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

Should you visit Key West or Phoenix?

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

Should I visit Key West or Phoenix? 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. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and food.

Phoenix

Phoenix is a desert, laid back, and sprawling city. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Key West and Phoenix: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key West or Phoenix?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Key West. Although Key West and Phoenix are both popular with visitors, Key West has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Key West is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Phoenix is known for its museums, hiking, and shopping. Key West is more touristy than Phoenix and is popular 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 home to Duval Street. Phoenix is popular for its desert landscapes, high number of golf courses, and year round warm weather.

How is Key West different from Phoenix?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Phoenix is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

Phoenix offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You'll find art, science, and cultural museums around town. Favorites include the Heard Museum, the Phoenix Art Museum, S'edav Va'aki Museum, and the Arizona Science Museum.

Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at good restaurants in both Key West and Phoenix.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Key West. 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.

Phoenix is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are many mom-and-pop shops around town that serve everything from casual meals to quality steaks. There's also a huge selection of Mexican restaurants, as well as other international options such as sushi, dim sum, and Italian.

Is Key West or Phoenix Better for Nightlife?

Key West is a great town for its evening party scene. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Key West has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Phoenix. The best nightlife scene is found in downtown and central Phoenix. There are bars, restaurants, and venues where you can catch a show. North Phoenix also has grown into a popular evening spot with cocktail bars and pubs.

Is Key West or Phoenix Better for Resorts?

Key West is a great town for its luxury resorts. However, Phoenix is not a resort destination.

In Key West, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. 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.

Phoenix is not a resort destination.

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

Key West is a town with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Phoenix is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life 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.

Phoenix is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key West or Phoenix Better for Beaches?

Key West is a great town for the beach. However, Phoenix is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Key West attract visitors from all over. 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.

Phoenix is not a beach destination.

Is Key West or Phoenix Better for its Old Town?

Key West is a great town for its historic old town charm. However, Phoenix does not have a historic old town.

Key West is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Phoenix does not have a historic old town.

Is Key West or Phoenix Better for Hiking?

Phoenix is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Key West is not a hiking destination.

Phoenix is a good destination for hiking. You don't have to head far out of town for impressive hiking opportunities. You'll find trails that range from easy to challenging, and many pass through other-worldly landscapes. You'll find popular trails in Usery Mountain Regional Park, Papago Park, White Tank Mountain Regional Park, South Mountain Park and many others.

Key West is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Key West or Phoenix?

Phoenix is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Key West is a mediocre town for its shopping areas.

Phoenix offers some nice shopping areas. There are plenty of shopping centers, outlets, and malls where you'll find the standard chain stores. You'll also find farmer's markets around town.

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 Phoenix Better for Families?

Key West is a great town for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Key West. 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.

Phoenix is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the Phoenix Zoo, the Arizona Science Center, the SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, and the Bearizona Wildlife Park. There's also a number of parks and gardens as well as a children's museum and several other interactive museums for kids.

Is Key West or Phoenix Better for Couples?

Key West is a great town for couples. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Key West is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Phoenix is a nice destination for couples. There are many parks and gardens in town as well as beautiful hikes and outdoor activities that couples will enjoy. In the evening, there's theater, shows, and many romantic restaurants.

Is Key West or Phoenix Better for Students?

Key West is a great town for its student-friendly activities. However, Phoenix is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Key West. It's a great spring break destination with a quirky personality and many great activities.

Phoenix is not popular with students.

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

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

Public transit is generally limited in Phoenix. There's a bus and light rail system, but you really need your own vehicle to get around.

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

Is Key West or Phoenix a more walkable city?

Key West is a town with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Phoenix is not known for its walkability.

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.

Phoenix is generally not very walkable. It's a sprawling city and the only real area that's walkable is the downtown.

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

Should I spend more time in Phoenix or Key West?

How long in Key West or Phoenix?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Key West and Phoenix. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Key West than in Phoenix. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Key West, and 1-3 days is enough time in Phoenix.

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

In Key West, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The city of Phoenix offers food 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 Phoenix?

In Key West, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

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

Five days in Key West or Phoenix?

Key West is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Key West has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Phoenix 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 Phoenix?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Key West. In Key West, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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

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 Phoenix Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Key West or Phoenix?

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

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Key West or Phoenix in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Key West as well as Phoenix. Many visitors come to Key West in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Phoenix for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Phoenix can become quite hot in the summer. In the summer, Key West is cooler than Phoenix. Typically, the summer temperatures in Key West in July average around 84°F (29°C), and Phoenix averages at about 98°F (36°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phoenix. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key West this time of the year. In the summer, Key West often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Key West gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 380 hours of full sun.

Key West usually gets more rain in July than Phoenix. Key West gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key West or Phoenix in the Autumn?

Both Phoenix and Key West are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Key West for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Phoenix because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Key West is generally around the same temperature as Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Key West average around 80°F (27°C), and Phoenix fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Phoenix. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key West. Key West usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during autumn. Key West gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 305 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Key West. In October, Key West usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Key West gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Key West.

Should I visit Key West or Phoenix in the Winter?

Both Phoenix and Key West during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Key West because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Phoenix this time of year.

Key West is a little warmer than Phoenix in the winter. The daily temperature in Key West averages around 70°F (21°C) in January, and Phoenix fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

In Phoenix, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Key West. In the winter, Key West often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Phoenix. Key West gets 252 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 254 hours of full sun.

Key West usually gets more rain in January than Phoenix. Key West gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key West or Phoenix in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Key West and Phoenix. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Key West this time of year.

In the spring, Key West is around the same temperature as Phoenix. Typically, the spring temperatures in Key West in April average around 77°F (25°C), and Phoenix averages at about 74°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phoenix this time of the year. In Key West, it's very sunny this time of the year. Key West usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during spring. Key West gets 326 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 355 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Key West usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Key West gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Key West is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Phoenix and Key West