A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tulum vs. Key West for Nightlife, Resorts, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, and Beaches

Should you visit Tulum 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 Tulum 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.

Tulum

Tulum is a active, lively, and ancient town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Key West

Key West is a laid-back, quirky, and eclectic town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Tulum and Key West: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tulum or Key West?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Tulum. Although Tulum and Key West are popular destinations, Tulum has more sights and attractions for tourists. Tulum is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Key West attracts visitors for its historical sights, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Tulum is famous for its archeological sights, beautiful beaches, and dramatic cenotes. It is also well known for the Tulum archeological ruins. Key West is famous 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.

How is Tulum different from Key West?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Tulum or Key West?

Tulum is renowned for its sights and museums. However, Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Tulum are among the most recognizable in the world. It's famous for its world-renowned archeological ruins. The Tulum Archeological Site is very popular for its Mayan temples and castles. You can also travel a bit further to see the Cobá Ruins.

Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Tulum or Key West? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Tulum is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Key West is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Tulum. Despite being well established as a top tourist destination in Mexico, you'll still find authentic and delicious local cuisine. Favorite dishes around town include the ceviche, tacos al pastor, and sopa de lima (chicken soup).

Key West is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Is Tulum or Key West Better for Nightlife?

Tulum is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Key West is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its evening party scene.

Tulum is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. It's world renowned for its wild nightlife scene and you'll find iconic beach parties, jungle raves, and trendy Tuluminati parties. Most of the local places that are a bit more affordable are in town, and the more touristy and expensive places are around the Middle Beach Zone.

Key West has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Is Tulum or Key West Better for Resorts?

Tulum 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, Tulum is a great choice. If you're on a budget, you can stay in town for a more reasonable price, but if you want a classic beach vacation, head to the Zona Hotelera stretch along the coast. There are luxury hotels as well as resorts with beachfront pools and luxury restaurants.

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 Tulum or Key West Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tulum is renowned 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.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Tulum a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. The water along the coast is shallow and clear, which is perfect for snorkeling. There are also dive trips that take you a short distance out to diverse and beautiful reefs.

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 Tulum or Key West Better for Beaches?

Tulum 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 Tulum. World class beaches with turquoise water and long stretches of sand make this a true beach-lovers paradise. Playa Paraíso is a favorite beach in the area and many consider it among the most beautiful beaches in Mexico.

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 Tulum or Key West Better for its Old Town?

Key West is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Tulum does not have a historic old town.

Key West is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Tulum does not have a historic old town.

Is Tulum or Key West Better for Hiking?

Tulum is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Key West is not a hiking destination.

Tulum is a popular spot for hiking. There are coastal walks and routes that take you through the jungle or by archeological ruins. There are many places where you can enjoy a stroll through nature.

Key West is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tulum or Key West?

Tulum is notable for its shopping opportunities. However, Key West is a mediocre town for its shopping areas.

Tulum is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Quirky souvenir shops, local artisan boutiques, and colorful bazaars make shopping a fun experience. Make sure you check out Mercado Maya or the Tulum Bazaar while you're in town.

Key West has some good spots for those that want to go 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.

Is Tulum or Key West Better for Families?

Both Tulum and Key West are excellent to visit with kids.

Tulum is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the beaches and archeological sights as much as adults. You can also visit a cenote or see the sea turtles at Akumal Bay. If you're open to getting out of town, there are many adventure parks in the area as well.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Key West is very family-friendly. 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.

Is Tulum or Key West Better for Couples?

Tulum is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Key West is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for couples.

Tulum makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Beautiful beaches, world famous archeological sights, and a wild nightlife scene make this a great honeymoon or couple's destination. There are also spas, cenotes, and even cooking classes that you can take together.

Key West makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Is Tulum or Key West Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tulum is notable for backpackers. However, Key West is a mediocre town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Tulum is a great town to visit for backpackers. It's no longer an undiscovered backpacker paradise, but there are still affordable options in the area and there's a great nightlife scene.

Key West is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Key West is a pretty expensive destination, but there are Airbnbs and even a hostel or two that cater to budget backpackers.

Is Tulum or Key West Better for Students?

Key West is a well-known place for students. However, Tulum is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Key West. It's a great spring break destination with a quirky personality and many great activities.

Tulum is not popular with students.

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

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

Tulum has a few public transit options. There are shared vans, Collectivos, that provide transportation through the area. The Tiburon is also a local bus that runs along the coastline.

Public transit is quite limited in Key West. Public transportation in Key West is limited to a few buses.

Is Tulum or Key West a more walkable city?

Tulum is notable for its high level of walkability. Also, Key West is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its ease of walking around.

Tulum is a very walkable town. It's easy to walk around downtown Tulum and explore on foot.

Key West is a somewhat walkable town. The town is the most walkable part of the Florida Keys. The area around Mallory Square and Duval Street is the most pedestrian friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Key West or Tulum?

How long in Tulum or Key West?

Both Tulum and Key West have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Key West than in Tulum. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Tulum, and 5-7 days is enough time in Key West.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tulum than Key West 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 Tulum.

One day in Tulum or Key West?

The beautiful town of Tulum offers museums and nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

In Key West, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this active destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Tulum or Key West?

Tulum 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Key West. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tulum or Key West?

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

Key West is a fun place to experience. In Key West, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife that this quaint destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Tulum or Key West?

Tulum is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

In Key West, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this active destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Tulum or Key West?

Key West has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Tulum 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 Tulum or Key West?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Tulum or Key West in the Summer?

Both Key West and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tulum for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, 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, Tulum is around the same temperature as Key West. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tulum in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Key West averages at about 84°F (29°C).

It's quite sunny in Key West. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually receives less sunshine than Key West during summer. Tulum gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Key West receives 328 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Tulum. In July, Tulum usually receives more rain than Key West. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Key West receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tulum or Key West in the Autumn?

Both Key West and Tulum during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tulum in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, 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, Tulum is generally around the same temperature as Key West. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 27°C (81°F), and Key West fluctuates around 80°F (27°C).

In Key West, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tulum. In the autumn, Tulum often gets less sunshine than Key West. Tulum gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Key West receives 258 hours of full sun.

Key West gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually gets more rain in October than Key West. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Key West receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Tulum. June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. Also, June to October in Tulum is the hurricane season. Also, June to November in Key West is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Tulum or Key West in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Key West. Most visitors come to Tulum for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Key West because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Tulum is a little warmer than Key West in the winter. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 23°C (74°F) in January, and Key West fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key West this time of the year. In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tulum usually receives less sunshine than Key West during winter. Tulum gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Key West receives 252 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tulum usually receives more rain than Key West. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Key West receives 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tulum or Key West in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Key West. The spring months attract visitors to Tulum because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Key West this time of year.

In the spring, Tulum is around the same temperature as Key West. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tulum in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Key West averages at about 77°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key West. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. In the spring, Tulum often gets less sunshine than Key West. Tulum gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Key West receives 326 hours of full sun.

Tulum usually gets more rain in April than Key West. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Key West receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to April in Tulum is the dry season. June to October in Tulum is the rainy season. Also, the hurricane season in Tulum is June to October. Also, the hurricane season in Key West is June to November.

Typical Weather for Key West and Tulum