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

Should you visit Key West or Saint Petersburg?

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

Should I visit Key West or Saint Petersburg? 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 laid-back, quirky, and eclectic town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Other reasons to visit include beaches, nightlife, and food.

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a fun-filled, underrated, and relaxed coastal city. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Key West and Saint Petersburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key West or Saint Petersburg?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Key West. Although Key West and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations, Key West has more sights and attractions for tourists. Key West is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Saint Petersburg attracts visitors for its museums, food, beaches, and shopping. Key West is more touristy than Saint Petersburg 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 well known for Duval Street. Saint Petersburg is famous for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities.

How is Key West different from Saint Petersburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Petersburg is notable for its sights and museums. However, Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

Saint Petersburg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are a variety of history, science, and art museums in the area. The Dalí Museum, Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, The Florida Holocaust Museum, and Imagine Museum of Contemporary Glass Art are some of the favorites.

Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Saint Petersburg. It's location on the Gulf Coast means that seafood is everywhere. You'll enjoy fresh oysters, fried calamari, grilled fish, and fried shrimp on many menus. Casual restaurants and local eateries are common around town.

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 Saint Petersburg Better for Nightlife?

Key West is great for nightlife. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Key West for the nightlife scene. 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 Saint Petersburg. There are beachside bars, rooftop restaurants, and dance clubs around town for those looking for a night out.

Is Key West or Saint Petersburg Better for Resorts?

Key West is great for its luxury resorts. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its resorts.

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.

With a selection of resorts, Saint Petersburg makes a nice vacation spot. You'll find most of the resorts near the beach. Many have pools and they range in style and budget level.

Is Key West or Saint Petersburg Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Saint Petersburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key West or Saint Petersburg Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg. You'll find great sandy beaches with calm blue water and a relaxed atmosphere. Some of the best beaches include Egmont Key, Fort DeSoto Beach, Maximo Beach, and St. Pete's Municipal Beach.

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 Saint Petersburg Better for its Old Town?

Key West is great for its historic old town. However, Saint Petersburg 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.

Saint Petersburg does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Key West or Saint Petersburg?

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

Saint Petersburg offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find plenty of shopping malls and shopping centers around town. Along the boardwalk and in John's Pass Village there are also restaurants and souvenir stores.

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 Saint Petersburg Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Key West or Saint Petersburg.

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 Saint Petersburg. The beaches, waterparks, nature reserves, and entertainment centers all offer plenty of activities for families. There are plenty of places to play, laugh, and act silly around town so the whole family can have a good time. There's also the Great Explorations Children’s Museum and other educational opportunities for the young ones.

Is Key West or Saint Petersburg Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Key West and Saint Petersburg 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.

Saint Petersburg makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are sunset cruises, long sandy beaches, nice restaurants, and many other romantic activities around town. You can wander down the boardwalk or enjoy nature at the gardens and nature parks around town.

Is Key West or Saint Petersburg Better for Students?

Key West is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Saint Petersburg 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.

Saint Petersburg is not popular with students.

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

Saint Petersburg is a moderate coastal 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 Saint Petersburg. There's a bus system, but most people rely on their own car 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 Saint Petersburg a more walkable city?

Key West is very good for its walkability. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

Key West is somewhat walkable. The town is the most walkable part of the Florida Keys. The area around Mallory Square and Duval Street is the most pedestrian friendly.

Saint Petersburg is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, but you really need a car to access most places.

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

Should I spend more time in Saint Petersburg or Key West?

How long in Key West or Saint Petersburg?

It's fun to spend time in either Key West or Saint Petersburg. 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 Saint Petersburg.

Families should spend more time in Key West than Saint Petersburg. 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.

One day in Key West or Saint Petersburg?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the lively destination of Key West. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

The coastal city of Saint Petersburg offers food and shopping. 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 Saint Petersburg?

You'll find nightlife and food around the quirky town of Key West. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Saint Petersburg is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Saint Petersburg, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Key West or Saint Petersburg?

Key West is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Saint Petersburg is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that beaches 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 Saint Petersburg?

Key West is a great place to explore. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Saint Petersburg is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal 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 Saint Petersburg, we can see that Key West is more expensive. And not only is Saint Petersburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saint Petersburg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg.

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 Saint Petersburg Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Key West or Saint Petersburg?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Key West. When comparing the sizes of Key West and Saint Petersburg, 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 Saint Petersburg?

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 Saint Petersburg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Key West as well as Saint Petersburg. The beaches, snorkeling, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Key West this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Saint Petersburg for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Key West is generally around the same temperature as Saint Petersburg. Daily temperatures in Key West average around 84°F (29°C), and Saint Petersburg fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. 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 Saint Petersburg. Key West gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Petersburg receives 265 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Saint Petersburg. Key West usually gets less rain in July than Saint Petersburg. Key West gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key West or Saint Petersburg in the Autumn?

Both Saint Petersburg and Key West are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Key West for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Saint Petersburg in the autumn for the shopping scene.

Key West is around the same temperature as Saint Petersburg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Key West averages around 80°F (27°C) in October, and Saint Petersburg fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Saint Petersburg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key West. Key West usually receives more sunshine than Saint Petersburg during autumn. Key West gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Petersburg receives 234 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Key West. In October, Key West usually receives more rain than Saint Petersburg. Key West gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Key West is June to November. The hurricane season in Saint Petersburg is June to November.

Should I visit Key West or Saint Petersburg in the Winter?

Both Saint Petersburg and Key West during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Key West in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Saint Petersburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Key West is a little warmer than Saint Petersburg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Key West in January average around 70°F (21°C), and Saint Petersburg averages at about 59°F (15°C).

In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Key West. In the winter, Key West often gets more sunshine than Saint Petersburg. Key West gets 252 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Petersburg receives 200 hours of full sun.

Key West usually gets less rain in January than Saint Petersburg. Key West gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key West or Saint Petersburg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Key West and Saint Petersburg. 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 Saint Petersburg because of the beaches.

In April, Key West is generally a little warmer than Saint Petersburg. Daily temperatures in Key West average around 77°F (25°C), and Saint Petersburg fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Petersburg this time of the year. In Key West, it's very sunny this time of the year. Key West usually receives more sunshine than Saint Petersburg during spring. Key West gets 326 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Petersburg receives 299 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Key West usually receives less rain than Saint Petersburg. Key West gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Key West. June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg.

Typical Weather for Saint Petersburg and Key West