A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Duck Key vs. Marathon for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Duck Key or Marathon?

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 Duck Key and Marathon can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Duck Key or Marathon?

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.

Marathon

You step outside your deluxe suite onto the balcony and are greeted with nothing less than tropical perfection. The hum of the ocean, the whispers of the palm trees, the songs of the seagulls - you bask in this paradise otherwise known as Marathon, Florida. A 10-mile-long island, the chain contains Vaca Key, Fat Deer Key and Grassy Key, along with Duck Key just another few minutes up the road.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Marathon or Duck Key?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Duck Key Prices
    USA Prices
    Marathon Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Duck Key $175
    Marathon $195

The average daily cost (per person) in Duck Key is $175, while the average daily cost in Marathon is $195. 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 Duck Key and Marathon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Duck Key $56
    Marathon $76
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Duck Key $112
    Marathon $152
Compare Hotels in Duck Key and Marathon

Looking for a hotel in Duck Key or Marathon? 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.

Hotels in Duck Key


Hotels in Marathon


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: Marathon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Duck Key $69
    Marathon $47

Is it cheaper to fly into Duck Key or Marathon?

Prices for flights to both Marathon and Duck Key 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Duck Key $77
    Marathon $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Duck Key $30
    Marathon $27

Tours and Activities in Marathon

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Marathon.

  • Florida: Sunset Champagne Cruise on the Marathon Mermaid: $82
  • Intro to Foilboarding Experience: $214
  • Rhum Runner Aqua Park Adventure: $38
  • Snorkeling Adventure by Boat at Sombrero Reef: $89

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Duck Key $7.99
    Marathon $24


When comparing the travel costs between Duck Key and Marathon, we can see that Marathon is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Duck Key or Marathon?

Marathon has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Duck Key. When comparing the sizes of Duck Key and Marathon, 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 Duck Key or Marathon?

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 Duck Key or Marathon in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Duck Key and Marathon. Furthermore, many travelers come to Marathon for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Duck Key is generally around the same temperature as Marathon. Daily temperatures in Duck Key average around 84°F (29°C), and Marathon fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marathon this time of the year. In Duck Key, it's very sunny this time of the year. Duck Key usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Marathon during summer. Duck Key gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Marathon receives 328 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Duck Key usually receives around the same amount of rain as Marathon. Duck Key gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Marathon receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Duck Key 84°F (29°C) 
    Marathon 84°F (29°C)

Should I visit Duck Key or Marathon in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Duck Key as well as Marathon. Additionally, many visitors come to Marathon in the autumn for the natural beauty of the area.

Duck Key is around the same temperature as Marathon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Duck Key averages around 80°F (27°C) in October, and Marathon fluctuates around 80°F (27°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marathon. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Duck Key this time of the year. In the autumn, Duck Key often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Marathon. Duck Key gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marathon receives 258 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Marathon. Duck Key receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Duck Key usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Marathon. Duck Key gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Marathon receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Duck Key 80°F (27°C) 
    Marathon 80°F (27°C)

Should I visit Duck Key or Marathon in the Winter?

Both Marathon and Duck Key are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Marathon for the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Duck Key is around the same temperature as Marathon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Duck Key in January average around 70°F (21°C), and Marathon averages at about 70°F (21°C).

It's quite sunny in Marathon. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Duck Key. Duck Key usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Marathon during winter. Duck Key gets 252 hours of sunny skies, while Marathon receives 252 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Duck Key usually receives around the same amount of rain as Marathon. Duck Key gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Marathon receives 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Duck Key 70°F (21°C) 
    Marathon 70°F (21°C)

Should I visit Duck Key or Marathon in the Spring?

Both Marathon and Duck Key during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Marathon because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Duck Key is generally around the same temperature as Marathon. Daily temperatures in Duck Key average around 77°F (25°C), and Marathon fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

In Marathon, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Duck Key. In the spring, Duck Key often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Marathon. Duck Key gets 326 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marathon receives 326 hours of full sun.

Duck Key usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Marathon. Duck Key gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Marathon receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Duck Key 77°F (25°C) 
    Marathon 77°F (25°C)

Typical Weather for Marathon and Duck Key

Duck Key Marathon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 70°F (21°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm) 70°F (21°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm)
Feb 71°F (21°C) 1.4 inches (36 mm) 71°F (21°C) 1.4 inches (36 mm)
Mar 74°F (23°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm) 74°F (23°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Apr 77°F (25°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm) 77°F (25°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
May 81°F (27°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 81°F (27°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Jun 83°F (28°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm) 83°F (28°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm)
Jul 84°F (29°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 84°F (29°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Aug 84°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 84°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Sep 83°F (29°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm) 83°F (29°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm)
Oct 80°F (27°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm) 80°F (27°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm)
Nov 76°F (24°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 76°F (24°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Dec 72°F (22°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm) 72°F (22°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm)