A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Key West vs. Edmonton for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Key West or Edmonton?

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

Should I visit Key West or Edmonton? 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 lively, quaint, and laid-back town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Key West is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Key West travel costs.

Edmonton

Edmonton is a authentic, friendly, and cultural city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Edmonton travel costs.

Key West and Edmonton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key West or Edmonton?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Key West. Although Key West and Edmonton are popular destinations, Key West has more sights and attractions for tourists. Key West is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Edmonton attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and shopping. Key West is more touristy than Edmonton 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. It is also well known for Duval Street. Edmonton is famous for its many festivals and lively personality.

How is Key West different from Edmonton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Edmonton offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. You'll find a number of good museums around town such as the Royal Alberta Museum, Muttart Conservatory, the Alberta Aviation Museum, and the Art Gallery of Alberta.

Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Key West is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Edmonton is not a good city for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Key West makes for a great culinary experience. Head to town for local restaurants with quirky atmospheres. There are many local dishes to sample, but 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Edmonton. You'll find a mix of casual cafes, international eateries, and more upscale dining options.

Is Key West or Edmonton Better for Nightlife?

Key West is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Edmonton is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Key West offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Edmonton. There's a mix of nightclubs, bars, and breweries around town. Head to Jasper Avenue for the high end clubs or check out a live show at one of the active theaters around town.

Is Key West or Edmonton Better for Resorts?

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

Edmonton is not a resort destination.

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

Key West is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Edmonton 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.

Edmonton is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key West or Edmonton Better for Beaches?

Key West is a well-known place for its beaches. However, Edmonton 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.

Edmonton is not a beach destination.

Is Key West or Edmonton Better for its Old Town?

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

Edmonton does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Key West or Edmonton?

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

Edmonton is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is home to the West Edmonton Mall, which is the largest shopping mall in Canada, and among the largest in the world. The mall includes hundreds of shops, restaurants, a hotel, ice rink, movie theaters, an aquarium, and Galaxyland, which is one of the largest indoor amusement parks in the world. The mall is divided into themed sections that represent iconic places from around the world such as Europa Boulevard and Bourbon Street.

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 Edmonton More Beautiful?

Key West is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Edmonton is not a destination known for its beauty.

Key West is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. There are blue waters as far as the eye can see. It doesn't get much more beautiful than this.

Edmonton is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Key West or Edmonton Better for Families?

Key West is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Edmonton is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Key West is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Edmonton is a family-friendly town. Many families live in town so if you're visiting for a few days you'll find plenty to do with kids. Most of the activities are concentrated in the downtown areas and along the south side of the North Saskatchewan River. The whole family will enjoy a visit to Telus World of Science. There's also the Edmonton Valley Zoo, the Alberta Aviation Museum, and Galaxyland, as well as many other activities.

Is Key West or Edmonton Better for Couples?

Key West is a well-known place for romance. Also, Edmonton is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Edmonton makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There's a good theater scene, so you can enjoy dinner and a show. There are also quaint cafes, mellow breweries, and plenty of cultural activities like art museums.

Is Key West or Edmonton Better for Students?

Key West is a well-known place for students. However, Edmonton 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.

Edmonton is not popular with students.

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

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

Edmonton has a few public transit options. The city has both bus and light rail systems.

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

Is Key West or Edmonton a more walkable city?

Key West and Edmonton both are nice when exploring on foot.

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.

Edmonton is a somewhat walkable town. There are parts of the city that are very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Edmonton or Key West?

How long in Key West or Edmonton?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Key West or Edmonton to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Key West than Edmonton 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 West, and 1-2 days is enough time in Edmonton.

Families should spend more time in Key West than Edmonton. 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 Edmonton. 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 Edmonton 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 Edmonton?

The beautiful town of Key West offers nightlife and food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

The city of Edmonton offers nightlife and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Key West or Edmonton?

Key West is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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

Five days in Key West or Edmonton?

Key West is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Key West, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Edmonton 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 Edmonton?

Key West is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Key West has to offer. This town offers something for everyone.

Edmonton 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 Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Key West and Edmonton, we can see that Key West is more expensive. And not only is Edmonton much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Edmonton would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Edmonton 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 Edmonton.

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 Edmonton Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Key West or Edmonton?

Edmonton has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Key West. When comparing the sizes of Key West and Edmonton, 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.