A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Key West vs. West Palm Beach for Resorts, Beaches, Nightlife, and Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

Should you visit Key West or West Palm Beach?

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

Should I visit Key West or West Palm Beach? 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 lively, quaint, and laid-back 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.

West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is a diverse, vibrant, and fun-filled beach area. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and nightlife.

Key West and West Palm Beach: Pros and Cons

How is Key West different from West Palm Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Key West or West Palm Beach Better for Food?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at great restaurants in both Key West and West Palm Beach.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Key West. The town is known for its stone crabs, conch fritters, and Mahi Mahi sandwiches.

West Palm Beach may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Oceanfront restaurants usually have a great view and offer local and fresh seafood.

Is Key West or West Palm Beach Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are similar in both Key West and West Palm Beach.

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.

West Palm Beach has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. With rooftop bars and clubs, oceanfront venues, and plenty of nightlife options downtown, this city rivals most places when it comes to nightlife.

Is Key West or West Palm Beach Better for Resorts?

Key West and West Palm Beach offer a relatively similar set of luxury resort options.

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.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, West Palm Beach is a perfect choice. All of the major names are present including the Hilton, Marriott, and Four Seasons.

Is Key West or West Palm Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

There's scuba diving or snorkeling available in both Key West and West Palm Beach.

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.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in West Palm Beach. Check out Phil Foster Park in Rivera Beach. It's a man-made reef that is surprisingly clear.

Is Key West or West Palm Beach Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Key West and West Palm Beach are good 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.

With world-famous beaches, West Palm Beach is a very popular vacation destination. From bustling beaches with a boardwalk to quieter, more relaxing beaches surrounded by parkland, there are are number of options in the area.

Is Key West or West Palm Beach Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Key West or West Palm Beach.

Key West is a very kid-friendly town. Families that enjoy snorkeling, aquariums, water sports, and exploring new places will enjoy visiting here.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in West Palm Beach. Animal lovers will appreciate the zoos and aquariums in the area. Check out McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary, Manatee Lagoon, the Palm Beach Zoo, and the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium.

Is Key West or West Palm Beach Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Key West and West Palm Beach make for a good 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.

West Palm Beach makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy kayaking, dining out, or simply relaxing on the beach.

Is Key West or West Palm Beach Better for Public Transit?

While Key West and West Palm Beach both provide public transit, overall the system in West Palm Beach is considered to be better.

West Palm Beach has a few public transit options. There's a downtown trolley, a commuter trail line (connecting West Palm Beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale), and a bus system with about 30 lines.

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

Is Key West or West Palm Beach a more walkable city?

Key West and West Palm Beach both are comparable when exploring on foot.

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

West Palm Beach is a somewhat walkable town. West Palm Beach has a surprisingly walkable area and it's possible to explore the downtown area on foot.

Should I spend more time in West Palm Beach or Key West?

How long in Key West or West Palm Beach?

Both Key West and West Palm Beach have a number of activities to choose from. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Key West is 5-7 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to West Palm Beach is 3-7 days.

One day in Key West or West Palm Beach?

The laid-back destination of Key West offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The beach area of West Palm Beach offers scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. 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 West Palm Beach?

The quaint town of Key West offers scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

West Palm Beach is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Key West or West Palm Beach?

Key West is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

West Palm Beach is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in West Palm Beach, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Key West or West Palm Beach?

The lively town of Key West offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

West Palm Beach is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that West Palm Beach has to offer. This beach area offers something for everyone.

When is the best time to visit Key West or West Palm Beach?

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 West Palm Beach in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Key West as well as West Palm Beach. 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, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to West Palm Beach this time of year.

In July, Key West is generally around the same temperature as West Palm Beach. Temperatures in Key West average around 84°F (29°C), and West Palm Beach stays around 82°F (28°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in West Palm Beach. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key West this time of the year. In the summer, Key West often gets around the same amount of sunshine as West Palm Beach. Key West gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while West Palm Beach receives 316 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in West Palm Beach. Key West usually gets less rain in July than West Palm Beach. Key West gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key West or West Palm Beach in the Autumn?

Both West Palm Beach 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.

Key West is around the same temperature as West Palm Beach in the autumn. The temperature in Key West is usually 80°F (27°C) in October, and West Palm Beach stays around 78°F (25°C).

It's quite sunny in West Palm Beach. 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 West Palm Beach during autumn. Key West gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while West Palm Beach receives 275 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in West Palm Beach. It's quite rainy in Key West. In October, Key West usually receives less rain than West Palm Beach. Key West gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Key West or West Palm Beach in the Winter?

Both West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach in the winter for the cuisine.

In the winter, Key West is a little warmer than West Palm Beach. Typically, the winter temperatures in Key West in January are around 70°F (21°C), and West Palm Beach is about 65°F (19°C).

In West Palm Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Key West. In the winter, Key West often gets around the same amount of sunshine as West Palm Beach. Key West gets 252 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while West Palm Beach receives 243 hours of full sun.

Key West usually gets less rain in January than West Palm Beach. Key West gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key West or West Palm Beach in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Key West and West Palm Beach. Many visitors come to Key West in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to West Palm Beach for the beaches during these months.

In April, Key West is generally around the same temperature as West Palm Beach. Temperatures in Key West average around 77°F (25°C), and West Palm Beach stays around 74°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in West Palm Beach this time of the year. In Key West, it's very sunny this time of the year. Key West usually receives more sunshine than West Palm Beach during spring. Key West gets 326 hours of sunny skies, while West Palm Beach receives 300 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Key West usually receives less rain than West Palm Beach. Key West gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for West Palm Beach and Key West