.5 Hour Stretch Limo Golf Cart Tour, Ultimate Old Town Exploration: $89
  • 2 Hour Scottsdale Segway Tours - Ultimate Old Town Exploration: $89
  • 2 Hour Segway Tour - Sunsets, Segways & City Lights: $89
  • 2 Hour Sonoran Desert Private Guided Mountain Bike Tour: $115
  • 2-Hour Arizona Desert Guided E-Bike Tour: $135
  • 2.5 Hour FAT Tire E-Bike Tour – Scottsdale Greenbelt Adventure: $100
  • 3 Cities & Nature Tour. Shop, Art, History, Food. Scottsdale, Phoenix, & Tempe.: $168
  • 3 Hour Guided TomCar ATV Tour in Sonoran Desert: $219
  • Adventure Yoga Experience on Camelback Mountain: $75
  • Apache Trail and Dolly Steamboat Van Tour: $160
  • Black Ops Experience: $259
  • Boat Cruise in Lake Pleasant Arizona: $89

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Key Largo $24
    Phoenix $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Phoenix

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

  • Scottsdale Bar Hunt: Scorching Scottsdale Bar Crawl: $12
  • Pedal Bar Crawl of Old Town Scottsdale: $55
  • Stretch Limo Party Cart - Custom Bar Crawls, Wine Tastings, Night Clubs & More: $155
  • Ghost town of Jerome, Brew and Wine Tour: $215


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


Which is Bigger, Key Largo or Phoenix?

Phoenix has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Key Largo. When comparing the sizes of Key Largo and Phoenix, 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 Phoenix?

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 Phoenix in the Summer?

Both Phoenix and Key Largo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Key Largo because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Phoenix this time of year.

The heat can be very extreme in Phoenix. Key Largo is cooler than Phoenix in the summer. The daily temperature in Key Largo averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Phoenix fluctuates around 98°F (36°C).

It's quite sunny in Phoenix. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key Largo. Key Largo usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during summer. Key Largo gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 380 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Key Largo. In July, Key Largo usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Key Largo gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Key Largo 82°F (28°C) 
    Phoenix 98°F (36°C)

Should I visit Key Largo or Phoenix in the Autumn?

Both Phoenix and Key Largo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Phoenix for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Key Largo is around the same temperature as Phoenix. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Key Largo in October average around 78°F (26°C), and Phoenix averages at about 79°F (26°C).

In Phoenix, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Key Largo. In the autumn, Key Largo often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Key Largo gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 305 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 Phoenix. Key Largo gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Key Largo 78°F (26°C) 
    Phoenix 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Key Largo or Phoenix in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Key Largo and Phoenix. Many travelers come to Key Largo for the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Phoenix in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Key Largo is generally a little warmer than Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Key Largo average around 67°F (19°C), and Phoenix fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phoenix 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 Phoenix during winter. Key Largo gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 254 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Key Largo usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Key Largo gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Key Largo 67°F (19°C) 
    Phoenix 58°F (14°C)

Should I visit Key Largo or Phoenix in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Key Largo as well as Phoenix. Many visitors come to Key Largo in the spring for the beaches.

Key Largo is around the same temperature as Phoenix in the spring. The daily temperature in Key Largo averages around 74°F (24°C) in April, and Phoenix fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phoenix. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key Largo this time of the year. In the spring, Key Largo often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Key Largo gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 355 hours of full sun.

Key Largo usually gets more rain in April than Phoenix. Key Largo gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Key Largo 74°F (24°C) 
    Phoenix 74°F (23°C)

Typical Weather for Phoenix and Key Largo

Key Largo Phoenix
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 67°F (19°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 58°F (14°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Feb 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Mar 71°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Apr 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 74°F (23°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm)
May 78°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm) 83°F (28°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm) 92°F (34°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 98°F (36°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm) 96°F (35°C) 0.9 inches (24 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm) 90°F (32°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Oct 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 79°F (26°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Nov 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
Dec 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 58°F (15°C) 1 inches (25 mm)