A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Key West vs. Rapid City for Families, Nightlife, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Key West or Rapid City?

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

Should I visit Key West or Rapid City? 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. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Rapid City

Rapid City is a activity-filled, friendly, and fascinating city. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping.

Key West and Rapid City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key West or Rapid City?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Key West than Rapid City, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Key West is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Rapid City is more popular for its museums, hiking, and shopping. Key West is more touristy than Rapid City 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. Also, Key West is famous for Duval Street. Rapid City is well known for its proximity to Mount Rushmore and many other iconic parks.

How is Key West different from Rapid City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rapid City is renowned for its sights and museums. However, Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Rapid City are among the most recognizable in the world. You'll find a wide variety of museums and landmarks nearby. Popular places to visit that aren't far from town include the Mammoth Site of Hot Springs, the South Dakota Air & Space Museum, and the Journey Museum & Learning Center. There's also the Museum of Geology and the National Presidential Wax Museum. And of course, there's the iconic Mount Rushmore.

Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at notable restaurants in both Key West and Rapid City.

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.

Rapid City is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find local restaurants in town that serve local specialties such as chislic (grilled meat), fry bread, and walleye (a local fish.

Is Key West or Rapid City Better for Nightlife?

Key West is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Rapid City is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

Key West has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Rapid City is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. You'll find some places with live music and good drinks, but the city isn't really known for its nightlife scene.

Is Key West or Rapid City Better for Resorts?

Key West is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Rapid City 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.

Rapid City is not a resort destination.

Is Key West or Rapid City Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Rapid City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key West or Rapid City Better for Beaches?

Key West is a very popular place for the beache. However, Rapid City 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.

Rapid City is not a beach destination.

Is Key West or Rapid City Better for its Old Town?

Key West is a very popular place for its old town. However, Rapid City 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.

Rapid City does not have a historic old town.

Is Key West or Rapid City Better for Hiking?

Rapid City is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Key West is not a hiking destination.

Rapid City is a popular spot for hiking. The region is filled with national parks, state parks, and natural areas with wonderful hiking trails. You don't have to travel far to get into nature and experience some of South Dakota's best natural beauty.

Key West is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Key West or Rapid City?

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

Rapid City offers some nice shopping areas. Rapid City has some interesting local shops as well as larger malls and shopping centers.

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 Rapid City Better for Families?

Rapid City is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Key West is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Rapid City is a very family-friendly destination. Nearby national parks and outdoor activities, this is the perfect base for exploring the area with kids. Nearby you'll find the Big Thunder Gold Mine, which has tours and lets you pan for gold, and Custer State Park, which is filled with wildlife. Wall Drug is worth a stopoff, as is Dinosaur Park.

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.

Is Key West or Rapid City Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Key West and Rapid City 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.

Rapid City makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy the amazing national parks in the area and the easy access to iconic landmarks like Mount Rushmore. There are many opportunities for wildlife spotting as well as great hiking trails and unique landscapes.

Is Key West or Rapid City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rapid City is notable for backpackers. However, Key West is a mediocre town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Rapid City is a great city to visit for backpackers. Backpackers will appreciate the surrounding natural beauty and the nearby national parks.

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 Rapid City Better for Students?

Key West is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Rapid City 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.

Rapid City is not popular with students.

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

Rapid City 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 Rapid City. While there are a few buses, this isn't a realistic option for traveling through the region.

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

Is Key West or Rapid City a more walkable city?

Key West is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Rapid City is lacking in good options 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.

Rapid City is generally not very walkable. While the downtown is walkable, most visitors use the city as a base for exploring the surrounding areas, and this requires a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Rapid City or Key West?

How long in Key West or Rapid City?

It's fun to spend time in either Key West or Rapid City. 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 Rapid City.

Couples should spend more time in Key West than Rapid City. 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 Rapid City 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 Rapid City.

One day in Key West or Rapid City?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the active town of Key West, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The city of Rapid City offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Rapid City?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Key West, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Rapid City 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. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Rapid City, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Key West or Rapid City?

Key West, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Rapid City is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. 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 Rapid City?

Key West is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this town makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Rapid City is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Rapid City, we can see that Key West is more expensive. And not only is Rapid City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Rapid City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rapid City 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 Rapid City.

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 Rapid City Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Key West or Rapid City?

Rapid City has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Key West. When comparing the sizes of Key West and Rapid City, 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.