Which city is cheaper, Pensacola or Key West?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Key West vs. Pensacola for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
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Should you visit Key West or Pensacola?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Key West or Pensacola? 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.
Where Should I go: Key West or Pensacola?
Key West
Key West is both a city and an island as well as the southern most Florida Key. It is also the southern most city in the continental United States. The island is only about four miles long and one mile wide. The total land mass covers just 4.2 square miles. The most famous street in town is Duval Street, which runs just 1.1 miles from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. There are 14 blocks. The size of the island doubled during the 1950s when many of the salt ponds along the eastern side of the island were filled in.
Pensacola
With sands as white as sugar grain and a sky devoid of grey clouds and innumerable downpours, Pensacola is known by many as the "Western Gate to the Sunshine State." Located in northern Florida, Pensacola is a waterfront city known for its pristine beaches and rich Floridian history. As one of the earliest European settlements in the U.S., Pensacola is riddled with museums and landmarks that commemorate the state's history, making the city quite appetizing for history buffs and students alike. However, if you are simply looking to get the most out of the all-around good weather of Florida, Pensacola's protected beaches complemented with high-class restaurants and stores make this a vacation capital for many.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKey West $551Pensacola $198
The average daily cost (per person) in Key West is $551, while the average daily cost in Pensacola is $198. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Key West and Pensacola in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKey West $132Pensacola $115
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKey West $264Pensacola $230
Compare Hotels in Key West and Pensacola
Looking for a hotel in Key West or Pensacola? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Key West Hotel Prices and Pensacola Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Key West $51Pensacola $64
Typical Local Transportation prices in Key West
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Key West:
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Rental Car for One Day$38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Key West
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Key West:
- Key West International Airport One Way Transfer: $53
- Miami & One-Way Transfer by Motor Coach Bus: $54
- Private Arrival Transfer: Key West Airport to Hotel: $116
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Key West Airport: $116
- Round-Trip Transfer: Fort Lauderdale to Key West: $198
- Private Airport Transfer in Key West, Florida: $209
Typical Local Transportation prices in Pensacola
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Pensacola:
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Boca Grande Causeway Toll$5.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pensacola
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pensacola:
- Pensacola to Pensacola International Airport (PNS) - Departure Private Transfer: $136
- Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Pensacola - Arrival Private Transfer: $136
- Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Pensacola - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $271
Is it cheaper to fly into Key West or Pensacola?
Prices for flights to both Pensacola and Key West change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayKey West $385Pensacola $48
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Key West
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Key West.
- Key West Sunset Dinner Cruise with Tropical Buffet: $68
- Sunset Cruise with Buffet Dinner and Open Bar: $90
- Private Secret Food Tour of Key West: $103
- Secret Food Tour of Key West w/ Private Tour Option: $221
Typical Food prices in Pensacola
Some typical examples of dining costs in Pensacola are as follows:
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Two Ice Creams$6.00
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Key West $33Pensacola $13
Tours and Activities in Key West
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Key West are as follows:
- Self-Guided Bike Tour to Key West Beaches and Back Roads: $7.19
- Easy Stroll Audio Tour Downtown Key West: $7.99
- The Ghosts of Key West Walking Tour: $20
- Key West Scavenger Hunt Adventure Mobile Experience: $21
- Key West Ghost Tour: $24
- 6th Sense Haunted Tour of Key West: $25
- Haunted Walking Tour with Psychic Guide: $27
- The Dark Side of Key West Ghost Tour: $28
- Southernmost Key West History and Culture Small-Group Walking Tour: $28
- Old Town Key West Literary Walking Tour: $30
- Key West Ghost and Mysteries Guided Tour: $32
- Southernmost Key West Historical Tour in Small Group: $33
Typical Entertainment prices in Pensacola
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Pensacola are as follows:
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Bike Rental$16
Tours and Activities in Pensacola
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Pensacola are as follows:
- Pensacola Scavenger Hunt: Pensacola Adventure: $12
- Tour of Pensacola's Landmarks: $22
- Ghosts and Graveyard Tour of Pensacola: $22
- Red Light District Tour of Pensacola: $25
- Hop-on Hop-off Tour in Pensacola: $30
- 1hr Segway Tour Downtown: $53
- Uninhabited Island Kayaking Adventure: $62
- 2hr Segway Tour of Downtown: $72
- 3-Day Pensacola Sightseeing Pass: $90
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKey West $16Pensacola $44
Sample the Local Flavors in Key West
Also in Key West, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Key West Haunted Pub Crawl and Ghost Tour: $23
- Yes, Queen! Drag Queen Pub Crawl of Key West: $34
- Key West Pub Crawl: $35
Sample the Local Flavors in Pensacola
Also in Pensacola, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Walking Pub Tour: $21
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Key West and Pensacola, we can see that Key West is more expensive. And not only is Pensacola much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pensacola would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pensacola 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 Pensacola.
When is the best time to visit Key West or Pensacola?
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 Pensacola in the Summer?
Both Pensacola 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.
Key West is around the same temperature as Pensacola in the summer. The temperature in Key West is usually 84°F (29°C) in July, and Pensacola stays around 82°F (28°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Pensacola. In July, Key West usually receives less rain than Pensacola. Key West gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Pensacola receives 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKey West 84°F (29°C)Pensacola 82°F (28°C)
Should I visit Key West or Pensacola in the Autumn?
Both Pensacola 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.
In the autumn, Key West is a little warmer than Pensacola. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Key West in October are around 80°F (27°C), and Pensacola is about 69°F (21°C).
Pensacola gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Key West. Key West usually gets more rain in October than Pensacola. Key West gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Pensacola receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKey West 80°F (27°C)Pensacola 69°F (21°C)
Should I visit Key West or Pensacola in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Key West and Pensacola. Many visitors come to Key West in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
In January, Key West is generally much warmer than Pensacola. Temperatures in Key West average around 70°F (21°C), and Pensacola stays around 51°F (10°C).
Pensacola receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Key West usually receives less rain than Pensacola. Key West gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Pensacola receives 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKey West 70°F (21°C)Pensacola 51°F (10°C)
Should I visit Key West or Pensacola in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Key West as well as Pensacola. Most visitors come to Key West for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.
Key West is a little warmer than Pensacola in the spring. The temperature in Key West is usually 77°F (25°C) in April, and Pensacola stays around 67°F (20°C).
Key West usually gets less rain in April than Pensacola. Key West gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Pensacola receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKey West 77°F (25°C)Pensacola 67°F (20°C)
Typical Weather for Pensacola and Key West
| Key West | Pensacola | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 70°F (21°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) | 51°F (10°C) | 4.6 inches (117 mm) |
| Feb | 71°F (21°C) | 1.4 inches (36 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 5.4 inches (137 mm) |
| Mar | 74°F (23°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) | 60°F (16°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) |
| Apr | 77°F (25°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) | 67°F (20°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
| May | 81°F (27°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) |
| Jun | 83°F (28°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) | 80°F (27°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) |
| Jul | 84°F (29°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 82°F (28°C) | 7.4 inches (189 mm) |
| Aug | 84°F (29°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) | 82°F (28°C) | 7.4 inches (188 mm) |
| Sep | 83°F (29°C) | 5.7 inches (144 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 5.3 inches (135 mm) |
| Oct | 80°F (27°C) | 5.1 inches (129 mm) | 69°F (21°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) |
| Nov | 76°F (24°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) | 61°F (16°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) |
| Dec | 72°F (22°C) | 1.4 inches (35 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 4.3 inches (109 mm) |
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