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

Should you visit Duck Key or Ocean City?

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 Ocean City can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Duck Key or Ocean City?

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.

Ocean City

One of the most popular vacation areas of the U.S. east coast, Ocean City is a long-time resort town, taking roots as a getaway when the first beach-front cottage was built in 1869. The destination sits on a strip of land between the Atlantic Ocean and the Isle of Wight Bay. The Atlantic Hotel was the first major hotel, built in 1875 and still in business today. It has been family owned and operated since Charles W. Purnell bought it in 1923.

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, Ocean City 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
    Ocean City Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Duck Key $175
    Ocean City $196

The average daily cost (per person) in Duck Key is $175, while the average daily cost in Ocean City is $196. 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 Ocean City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Duck Key $56
    Ocean City $83
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Duck Key $112
    Ocean City $166
Compare Hotels in Duck Key and Ocean City

Looking for a hotel in Duck Key or Ocean City? 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 Ocean City


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: Ocean City Hotel Prices.

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Duck Key or Ocean City?

Prices for flights to both Ocean City 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
    Ocean City $85

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Duck Key $30
    Ocean City $18

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Duck Key $7.99
    Ocean City $14


When comparing the travel costs between Duck Key and Ocean City, we can see that Ocean City 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 Ocean City Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Duck Key or Ocean City?

Ocean City has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Duck Key. When comparing the sizes of Duck Key and Ocean City, 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 Ocean City?

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 Duck Key or Ocean City in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Duck Key as well as Ocean City. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Ocean City because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Duck Key is a little warmer than Ocean City. Typically, the summer temperatures in Duck Key in July average around 84°F (29°C), and Ocean City averages at about 77°F (25°C).

It's quite rainy in Ocean City. Duck Key usually gets less rain in July than Ocean City. Duck Key gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Duck Key 84°F (29°C) 
    Ocean City 77°F (25°C)

Should I visit Duck Key or Ocean City in the Autumn?

Both Ocean City and Duck Key are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Ocean City this time of year.

In October, Duck Key is generally much warmer than Ocean City. Daily temperatures in Duck Key average around 80°F (27°C), and Ocean City fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

It's quite rainy in Duck Key. In October, Duck Key usually receives more rain than Ocean City. Duck Key gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Duck Key 80°F (27°C) 
    Ocean City 58°F (14°C)

Should I visit Duck Key or Ocean City in the Winter?

Both Ocean City and Duck Key during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Ocean City for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Ocean City. Duck Key is much warmer than Ocean City in the winter. The daily temperature in Duck Key averages around 70°F (21°C) in January, and Ocean City fluctuates around 35°F (2°C).

Duck Key usually gets less rain in January than Ocean City. Duck Key gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Duck Key 70°F (21°C) 
    Ocean City 35°F (2°C)

Should I visit Duck Key or Ocean City in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Duck Key and Ocean City. Furthermore, many visitors come to Ocean City in the spring for the beaches.

In the spring, Duck Key is much warmer than Ocean City. Typically, the spring temperatures in Duck Key in April average around 77°F (25°C), and Ocean City averages at about 54°F (12°C).

In April, Duck Key usually receives less rain than Ocean City. Duck Key gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Duck Key 77°F (25°C) 
    Ocean City 54°F (12°C)

Typical Weather for Ocean City and Duck Key

Duck Key Ocean City
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 70°F (21°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm) 35°F (2°C) 3.6 inches (93 mm)
Feb 71°F (21°C) 1.4 inches (36 mm) 37°F (3°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 74°F (23°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm) 45°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)
Apr 77°F (25°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
May 81°F (27°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 63°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jun 83°F (28°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 84°F (29°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 77°F (25°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm)
Aug 84°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 76°F (24°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm)
Sep 83°F (29°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm) 69°F (20°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Oct 80°F (27°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm) 58°F (14°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Nov 76°F (24°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 49°F (9°C) 3.2 inches (80 mm)
Dec 72°F (22°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)