Key Largo and Key West are two tourist destinations I love visiting whenever I come to Florida. Each destination offers a different vacation experience that I capture with my camera.
Is Key Largo Cheaper than Key West? I spend less in Key Largo than in Key West, but the cost of living depends on what you want to do in both destinations. The two destinations offer white sand beaches to beach-goers.
In addition, they have pristine waters and many water activities. Are you thinking of a vacation? Key West and Key Largo have many similar things, but the cost of living separates them.
Is Key Largo Cheaper Than Key West?
Yes, Key Largo is cheaper than Key West, but staying in any of the destinations has little difference in cost. For instance, food prices in both destinations are similar.
However, Key West is home to high-end restaurants compared to Key Largo. You can compare the activity fees ad hotel rates. Maybe, the cost of getting to any of the destinations may be your determining factor.
Key Largo Pros and Cons
Pros
- Key Largo is great for scuba and snorkeling.
- It has a popular beach.
- The place is family-friendly.
- Key Largo is ideal for couples and romance.
Cons
- The place is not popular for nightlife
- Backpackers may not like it.
- The place is not walkable
Key West Pros and Cons
Pros
- Key West has a good nightlife.
- The place is suitable for scuba and snorkeling destination.
- Key West has a popular beach.
- It is family-friendly
- Families would love this place.
- You can easily walk around the destination.
- You will like its impressive beauty.
- Key West has a quaint atmosphere.
Cons
- Backpackers don’t often come here.
Small City Vs. Small Town
Key West offers you a small city feel, just like a Florida City and not like an island. On the other hand, Key Largo has this small community or town vibe with few bustling activities.
Therefore, you can come to Key West if you want a bustling destination with parties, nightlife, businesses, and exciting adventures. I like my life on a plate, without a lot of distractions, so Key Largo is my ideal place.
Key Largo has a relaxed pace ad a more subdued atmosphere with few commercial activities. The intimacy can be best felt in Key Largo than in Key West, making it a more romantic destination.
I feel homier in Key Largo than in the ever-busy Key West.
Dive Bars Vs Dive Shops
Are you an aquatic person who loves diving? Both Key Largo and Key West offer you excellent destinations to explore your water activities. Some of the things you can do at these destinations include jet skiing, fishing charters, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and ocean kayaking.
However, Key Largo has less dive bars and more dive shops than Key West. Hence, you have an exciting social environment in Key West that attracts many night owls.
When it comes to diving and snorkeling, Key West offers visitors amazing diving opportunities. People who want more diving and snorkeling can come to Key Largo, which has more options than Key West.
I must tell you that the two islands have easy access to beautiful reefs. If you visit Key West, you can find a great snorkeling area in Dry Tortugas National Park. On the other hand, Key largo has the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Molasses Reef, the Mosquito Bank or Sea Gardens, and the Grecian Rocks.
Fishing Opportunities
Whether you want a hook and line or fly fishing, Key West provides you with more options than Key Largo. Key West has many fishing tournaments and champions throughout the year at different locations.
Key Largo is unique with its protected water world that does not allow fishing in most places. If you come to Key West, you can fish at the Edward B. Knight Pier or Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park.
In addition, some charter fishing boats can take you to some of the best fishing spots.
The Distance into the Keys
I prefer taking the Key Largo route when coming to the Keys, but Key West takes me a long distance to enter the Keys. While Key Largo is barely an hour, if you are heading to Miami, you would spend three and a half hours to reach Key West.
The distance depends on traffic, but you don’t sweat when you come from Miami to see Key Largo. If you want to watch spectacular scenes, you should drive to Key West. For instance, you can drive across many connecting bridges, including the Seven Mile Bridge.
Pedestrian Friendly
Key West is considered one of the places in the United States for bicyclists and pedestrians. You can leave your car at your hotel and travel to different parts of the city.
You can take Fifty Street, where you can walk around without difficulty, or ride a bicycle. On the other hand, you require a car in Key Largo because it is a longer island that spreads out.
When coming to Key Largo, you should know the directions to help you move around. Whether you want to do a lot of walking or foot explorations, you will still need a car to move you around.
Familiar History
Key West is home to Ernest Hemingway, which has many things to help you learn more about the place. You might have heard about the six-toed Hemingway cats, but you see them when you visit.
So many things await you when you visit Key West or Key Largo. I prefer the familiar stories of Key West.
FAQs
Is Key Largo cheap?
Yes, Key Largo is relatively cheaper compared to places like Key West.
In addition, you spend less when heading to Key Largo than Key West.
What is the smell in Key Largo?
Key Largo has a unique smell often associated with sewer leaks or other contaminants. Meanwhile, the bad smell comes from rotting sargassum seaweed and other organic matter.
What is special about Key Largo?
Key Largo is known as the first of the Florida Keys, often called the Dive Capital of the World.
Key Largo is where you find the world’s largest artificial reef, and you can find the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, 510-foot USS Spiegel Grove, and the African Queen.