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

Should you visit Cabo San Lucas or Key Largo?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cabo San Lucas and Key Largo 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.

Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas is a idyllic, wild, and adventurous city. Many visitors also come to Cabo San Lucas because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Cabo San Lucas travel costs.

Key Largo

Key Largo is a peaceful, family-friendly, and beautiful island. It's a quaint destination. It's also known for scuba diving and snorkeling and beaches. See Key Largo travel costs.

Cabo San Lucas and Key Largo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cabo San Lucas or Key Largo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cabo San Lucas than Key Largo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cabo San Lucas is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Key Largo is more popular for its quaint atmosphere. Cabo San Lucas is more touristy than Key Largo and is popular for its beautiful coastline, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife scene. Also, Cabo San Lucas is famous for Land's End. Key Largo is well 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.

How is Cabo San Lucas different from Key Largo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cabo San Lucas 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 Cabo San Lucas. There are several historical sights in the area such as the Church of Saint Luke and San Jose del Cabo.

Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cabo San Lucas is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Cabo San Lucas has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. If you step away from the all-you-can-eat buffets in the resorts, and the tourist hot spots, you'll find some excellent local Mexican cuisine and nice fine dining restaurants. Fresh seafood and local produce make the dishes unique.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Key Largo Better for Nightlife?

Cabo San Lucas is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for nightlife.

The nightlife in Cabo San Lucas is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It has a long reputation of being one of Mexico's best party destinations. There are wild, all-night dance parties, crazy and crowded clubs, and music that lasts well into the morning. The best nightlife can be found in the blocks around Plaza Bonita, near the marina boardwalk.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Key Largo Better for Resorts?

If luxury resorts are your style, both Cabo San Lucas and Key Largo have great options.

In Cabo San Lucas, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Many of the resorts are along parts of the coastline where it's not safe to swim. If you really want to enjoy swimming at a beachfront property, make sure you do some research in advance. Medano Beach is a nice area to consider.

There are plenty of resorts in Key Largo to choose from. Popular resorts in the area include Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, Reefhouse Resort & Marina, and Largo Resort.

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

Both Cabo San Lucas and Key Largo offer great scuba diving or snorkeling.

Cabo San Lucas is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are many snorkeling and scuba diving excursions that go out on half day and full day trips. Some of the best snorkeling is found at Cabo Pulmo, which has the only living coral reef in the Sea of Cortez.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Key Largo. 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.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Key Largo Better for Beaches?

Cabo San Lucas is great for the beach. Also, Key Largo is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its beaches.

The beaches at Cabo San Lucas attract visitors from all over. Because of the water conditions, it's not safe to swim at many of the beaches in the area. This is particularly true on the Pacific side of the city. Many people consider Medano Beach to be one of the best in the area, but also nice are Lover's Beach, the ironically named Divorce Beach, and Chileno Beach.

Key Largo offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Key Largo Better for its Old Town?

Cabo San Lucas is great for its historic old town charm. However, Key Largo does not have a historic old town.

Cabo San Lucas is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. San Jose del Cabo is an "old town" that's a bit outside of town. It's particularly nice to visit on Thursdays when there's a nice market.

Key Largo does not have a historic old town.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Key Largo Better for Hiking?

Cabo San Lucas is great for hiking. However, Key Largo is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Cabo San Lucas for the hiking trails. It's not hard to get out into nature and you'll find many great hiking trails that go through varied and beautiful landscapes.

Key Largo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cabo San Lucas or Key Largo?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Cabo San Lucas. There are many great shopping areas where you can pick up souvenirs or other interesting items to remember your trip. There are mall, markets, and boutique vendors that sell a variety of products.

Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Key Largo More Beautiful?

Cabo San Lucas is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. However, Key Largo is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Cabo San Lucas because of it's amazing beauty. Beautiful beaches, stunning natural beauty, and striking landscapes make this a world class tropical destination.

Key Largo is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Key Largo Better for Families?

Key Largo is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cabo San Lucas is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Key Largo is an extremely popular island to visit for families. 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Cabo San Lucas is very family-friendly. Kids will love the snorkeling, boat rides, and kid-friendly cuisine. There are many places where kids can get up close and personal with animals, such as Wild Canyon’s Kingdom or camel riding. You might even be able to see migrating whales during your visit. Surfing, fishing, and hiking are also popular in the area.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Key Largo Better for Couples?

Cabo San Lucas is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Key Largo is not as popular, but is still a nice island for romance.

Cabo San Lucas is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It has long been a favorite honeymoon destination and couples who enjoy a beach paradise with wildlife, diving, and outdoor adventures will appreciate Cabo San Lucas. There's also amazing Mexican food and world class resorts.

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.

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

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

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Cabo San Lucas. It's a popular tourist destination, and there are a number of hostels and activities that backpackers will enjoy.

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

Cabo San Lucas 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 Cabo San Lucas offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Buses make up the main form of public transit. They are called Subercabos and run between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Key Largo a more walkable city?

Cabo San Lucas is great for its ease of walking around. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its walkability.

Cabo San Lucas is a very walkable destination. The town is relatively easy to walk around with many things close together.

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 Cabo San Lucas Worth Visiting? and Is Key Largo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Key Largo or Cabo San Lucas?

How long in Cabo San Lucas or Key Largo?

Both Cabo San Lucas and Key Largo have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Cabo San Lucas has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Cabo San Lucas than Key Largo. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Cabo San Lucas, and 5-7 days is enough time in Key Largo.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cabo San Lucas 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 Cabo San Lucas.

One day in Cabo San Lucas or Key Largo?

You'll find nightlife and food around the city of Cabo San Lucas. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Key Largo, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cabo San Lucas or Key Largo?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the scenic destination of Cabo San Lucas. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Key Largo is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Cabo San Lucas or Key Largo?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the adventurous city of Cabo San Lucas. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Key Largo. It's also a relaxing resort destination. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

A week in Cabo San Lucas or Key Largo?

Cabo San Lucas is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cabo San Lucas, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Key Largo, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. One week is usually enough time to experience 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 New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cabo San Lucas or Key Largo?

Cabo San Lucas has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Key Largo. When comparing the sizes of Cabo San Lucas 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.