A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Key Largo vs. West Palm Beach for Resorts, Beaches, Families, and Nightlife

Should you visit Key Largo or West Palm Beach?

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 West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is a vibrant, fun-filled, and diverse beach area. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Key Largo and West Palm Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key Largo or West Palm Beach?

Visitors will usually find more to do in West Palm Beach than Key Largo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. West Palm Beach is better known for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches, while Key Largo is more popular for its 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. West Palm Beach is well known for its nice resorts, a lively boardwalk, great seafood, and fun watersports. Also, West Palm Beach is famous for Rosemary Square.

How is Key Largo different from West Palm Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is the Food Better in Key Largo or West Palm Beach? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Key Largo and West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Oceanfront restaurants usually have a great view and offer local and fresh seafood. There are also many local restaurants concentrated around Clematis Street and CityPlace districts.

Is Key Largo or West Palm Beach Better for Nightlife?

West Palm Beach is great for its evening party scene. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to West Palm Beach for the nightlife scene. With rooftop bars and clubs, oceanfront venues, and plenty of nightlife options downtown, this city rivals most places when it comes to nightlife. The nightlife scene is particularly active during spring break, when university students head to town.

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 West Palm Beach Better for Resorts?

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

West Palm Beach is a world class resort vacation destination. All of the major names are present including the Hilton, Marriott, and Four Seasons.

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 West Palm Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Both Key Largo and West Palm Beach offer excellent scuba diving or snorkeling.

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.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near West Palm Beach. Check out Phil Foster Park in Rivera Beach. It's a man-made reef that is surprisingly clear.

Is Key Largo or West Palm Beach Better for Beaches?

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

West Palm Beach is considered to be a world-class beach destination. From bustling beaches with a boardwalk to quieter, more relaxing beaches surrounded by parkland, there are are number of options in the area.

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 West Palm Beach Better for Families?

Key Largo is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, West Palm Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice beach area for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Key Largo is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

West Palm Beach is a very kid-friendly island. Animal lovers will appreciate the zoos and aquariums in the area. Check out McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary, Manatee Lagoon, the Palm Beach Zoo, and the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium.

Is Key Largo or West Palm Beach Better for Couples?

West Palm Beach is great for couples. Also, Key Largo is not as popular, but is still a nice island for romance.

West Palm Beach is a great beach area if you're traveling as a couple. Couples will enjoy kayaking, dining out, or simply relaxing on the beach. It's fun to spend a day exploring the botanical gardens and an evening wandering around Clematis Street.

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 West Palm Beach Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

West Palm Beach is a beach area 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 West Palm Beach offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a downtown trolley, a commuter trail line (connecting West Palm Beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale), and a bus system with about 30 lines.

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 West Palm Beach a more walkable city?

West Palm Beach is a beach area with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its walkability.

West Palm Beach is a somewhat walkable beach area. West Palm Beach has a surprisingly walkable area and it's possible to explore the downtown area on foot.

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 West Palm Beach Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in West Palm Beach or Key Largo?

How long in Key Largo or West Palm Beach?

Both Key Largo and West Palm Beach have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, West Palm Beach has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in West Palm Beach than Key Largo. In general, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Key Largo, and 3-7 days is enough time in West Palm Beach.

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

One day in Key Largo or West Palm Beach?

The family-friendly destination of Key Largo offers scuba diving and snorkeling. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling around the beach area of West Palm Beach. 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 West Palm Beach?

The island of Key Largo offers scuba diving and snorkeling. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the fun-filled destination of West Palm Beach. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This beach area offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Key Largo or West Palm Beach?

Key Largo is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This island offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling around the fun-filled beach area of West Palm Beach. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this beach area makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this beach area has to offer.

A week in Key Largo or West Palm Beach?

The peaceful island of Key Largo offers scuba diving and snorkeling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach, 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 West Palm Beach, we can see that West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Key Largo or West Palm Beach?

West Palm Beach has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Key Largo. When comparing the sizes of Key Largo and West Palm Beach, 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 West Palm Beach?

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 West Palm Beach in the Summer?

Both West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in West Palm Beach. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key Largo. Key Largo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as West Palm Beach during summer. Key Largo gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while West Palm Beach receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in West Palm Beach. It's quite rainy in Key Largo. In July, Key Largo usually receives less rain than West Palm Beach. Key Largo gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Key Largo or West Palm Beach in the Autumn?

Both West Palm Beach and Key Largo during the autumn are popular places to visit.

In October, Key Largo is generally around the same temperature as West Palm Beach. Daily temperatures in Key Largo average around 78°F (26°C), and West Palm Beach fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

In West Palm Beach, 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 West Palm Beach. Key Largo gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while West Palm Beach receives 275 hours of full sun.

West Palm Beach 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 less rain in October than West Palm Beach. Key Largo gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in West Palm Beach is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Key Largo or West Palm Beach in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Key Largo and West Palm Beach. Most visitors come to Key Largo for the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to West Palm Beach because of the cuisine.

Key Largo is around the same temperature as West Palm Beach in the winter. The daily temperature in Key Largo averages around 67°F (19°C) in January, and West Palm Beach fluctuates around 65°F (19°C).

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

In January, Key Largo usually receives less rain than West Palm Beach. Key Largo gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Key Largo or West Palm Beach in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Key Largo as well as West Palm Beach. The spring months attract visitors to Key Largo because of the beaches. Additionally, the beaches are the main draw to West Palm Beach this time of year.

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

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

Key Largo usually gets less rain in April than West Palm Beach. Key Largo gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in West Palm Beach is June to November.

Typical Weather for West Palm Beach and Key Largo