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 bustling, active, and lively 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

Is there more to do in Key West or West Palm Beach?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Key West. Although Key West and West Palm Beach are popular destinations, Key West has more sights and attractions for tourists. Key West is very popular for its food, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while West Palm Beach attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Key West is more touristy than West Palm Beach 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. West Palm Beach is famous for its nice resorts, a lively boardwalk, great seafood, and fun watersports.

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 the Food Better in Key West or West Palm Beach? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Key West is a popular place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, West Palm Beach is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Key West. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in West Palm Beach. Oceanfront restaurants usually have a great view and offer local and fresh seafood. There are also many local restaurants concentrated around Clematis Street and CityPlace districts.

Is Key West or West Palm Beach Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are high quality 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. 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.

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. The nightlife scene is particularly active during spring break, when university students head to town.

Is Key West or West Palm Beach Better for Resorts?

West Palm Beach is renowned for its resorts. Also, Key West is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its luxury resorts.

For the ultimate resort vacation, West Palm Beach is a great choice. All of the major names are present including the Hilton, Marriott, and Four Seasons.

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.

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

West Palm Beach is notable for its diving and snorkeling. Also, Key West is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting West Palm Beach. Check out Phil Foster Park in Rivera Beach. It's a man-made reef that is surprisingly clear.

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.

Is Key West or West Palm Beach Better for Beaches?

West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach. From bustling beaches with a boardwalk to quieter, more relaxing beaches surrounded by parkland, there are are number of options in the area.

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 West Palm Beach Better for its Old Town?

Key West is a great town for its historic old town. However, West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Key West or West Palm Beach?

Key West is adequate for shopping. However, West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Key West is a good destination for 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.

West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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 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 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 high quality 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.

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. It's fun to spend a day exploring the botanical gardens and an evening wandering around Clematis Street.

Is Key West or West Palm Beach Better for Students?

Key West is a great town for its student-friendly activities. However, West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach is not popular with students.

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

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

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 nice 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.

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

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. In our opinion, Key West has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Key West than West Palm Beach. In general, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Key West, and 3-7 days is enough time in West Palm Beach.

Families should spend more time in West Palm Beach than Key West. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in West Palm Beach, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in West Palm Beach than Key West. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in West Palm Beach that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Key West than West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach?

The active 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 active 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.

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

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 West Palm Beach Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Key West or West Palm Beach?

West Palm Beach has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Key West. When comparing the sizes of Key West and West Palm Beach, 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 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. Daily temperatures in Key West average around 84°F (29°C), and West Palm Beach fluctuates 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 daily temperature in Key West averages around 80°F (27°C) in October, and West Palm Beach fluctuates 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. The hurricane season in Key West is June to November. The hurricane season in West Palm Beach is June to November.

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 average around 70°F (21°C), and West Palm Beach averages at 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. Daily temperatures in Key West average around 77°F (25°C), and West Palm Beach fluctuates 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. June to November is the hurricane season in Key West. June to November is the hurricane season in West Palm Beach.

Typical Weather for West Palm Beach and Key West