A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Duck Key vs. Monterey for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Duck Key or Monterey?

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 Monterey can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Duck Key or Monterey?

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.

Monterey

When it comes to California, Monterey may not be mentioned half as much as you hear about Los Angeles or San Francisco, but it is a beautiful city to visit, with a diverse expanse of exciting and relaxing things to do, whether you're looking for adventure, a quiet getaway, or romance.

Located on California's central coast, the city of Monterey was the first State Capital of California. It was also home to many artists, athletes, and musicians, such as John Steinbeck, Clint Eastwood, and Ron Johnson.

Monterey has mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm, dry summers. Cold season runs from December to April and warm season, from July until October. The peak travel seasons are during summer, from July to September. If you want to avoid crowds, the months of April and October are ideal times to visit for fewer crowds and comfortable weather.

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, Monterey 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
    Monterey Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Duck Key $175
    Monterey $211

The average daily cost (per person) in Duck Key is $175, while the average daily cost in Monterey is $211. 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 Monterey in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Duck Key $56
    Monterey $90
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Duck Key $112
    Monterey $180
Compare Hotels in Duck Key and Monterey

Looking for a hotel in Duck Key or Monterey? 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 Monterey


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: Monterey Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Duck Key $69
    Monterey $32

Is it cheaper to fly into Duck Key or Monterey?

Prices for flights to both Monterey 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
    Monterey $98

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

Tours and Activities in Monterey

For Monterey, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • "Family Friendly" Scenic E-Bike Tour along 17 Mile Dr: $79
  • Big Sur: Sightseeing Tour with 4 to 5 Stops: $214
  • From San Francisco: Monterey and Carmel Day Tour: $131
  • Mist, Mayhem & Murder: Monterey Ghost Tours: $24
  • Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise: $95
  • Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour: $75
  • Monterey County Salinas Valley Farm Tour: $208
  • Monterey Peninsula Sightseeing Tour including 17 Mile Drive: $202
  • Monterey- 3 Hour GPS Guided Tour: $229
  • 1-Hour GPS Guided Scooter Car Tour: $112
  • 17-Mile Drive Guided E-Bike Tour: $79
  • 17-Mile Drive Pebble Beach E-Bike Tour: $75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Duck Key $7.99
    Monterey $21

Sample the Local Flavors in Monterey

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Monterey:

  • Carmel Valley Wine Tasting Tour: $206


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Duck Key and Monterey, we can see that Monterey 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 Monterey would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Monterey 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 Duck Key Expensive? and Is Monterey Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Duck Key or Monterey?

Monterey has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Duck Key. When comparing the sizes of Duck Key and Monterey, 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 Monterey?

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 Monterey in the Summer?

Both Monterey and Duck Key are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Monterey for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Duck Key is much warmer than Monterey. Typically, the summer temperatures in Duck Key in July average around 84°F (29°C), and Monterey averages at about 63°F (17°C).

In July, Duck Key usually receives more rain than Monterey. Duck Key gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Duck Key 84°F (29°C) 
    Monterey 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Duck Key or Monterey in the Autumn?

Both Monterey and Duck Key during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Monterey because of the shopping scene.

In October, Duck Key is generally much warmer than Monterey. Daily temperatures in Duck Key average around 80°F (27°C), and Monterey fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Duck Key. Duck Key usually gets more rain in October than Monterey. Duck Key gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Duck Key 80°F (27°C) 
    Monterey 62°F (17°C)

Should I visit Duck Key or Monterey in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Duck Key and Monterey. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Monterey this time of year.

Duck Key is much warmer than Monterey in the winter. The daily temperature in Duck Key averages around 70°F (21°C) in January, and Monterey fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In January, Duck Key usually receives less rain than Monterey. Duck Key gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Duck Key 70°F (21°C) 
    Monterey 51°F (11°C)

Should I visit Duck Key or Monterey in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Duck Key as well as Monterey. Additionally, many travelers come to Monterey for the beaches.

In the spring, Duck Key is much warmer than Monterey. Typically, the spring temperatures in Duck Key in April average around 77°F (25°C), and Monterey averages at about 56°F (13°C).

Duck Key usually gets less rain in April than Monterey. Duck Key gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Duck Key 77°F (25°C) 
    Monterey 56°F (13°C)

Typical Weather for Monterey and Duck Key

Duck Key Monterey
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 70°F (21°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Feb 71°F (21°C) 1.4 inches (36 mm) 53°F (12°C) 1.8 inches (47 mm)
Mar 74°F (23°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.1 inches (55 mm)
Apr 77°F (25°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm) 56°F (13°C) 1.1 inches (29 mm)
May 81°F (27°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 59°F (15°C) 0.2 inches (4 mm)
Jun 83°F (28°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm) 62°F (16°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Jul 84°F (29°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 63°F (17°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 84°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 64°F (18°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Sep 83°F (29°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm) 64°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm)
Oct 80°F (27°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.6 inches (14 mm)
Nov 76°F (24°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 56°F (13°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Dec 72°F (22°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2 inches (51 mm)