A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Key West vs. Sarasota for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Key West or Sarasota?

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

Should I visit Key West or Sarasota? 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 Sarasota?

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.

Sarasota

Located on the Gulf Coast of southwest Florida, Sarasota is a popular city known for its thriving arts scene, selection of restaurants, plenty of shopping, and beautiful beaches. The metropolitan area is a hub of city culture, while the beaches offer escapes of fine white sand and aqua waters.

Which place is cheaper, Sarasota or Key West?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Key West is $551, while the average daily cost in Sarasota is $249. 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Key West and Sarasota in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Key West $132
    Sarasota $108
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Key West $264
    Sarasota $216
Compare Hotels in Key West and Sarasota

Looking for a hotel in Key West or Sarasota? 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.

Hotels in Key West


Hotels in Sarasota


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 Sarasota Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Key West $51
    Sarasota -
Typical Local Transportation prices in Key West

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Key West:


  • Rental Car for One Day
    $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Key West

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Key West:

  • Key West Private Transfer (UP TO 14 PASSENGERS): $275
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Key West Airport EYW: $144
  • Private Departure Transfer to Key West Airport EYW: $144
  • Key West Airport (EYW) to Key West - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $114
  • Marathon/ Key Largo to Fort Lauderdale Airport(FLL) - Departure Private Transfer: $110
  • Key West Int Airport (EYW) to Key West hotels Round-Trip Transfer: $88
  • Key West Int Airport (EYW) to Key West - Arrival Private Transfer: $57
  • Key West to Key West Airport (EYW) - Departure Private Transfer: $57
  • Key West Int Airport EYW to Key West Hotels Arrival Transfer: $44
  • Key West hotels to Key West Int Airport (EYW) Departure Transfer: $44
  • Key West Cruise Port to Key West Airport (EYW) Private Transfer: $38
  • Private Transfer from Key West Int Airport to Key West Port: $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sarasota

Also for Sarasota, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Departure Transfer to Sarasota Airport SRQ: $32
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Sarasota Airport SRQ: $32
  • Sarasota–Bradenton Intl. Airport (SRQ) to Sarasota - Arrival Private Transfer: $48
  • Sarasota to Sarasota–Bradenton Intl. Airport (SRQ) - Departure Private Transfer: $48
  • Sarasota–Bradenton Airport (SRQ) to Sarasota Round-Trip Transfer: $97
  • Round-Trip Transfer from Sarasota to the Mall at UTC: $130
  • Private Transfer to Tampa International Airport: $171
  • Private Transfer to Southwest Florida Airport: $224
  • Private Transfer from Longboat Key to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $443
  • Private Transfer from Anna Maria to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $481
  • Private Transfer from Longboat Key to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $542
  • Private Transfer from Anna Maria to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $542

Is it cheaper to fly into Key West or Sarasota?

Prices for flights to both Sarasota 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Key West $385
    Sarasota $137

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Key West

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Key West.

  • Sunset Cruise with Buffet Dinner and Open Bar: $81
  • Key West Sunset Dinner Cruise with Tropical Buffet Dinner: $93
  • Key West Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $97
  • Key West Sunset Buffet Dinner Cruise with open bar and Live Music : $110
  • Old Town Secret Food Tour: $113
  • Sunset Sail Full Bar, Live Music & Dinner & Early Morning Snorkeling: $160
  • Dolphin Watching & Snorkeling in Key West with Sunset Dinner Cruise and Open Bar: $190
  • Snorkeling, Sunset Dinner Cruise & Open Bar: $200

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sarasota

For Sarasota, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Taste of Downtown Food Tour: $105
  • Downtown Walking Food Tour in Sarasota: $110
  • Sarasota Electric Bike and Food Tour : $125
  • Sarasota Kayak and Food Tour: $165

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Key West $33
    Sarasota $11

Tours and Activities in Key West

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Key West are as follows:

  • Private E-Pedicab 1 Hour Sightseeing Ride of Old Town Key West: $100
  • Southernmost Ghosts Tour: $33
  • 1 Hour Key West Jet Ski Freestyle Adventure: $155
  • 2-Hour Live Music Guided Tour in Key West: $35
  • 2-Hour Private Sunset Cruise on a Tiki Bar Boat in Key West: $457
  • 3-Hour Extreme Adventure in Key West: $140
  • 4-Hour Private Key West Boat Adventure | Snorkel and More!: $450
  • 4-Hour Private Sand Bar Cruise on a Tiki Bar Boat in Key West: $565
  • Adults only Champagne Celebration Sunset Cruise from Key West: $81
  • All-Inclusive Water Adventure Excursion in Key West: $158
  • Bahama Village Walking Tour: $30
  • Bike Key West Beaches and Back Roads Audio Tour: $9.99

Tours and Activities in Sarasota

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sarasota.

  • Sarasota Art Crawl Trolley Tour: $14
  • Nature Preserve Mangrove Tunnel Adventure on Glass Bottom Kayaks in Sarasota: $55
  • Paddleboard Tour Through Lido Mangrove Tunnels: $55
  • Sharkey's LED illuminated Night & Sunset Tour on Glass Bottom Kayaks in Sarasota: $55
  • Siesta Key Kayak Tour : $57
  • Public Art Tour: $58
  • Siesta Key Guided Eco Tour: $59
  • Sarasota Mangrove Tunnel Guided Kayak Adventure: $59
  • Sarasota Guided Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Tour: $59
  • Kayak Tour through Mangrove Tunnels: $59
  • Kayak Paddling Experience at The Bay Park: $61
  • Amish Experience: Bridges to Understanding: $61

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Key West $16
    Sarasota -

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: $27
  • Bone Island Haunted Pub Crawl: $27
  • Key West Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
  • Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
  • Original Key West Pub Crawl: $38
  • 2.5-Hour Duval Street Pub Crawl: $38

How are these travel costs calculated?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Key West and Sarasota, we can see that Key West is more expensive. And not only is Sarasota much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sarasota would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sarasota 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 Sarasota.

Which is Bigger, Key West or Sarasota?

Sarasota is bigger, and its population is about 2.2 times larger than the population of Key West. When comparing the population of Key West vs. Sarasota, 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 and the activities that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Key West or Sarasota?

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 Sarasota in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Key West as well as Sarasota. Most visitors come to Key West for the beaches, snorkeling, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Key West is around the same temperature as Sarasota in the summer. The daily temperature in Key West averages around 84°F (29°C) in July, and Sarasota fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

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

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Key West 84°F (29°C) 
    Sarasota 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Key West or Sarasota in the Autumn?

Both Sarasota and Key West are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Key West because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Key West is around the same temperature as Sarasota. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Key West in October average around 80°F (27°C), and Sarasota averages at about 76°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Sarasota. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key West. Key West usually receives more sunshine than Sarasota during autumn. Key West gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Sarasota 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 Sarasota. Key West gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Sarasota receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Key West 80°F (27°C) 
    Sarasota 76°F (24°C)

Should I visit Key West or Sarasota in the Winter?

Both Sarasota and Key West during the winter are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Key West this time of year.

In January, Key West is generally a little warmer than Sarasota. Daily temperatures in Key West average around 70°F (21°C), and Sarasota fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

In Sarasota, 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 Sarasota. Key West gets 252 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarasota receives 200 hours of full sun.

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


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Key West 70°F (21°C) 
    Sarasota 59°F (15°C)

Should I visit Key West or Sarasota in the Spring?

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

Key West is a little warmer than Sarasota in the spring. The daily temperature in Key West averages around 77°F (25°C) in April, and Sarasota fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

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

In April, Key West usually receives less rain than Sarasota. Key West gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Sarasota receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Key West 77°F (25°C) 
    Sarasota 73°F (23°C)

Typical Weather for Sarasota and Key West

Key West Sarasota
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 70°F (21°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm) 59°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm)
Feb 71°F (21°C) 1.4 inches (36 mm) 62°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 74°F (23°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm) 67°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Apr 77°F (25°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
May 81°F (27°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 78°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
Jun 83°F (28°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm) 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm)
Jul 84°F (29°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm)
Aug 84°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm)
Sep 83°F (29°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm) 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm)
Oct 80°F (27°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm) 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)
Nov 76°F (24°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 69°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Dec 72°F (22°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm) 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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Key West vs. Sarasota Travel Comparison

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