A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Key Largo vs. Tallahassee for Families, Nightlife, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Key Largo or Tallahassee?

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 Tallahassee 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.

Tallahassee

Tallahassee is a lively, vibrant, and youthful city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Key Largo and Tallahassee: 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
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Key Largo or Tallahassee?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Key Largo. Although Key Largo and Tallahassee are popular destinations, Key Largo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Key Largo is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and quaint atmosphere, while Tallahassee attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Key Largo is more touristy than Tallahassee 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. It is also well known for John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Tallahassee is famous for its capital building and many universities.

How is Key Largo different from Tallahassee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Key Largo
Tallahassee

Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee. As the capital city of Florida, you'll find a number of museums around town. Tallahassee Museum has outdoor and indoor space to explore. You can also visit the Tallahassee Automobile Museum, the Museum of Florida History, or the Florida Historic Capital Museum.

Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Key Largo
Tallahassee

Dining out at restaurants in both Key Largo and Tallahassee can be an enjoyable experience.

Key Largo may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. 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.

Tallahassee offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find plenty of chain restaurants and cheap eateries that cater to the students. The main options are classic American restaurants with a few international restaurants mixed in as well.

Is Key Largo or Tallahassee Better for Nightlife?

Key Largo
Tallahassee

Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is mostly centered around the student population. There are many bars and pubs that fill up with students on weekends.

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 Tallahassee Better for Resorts?

Key Largo
Tallahassee

Key Largo is great for its luxury resorts. However, Tallahassee 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.

Tallahassee is not a resort destination.


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

Key Largo
Tallahassee

Key Largo is great for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Tallahassee 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.

Tallahassee is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key Largo or Tallahassee Better for Beaches?

Key Largo
Tallahassee

Key Largo is a island with good options for the beach. However, Tallahassee 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.

Tallahassee is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Key Largo or Tallahassee?

Key Largo
Tallahassee

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

Tallahassee has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There is no shortage of strip malls and shopping centers in the area. Some of the most interesting shopping is found at Railroad Square and Market Square.

Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Key Largo or Tallahassee Better for Families?

Key Largo
Tallahassee

Key Largo is an amazing island to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Tallahassee 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.

Tallahassee is a family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of outdoor parks and adventure activities for kids. You could also see the wild manatees at Wakulla Springs.

Is Key Largo or Tallahassee Better for Couples?

Key Largo
Tallahassee

Key Largo is a island with good options for couples. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for romance.

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.

Tallahassee is not the best destination for a couple to visit. Head to a restaurant or bar. You could also check out a concert or explore a garden or park in town.

Is Key Largo or Tallahassee Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Key Largo
Tallahassee

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

Tallahassee is a good city to visit for backpackers. The student population creates an environment that is welcoming to backpackers. There's also a hostel in town with affordable rooms.

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 Tallahassee Better for Students?

Key Largo
Tallahassee

Tallahassee is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Key Largo is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Tallahassee. Both Florida State University and Florida A&M University are located here. There's a large student population with many activities and cheap restaurants that appeal to the student crowd.

Key Largo is not popular with students.

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

Key Largo
Tallahassee

Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee. There is a bus system operated by StarMetro.

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 Tallahassee a more walkable city?

Key Largo
Tallahassee

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

Tallahassee is generally not a very walkable city. There are a couple of walkable areas around Railroad Square, Downtown, and Midtown, but for the most part the city is not pedestrian-friendly.

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 Tallahassee Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Tallahassee or Key Largo?

How long in Key Largo or Tallahassee?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Key Largo or Tallahassee to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Key Largo than Tallahassee because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Key Largo, and 1-2 days is enough time in Tallahassee.

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

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


  • How many days in Key Largo or Tallahassee? Ideal Length of Stay
    Key Largo 5-7 
    Tallahassee 1-2

One day in Key Largo or Tallahassee?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the family-friendly island of Key Largo. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

A weekend in Key Largo or Tallahassee?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the relaxed destination of Key Largo. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This island offers something for everyone. 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 vibrant destination of Tallahassee. 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 Tallahassee?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the family-friendly island of Key Largo. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the youthful city of Tallahassee. 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 Tallahassee?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Key Largo. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this island.

Tallahassee 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, Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee is $156. 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 Tallahassee in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Key Largo $117
    Tallahassee $89
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Key Largo $234
    Tallahassee $178
Compare Hotels in Key Largo and Tallahassee

Looking for a hotel in Key Largo or Tallahassee? 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 Tallahassee


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 Tallahassee Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Key Largo $56
    Tallahassee $33

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 Tallahassee?

Prices for flights to both Tallahassee 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
    Tallahassee $47

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Key Largo $27
    Tallahassee $12

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

Tours and Activities in Tallahassee

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

  • Experience Tranquility with a Picnic at Pedrick Pond Park: $120
  • Luxury Picnic Experience at Pedrick Pond Park: $120
  • Tallahassee Delights: A Christmas Tour Through Art and Parks: $247
  • Tallahassee Delights: A Christmas Tour Through Art and Parks: $482
  • Tallahassee Tranquility: A Scenic Walking Tour: $192
  • Tallahassee Tranquility: A Scenic Walking Tour: $375

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Key Largo $24
    Tallahassee $53


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Key Largo and Tallahassee, we can see that Key Largo is more expensive. And not only is Tallahassee much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tallahassee would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tallahassee 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 Key Largo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Key Largo than you might in Tallahassee.

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 Tallahassee Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Key Largo or Tallahassee?

Tallahassee has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Key Largo. When comparing the sizes of Key Largo and Tallahassee, 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 Tallahassee?

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 Tallahassee in the Summer?

Both Tallahassee 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 family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tallahassee this time of year.

Key Largo is around the same temperature as Tallahassee in the summer. The daily temperature in Key Largo averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Tallahassee fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

It's quite sunny in Tallahassee. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key Largo. Key Largo usually receives more sunshine than Tallahassee during summer. Key Largo gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Tallahassee receives 283 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tallahassee. It's quite rainy in Key Largo. In July, Key Largo usually receives less rain than Tallahassee. Key Largo gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Tallahassee receives 8.9 inches (227 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Key Largo or Tallahassee in the Autumn?

Both Tallahassee and Key Largo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Tallahassee for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Key Largo is a little warmer than Tallahassee. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Key Largo in October average around 78°F (26°C), and Tallahassee averages at about 69°F (20°C).

In Tallahassee, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Key Largo. In the autumn, Key Largo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Tallahassee. Key Largo gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tallahassee receives 256 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 Tallahassee. Key Largo gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Tallahassee receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Tallahassee is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Key Largo 78°F (26°C) 
    Tallahassee 69°F (20°C)

Should I visit Key Largo or Tallahassee in the Winter?

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

In January, Key Largo is generally much warmer than Tallahassee. Daily temperatures in Key Largo average around 67°F (19°C), and Tallahassee fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In Key Largo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Key Largo usually receives more sunshine than Tallahassee during winter. Key Largo gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Tallahassee receives 185 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Key Largo usually receives less rain than Tallahassee. Key Largo gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Tallahassee receives 3.7 inches (95 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Key Largo 67°F (19°C) 
    Tallahassee 51°F (11°C)

Should I visit Key Largo or Tallahassee in the Spring?

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

Key Largo is a little warmer than Tallahassee in the spring. The daily temperature in Key Largo averages around 74°F (24°C) in April, and Tallahassee fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tallahassee. 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 Tallahassee. Key Largo gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tallahassee receives 295 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Tallahassee. Key Largo usually gets less rain in April than Tallahassee. Key Largo gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Tallahassee receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Tallahassee.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Key Largo 74°F (24°C) 
    Tallahassee 67°F (19°C)

Typical Weather for Tallahassee and Key Largo

Key Largo Tallahassee
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 67°F (19°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 51°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm)
Feb 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (121 mm)
Mar 71°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 60°F (16°C) 5.9 inches (151 mm)
Apr 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 67°F (19°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)
May 78°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm) 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm) 80°F (27°C) 6.6 inches (168 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 82°F (28°C) 8.9 inches (227 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm) 82°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (175 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm) 78°F (26°C) 6.7 inches (169 mm)
Oct 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 69°F (20°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Nov 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 60°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Dec 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 54°F (12°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)