Which place is cheaper, Phoenix 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.
Jump to 
Should you visit Duck Key or Phoenix?
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 Phoenix can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Duck Key or Phoenix?
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.
Phoenix
The most populous city in the American Southwest, Phoenix is the capital city of Arizona and busiest hub of activity in the general area. Geographically it is located in the Sonoran Desert, making for long hot summers and mild winters. This climate has ensured a thriving tourism industry with plenty of attractions both in and around Phoenix.
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.
-
Duck Key Prices
USA PricesPhoenix Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDuck Key $175Phoenix $276
The average daily cost (per person) in Duck Key is $175, while the average daily cost in Phoenix is $276. 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 Phoenix in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDuck Key $56Phoenix $144
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDuck Key $112Phoenix $288
Compare Hotels in Duck Key and Phoenix
Looking for a hotel in Duck Key or Phoenix? 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: Phoenix Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Duck Key $69Phoenix $39
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phoenix
Also for Phoenix, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer: Phoenix Airport PHX to Scottsdale by Sedan Car: $125
- Private Transfer: Phoenix Airport PHX to Scottsdale by Luxury SUV: $152
- Private Transfer Phoenix Airport PHX to Phoenix Downtown / Hotels: $110
- Sky Harbor Airport Private Transfer: $195
- One-Way Transfer Sky Harbor Airport to Phoenix: $104
- One Way Airport Transfer Service: $68
- Phoenix to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) - Departure Private Transfer: $84
- Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) Private Transfer: $80
- Departure Private Transfer: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury Van: $154
Is it cheaper to fly into Duck Key or Phoenix?
Prices for flights to both Phoenix 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 dayDuck Key $77Phoenix $90
Typical Food Prices in Phoenix
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Phoenix:
-
Nice Lunch (for 2)$36
-
Indian Food Dinner (for 2)$32
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phoenix
For Phoenix, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Wine Bar: $75
- Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery in Phoenix: $75
- Secret Food Tours Phoenix: $92
- Phoenix Food Tour on Trendy Roosevelt Row with 7 Food Tastings: $95
- Old Town Scottsdale Food Tour: $95
- Scottsdale Waterfront Food Tour: $95
- Scottsdale Old Town Food Tour of Hidden Gems with 6 Food Tastings: $105
- Sunset at Desert Botanical Garden: Dinner & Walking Tour : $135
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Duck Key $30Phoenix $40
Tours and Activities in Phoenix
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Phoenix.
- Phoenix South Mountain Hiking Tour Experience: $64
- 1-2 Hour Sonoran Desert Private Guided Hiking Tour: $70
- 1.5 Hour Stretch Limo Golf Cart Tour, Ultimate Old Town Exploration: $89
- 2 Hour Private Walking Tour in the Festive of Phoenix : $261
- 2 Hour Scottsdale Segway Tours - Ultimate Old Town Exploration: $69
- 2 Hour Segway Tour - Sunsets, Segways & City Lights: $75
- 2.5 Hour FAT Tire E-Bike Tour – Scottsdale Greenbelt Adventure: $115
- 3 Hour Guided TomCar ATV Experience in Sonoran Desert: $237
- 3 Hour Sonoran Desert Private Guided Mountain Bike Tour: $135
- Ancient Ruins Tour - Guided Arizona Desert Tour by UTV: $150
- Apache Trail and Dolly Steamboat Van Tour: $160
- Apache Trail w/Dolly Steamboat Full Day Small Group Tour: $169
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayDuck Key $7.99Phoenix $17
Sample the Local Flavors in Phoenix
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Phoenix:
- Phoenix Bar Crawl: $15
- Pedal Bar Crawl Tour of Downtown Phoenix: $70
- Pedal Bar Crawl of Old Town Scottsdale: $70
- Stretch Limo Party Cart - Custom Bar Crawls, Wine Tastings, Night Clubs & More: $189
- Ultimate Bachelorette Party-Wine Tasting From Scottsdale/Phoenix: $200
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Duck Key and Phoenix, we can see that Phoenix 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 Phoenix would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Phoenix 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 Phoenix Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Duck Key or Phoenix?
Phoenix has a larger population, and is about 2700 times larger than the population of Duck Key. When comparing the sizes of Duck Key and Phoenix, 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 Phoenix?
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 Phoenix in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Duck Key and Phoenix. Also, many visitors come to Phoenix in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
Phoenix can become quite hot in the summer. In the summer, Duck Key is cooler than Phoenix. Typically, the summer temperatures in Duck Key in July average around 84°F (29°C), and Phoenix averages at about 98°F (36°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phoenix this time of the year. In Duck Key, it's very sunny this time of the year. Duck Key usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during summer. Duck Key gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 380 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Duck Key usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Duck Key gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyDuck Key 84°F (29°C)Phoenix 98°F (36°C)
Should I visit Duck Key or Phoenix in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Duck Key as well as Phoenix. Also, most visitors come to Phoenix for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.
In October, Duck Key is generally around the same temperature as Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Duck Key average around 80°F (27°C), and Phoenix fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phoenix. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Duck Key this time of the year. In the autumn, Duck Key often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Duck Key gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 305 hours of full sun.
Duck Key receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Duck Key usually gets more rain in October than Phoenix. Duck Key gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDuck Key 80°F (27°C)Phoenix 79°F (26°C)
Should I visit Duck Key or Phoenix in the Winter?
Both Phoenix and Duck Key are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Phoenix because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Duck Key is a little warmer than Phoenix in the winter. The daily temperature in Duck Key averages around 70°F (21°C) in January, and Phoenix fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).
It's quite sunny in Phoenix. 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 Phoenix during winter. Duck Key gets 252 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 254 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Duck Key usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Duck Key gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDuck Key 70°F (21°C)Phoenix 58°F (14°C)
Should I visit Duck Key or Phoenix in the Spring?
Both Phoenix and Duck Key during the spring are popular places to visit.
In the spring, Duck Key is around the same temperature as Phoenix. Typically, the spring temperatures in Duck Key in April average around 77°F (25°C), and Phoenix averages at about 74°F (23°C).
In Phoenix, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Duck Key. In the spring, Duck Key often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Duck Key gets 326 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 355 hours of full sun.
Duck Key usually gets more rain in April than Phoenix. Duck Key gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilDuck Key 77°F (25°C)Phoenix 74°F (23°C)
Typical Weather for Phoenix and Duck Key
| Duck Key | Phoenix | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 70°F (21°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) | 58°F (14°C) | 0.7 inches (17 mm) |
| Feb | 71°F (21°C) | 1.4 inches (36 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.7 inches (17 mm) |
| Mar | 74°F (23°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) | 66°F (19°C) | 0.9 inches (22 mm) |
| Apr | 77°F (25°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| May | 81°F (27°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 83°F (28°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Jun | 83°F (28°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) | 92°F (34°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Jul | 84°F (29°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 98°F (36°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) |
| Aug | 84°F (29°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) | 96°F (35°C) | 0.9 inches (24 mm) |
| Sep | 83°F (29°C) | 5.7 inches (144 mm) | 90°F (32°C) | 0.9 inches (22 mm) |
| Oct | 80°F (27°C) | 5.1 inches (129 mm) | 79°F (26°C) | 0.7 inches (17 mm) |
| Nov | 76°F (24°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) | 66°F (19°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) |
| Dec | 72°F (22°C) | 1.4 inches (35 mm) | 58°F (15°C) | 1 inches (25 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.