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

Should you visit Key West or Dallas?

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

Should I visit Key West or Dallas? 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 quirky, eclectic, and bustling town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Dallas

Dallas is a upscale, chic, and active 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 Dallas: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key West or Dallas?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Dallas than Key West, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Dallas 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 Dallas 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. Dallas is well known for its Tex Mex cuisine, upscale shopping venues, and cowboy culture. Also, Dallas is famous for the Sixth Floor Museum.

How is Key West different from Dallas?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Dallas offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Museums range from historical to art and science with some of the favorites being the Dallas Contemporary Museum, the African American Museum, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Frontiers of Flight Museum. The city is also home to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and the Nasher Sculpture Center. A must-see is the Sixth Floor Museum, which is in historic Dealey Plaza and is where Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots that killed JFK. Today there's a museum that goes over the events of that day.

Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Dallas 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 Dallas. There's a perfect combination of Texas cuisine and international flavors. You'll find Texas barbecue, Tex Mex, and steakhouses intermixed with Thai, Japanese, and Caribbean cuisine. There's also a great food truck scene and many local eateries.

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 Dallas Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are great in both Key West and Dallas.

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.

Dallas has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. Head to East Dallas for the most active clubs with large dance floors and great music. The city also has rooftop lounges and plenty of live music as well as comedy clubs.

Is Key West or Dallas Better for Resorts?

Key West is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Dallas 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.

Dallas is not a resort destination.

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

Key West is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Dallas 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.

Dallas is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key West or Dallas Better for Beaches?

Key West is a well-known place for the beache. However, Dallas 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.

Dallas is not a beach destination.

Is Key West or Dallas Better for its Old Town?

Key West is a well-known place for its old town. However, Dallas 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.

Dallas does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Key West or Dallas?

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

Dallas is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. You'll find a very diverse shopping scene around town, with everything from quirky local vendors to upscale fashion boutiques. There are cowboy outfitters where you can get a feel for the Texas style, but there are also posh shopping centers and local flea markets.

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 Dallas Better for Families?

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

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 Dallas. The city is filled with families, and you'll find many kid-friendly activities around town. For some outdoor time you can visit the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden or the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The Dallas Zoo is a favorite for many kids and there are also a number of kid-friendly museums around town such as the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Dallas World Aquarium.

Is Key West or Dallas Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Key West and Dallas make for a great place to visit.

Key West is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Dallas makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Head to the observation deck at Reunion Tower for spectacular views of the night skyline. The city also has many great comedy clubs and performing arts venues as well as fine dining restaurants that make for a great date night.

Is Key West or Dallas Better for Students?

Key West is a well-known place for students. However, Dallas is not a good city for its student-friendly activities.

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

Dallas is a decent spot for students. There are a couple of universities and colleges in the area that keep things interesting for students.

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

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

Dallas has a few public transit options. While it's still very much a car-centered city, the public transportation system, DART, is one of the fastest growing in the country. It includes both light rail and bus service.

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

Is Key West or Dallas a more walkable city?

Key West is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Dallas is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

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

Dallas is generally not a very walkable town. The city is not particularly walkable, but there are several more walkable areas such as Ellum and Uptown.

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

Should I spend more time in Dallas or Key West?

How long in Key West or Dallas?

It's fun to spend time in either Key West or Dallas. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Key West due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Key West, and 2-4 days is enough time in Dallas.

Families should spend more time in Key West than Dallas. 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 Dallas. 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 Key West than Dallas 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 Key West.

One day in Key West or Dallas?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the quaint destination of Key West. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The city of Dallas 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 Dallas?

Key West is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Dallas 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 Dallas, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Key West or Dallas?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Key West. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Dallas 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 Dallas?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the active destination of Key West. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Dallas 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 Dallas, we can see that Key West is more expensive. And not only is Dallas much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Dallas would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dallas 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 Dallas.

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 Dallas Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Key West or Dallas?

Dallas has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Key West. When comparing the sizes of Key West and Dallas, 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 Dallas?

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 Dallas in the Summer?

Both Dallas and Key West are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Key West this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Dallas for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Key West is around the same temperature as Dallas in the summer. The daily temperature in Key West averages around 84°F (29°C) in July, and Dallas fluctuates around 88°F (31°C).

It's quite sunny in Dallas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key West. Key West usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dallas during summer. Key West gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Dallas receives 337 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Key West usually receives more rain than Dallas. Key West gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Key West or Dallas in the Autumn?

Both Dallas and Key West during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Key West for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Dallas in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Key West is a little warmer than Dallas. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Key West in October average around 80°F (27°C), and Dallas averages at about 69°F (21°C).

In Dallas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Key West. In the autumn, Key West often gets more sunshine than Dallas. Key West gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dallas receives 222 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Key West. Key West usually gets more rain in October than Dallas. Key West gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 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 Dallas in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Key West and Dallas. Many visitors come to Key West in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Dallas for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Key West is generally much warmer than Dallas. Daily temperatures in Key West average around 70°F (21°C), and Dallas fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).

In Key West, it's very sunny this time of the year. Key West usually receives more sunshine than Dallas during winter. Key West gets 252 hours of sunny skies, while Dallas receives 183 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Key West usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dallas. Key West gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Key West or Dallas in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Key West as well as Dallas. Most visitors come to Key West for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Dallas because of the activities around the city.

Key West is a little warmer than Dallas in the spring. The daily temperature in Key West averages around 77°F (25°C) in April, and Dallas fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dallas. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key West this time of the year. In the spring, Key West often gets more sunshine than Dallas. Key West gets 326 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dallas receives 251 hours of full sun.

Key West usually gets less rain in April than Dallas. Key West gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 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 Dallas and Key West