Which place is cheaper, Key West or Eureka Springs?
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 Eureka Springs or Key West?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Eureka Springs or Key West, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Eureka Springs or Key West?
Eureka Springs
Eureka Springs is a resort town in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas. It offers a variety of dining and shopping such as local crafts and art galleries. Nearby is Beaver Lake. Most of the town is a Victorian village, it has a European look and feel with Victorian cottages and homes spilling over steep winding streets.
The entire city is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is because most of the town contains old history buildings which were constructed as a result of the town's unique history. The town was founded and grew very quickly. On July 4, 1879, the town was founded, and by the end of that year reached a population of 10,000. The reason for the town's growth was the area's numerous cold water springs which at the time were thought to have medicinal healing properties. However, this claim was fairly short lived, and when the tourism boom busted, the new town full of Victorian homes was left in the Ozark wilderness without an economy. Then, few new buildings were built. Hundreds of Victorian homes have remained and been preserved ranging from tiny cottages to huge mansions. In the Spring of 2001, Eureka Springs was named one of 12 Distinctive Destinations by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Key West
Key West is both a city and an island as well as the southern most Florida Key. It is also the southern most city in the continental United States. The island is only about four miles long and one mile wide. The total land mass covers just 4.2 square miles. The most famous street in town is Duval Street, which runs just 1.1 miles from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. There are 14 blocks. The size of the island doubled during the 1950s when many of the salt ponds along the eastern side of the island were filled in.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.
-
Eureka Springs Prices
USA PricesKey West Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayEureka Springs $155Key West $832
The average daily cost (per person) in Eureka Springs is $155, while the average daily cost in Key West is $832. 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 Eureka Springs and Key West in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personEureka Springs $100Key West $132
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomEureka Springs $200Key West $264
Compare Hotels in Eureka Springs and Key West
Looking for a hotel in Eureka Springs or Key West? 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: Eureka Springs Hotel Prices and Key West Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Eureka Springs $47Key West $51
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Key West
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Key West:
-
Rental Car for One Day$38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Key West
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Key West:
- Key West to Key West Airport (EYW) - Departure Private Transfer: $164
- Key West Int Airport (EYW) to Key West - Arrival Private Transfer: $163
- Key West Int Airport EYW to Key West Hotels Arrival Transfer: $155
- Key West hotels to Key West Int Airport (EYW) Departure Transfer: $155
- Private Arrival Transfer from Key West Airport EYW: $144
- Private Transfer from Key West hotels to Key West Cruise Port: $114
- Private Transfer from Key West Port to Key West Airport (EYW): $112
- Private Transfer from Key West Airport (EYW) to Key West Port: $112
- One Way Airport Transfer Service: $54
Is it cheaper to fly into Eureka Springs or Key West?
Prices for flights to both Key West and Eureka Springs 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 dayEureka Springs $32Key West $667
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Key West
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Key West.
- Sunset Dinner Cruise with Open Bar & Live Music: $74
- Exploring and Walking Food Tour of Cayo Hueso: $80
- Key West Cooking Show Chef Demonstration with Meal: $81
- Cooking Show Chef Demonstration with Meal: $81
- Key West Sunset Cruise: Dinner, Live Music & Drinks Included: $84
- Southernmost Food & Cultural Walking Tour by Key West Food Tours: $90
- Key West Sunset Buffet Dinner Cruise with Open Bar and Live Music: $100
- Secret Walking Food Tour: $115
- Sunset Sail Full Bar, Live Music & Dinner & Early Morning Snorkeling: $160
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Eureka Springs -Key West $33
Tours and Activities in Key West
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Key West are as follows:
- 1 Hour Key West Jet Ski Freestyle Adventure: $155
- 2 Hour Key West Mini Catamaran Eco Tour: $285
- 2-Hour Live Music Guided Tour in Key West: $35
- A Self Guided Key West Cemetery Tour: $30
- Day Sailing Adventure in the Florida Marine Sanctuary: $99
- Day in Key West - Private SUV Tour From Miami: $1,300
- Dinghy Drinking Tour through Key West Waters: $85
- Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling Adventure in Key West: $89
- Florida Key West Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
- Florida Keys: Aquarium Encounters Day Tour with Lunch: $182
- Florida Keys: Dolphin Research Center Day Tour with Lunch: $182
- Florida Keys: Up The Keys Nature Tour: $128
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayEureka Springs -Key West $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Key West
Also in Key West, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Key West Bar Crawl: $15
- Key West Haunted Pub Crawl and Ghost Tour with Free T-Shirt: $32
- Bone Island Haunted Pub Crawl: $32
- Key West Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $35
- Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $35
- 2.5-Hour Duval Street Pub Crawl: $43
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Eureka Springs and Key West, we can see that Key West is more expensive. And not only is Eureka Springs much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Eureka Springs would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Eureka Springs 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 Key West would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Key West than you might in Eureka Springs.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Eureka Springs Expensive? and Is Key West Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Eureka Springs or Key West?
Key West has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Eureka Springs. When comparing the sizes of Eureka Springs and Key West, 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.
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.