A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Key West vs. Miami for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Beaches

Should you visit Key West or Miami?

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

Should I visit Key West or Miami? 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 eclectic, bustling, and active town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. It's also known for scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and nightlife.

Miami

Miami is a glamorous, exciting, and diverse beach city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping.

Key West and Miami: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key West or Miami?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Miami. Although Key West and Miami are popular destinations, Miami has more sights and attractions for tourists. Miami is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Key West attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Key West is famous 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. Miami is famous for its long sandy beaches, glitzy nightlife scene, diverse cultures, and award-winning restaurants. It is also well known for South Beach.

How is Key West different from Miami?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

For foodies, Miami is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city's food scene is as diverse as its population. It is a blend of Caribbean, Latin American, and South American flavors and it is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. There is everything from award-winning restaurants to local dives that offer excellent dishes and experiences. The city is known for its stone crabs, fish sandwiches, Cuban sandwiches, and key lime pie.

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 Miami Better for Nightlife?

Miami is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Key West is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its evening party scene.

Miami is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. From the posh nightlife clubs in South Beach, to the local salsa dancing venues in Little Havana, Miami is a city that thrives with energy. There are many world-renowned clubs that keep the music and drinks flowing through the entire night. There's also a glitzy and glamourous scene where the wealthy like to see and be seen.

Key West has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Is Key West or Miami Better for Music?

Miami is renowned for its live music scene. However, Key West is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Miami Popular live music venues include Ball and Chain, Cafe La Trova, Flamingo Theater Bar.

Key West is not a live music destination.

Is Key West or Miami Better for Resorts?

Miami is renowned for its resorts. Also, Key West is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its luxury resorts.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Miami is a great choice. Known for it's luxury, you'll find many resorts in the area. Popular options include The Ritz-Carlton South Beach, Fontainebleau, and Carillon Miami.

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.

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

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

Miami is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key West or Miami Better for Beaches?

Miami is renowned for the beache. Also, Key West is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for the beach.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Miami. If you're looking for long sandy beaches, luxury yacht clubs, and fine dining restaurants, the area's beaches have them all. Some of the best beaches in the area include the world-famous South Beach, the North Beach Oceanside Park, Sunny Isles Beach, and Surfside. Many beaches are lined with high rise hotels that offer an urban beach experience.

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.

Is Key West or Miami Better for its Old Town?

Key West is well known for its historic old town. However, Miami 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.

Miami does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Key West or Miami?

Miami is renowned for its shopping opportunities. However, Key West is a mediocre town for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Miami make it a world-class shopping destination. The city has every high end brand you could want, along with diverse neighborhoods with local finds and unique purchases. You'll find many diverse shopping opportunities that are influenced by the city's cultural scene. You'll also find many souvenir stands and t-shirt shops.

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 Miami Better for Families?

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

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 Miami. Because it's so big, you'll find a number of kid-friendly activities in the area. There's the Miami Zoo, various waterparks, the Everglades Alligator Park, Miccosukee Indian Village, and plenty of indoor playgrounds in case the weather doesn't cooperate.

Is Key West or Miami Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Key West and Miami 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.

Miami makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For couples who love nightlife, wining and dining, and high end beach clubs, this is the place to be. There are many award-winning restaurants and plenty of glitz and glam that make for a great romantic getaway.

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

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Miami. This city is large enough to have something for everyone, so you'll find several hostels in the area that bring in the backpackers.

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 Miami Better for Students?

Key West is well known for students. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

It's common for students to visit Miami. Spring break in Miami is the stuff of legends.

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

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

Miami has a few public transit options. There's an elevated metrorail as well as buses around the city.

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

Is Key West or Miami a more walkable city?

Miami 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.

Miami is a very walkable beach city. Many parts of city are surprisingly walkable and pedestrian friendly, allowing you to eat out, go shopping, or explore without the need for a car.

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 Miami Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Miami or Key West?

How long in Key West or Miami?

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

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

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

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

One day in Key West or Miami?

In Key West, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this laid-back destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Miami is a big city with plenty to do. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Miami?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Key West. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Miami 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.

Five days in Key West or Miami?

Key West is a fun place to experience. In Key West, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife that this quaint destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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

A week in Key West or Miami?

In Key West, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this quirky destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Miami is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Miami has to offer. This beach 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 Miami, we can see that Key West is more expensive. And not only is Miami much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Miami would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Miami 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 Miami.

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 Miami Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Key West or Miami?

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

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 Miami in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Key West and Miami. 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 Miami for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Key West is generally around the same temperature as Miami. Daily temperatures in Key West average around 84°F (29°C), and Miami fluctuates around 83°F (28°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Miami this time of the year. In Key West, it's very sunny this time of the year. Key West usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Miami during summer. Key West gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Miami receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

Miami receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Key West usually receives less rain than Miami. Key West gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Miami receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Key West or Miami in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Key West as well as Miami. 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 Miami in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Key West is around the same temperature as Miami in the autumn. The daily temperature in Key West averages around 80°F (27°C) in October, and Miami fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Miami. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key West this time of the year. In the autumn, Key West often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Miami. Key West gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Miami receives 275 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Miami. Key West receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Key West usually gets less rain in October than Miami. Key West gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Miami receives 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Key West.

Should I visit Key West or Miami in the Winter?

Both Miami 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 Miami for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Key West is around the same temperature as Miami. Typically, the winter temperatures in Key West in January average around 70°F (21°C), and Miami averages at about 67°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Miami. 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 Miami during winter. Key West gets 252 hours of sunny skies, while Miami receives 243 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Key West usually receives less rain than Miami. Key West gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Miami receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Key West or Miami in the Spring?

Both Miami 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 Miami because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Key West is generally around the same temperature as Miami. Daily temperatures in Key West average around 77°F (25°C), and Miami fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

In Miami, 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 Miami. Key West gets 326 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Miami receives 300 hours of full sun.

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

Typical Weather for Miami and Key West