A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Key Largo vs. Saint Petersburg for Beaches, Families, Food, and Resorts

Should you visit Key Largo or Saint Petersburg?

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 Saint Petersburg 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.

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a underrated, relaxed, and fun-filled coastal city. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Key Largo and Saint Petersburg: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less attractive beach
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Key Largo or Saint Petersburg?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Saint Petersburg than Key Largo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Saint Petersburg is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Key Largo is more popular for its resorts, 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. Saint Petersburg is well known for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. Also, Saint Petersburg is famous for St. Pete Beach.

How is Key Largo different from Saint Petersburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Key Largo
Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is great for its historical sights. However, Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Saint Petersburg. There are a variety of history, science, and art museums in the area. The Dalí Museum, Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, The Florida Holocaust Museum, and Imagine Museum of Contemporary Glass Art are some of the favorites.

Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Key Largo
Saint Petersburg

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

Saint Petersburg has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's location on the Gulf Coast means that seafood is everywhere. You'll enjoy fresh oysters, fried calamari, grilled fish, and fried shrimp on many menus. Casual restaurants and local eateries are common around town.

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 Saint Petersburg Better for Nightlife?

Key Largo
Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a coastal 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 Saint Petersburg has a few options to choose from. There are beachside bars, rooftop restaurants, and dance clubs around town for those looking for a night out.

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 Saint Petersburg Better for Resorts?

Key Largo
Saint Petersburg

Key Largo is great for its luxury resorts. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its resorts.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Key Largo. Popular resorts in the area include Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, Reefhouse Resort & Marina, and Largo Resort.

With a selection of resorts, Saint Petersburg makes a nice vacation spot. You'll find most of the resorts near the beach. Many have pools and they range in style and budget level.


Is Key Largo or Saint Petersburg Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Key Largo
Saint Petersburg

Key Largo is great for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Saint Petersburg 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.

Saint Petersburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key Largo or Saint Petersburg Better for Beaches?

Key Largo
Saint Petersburg

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

Saint Petersburg is considered to be a world-class beach destination. You'll find great sandy beaches with calm blue water and a relaxed atmosphere. Some of the best beaches include Egmont Key, Fort DeSoto Beach, Maximo Beach, and St. Pete's Municipal Beach.

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 Saint Petersburg?

Key Largo
Saint Petersburg

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

Saint Petersburg has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find plenty of shopping malls and shopping centers around town. Along the boardwalk and in John's Pass Village there are also restaurants and souvenir stores.

Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Key Largo or Saint Petersburg Better for Families?

Key Largo
Saint Petersburg

Key Largo is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city 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.

Saint Petersburg is a very kid-friendly island. The beaches, waterparks, nature reserves, and entertainment centers all offer plenty of activities for families. There are plenty of places to play, laugh, and act silly around town so the whole family can have a good time. There's also the Great Explorations Children’s Museum and other educational opportunities for the young ones.

Is Key Largo or Saint Petersburg Better for Couples?

Key Largo
Saint Petersburg

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

Saint Petersburg is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. There are sunset cruises, long sandy beaches, nice restaurants, and many other romantic activities around town. You can wander down the boardwalk or enjoy nature at the gardens and nature parks around town.

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

Key Largo
Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg. There's a bus system, but most people rely on their own car 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 Saint Petersburg a more walkable city?

Key Largo
Saint Petersburg

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

Saint Petersburg is generally not a very walkable coastal city. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, but you really need a car to access most places.

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 Saint Petersburg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint Petersburg or Key Largo?

How long in Key Largo or Saint Petersburg?

It's fun to spend time in either Key Largo or Saint Petersburg. 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 Saint Petersburg.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg.


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

One day in Key Largo or Saint Petersburg?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling around the beautiful destination of Key Largo. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find shopping and museums around the coastal city of Saint Petersburg. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Saint Petersburg?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling around the peaceful island of Key Largo. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the underrated destination of Saint Petersburg. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Key Largo or Saint Petersburg?

Key Largo is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the underrated coastal city of Saint Petersburg. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Key Largo or Saint Petersburg?

Key Largo is a great place to explore. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Saint Petersburg is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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, Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg is $204. 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 Saint Petersburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Key Largo $117
    Saint Petersburg $127
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Key Largo $234
    Saint Petersburg $254
Compare Hotels in Key Largo and Saint Petersburg

Looking for a hotel in Key Largo or Saint Petersburg? 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 Saint Petersburg


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 Saint Petersburg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Key Largo $56
    Saint Petersburg $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 Saint Petersburg?

Prices for flights to both Saint Petersburg 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
    Saint Petersburg $49

Typical Food Prices in Saint Petersburg

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


  • Burger Dinner (for 2)
    $20
  • Indian Food Dinner (for 2)
    $37
  • Gelato (for 2)
    $8.00
  • Breakfast at Piper's Patio (for 2)
    $17

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Key Largo $27
    Saint Petersburg $13

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
  • 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: $68
  • Key Largo Two Reef Snorkel Tour - All Snorkel Equipment Included!: $78
  • Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Adventure in Key Largo: $68

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Key Largo $24
    Saint Petersburg $41


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


Which is Bigger, Key Largo or Saint Petersburg?

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

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 Saint Petersburg in the Summer?

Both Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

It's quite sunny in Saint Petersburg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key Largo. Key Largo usually receives more sunshine than Saint Petersburg during summer. Key Largo gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Petersburg receives 265 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. It's quite rainy in Key Largo. In July, Key Largo usually receives less rain than Saint Petersburg. Key Largo gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Key Largo 82°F (28°C) 
    Saint Petersburg 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Key Largo or Saint Petersburg in the Autumn?

Both Saint Petersburg and Key Largo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Saint Petersburg because of the shopping scene.

In October, Key Largo is generally around the same temperature as Saint Petersburg. Daily temperatures in Key Largo average around 78°F (26°C), and Saint Petersburg fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

In Saint Petersburg, 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 Saint Petersburg. Key Largo gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Petersburg receives 234 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 Saint Petersburg. Key Largo gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Saint Petersburg is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Key Largo 78°F (26°C) 
    Saint Petersburg 76°F (24°C)

Should I visit Key Largo or Saint Petersburg in the Winter?

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

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Petersburg this time of the year. In Key Largo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Key Largo usually receives more sunshine than Saint Petersburg during winter. Key Largo gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Petersburg receives 200 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Key Largo usually receives around the same amount of rain as Saint Petersburg. Key Largo gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Key Largo 67°F (19°C) 
    Saint Petersburg 59°F (15°C)

Should I visit Key Largo or Saint Petersburg in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Key Largo as well as Saint Petersburg. The beaches are the main draw to Key Largo this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Saint Petersburg for the beaches.

In the spring, Key Largo is around the same temperature as Saint Petersburg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Key Largo in April average around 74°F (24°C), and Saint Petersburg averages at about 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key Largo this time of the year. In the spring, Key Largo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Petersburg. Key Largo gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Petersburg receives 299 hours of full sun.

Key Largo usually gets more rain in April than Saint Petersburg. Key Largo gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Key Largo 74°F (24°C) 
    Saint Petersburg 73°F (23°C)

Typical Weather for Saint Petersburg and Key Largo

Key Largo Saint Petersburg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 67°F (19°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 59°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm)
Feb 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 62°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 71°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 67°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Apr 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
May 78°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm) 78°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm) 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm) 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm) 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm)
Oct 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)
Nov 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 69°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Dec 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)