A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers La Paz vs. Key Largo for Beaches, Families, Food, and Resorts

Should you visit La Paz or Key Largo?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between La Paz and Key Largo can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

La Paz

La Paz is a authentic, cultural, and beautiful city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See La Paz travel costs.

Key Largo

Key Largo is a beautiful, relaxed, and peaceful island. It's a quaint destination. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling and beaches. See Key Largo travel costs.

La Paz and Key Largo: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Pros
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less attractive beach
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in La Paz or Key Largo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in La Paz. Although La Paz and Key Largo are both popular with visitors, La Paz has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. La Paz is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Key Largo is known for its resorts and quaint atmosphere. La Paz is popular for its beautiful beaches, fascinating cultural setting, and authentic local atmosphere. It is also home to Balandra Beach. Key Largo is popular for its snorkeling and scuba diving including that around John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the artificial reef around the USS Spiegel Grove.

How is La Paz different from Key Largo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in La Paz or Key Largo?

La Paz
Key Largo

La Paz is great for its historical sights. However, Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into La Paz. Sights and landmarks around town include La Paz Cathedral, the Museo de Antropología e Historia de Baja California Sur, the the Museo de Arte de Baja California Sur, and Teatro Juarez.

Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in La Paz or Key Largo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

La Paz
Key Largo

La Paz is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

La Paz has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. As the capital of Baja California Sur, you'll find many local restaurants that serve traditional and authentic Mexican cuisine. The recipes include seafood and local produce. You'll find everything from food stalls to high end restaurants around town.

Key Largo offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Like the rest of the Florida Keys, Key Largo is known for its Key Lime pie and seafood. You'll find a great selection of restaurants that serve seafood dishes and options for the land-loving crew. There are even a few international restaurants to choose from.

Is La Paz or Key Largo Better for Nightlife?

La Paz
Key Largo

La Paz is a city with good options for its evening party scene. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities La Paz has a few options to choose from. There are many bars and restaurants around the Malecón.

Most people don't head to Key Largo specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. This area is not known for its nightlife, so you'll need to head further south if partying is your style.

Is La Paz or Key Largo Better for Resorts?

La Paz
Key Largo

Key Largo is notable for its resorts. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its luxury resorts.

In Key Largo, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Popular resorts in the area include Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, Reefhouse Resort & Marina, and Largo Resort.

La Paz has a few great resort options. There are a number of hotels and resorts around town that make for a nice vacation.


Is La Paz or Key Largo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

La Paz
Key Largo

Both La Paz and Key Largo offer great scuba diving or snorkeling.

La Paz is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are organized diving and snorkeling excursions available around town. It's location by the Sea of Cortez makes diving a world class experience.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Key Largo. Near this island you'll find some of the best snorkeling and diving in the Florida Keys at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. There are private tours that head out to the reef for either snorkeling or diving. There are also shipwrecks and other fascinating spots to explore.

Is La Paz or Key Largo Better for Beaches?

La Paz
Key Largo

La Paz is an unbeatable place for the beach. Also, Key Largo is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its beaches.

La Paz is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The beaches in the area are the main draw, and you'll find beaches that are family-friendly, romantic, or full of amenities. Some consider the beaches in the area among the best in Mexico.

Key Largo offers a nice beach destination. Many of the beaches around Key Largo are man-made, but they do offer nice sand and beautiful blue water. The water is turquoise, although not as striking as further south.

Is the Shopping Better in La Paz or Key Largo?

La Paz
Key Largo

La Paz is great for its shopping areas. However, Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in La Paz. Local boutiques, souvenir shops, and art galleries all make for interesting shopping opportunities.

Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is La Paz or Key Largo Better for Families?

La Paz
Key Largo

Key Largo is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Key Largo is an extremely popular island to visit for families. This area has some of the best family-friendly snorkeling at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. There's also several places where your kids can interact with dolphins or experience wildlife. If you want to get out on the water, there's kayaking, sunset cruises, and glass bottom boats, all of which are great for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in La Paz. Older kids will enjoy swimming with whale sharks, whale watching, and experiencing the region's wildlife. There are also many beaches in the area where kids can play.

Is La Paz or Key Largo Better for Couples?

La Paz
Key Largo

Both La Paz and Key Largo are good destinations for a couple's getaway.

La Paz makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy walking along the beach promenade known as Malecon. There are also beaches and amazing animal experiences such as whale watching or dolphin viewing.

Key Largo is a good city for couples to visit. Most couples head further down the Florida Keys, but for snorkeling and scuba diving, Key Largo is the better option. You'll also find kayaking and sunset cruises that leave from the area.

Is La Paz or Key Largo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

La Paz
Key Largo

La Paz is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit La Paz. The city offers an authentic experience and hostels that make it a budget-friendly option for backpackers.

Key Largo is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This area is a bit more affordable than the more southern keys so it appeals to budget travelers and backpackers.


Is La Paz or Key Largo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

La Paz
Key Largo

La Paz is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its public transit.

While La Paz offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a cheap local bus system around town.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Key Largo. There's no real public transit around the island and you must have a car to get around.

Is La Paz or Key Largo a more walkable city?

La Paz
Key Largo

La Paz is great for its ease of walking around. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its walkability.

La Paz is a very walkable destination. The city is very walkable.

Key Largo is not a walkable city. It is a sprawling area that spreads out along a main highway that is not pedestrian friendly.

For even more information, also check out Is La Paz Worth Visiting? and Is Key Largo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Key Largo or La Paz?

How long in La Paz or Key Largo?

Both La Paz and Key Largo have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Key Largo than in La Paz. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for La Paz, and 5-7 days is enough time in Key Largo.

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

Couples should spend more time in La Paz than Key Largo. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in La Paz that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Paz than Key Largo 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 La Paz.


  • How many days in La Paz or Key Largo? Ideal Length of Stay
    La Paz 2-4 
    Key Largo 5-7

One day in La Paz or Key Largo?

You'll find nightlife and food around the city of La Paz. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Key Largo. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in La Paz or Key Largo?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the beautiful destination of La Paz. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Key Largo is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in La Paz or Key Largo?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the authentic city of La Paz. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Key Largo. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in La Paz or Key Largo?

La Paz is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the peaceful destination of Key Largo. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Mexico, The Best Tours for Seniors to Mexico, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City.


Which place is cheaper, Key Largo or La Paz?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • La Paz Prices
    Mexico Prices
    Key Largo Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    La Paz $132
    Key Largo $256

The average daily cost (per person) in La Paz is $132, while the average daily cost in Key Largo is $256. 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 La Paz and Key Largo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    La Paz $47
    Key Largo $117
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    La Paz $94
    Key Largo $234
Compare Hotels in La Paz and Key Largo

Looking for a hotel in La Paz or Key Largo? 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 La Paz


Hotels in Key Largo


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: La Paz Hotel Prices and Key Largo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    La Paz $20
    Key Largo $56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Paz

Some specific examples of transportation prices in La Paz:

  • Premium Airport Transfer: $299
  • La Paz Int. Airport (LAP): Private Transfer to La Paz hotels: $193
  • La Paz International Airport (LAP) to La Paz hotels -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $161
  • La Paz hotels to La Paz International Airport (LAP) - Departure Private Transfer: $81
  • Roundtrip Transfer to La Paz International Airport: $68
  • Airport Transfer and City Welcome Tour: $55
  • One way La Paz Hotels to or from La Paz Airport Transfers : $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Key Largo

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

  • Key Largo Private Transfers (up to 14 passengers): $142

Is it cheaper to fly into La Paz or Key Largo?

Prices for flights to both Key Largo and La Paz 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
    La Paz $60
    Key Largo $104

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Paz

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in La Paz.

  • 3 Hours of Guided La Paz Street Food Tour: $77
  • 3 hrs SEAFOOD Tour in La Paz: $103

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    La Paz $11
    Key Largo $27

Tours and Activities in La Paz

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for La Paz are as follows:

  • Sunset Cruise in La Paz: $88
  • Whale Shark Swim Adventure in La Paz: $110
  • - From La Paz to Los Cabos: A Private Tour at Your Own Pace".: $107
  • 1 Day Espiritu Santo Island Wonders, Sea Lions and Paddleboard Adventure : $249
  • 3 Hours La Paz Whale Shark First Class Snorkeling Tour: $167
  • Adventure to Espiritu Santo Island: Snorkel with Sea Lions and Beach: $128
  • Balandra Adventure: Hike, Kayak, and Snorkel: $125
  • Birding La Paz Mexico 4hrs.Tour : $160
  • City Tour & Beaches from La Paz: $95
  • Desert Off Road Adventure Tour in La Paz: $263
  • Desert and Dunes ATV Adventure in La Paz BCS Mexico: $196
  • Espíritu Santo and Balandra Beach Combo Tour: Sea Lion Snorkeling: $251

Tours and Activities in Key Largo

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

  • Florida Key West Self-Guided Driving Tour (7 Mile Bridge): $17
  • Ultimate Florida Self Guided Driving & Walking Audio Tour Bundle: $40
  • Key Largo Coral Reef Glass Bottom Boat Adventure : $45
  • Small Group Florida Keys Eco Tour by Boat: $60
  • Key Largo Sunset Cruise: $60
  • Snorkel Tours to Shallow Coral Reefs at Pennekamp Underwater Park: $64
  • Sunset Cruise: $65
  • Boat Eco Tour: $65
  • Key Largo Day Tour: $65
  • Key Largo Bay Sunset Tour: $66
  • Mangroves and Manatees - Guided Kayak Eco Tour: $67
  • Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Adventure in Key Largo: $68

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    La Paz $11
    Key Largo $24


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between La Paz and Key Largo, we can see that Key Largo is more expensive. And not only is La Paz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to La Paz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in La Paz 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 Largo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Key Largo than you might in La Paz.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is La Paz Expensive? and Is Key Largo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, La Paz or Key Largo?

La Paz has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Key Largo. When comparing the sizes of La Paz and Key Largo, 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 La Paz or Key Largo?

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 La Paz or Key Largo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to La Paz as well as Key Largo. The summer months attract visitors to La Paz because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Key Largo this time of year.

In the summer, La Paz is around the same temperature as Key Largo. Typically, the summer temperatures in La Paz in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Key Largo averages at about 82°F (28°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key Largo. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in La Paz this time of the year. In the summer, La Paz often gets less sunshine than Key Largo. La Paz gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Key Largo receives 316 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Key Largo. La Paz usually gets less rain in July than Key Largo. La Paz gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Key Largo receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    La Paz 30°C (86°F) 
    Key Largo 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit La Paz or Key Largo in the Autumn?

Both Key Largo and La Paz are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene are the main draw to La Paz this time of year.

In October, La Paz is generally around the same temperature as Key Largo. Daily temperatures in La Paz average around 27°C (80°F), and Key Largo fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Key Largo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in La Paz. La Paz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Key Largo during autumn. La Paz gets 272 hours of sunny skies, while Key Largo receives 275 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Key Largo. In October, La Paz usually receives less rain than Key Largo. La Paz gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Key Largo receives 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    La Paz 27°C (80°F) 
    Key Largo 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit La Paz or Key Largo in the Winter?

Both Key Largo and La Paz during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to La Paz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Key Largo in the winter for the cuisine.

La Paz is around the same temperature as Key Largo in the winter. The daily temperature in La Paz averages around 18°C (65°F) in January, and Key Largo fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

In Key Largo, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in La Paz. In the winter, La Paz often gets less sunshine than Key Largo. La Paz gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Key Largo receives 243 hours of full sun.

La Paz usually gets less rain in January than Key Largo. La Paz gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Key Largo receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    La Paz 18°C (65°F) 
    Key Largo 67°F (19°C)

Should I visit La Paz or Key Largo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both La Paz and Key Largo. Many visitors come to La Paz in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Key Largo for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, La Paz is around the same temperature as Key Largo. Typically, the spring temperatures in La Paz in April average around 23°C (73°F), and Key Largo averages at about 74°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key Largo this time of the year. In La Paz, it's very sunny this time of the year. La Paz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Key Largo during spring. La Paz gets 292 hours of sunny skies, while Key Largo receives 300 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, La Paz usually receives less rain than Key Largo. La Paz gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Key Largo receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    La Paz 23°C (73°F) 
    Key Largo 74°F (24°C)

Typical Weather for Key Largo and La Paz

La Paz Key Largo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (65°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 67°F (19°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Feb 19°C (66°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
Mar 20°C (69°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 71°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
Apr 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in) 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
May 25°C (77°F) 1 mm (0 in) 78°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm)
Jul 30°C (86°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 82°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm)
Aug 30°C (87°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm)
Sep 30°C (85°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Dec 20°C (67°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)