A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mandeville vs. Key West for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Mandeville or Key West?

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

Should I visit Mandeville or Key West? 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.

Where Should I go: Mandeville or Key West?

Mandeville

Mandeville is a small, quiet town in the mountains of Jamaica with a population of about 50,000. The town is situated on a plateau west of Kingston. It is the largest town in the parish of Manchester and the fifth largest urban center in the country.

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 Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Key West or Mandeville?

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

  • Mandeville Prices
    Jamaica Prices
    Key West Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Mandeville $95
    Key West $832

The average daily cost (per person) in Mandeville is $95, 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 Mandeville and Key West in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mandeville $37
    Key West $132
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mandeville $74
    Key West $264
Compare Hotels in Mandeville and Key West

Looking for a hotel in Mandeville 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.

Hotels in Mandeville


Hotels in Key West


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mandeville $30
    Key West $51

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Key West

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Key West:


  • Rental Car for One Day
    $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Key West

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Key West:

  • Private Transfer from Key West hotels to Key West Cruise Port: $114
  • Private Transfer from Key West Port to Key West Airport (EYW): $112
  • Private Transfer from Key West Airport (EYW) to Key West Port: $112
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Key West Airport EYW: $144
  • One Way Airport Transfer Service: $54
  • Key West to Key West Airport (EYW) - Departure Private Transfer: $164
  • Key West hotels to Key West Int Airport (EYW) Departure Transfer: $155
  • Key West Int Airport EYW to Key West Hotels Arrival Transfer: $155
  • Key West Int Airport (EYW) to Key West - Arrival Private Transfer: $163

Is it cheaper to fly into Mandeville or Key West?

Prices for flights to both Key West and Mandeville 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
    Mandeville $41
    Key West $667

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Key West

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Key West.

  • Sunset Dinner Cruise with Open Bar & Live Music: $74
  • Exploring and Walking Food Tour of Cayo Hueso: $80
  • Key West Cooking Show Chef Demonstration with Meal: $81
  • Cooking Show Chef Demonstration with Meal: $81
  • Key West Sunset Cruise: Dinner, Live Music & Drinks Included: $84
  • Southernmost Food & Cultural Walking Tour by Key West Food Tours: $90
  • Key West Sunset Buffet Dinner Cruise with Open Bar and Live Music: $100
  • Secret Walking Food Tour: $115
  • Sunset Sail Full Bar, Live Music & Dinner & Early Morning Snorkeling: $160

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mandeville $8.01
    Key West $33

Tours and Activities in Key West

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Key West are as follows:

  • 1 Hour Key West Jet Ski Freestyle Adventure: $155
  • 2 Hour Key West Mini Catamaran Eco Tour: $285
  • 2-Hour Live Music Guided Tour in Key West: $35
  • A Self Guided Key West Cemetery Tour: $30
  • Day Sailing Adventure in the Florida Marine Sanctuary: $99
  • Day in Key West - Private SUV Tour From Miami: $1,300
  • Dinghy Drinking Tour through Key West Waters: $85
  • Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling Adventure in Key West: $89
  • Florida Key West Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Florida Keys: Aquarium Encounters Day Tour with Lunch: $182
  • Florida Keys: Dolphin Research Center Day Tour with Lunch: $182
  • Florida Keys: Up The Keys Nature Tour: $128

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mandeville $6.27
    Key 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 Bar Crawl: $15
  • Key West Haunted Pub Crawl and Ghost Tour with Free T-Shirt: $32
  • Bone Island Haunted Pub Crawl: $32
  • Key West Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $35
  • Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $35
  • 2.5-Hour Duval Street Pub Crawl: $43


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

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


Which is Bigger, Mandeville or Key West?

Mandeville has a larger population, and is about 91% larger than the population of Key West. When comparing the sizes of Mandeville 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 Mandeville or Key West?

Key West has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Mandeville experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Mandeville or Key West in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Mandeville as well as Key West. Mandeville attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Key West this time of year.

Mandeville is around the same temperature as Key West in the summer. The daily temperature in Mandeville averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Key West fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key West. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mandeville this time of the year. In the summer, Mandeville often gets less sunshine than Key West. Mandeville gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Key West receives 328 hours of full sun.

Mandeville usually gets less rain in July than Key West. Mandeville gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Key West receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Mandeville 29°C (83°F) 
    Key West 84°F (29°C)

Should I visit Mandeville or Key West in the Autumn?

Both Key West and Mandeville are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mandeville throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Key West for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Mandeville is around the same temperature as Key West. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Mandeville in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Key West averages at about 80°F (27°C).

It's quite sunny in Key West. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mandeville. Mandeville usually receives less sunshine than Key West during autumn. Mandeville gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Key West receives 258 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Key West. It's quite rainy in Mandeville. In October, Mandeville usually receives more rain than Key West. Mandeville gets 160 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Key West receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Key West is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Mandeville 28°C (82°F) 
    Key West 80°F (27°C)

Should I visit Mandeville or Key West in the Winter?

Both Key West and Mandeville during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Mandeville because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many visitors come to Key West in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, Mandeville is generally a little warmer than Key West. Daily temperatures in Mandeville average around 26°C (79°F), and Key West fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

In Key West, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mandeville. In the winter, Mandeville often gets less sunshine than Key West. Mandeville gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Key West receives 252 hours of full sun.

Mandeville usually gets more rain in January than Key West. Mandeville gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Key West receives 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Mandeville 26°C (79°F) 
    Key West 70°F (21°C)

Should I visit Mandeville or Key West in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Mandeville and Key West. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mandeville year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Key West for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

Mandeville is around the same temperature as Key West in the spring. The daily temperature in Mandeville averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Key West fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key West this time of the year. In Mandeville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mandeville usually receives less sunshine than Key West during spring. Mandeville gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Key West receives 326 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Mandeville usually receives more rain than Key West. Mandeville gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Key West receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Key West is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Mandeville 26°C (80°F) 
    Key West 77°F (25°C)

Typical Weather for Key West and Mandeville

Mandeville Key West
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 70°F (21°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 71°F (21°C) 1.4 inches (36 mm)
Mar 26°C (80°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 74°F (23°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 77°F (25°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
May 28°C (82°F) 101 mm (4 in) 81°F (27°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 83°F (28°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 84°F (29°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 84°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Sep 29°C (83°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 83°F (29°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 160 mm (6.3 in) 80°F (27°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 76°F (24°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 72°F (22°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm)