Which place is cheaper, Key West or Leon?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Leon or Key West?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Leon and Key West 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.
Where Should I go: Leon or Key West?
Leon
Leon is one of the oldest city's in Nicaragua and you can see hints of its colonial past in the architecture around town. Tourism is not a major part of the economy in Leon, but the city is gaining popularity with budget travelers and backpackers and more recently tour groups are including Leon in their itinerary.
With a population of just over 200,000, Leon is the second largest city in Nicaragua, after Managua. During the university season the population grows dramatically as there is a heavy presence of students in Leon. It is a popular university town, and this young population gives the city plenty of energy and entertainment.
Key West
Key West is both a city and an island as well as the southern most Florida Key. It is also the southern most city in the continental United States. The island is only about four miles long and one mile wide. The total land mass covers just 4.2 square miles. The most famous street in town is Duval Street, which runs just 1.1 miles from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. There are 14 blocks. The size of the island doubled during the 1950s when many of the salt ponds along the eastern side of the island were filled in.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.
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Leon Prices
Nicaragua PricesKey West Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLeon $68Key West $832
The average daily cost (per person) in Leon is $68, while the average daily cost in Key West is $832. 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 Leon and Key West in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLeon $16Key West $132
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLeon $32Key West $264
Compare Hotels in Leon and Key West
Looking for a hotel in Leon or Key West? 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.
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: Key West Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Leon $1.51Key West $51
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leon
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Leon:
- From Granada: One way shared transfer to San Jorge: $39
- San Juan del Sur: One way shared transfer to Leon: $57
- From San Jorge: One way shared transfer to Leon: $57
- One way shared transfer to San Juan del Sur: $57
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Key West
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Key West:
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Rental Car for One Day$38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Key West
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Key West:
- Key West Int Airport (EYW) to Key West - Arrival Private Transfer: $162
- Key West Int Airport EYW to Key West Hotels Arrival Transfer: $155
- Key West hotels to Key West Int Airport (EYW) Departure Transfer: $155
- Key West to Key West Airport (EYW) - Departure Private Transfer: $162
- One Way Airport Transfer Service: $54
Is it cheaper to fly into Leon or Key West?
Prices for flights to both Key West and Leon 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
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Food Meals for one dayLeon $21Key West $667
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Leon
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Leon.
- Tlakualli Food Tour: $25
- Cooking Workshop in Nicaragua: $25
- Nicaraguan Food Cooking Workshop & Market Tour: $40
- Nicaraguan Cooking Class with a Local Family at Leon City: $60
- Leon City: Cooking Class: $60
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Key West
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Key West.
- Exploring and Walking Food Tour of Cayo Hueso: $80
- Cooking School Demonstration with Meal: $81
- Southernmost Food & Cultural Walking Tour by Key West Food Tours: $90
- Key West Sunset Cruise: Dinner, Live Music & Drinks Included: $93
- Sunset Dinner Cruise with Open Bar & Live Music: $93
- Key West Sunset Buffet Dinner Cruise with Open Bar and Live Music: $100
- Secret Walking Food Tour: $116
- Dolphin Watching & Snorkeling in Key West with Sunset Dinner Cruise and Open Bar: $190
- Key West Fishing Charter: Catch your Dinner!: $800
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Leon $5.81Key West $33
Tours and Activities in Leon
Here are a few actual costs in Leon for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Leon city: Walking tour by our landmarks.: $10
- Leon Colonial City Tour: $39
- Colonial City Tour: $39
- Leon City Walking Private Tour : $48
- Half Day Tour of Cerro Negro's Volcano Boarding: $49
- Unforgettable León: Historical and Cultural Tour: $50
- Volcano Board Adventure on Cerro Negro: $65
- Hike El Hoyo Volcano "Private Tour" : $67
- La Camellada Tour, Hiking and Swimming: $75
- Old Leon and Asososca Lagoon Private Tour: $82
- Volcano Boarding Private Tour : $84
- Volcano Sandboarding Private Experience in Leon: $89
Tours and Activities in Key West
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Key West are as follows:
- Maritime Village to Micro State: A Self Guided Tour of Key West: $12
- Key West GPS Audio Tour: From Seaside Village to Micro State: $12
- Key West’s Old Town Treasures: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Mel Fisher Maritime Museum Admission Ticket: $18
- Miami: Key West Boat Tour w/ Optional Snorkeling & Open Bar: $18
- Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum Tickets: $19
- Skip the Line: Mel Fisher Maritime Museum Admission Ticket and Audio Tour: $20
- Key West Aquarium Tickets: $23
- The Ghosts of Key West Walking Tour: $25
- Ghosts of Key West Walking Tour: $25
- Truman Little White House Guided Tour Ticket: $26
- Southernmost Ghosts Tour: $26
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLeon $3.53Key West $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Key West
Also in Key West, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Key West Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
- Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
- Bone Island Haunted Pub Crawl: $32
- 2.5-Hour Duval Street Pub Crawl: $43
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Leon and Key West, we can see that Key West is more expensive. And not only is Leon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Leon is in Central America and Key West is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Leon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Leon 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 Leon.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Leon Expensive? and Is Key West Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Leon or Key West?
Leon has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Key West. When comparing the sizes of Leon and Key West, 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 Leon or Key West?
Key West has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Leon experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Leon or Key West in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Leon and Key West. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Leon year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Key West in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Leon is around the same temperature as Key West. Typically, the summer temperatures in Leon in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Key West averages at about 84°F (29°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key West this time of the year. Leon usually receives less sunshine than Key West during summer. Leon gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Key West receives 328 hours of full sun in the summer.
Leon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Leon usually receives more rain than Key West. Leon gets 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Key West receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLeon 27°C (81°F)Key West 84°F (29°C)
Should I visit Leon or Key West in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Leon as well as Key West. Leon attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Key West for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Leon is generally around the same temperature as Key West. Daily temperatures in Leon average around 27°C (81°F), and Key West fluctuates around 80°F (27°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key West. In the autumn, Leon often gets less sunshine than Key West. Leon gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Key West receives 258 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Key West. Leon receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Leon usually gets more rain in October than Key West. Leon gets 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Key West receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Key West is the hurricane season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLeon 27°C (81°F)Key West 80°F (27°C)
Should I visit Leon or Key West in the Winter?
Both Key West and Leon are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Leon throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Key West because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Leon is a little warmer than Key West in the winter. The daily temperature in Leon averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Key West fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).
It's quite sunny in Key West. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Leon. Leon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Key West during winter. Leon gets 244 hours of sunny skies, while Key West receives 252 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Leon usually receives less rain than Key West. Leon gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Key West receives 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLeon 26°C (79°F)Key West 70°F (21°C)
Should I visit Leon or Key West in the Spring?
Both Key West and Leon during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Leon because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Key West this time of year.
In the spring, Leon is a little warmer than Key West. Typically, the spring temperatures in Leon in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Key West averages at about 77°F (25°C).
In Key West, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Leon. In the spring, Leon often gets less sunshine than Key West. Leon gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Key West receives 326 hours of full sun.
Leon usually gets less rain in April than Key West. Leon gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Key West receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Key West is June to November.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLeon 29°C (84°F)Key West 77°F (25°C)
Typical Weather for Key West and Leon
| Leon | Key West | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 70°F (21°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) |
| Feb | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 71°F (21°C) | 1.4 inches (36 mm) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 83°F (28°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) | 84°F (29°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 84°F (29°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 83°F (29°C) | 5.7 inches (144 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 80°F (27°C) | 5.1 inches (129 mm) |
| Nov | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 1.4 inches (35 mm) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.