A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers San Jose vs. Key Largo for Families, Nightlife, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit San Jose or Key Largo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Jose or Key Largo, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

San Jose

San Jose is a traditional, colorful, and bustling city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See San Jose travel costs.

Key Largo

Key Largo is a relaxed, peaceful, and family-friendly island. As it is a quaint destination, it has a nice vibe. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling and beaches. See Key Largo travel costs.

San Jose and Key Largo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in San Jose or Key Largo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in San Jose than Key Largo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. San Jose is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Key Largo is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and quaint atmosphere. Key Largo is more touristy than San Jose and is known for its snorkeling and scuba diving including that around John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the artificial reef around the USS Spiegel Grove. San Jose is well known for its colorful markets and vibrant nightlife, as well as its easy access to the rest of the country. Also, San Jose is famous for The National Museum of Costa Rica.

How is San Jose different from Key Largo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in San Jose or Key Largo?

San Jose is a city with good options for its historical sights. However, Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around San Jose. Despite most people rushing through town, there are a number of museums, plazas, and interesting buildings that are worth checking out.

Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in San Jose or Key Largo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

San Jose is a city with good options for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

San Jose is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Most people miss out on local cuisine during their time in Costa Rica, but the capital city offers the best opportunities to eat like a local. You can sample favorite local dishes such as chifrijo, gallo pinto, rondón, and casado. You should also wander through the Central Market and dine at one of the many local restaurants.

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 San Jose or Key Largo Better for Nightlife?

San Jose is great for its evening party scene. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to San Jose for the nightlife scene. This city has the best nightlife in all of Costa Rica. You'll find a diversity of clubs and bars that are fun to explore. Check out the reggae bars, dance clubs, and sports bars (where you can enjoy a soccer game) while you're in town.

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 San Jose or Key Largo Better for Resorts?

Key Largo is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, San Jose is not a resort destination.

Key Largo is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Popular resorts in the area include Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, Reefhouse Resort & Marina, and Largo Resort.

San Jose is not a resort destination.

Is San Jose or Key Largo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Key Largo is a very popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, San Jose is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Key Largo to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

San Jose is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is San Jose or Key Largo Better for Beaches?

Key Largo is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, San Jose is not a beach destination.

Key Largo has a beach worth visiting. 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.

San Jose is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in San Jose or Key Largo?

San Jose is great for its shopping areas. However, Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in San Jose. There are a number of unique things you can buy in the city including jewelry, handbags, and wood workings. Make sure you check out the Central Market.

Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is San Jose or Key Largo Better for Families?

Key Largo is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. However, San Jose is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.

Key Largo is an amazing family-friendly island to visit. 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.

San Jose doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Most people pass through the city quickly, but if you have a day or two to explore, you can visit the Children's Museum (Museo de los Niños), Spirogyra Butterfly Gardens, or explore the Central Market.

Is San Jose or Key Largo Better for Couples?

Key Largo is a nice place to visit for romance. However, San Jose is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Key Largo is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Most people don't think of San Jose as a couple's destination. While Costa Rica is a popular honeymoon destination, the capital city is often overlooked for the beaches and rainforests around the country.

Is San Jose or Key Largo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit San Jose. Backpackers appreciate the affordability of the city and the wide range of hostels that you can choose from. The city also offers an authentic glimpse of life in Costa Rica.

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 San Jose or Key Largo Better for Students?

San Jose is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Key Largo is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit San Jose. Many students come to Costa Rica to study the country's amazing environment and unique ecological systems. San Jose makes a good base as its easy to travel to other parts of this small country.

Key Largo is not popular with students.

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

San Jose 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 San Jose offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are local buses that travel through the city during the daytime hours.

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 San Jose or Key Largo a more walkable city?

San Jose is a city with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its walkability.

San Jose is a somewhat walkable city. It can feel a bit chaotic, but it's relatively easy to get around on foot.

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 San Jose Worth Visiting? and Is Key Largo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Key Largo or San Jose?

How long in San Jose or Key Largo?

Both San Jose 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 San Jose. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for San Jose, and 5-7 days is enough time in Key Largo.

Families should spend more time in Key Largo than San Jose. 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 Key Largo than San Jose. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Key Largo that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Jose 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 San Jose.

One day in San Jose or Key Largo?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of San Jose. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that San Jose has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The island of Key Largo offers scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 San Jose or Key Largo?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of San Jose. 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 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 San Jose or Key Largo?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the traditional city of San Jose. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Key Largo is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Key Largo, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in San Jose or Key Largo?

San Jose is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

Key Largo is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Key Largo has to offer. This island offers something for everyone.

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

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

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

Which is Bigger, San Jose or Key Largo?

San Jose has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Key Largo. When comparing the sizes of San Jose 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 San Jose or Key Largo?

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

Should I visit San Jose or Key Largo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both San Jose and Key Largo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round. Also, many travelers come to Key Largo for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, San Jose is generally around the same temperature as Key Largo. Daily temperatures in San Jose average around 28°C (82°F), and Key Largo fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key Largo this time of the year. San Jose usually receives less sunshine than Key Largo during summer. San Jose gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Key Largo receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

Key Largo receives a lot of rain in the summer. San Jose gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, San Jose usually receives more rain than Key Largo. San Jose gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Key Largo receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit San Jose or Key Largo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to San Jose as well as Key Largo. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

San Jose is around the same temperature as Key Largo in the autumn. The daily temperature in San Jose averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Key Largo fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key Largo. In the autumn, San Jose often gets less sunshine than Key Largo. San Jose gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Key Largo receives 275 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Key Largo. San Jose receives a lot of rain in the autumn. San Jose usually gets more rain in October than Key Largo. San Jose gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while Key Largo receives 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to April in San Jose is the dry season. Keep in mind that May to November is the hurricane season in San Jose.

Should I visit San Jose or Key Largo in the Winter?

Both Key Largo and San Jose are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Jose throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Key Largo for the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, San Jose is a little warmer than Key Largo. Typically, the winter temperatures in San Jose in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Key Largo averages at about 67°F (19°C).

It's quite sunny in Key Largo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Jose. San Jose usually receives more sunshine than Key Largo during winter. San Jose gets 264 hours of sunny skies, while Key Largo receives 243 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, San Jose usually receives less rain than Key Largo. San Jose gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Key Largo receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit San Jose or Key Largo in the Spring?

Both Key Largo and San Jose during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to San Jose because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Key Largo because of the beaches.

In April, San Jose is generally a little warmer than Key Largo. Daily temperatures in San Jose average around 29°C (85°F), and Key Largo fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

In Key Largo, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in San Jose. In the spring, San Jose often gets less sunshine than Key Largo. San Jose gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Key Largo receives 300 hours of full sun.

San Jose usually gets less rain in April than Key Largo. San Jose gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Key Largo receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year. December to April is the dry season in San Jose. Also, May to November in San Jose is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Key Largo and San Jose