Which place is cheaper, Duck Key or Destin?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Destin or Duck Key?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Destin and Duck Key can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Destin or Duck Key?
Destin
An upscale resort town located on the Florida Panhandle, Destin is best known for its white sand beaches and clear green waters, golfing opportunities, and world renowned fishing. The stretch of beach here (on a peninsula between the Gulf of Mexico and the Choctawhatchee Bay) is nicknamed Florida's Emerald Coast.
Duck Key
If you are thirsty for the taste of tropical splendor, Duck Key, Florida will surely quench your desires. Located in Monroe County, Florida, right beside its neighbor Conch Key, Duck Key stands. The community is chock full of everyone's favorite seaside activities, including fishing, jetskiing, scuba diving, canoeing, and kayaking. Though a quaint town, Duck Key attracts tourists from all over due to its quiet beaches and friendly locals. Whether you are looking to meet and greet with the dolphins or simply lie upon the sandy white beaches as the fire orange sun sets before you, Duck Key is truly a sweet and small subtropical diversion.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska.
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Destin Prices
USA PricesDuck Key Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDestin $229Duck Key $175
The average daily cost (per person) in Destin is $229, while the average daily cost in Duck Key is $175. 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 Destin and Duck Key in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDestin $111Duck Key $56
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDestin $222Duck Key $112
Compare Hotels in Destin and Duck Key
Looking for a hotel in Destin or Duck Key? 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.
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: Destin Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Destin $50Duck Key $69
Is it cheaper to fly into Destin or Duck Key?
Prices for flights to both Duck Key and Destin 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
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Food Meals for one dayDestin $89Duck Key $77
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Destin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Destin.
- Murder Mystery Dinner Cruise with Sunset Views: $125
- 3 Hour Sunset Dinner Cruise by Solaris Yacht in Miramar Beach: $128
- Sunset Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $128
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Destin $17Duck Key $30
Typical Entertainment Prices in Destin
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Destin are as follows:
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1 Day Rental Umbrella and Chairs$40
Tours and Activities in Destin
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Destin are as follows:
- Dolphin Cruise in Destin FL : $37
- 10-Hour Deep Sea Fishing Adventure: $224
- 2-Stop Snorkeling and Dolphin Cruise from Destin: $50
- 3 Hour Crab Island Sandbar Cruise : $89
- 3 Hour Crab Island and Harbor Tour from Destin Non-Private: $70
- 3 hour Crab Island Adventure with Cruise Destin Bay: $75
- 5-Hour Deep Sea Family Fishing Adventure: $112
- Buccaneer Pirate Cruise in Destin: $55
- Clear Kayak Glow Tour Destin Ft. Walton Beach: $80
- Crab Island Boat Tour – Half Day in Destin: $69
- Crab Island Dolphin & Sunset Cruise – 3-Hour Tour: $65
- Crab Island Dolphin Jet Ski Adventure : $227
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDestin $49Duck Key $7.99
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Destin and Duck Key, we can see that Destin is more expensive. And not only is Duck Key much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Duck Key would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Duck Key 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 Destin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Destin than you might in Duck Key.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Destin Expensive? and Is Duck Key Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Destin or Duck Key?
Destin has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Duck Key. When comparing the sizes of Destin and Duck Key, 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 Destin or Duck Key?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Destin or Duck Key in the Summer?
Both Duck Key and Destin during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Destin because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Destin is around the same temperature as Duck Key. Typically, the summer temperatures in Destin in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Duck Key averages at about 84°F (29°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Destin. Destin usually gets more rain in July than Duck Key. Destin gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Duck Key receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDestin 82°F (28°C)Duck Key 84°F (29°C)
Should I visit Destin or Duck Key in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Destin and Duck Key. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Destin this time of year.
In October, Destin is generally cooler than Duck Key. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 69°F (21°C), and Duck Key fluctuates around 80°F (27°C).
Duck Key receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Destin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Destin usually receives less rain than Duck Key. Destin gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Duck Key receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDestin 69°F (21°C)Duck Key 80°F (27°C)
Should I visit Destin or Duck Key in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Destin as well as Duck Key. Many travelers come to Destin for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Destin is much colder than Duck Key in the winter. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 50°F (10°C) in January, and Duck Key fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).
Destin receives a lot of rain in the winter. Destin usually gets more rain in January than Duck Key. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Duck Key receives 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDestin 50°F (10°C)Duck Key 70°F (21°C)
Should I visit Destin or Duck Key in the Spring?
Both Duck Key and Destin are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Destin in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Destin is cooler than Duck Key. Typically, the spring temperatures in Destin in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Duck Key averages at about 77°F (25°C).
In April, Destin usually receives more rain than Duck Key. Destin gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Duck Key receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDestin 68°F (20°C)Duck Key 77°F (25°C)
Typical Weather for Duck Key and Destin
| Destin | Duck Key | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 50°F (10°C) | 4.6 inches (117 mm) | 70°F (21°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) |
| Feb | 54°F (12°C) | 5.4 inches (137 mm) | 71°F (21°C) | 1.4 inches (36 mm) |
| Mar | 60°F (16°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) |
| Apr | 68°F (20°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | 77°F (25°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) |
| May | 74°F (23°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) | 81°F (27°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Jun | 80°F (27°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) | 83°F (28°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 7.4 inches (189 mm) | 84°F (29°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Aug | 82°F (28°C) | 7.4 inches (188 mm) | 84°F (29°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
| Sep | 79°F (26°C) | 5.3 inches (135 mm) | 83°F (29°C) | 5.7 inches (144 mm) |
| Oct | 69°F (21°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) | 80°F (27°C) | 5.1 inches (129 mm) |
| Nov | 61°F (16°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) |
| Dec | 54°F (12°C) | 4.3 inches (109 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 1.4 inches (35 mm) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.