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

Should you visit Key West or Baltimore?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Key West or Baltimore? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Key West

Key West is a active, lively, and quaint town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and nightlife.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a vibrant, diverse, and colorful city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Key West and Baltimore: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key West or Baltimore?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Baltimore than Key West, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Baltimore is better known for its museums, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Key West is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Key West is more touristy than Baltimore and is known for its festive nightlife, quirky town center, colorful personality, adrenaline-filled watersports, stunning beaches, turquoise water, and location at the southernmost point of the continental U.S. Baltimore is well known for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities. Also, Baltimore is famous for the National Aquarium.

How is Key West different from Baltimore?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Key West or Baltimore?

Baltimore is notable for its sights and museums. However, Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

Baltimore offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.

Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Key West or Baltimore? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Baltimore is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Key West is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Baltimore. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

Key West is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Head to town for local restaurants with quirky atmospheres. There are many local dishes to sample, be the town is most known for its stone crabs, conch fritters, and Mahi Mahi sandwiches. You'll also find cold drinks and waterfront dining areas.

Is Key West or Baltimore Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are great in both Key West and Baltimore.

Key West has plenty to do after the sun goes down. This area has some of the most lively nightlife in the Florida Keys. There are quirky bars and fun hangouts where you can spend the evening. The party starts at Mallory Square around sunset and many bars stay open well into the early hours. You can also enjoy sunset cruises or pass your time at one of the many tiki bars.

Baltimore has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

Is Key West or Baltimore Better for Resorts?

Key West is well known for its resorts. However, Baltimore is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Key West. There are a number of high end resorts around the island, many with recognizable names such as the Hyatt and Hilton. Prices can be high, but these resorts often come with reliable luxury.

Baltimore is not a resort destination.

Is Key West or Baltimore Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Key West is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Baltimore is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Key West. There are a number of dive shops and snorkeling excursions that leave from Key West. Like many tourist areas these days, the coral shows its damage from the crowds, but you'll likely see some barracuda or a Grouper.

Baltimore is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key West or Baltimore Better for Beaches?

Key West is well known for the beache. However, Baltimore is not a beach destination.

Key West is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. One of the best beaches in the area is Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. The beach has soft sand and stunning turquoise water. As is typical in the Keys, the water stays shallow for great distances.

Baltimore is not a beach destination.

Is Key West or Baltimore Better for its Old Town?

Key West is well known for its old town. However, Baltimore does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Key West. The town has the most charming Old Town areas in the Florida Keys. Head to Mallory Square for the sunset street performers and explore the historic streets around Duval Street.

Baltimore does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Key West or Baltimore?

Baltimore is notable for its shopping opportunities. However, Key West is a mediocre town for its shopping areas.

Baltimore is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

Key West has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. While it definitely has its share of gimmicky souvenir shops and t-shirt stores, there are still a number of art galleries and local shops around Key West where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Key West or Baltimore Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Key West or Baltimore.

Key West is a very kid-friendly town. Families that enjoy snorkeling, aquariums, water sports, and exploring new places will enjoy visiting this part of the Florida Keys. There are many ways to get out on the water from kayaking and snorkeling to glass bottom boat tours and sunset cruises. There are also many kid-friendly beaches in the area. The town can have a party atmosphere, but it's not hard to find a more family-friendly area where everyone can have fun.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Baltimore. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

Is Key West or Baltimore Better for Couples?

Key West is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Key West frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. From Mallory Square to the beautiful nearby parks, Key West makes a wonderful, romantic destination. Whether it's your honeymoon, an anniversary, or simply a couples' retreat, Key West is a great option. You can sip wine on a sunset cruise or dine at one of the many character-filled restaurants in town. If you are looking for a party, it's not hard to find, but if you want a more laid back holiday, that's also possible.

Baltimore is a good town for couples to visit. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.

Is Key West or Baltimore Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Baltimore is a popular place for backpackers. However, Key West is a mediocre town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Baltimore. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

Key West is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Key West is a pretty expensive destination, but there are Airbnbs and even a hostel or two that cater to budget backpackers.

Is Key West or Baltimore Better for Students?

Key West is well known for students. However, Baltimore is not popular with students.

Key West is very popular with students. It's a great spring break destination with a quirky personality and many great activities.

Baltimore is not popular with students.

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

Baltimore is notable for its public transit. However, Key West is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Baltimore can get you to some places easily. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail system.

Public transit is quite limited in Key West. Public transportation in Key West is limited to a few buses.

Is Key West or Baltimore a more walkable city?

Baltimore is notable for its high level of walkability. Also, Key West is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its ease of walking around.

Baltimore is a very walkable city. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.

Key West is a somewhat walkable town. The town is the most walkable part of the Florida Keys. The area around Mallory Square and Duval Street is the most pedestrian friendly.

For even more information, also check out Is Key West Worth Visiting? and Is Baltimore Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Baltimore or Key West?

How long in Key West or Baltimore?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Key West and Baltimore. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Key West than in Baltimore. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Key West, and 2-3 days is enough time in Baltimore.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Baltimore than Key West 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 Baltimore.

One day in Key West or Baltimore?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the quaint town of Key West. 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.

The city of Baltimore offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Key West or Baltimore?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the eclectic destination of Key West. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Baltimore is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Baltimore, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Key West or Baltimore?

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

Baltimore is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Key West or Baltimore?

Key West 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 Key West, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Baltimore is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Key West Expensive? and Is Baltimore Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Key West or Baltimore?

Baltimore has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Key West. When comparing the sizes of Key West and Baltimore, 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 West or Baltimore?

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 West or Baltimore in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Key West and Baltimore. The beaches, snorkeling, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Key West this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Baltimore for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Key West is a little warmer than Baltimore in the summer. The daily temperature in Key West averages around 84°F (29°C) in July, and Baltimore fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Baltimore this time of the year. In Key West, it's very sunny this time of the year. Key West usually receives more sunshine than Baltimore during summer. Key West gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Baltimore receives 283 hours of full sun in the summer.

Baltimore receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Key West usually receives less rain than Baltimore. Key West gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Baltimore receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Key West or Baltimore in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Key West as well as Baltimore. Many travelers come to Key West for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Baltimore in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Key West is much warmer than Baltimore. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Key West in October average around 80°F (27°C), and Baltimore averages at about 57°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key West this time of the year. In the autumn, Key West often gets more sunshine than Baltimore. Key West gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Baltimore receives 196 hours of full sun.

Key West receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Key West usually gets more rain in October than Baltimore. Key West gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Baltimore receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Key West is June to November.

Should I visit Key West or Baltimore in the Winter?

Both Baltimore and Key West are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Key West in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Baltimore for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Baltimore can be very cold during winter. In January, Key West is generally much warmer than Baltimore. Daily temperatures in Key West average around 70°F (21°C), and Baltimore fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key West. Key West usually receives more sunshine than Baltimore during winter. Key West gets 252 hours of sunny skies, while Baltimore receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Key West usually receives less rain than Baltimore. Key West gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Baltimore receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Key West or Baltimore in the Spring?

Both Baltimore and Key West during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Key West for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Baltimore because of the activities around the city.

Key West is much warmer than Baltimore in the spring. The daily temperature in Key West averages around 77°F (25°C) in April, and Baltimore fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

In Baltimore, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Key West. In the spring, Key West often gets more sunshine than Baltimore. Key West gets 326 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Baltimore receives 225 hours of full sun.

Key West usually gets less rain in April than Baltimore. Key West gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Baltimore receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Key West.

Typical Weather for Baltimore and Key West