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

Should you visit Key West or Roanoke?

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

Should I visit Key West or Roanoke? 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 quirky, eclectic, and bustling 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.

Roanoke

Roanoke is a laid back, scenic, and outdoorsy town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, hiking, and shopping.

Key West and Roanoke: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key West or Roanoke?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Key West. Although Key West and Roanoke are both popular with visitors, Key West has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Key West is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Roanoke is known for its museums, hiking, and shopping. Key West is more touristy than Roanoke 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. Roanoke is popular for its welcoming hospitality and convenient access to the Blue Ridge Mountains.

How is Key West different from Roanoke?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Roanoke offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several museums and sights around town such as the Living-Coral Reef Aquarium, the Science Museum of Western Virginia, and the Taubman Museum of Art. There's also the Harrison Museum of African American Culture and even the Roanoke Pinball Museum.

Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Key West is a popular place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Roanoke is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Roanoke offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are burger joints, pizza restaurants, and plenty of other casual eateries where you can grab a quick meal.

Is Key West or Roanoke Better for Nightlife?

Key West is a great town for its evening party scene. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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 Roanoke. There are local venues in the area that have drinks and often live music. You'll find jazz, country, rock, and bluegrass, particularly along Crooked Road in Franklin County.

Is Key West or Roanoke Better for Resorts?

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

Key West is known as a popular and fun resort destination. 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.

Roanoke is not a resort destination.

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

Key West is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Roanoke is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Key West has a few good snorkeling spots. 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.

Roanoke is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key West or Roanoke Better for Beaches?

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

Key West is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Roanoke is not a beach destination.

Is Key West or Roanoke Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Roanoke does not have a historic old town.

Is Key West or Roanoke Better for Hiking?

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

Roanoke is a popular spot for hiking. The surrounding countryside is filled with mountain hikes. The Blue Ridge Mountains are crossed by trails that take you to waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and through serene forest. McAfee Knob, Sharp Top Mountain, and Roaring Run Trail some of the best hikes in the area.

Key West is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Key West or Roanoke?

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

Roanoke offers some nice shopping areas. Market Street in Downtown Roanoke is lined with local vendors, particularly at the Historic Roanoke City Market. The town also has a mall and several 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 Roanoke Better for Families?

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

Roanoke is a family-friendly place to visit. The Blue Ridge Parkway is filled with kid-friendly hiking trails and fun outdoor activities. You can visit the Blue Ridge Institute & Farm Museum or Smith Mountain Lake Farm. There's also Virginia Children's Theater.

Is Key West or Roanoke Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Key West and Roanoke make for a high quality 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.

Roanoke makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Staying at a quaint bed and breakfast, tucked into the beautiful mountain setting is the perfect romantic getaway. Nearby there are vineyards and wine cellars, as well as gardens, hikes, and other outdoor activities.

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

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Roanoke. There are several campgrounds in the area as well as great hiking trails.

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 Roanoke Better for Students?

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

Key West is a very popular town for students and younger travelers. It's a great spring break destination with a quirky personality and many great activities.

Roanoke is not popular with students.

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

Roanoke is a moderate town 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 Roanoke. There are buses as well as a free trolley service through the downtown, but you really do need a car to get most places.

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

Is Key West or Roanoke a more walkable city?

Key West is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Roanoke 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.

Roanoke is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, with sidewalks and more dense development styles.

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

Should I spend more time in Roanoke or Key West?

How long in Key West or Roanoke?

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

Families should spend more time in Key West than Roanoke. 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 Roanoke. 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 Roanoke 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 Roanoke.

One day in Key West or Roanoke?

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 town of Roanoke offers nightlife and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Roanoke?

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.

Roanoke is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town 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 Roanoke, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Key West or Roanoke?

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.

Roanoke 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 Roanoke?

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.

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

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 Roanoke Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Key West or Roanoke?

Roanoke has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Key West. When comparing the sizes of Key West and Roanoke, 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 Roanoke?

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 Roanoke in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Key West as well as Roanoke. The summer months attract visitors to Key West because of the beaches, snorkeling, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Roanoke this time of year.

In the summer, Key West is a little warmer than Roanoke. Typically, the summer temperatures in Key West in July average around 84°F (29°C), and Roanoke averages at about 79°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Roanoke. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key West this time of the year. In the summer, Key West often gets more sunshine than Roanoke. Key West gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Roanoke receives 273 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Roanoke. Key West usually gets less rain in July than Roanoke. Key West gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key West or Roanoke in the Autumn?

Both Roanoke and Key West are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Key West this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Roanoke for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Key West is generally much warmer than Roanoke. Daily temperatures in Key West average around 80°F (27°C), and Roanoke fluctuates around 60°F (16°C).

It's quite sunny in Roanoke. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key West. Key West usually receives more sunshine than Roanoke during autumn. Key West gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Roanoke receives 210 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Key West. In October, Key West usually receives more rain than Roanoke. Key West gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Key West.

Should I visit Key West or Roanoke in the Winter?

Both Roanoke and Key West during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Key West for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Roanoke in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Roanoke can get quite cold in the winter. Key West is much warmer than Roanoke in the winter. The daily temperature in Key West averages around 70°F (21°C) in January, and Roanoke fluctuates around 38°F (3°C).

It's quite sunny in Key West. In the winter, Key West often gets more sunshine than Roanoke. Key West gets 252 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Roanoke receives 165 hours of full sun.

Key West usually gets less rain in January than Roanoke. Key West gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key West or Roanoke in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Key West and Roanoke. Many visitors come to Key West in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Key West is much warmer than Roanoke. Typically, the spring temperatures in Key West in April average around 77°F (25°C), and Roanoke averages at about 59°F (15°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Roanoke this time of the year. In Key West, it's very sunny this time of the year. Key West usually receives more sunshine than Roanoke during spring. Key West gets 326 hours of sunny skies, while Roanoke receives 246 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Key West usually receives less rain than Roanoke. Key West gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Key West is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Roanoke and Key West