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

Should you visit Key West or Seattle?

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

Should I visit Key West or Seattle? 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. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Seattle

Seattle is a cultural, outdoorsy, and laid-back city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Key West and Seattle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key West or Seattle?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Seattle. Although Key West and Seattle are both popular with visitors, Seattle has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Seattle is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, music, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Key West is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Key West is more touristy than Seattle and is known 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. Seattle is popular for its beautiful waterfront setting, diverse culinary scene, thriving art and cultural venues, and being the home of many international tech companies. It is also home to The Space Needle.

How is Key West different from Seattle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Seattle offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city's most iconic landmark is the Space Needle. There's also a zoo, aquarium, and a handful of nice museums. Several favorites include the Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of History & Industry, and the Seattle Art Museum.

Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Key West or Seattle Better for Theater?

Seattle is a popular place for its theatre productions. However, Key West is not a theatre destination.

Seattle offers a number of shows and performances. There are a handful of theaters where you can enjoy traveling Broadway shows or smaller productions.

Key West is not a theatre destination.

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

Seattle 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 Seattle. The city has many diverse dining options that make it a popular foodie destination. The seafood is world-class with many restaurants offering fresh caught salmon and oysters. There are also many great Asian restaurants with Pho, sushi, and dim sum all being popular around town. Seattle is also famous as the birthplace of Starbucks coffee, and both chain and independent coffee shops are common. Finally, make sure you check out the donuts at Pike's Place Market.

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 Seattle Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are very good in both Key West and Seattle.

Key West has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

Seattle has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city is known for its breweries and eclectic nightlife scene. There is a thriving theater scene as well as many bars and trendy restaurants. The best neighborhoods for nightlife include Capitol Hill, Belltown, and Downtown.

Is Key West or Seattle Better for Music?

Seattle is notable for its live music scene. However, Key West is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Seattle. The city has developed its own music culture around several genres including alternative rock and grunge.

Key West is not a live music destination.

Is Key West or Seattle Better for Resorts?

Key West is notable for its resorts. However, Seattle is not a resort destination.

Key West is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. 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.

Seattle is not a resort destination.

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

Key West is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Seattle is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Key West has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. 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.

Seattle is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key West or Seattle Better for Beaches?

Key West is notable for the beach. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its beaches.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Key West. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Seattle. The city is surrounded by water so there are a number of rocky and sandy beaches nearby. Some beaches are more popular with locals while others attract a large amount of tourists. Alki Beach Park, Discovery Park, and Golden Gardens Park are among the best.

Is Key West or Seattle Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Key West to see the historical old town. 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.

Seattle does not have a historic old town.

Is Key West or Seattle Better for Hiking?

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

Seattle is a popular spot for hiking. It's famously an outdoorsy city and the hiking will not disappoint. Within a half hour drive of town you'll find beautiful forests and stunning natural beauty. Head into the Cascades, to the coastal rainforests, or around Mount Rainier for all kinds of diverse landscapes. Seattle is well situated for you to experience hiking through the diverse Pacific Northwest landscapes.

Key West is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Key West or Seattle?

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

Seattle offers some nice shopping areas. Shopping in town has an eclectic mix of high end brands, local vendors, and vintage shops. There are farmers markets as well as the famous Pike Place Market, but also major malls with all of the standard department 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 Seattle Better for Families?

Key West is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Key West is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Seattle is a family-friendly town. This is an outdoor city with plenty of places where kids can run around and experience nature. There are several good museums as well as outdoor activities, parks, and a zoo. Make sure you check out the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Volunteer Park, and Artists at Play Playground.

Is Key West or Seattle Better for Couples?

Key West is notable for couples. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

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.

Seattle is a nice destination for couples. The city has a laid back vibe, a nice downtown area, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are a diversity of restaurants to enjoy and a great nightlife scene that makes for a good couple's getaway.

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

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Seattle. Although it's not the most popular city for backpackers in America, the city's chill vibe, fun breweries, and lively setting make it a great spot for young backpackers.

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 Seattle Better for Students?

Key West and Seattle are both very good destinations for students and younger travelers.

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.

Seattle is very popular with students. It is a major IT center with a large university, so international students will have plenty of opportunities here. It's also a vibrant city with many outdoor recreational opportunities and a fun nightlife scene.

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

Seattle is a popular place for its public transit. However, Key West is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

Seattle has a few public transit options. There is a light rail system, a monorail, a street car, and buses.

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

Is Key West or Seattle a more walkable city?

Seattle is notable for its high level of walkability. Also, Key West is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its ease of walking around.

Seattle is a very walkable city. Many neighborhoods are very walkable, particularly in the downtown and major tourist areas.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Seattle or Key West?

How long in Key West or Seattle?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Key West and Seattle. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Key West than in Seattle. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Key West, and 2-3 days is enough time in Seattle.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Seattle 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 Seattle.

One day in Key West or Seattle?

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.

Seattle is a big city with plenty to do. 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 Seattle?

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.

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

Five days in Key West or Seattle?

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.

Seattle 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 Seattle?

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.

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

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 Seattle Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Key West or Seattle?

Seattle has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Key West. When comparing the sizes of Key West and Seattle, 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 Seattle?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Key West or Seattle in the Summer?

Both Seattle and Key West are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Key West for the beaches, snorkeling, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Seattle in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Key West is much warmer than Seattle. Typically, the summer temperatures in Key West in July average around 84°F (29°C), and Seattle averages at about 67°F (19°C).

It's quite sunny in Seattle. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key West. Key West usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Seattle during summer. Key West gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Key West usually receives more rain than Seattle. Key West gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Key West or Seattle in the Autumn?

Both Seattle and Key West during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Key West in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Seattle for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Key West is generally much warmer than Seattle. Daily temperatures in Key West average around 80°F (27°C), and Seattle fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Key West. In the autumn, Key West often gets more sunshine than Seattle. Key West gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 143 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Key West. Key West usually gets more rain in October than Seattle. Key West gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Key West is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Key West or Seattle in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Key West and Seattle. Most visitors come to Key West for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Seattle because of the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Key West is much warmer than Seattle in the winter. The daily temperature in Key West averages around 70°F (21°C) in January, and Seattle fluctuates around 42°F (5°C).

In Key West, it's very sunny this time of the year. Key West usually receives more sunshine than Seattle during winter. Key West gets 252 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 67 hours of full sun in the winter.

Seattle receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Key West usually receives less rain than Seattle. Key West gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Key West or Seattle in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Key West as well as Seattle. The spring months attract visitors to Key West because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Seattle this time of year.

In the spring, Key West is much warmer than Seattle. Typically, the spring temperatures in Key West in April average around 77°F (25°C), and Seattle averages at about 51°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seattle. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key West this time of the year. In the spring, Key West often gets more sunshine than Seattle. Key West gets 326 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 212 hours of full sun.

Key West usually gets less rain in April than Seattle. Key West gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Key West is June to November.

Typical Weather for Seattle and Key West