A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Key West vs. Tampa for Food, Nightlife, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Key West or Tampa?

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

Should I visit Key West or Tampa? 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 eclectic, bustling, and active town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. With stunning beauty, Key West attracts visitors from all around. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Key West travel costs.

Tampa

Tampa is a laid-back, easy-going, and low-key city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the food and beaches. See Tampa travel costs.

Key West and Tampa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key West or Tampa?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Key West. Although Key West and Tampa 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, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Tampa is known for its big city activities. Key West is more touristy than Tampa 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. Tampa is popular for its amusement parks, wildlife parks, and popularity as a cruise ship port.

How is Key West different from Tampa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Tampa and Key West. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Key West is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Tampa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Key West has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Head to town for local restaurants with quirky atmospheres. There are many local dishes to sample, but 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.

Tampa offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a surprising number of great local restaurants around town as well as a good food truck scene. Some favorite dishes include fresh caught seafood, Grouper sandwiches, and Cuban sandwiches.

Is Key West or Tampa Better for Nightlife?

Key West is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Tampa is lacking in options for nightlife.

Key West has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Tampa is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The city has some good nightclubs, sports bars, and other spots where locals enjoy spending the evening.

Is Key West or Tampa Better for Resorts?

Key West is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Tampa 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.

Tampa is not a resort destination.

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

Key West is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Tampa is lacking in options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

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.

Tampa has a few snorkeling spots. While the water isn't always the clearest, there are some nice snorkeling and diving spots in the area. Options include Shell Key and Egmont Key, Crystal River, and Fort De Soto.

Is Key West or Tampa Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Key West and Tampa are high quality choices.

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.

Tampa is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Popular beaches near Tampa include Ben T. Davis Beach, Fred Howard Park, and Indian Rocks Beach.

Is Key West or Tampa Better for its Old Town?

Key West is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Tampa 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.

Tampa does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Key West or Tampa?

Key West is a decent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Key West or Tampa More Beautiful?

Key West is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Tampa is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Key West attracts visitors from all around. There are blue waters as far as the eye can see. It doesn't get much more beautiful than this.

Tampa is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Key West or Tampa Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Key West or Tampa.

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 Tampa. The city has a number of kid-oriented attractions including Busch Gardens Amusement Park, several kid-friendly museums, and a number of animal centers, aquariums, and wildlife rescue facilities.

Is Key West or Tampa Better for Couples?

Key West is an excellent place to visit for couples. However, Tampa is lacking in options for romance.

Key West makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Tampa is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The area does have great restaurants and some fun places to explore, but the downtown area has room for improvement and much of the city is suburban.

Is Key West or Tampa Better for Students?

Key West is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Tampa 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.

Tampa is not popular with students.

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

Neither Key West or Tampa offer decent public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Key West. Public transportation in Key West is limited to a few buses.

Public transit is quite limited in Tampa. There is the street car that runs from downtown Tampa to Ybor City and stops at 11 stations.

Is Key West or Tampa a more walkable city?

Key West is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Tampa is lacking in options 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.

Tampa is generally not very walkable. While there are some neighborhoods that are considered walkable, you really need a car if you hope to explore Tampa in depth.

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

Should I spend more time in Tampa or Key West?

How long in Key West or Tampa?

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

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

One day in Key West or Tampa?

In Key West, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this eclectic destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The city of Tampa offers food. 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 Tampa?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Key West. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Tampa 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Tampa, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Key West or Tampa?

Key West is a fun place to experience. In Key West, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife that this quaint destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Tampa 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 Tampa?

In Key West, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this quaint destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Tampa is a great place to explore. 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 city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.

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

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 Tampa Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Key West or Tampa?

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

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 Tampa in the Summer?

Both Tampa and Key West during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Key West because of the beaches, snorkeling, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tampa this time of year.

In the summer, Key West is around the same temperature as Tampa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Key West in July average around 84°F (29°C), and Tampa averages at about 82°F (28°C).

In Tampa, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Key West. In the summer, Key West often gets more sunshine than Tampa. Key West gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tampa receives 265 hours of full sun.

Tampa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Key West usually gets less rain in July than Tampa. Key West gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Tampa receives 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key West or Tampa in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Key West and Tampa. 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 Tampa for the city's sights and attractions.

In October, Key West is generally a little warmer than Tampa. Daily temperatures in Key West average around 80°F (27°C), and Tampa fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tampa this time of the year. In Key West, it's very sunny this time of the year. Key West usually receives more sunshine than Tampa during autumn. Key West gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Tampa receives 234 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Key West gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Key West usually receives more rain than Tampa. Key West gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Tampa receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Key West.

Should I visit Key West or Tampa in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Key West as well as Tampa. Many travelers come to Key West for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Tampa in the winter for the cuisine.

Key West is a little warmer than Tampa in the winter. The daily temperature in Key West averages around 70°F (21°C) in January, and Tampa fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tampa. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key West this time of the year. In the winter, Key West often gets more sunshine than Tampa. Key West gets 252 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tampa receives 200 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Key West or Tampa in the Spring?

Both Tampa and Key West are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Key West in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Tampa for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Key West is a little warmer than Tampa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Key West in April average around 77°F (25°C), and Tampa averages at about 71°F (22°C).

It's quite sunny in Tampa. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key West. Key West usually receives more sunshine than Tampa during spring. Key West gets 326 hours of sunny skies, while Tampa receives 299 hours of full sun in the spring.

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

Typical Weather for Tampa and Key West