A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Key Largo vs. Albuquerque for Families, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Key Largo or Albuquerque?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Key Largo and Albuquerque can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Key Largo

Key Largo is a family-friendly, beautiful, and relaxed island. As it is a quaint destination, it has a nice vibe. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling and beaches. See Key Largo travel costs.

Albuquerque

Albuquerque is a cultural, outdoorsy, and desert town. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Albuquerque travel costs.

Key Largo and Albuquerque: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Key Largo or Albuquerque?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Albuquerque than Key Largo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Albuquerque is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Key Largo is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Key Largo is more touristy than Albuquerque and is known for its snorkeling and scuba diving including that around John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the artificial reef around the USS Spiegel Grove. Albuquerque is well known for its adobe architecture, artisan shops, fascinating cultural venues, and surrounding desert landscapes. Also, Albuquerque is famous for The Old Town.

How is Key Largo different from Albuquerque?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Albuquerque and Key Largo. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Key Largo or Albuquerque?

Key Largo
Albuquerque

Albuquerque is great for its historical sights. However, Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Albuquerque. The old town has a lot of history including the San Felipe de Neri Church. Also worth visiting is the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Unser Racing Museum, and the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science.

Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Key Largo or Albuquerque? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Key Largo
Albuquerque

Albuquerque is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Albuquerque has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city's local cuisine combines Native American and Spanish flavors to make a variety of unique specialties. You should try the green chili stew, breakfast burrito, sopaipillas, and blue corn pancakes.

Key Largo offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Like the rest of the Florida Keys, Key Largo is known for its Key Lime pie and seafood. You'll find a great selection of restaurants that serve seafood dishes and options for the land-loving crew. There are even a few international restaurants to choose from.

Is Key Largo or Albuquerque Better for Nightlife?

Key Largo
Albuquerque

Albuquerque is a town with good options for its evening party scene. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Albuquerque has a few options to choose from. Head downtown and to the Nob Hill neighborhood for wine bars, breweries, and billiard halls. These areas have the best nightlife scene and they're also compact enough to explore on foot.

Most people don't head to Key Largo specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. This area is not known for its nightlife, so you'll need to head further south if partying is your style.

Is Key Largo or Albuquerque Better for Resorts?

Key Largo
Albuquerque

Key Largo is a great island for its luxury resorts. However, Albuquerque is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Key Largo to choose from. Popular resorts in the area include Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, Reefhouse Resort & Marina, and Largo Resort.

Albuquerque is not a resort destination.


Is Key Largo or Albuquerque Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Key Largo
Albuquerque

Key Largo is a great island for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Albuquerque is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Key Largo. Near this island you'll find some of the best snorkeling and diving in the Florida Keys at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. There are private tours that head out to the reef for either snorkeling or diving. There are also shipwrecks and other fascinating spots to explore.

Albuquerque is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key Largo or Albuquerque Better for Beaches?

Key Largo
Albuquerque

Key Largo is a good destination for its beaches. However, Albuquerque is not a beach destination.

Key Largo offers a nice beach destination. Many of the beaches around Key Largo are man-made, but they do offer nice sand and beautiful blue water. The water is turquoise, although not as striking as further south.

Albuquerque is not a beach destination.

Is Key Largo or Albuquerque Better for its Old Town?

Key Largo
Albuquerque

Albuquerque is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. However, Key Largo does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Albuquerque offers plenty to see. There is a wonderful old town where the city's first neighborhood was established. It dates back to the early 1700's and has its roots in Spanish colonial history. The area has many adobe houses, great local restaurants, and artisan shops.

Key Largo does not have a historic old town.


Is Key Largo or Albuquerque Better for Hiking?

Key Largo
Albuquerque

Albuquerque is a town with good options for hiking. However, Key Largo is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Albuquerque. The desert landscape is varied and beautiful. Popular trails in the area include Tree Spring Trail, Birdhouse Ridge, and West Ridge.

Key Largo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Key Largo or Albuquerque?

Key Largo
Albuquerque

Albuquerque is great for its shopping areas. However, Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Albuquerque. The city's old town has many cultural artisan shops where you can buy local items. It's a fun and unique shopping experience, and though it sometimes feels a bit touristy, there are many local shops that offer an authentic experience.

Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Key Largo or Albuquerque Better for Families?

Key Largo
Albuquerque

Key Largo is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Albuquerque is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Key Largo is very family-friendly. This area has some of the best family-friendly snorkeling at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. There's also several places where your kids can interact with dolphins or experience wildlife. If you want to get out on the water, there's kayaking, sunset cruises, and glass bottom boats, all of which are great for the whole family.

Albuquerque is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of nature centers as well as the Albuquerque BioPark Zoo. Outside of town there are many parks and natural areas to explore.


Is Key Largo or Albuquerque Better for Couples?

Key Largo
Albuquerque

Albuquerque is great for couples. Also, Key Largo is not as popular, but is still a nice island for romance.

Albuquerque is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Surrounded by natural beauty, and filled with culture and charm, this city makes a great romantic getaway. It's particularly wonderful during the famous International Balloon Fiesta.

Key Largo is a nice destination for couples. Most couples head further down the Florida Keys, but for snorkeling and scuba diving, Key Largo is the better option. You'll also find kayaking and sunset cruises that leave from the area.

Is Key Largo or Albuquerque Better for Students?

Key Largo
Albuquerque

Albuquerque is a town with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Key Largo is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Albuquerque. It offers a unique cultural environment that students can appreciate. There are also many outdoor recreational opportunities.

Key Largo is not popular with students.

Is Key Largo or Albuquerque Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Key Largo
Albuquerque

Albuquerque is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Albuquerque. ABQ Ride is the bus system around town, but most visitors prefer to have their own car.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Key Largo. There's no real public transit around the island and you must have a car to get around.


Is Key Largo or Albuquerque a more walkable city?

Key Largo
Albuquerque

Albuquerque is a town with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its walkability.

Albuquerque is a somewhat walkable town. Walkable areas include the old town, the area around the University of New Mexico, and the uptown area.

Key Largo is not a walkable island. It is a sprawling area that spreads out along a main highway that is not pedestrian friendly.

For even more information, also check out Is Key Largo Worth Visiting? and Is Albuquerque Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Albuquerque or Key Largo?

How long in Key Largo or Albuquerque?

It's fun to spend time in either Key Largo or Albuquerque. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Key Largo due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Key Largo, and 2-4 days is enough time in Albuquerque.

Families should spend more time in Key Largo than Albuquerque. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Key Largo, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Albuquerque than Key Largo. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Albuquerque that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Albuquerque than Key Largo if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Albuquerque.


  • How many days in Key Largo or Albuquerque? Ideal Length of Stay
    Key Largo 5-7 
    Albuquerque 2-4

One day in Key Largo or Albuquerque?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the beautiful island of Key Largo. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Albuquerque. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Key Largo or Albuquerque?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the family-friendly destination of Key Largo. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This island offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the outdoorsy destination of Albuquerque. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Key Largo or Albuquerque?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the relaxed island of Key Largo. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the desert town of Albuquerque. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Key Largo or Albuquerque?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Key Largo. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this island.

Albuquerque is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.


Which place is cheaper, Albuquerque or Key Largo?

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

  • Key Largo Prices
    USA Prices
    Albuquerque Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Key Largo $256
    Albuquerque $165

The average daily cost (per person) in Key Largo is $256, while the average daily cost in Albuquerque is $165. 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 Key Largo and Albuquerque in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Key Largo $117
    Albuquerque $69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Key Largo $234
    Albuquerque $138
Compare Hotels in Key Largo and Albuquerque

Looking for a hotel in Key Largo or Albuquerque? 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 Key Largo


Hotels in Albuquerque


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: Key Largo Hotel Prices and Albuquerque Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Key Largo $56
    Albuquerque $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Key Largo

Also for Key Largo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Key Largo Private Transfers (up to 14 passengers): $142

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Albuquerque

Also for Albuquerque, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Balloon Fiesta Albuquerque 2024 transfers: $625
  • Albuquerque International Sunport Private Transfer: $196
  • Albuquerque Airport (ABQ) to Albuquerque - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $91
  • Albuquerque Airport (ABQ) to Albuquerque - Arrival Private Transfer: $45
  • Albuquerque to Albuquerque Airport (ABQ) - Departure Private Transfer: $45
  • Private Departure Transfer To Albuquerque Airport ABQ: $40
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Albuquerque Airport (ABQ): $40

Is it cheaper to fly into Key Largo or Albuquerque?

Prices for flights to both Albuquerque and Key Largo 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
    Key Largo $104
    Albuquerque $71

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Albuquerque

For Albuquerque, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Show - Albuquerque, NM: $80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Key Largo $27
    Albuquerque $24

Tours and Activities in Key Largo

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

  • 1.5 Hour Bay Side Key Largo Sunset Cruise on a Spacious Catamaran: $69
  • Cruisin' Tikis Key Largo - Sunset Cruise: $99
  • Florida Key West Self-Guided Driving Tour (7 Mile Bridge): $17
  • Guided Tour Explore Key Largo on Jet Ski : $200
  • Half-Day Florida Keys Catamaran Snorkel Adventure: $79
  • Historic Carysfort Lighthouse Snorkeling Tour: $75
  • Jet Ski Eco Tour through Key Largo: $195
  • Key Largo Bay Sunset Tour: $66
  • Key Largo Coral Reef Glass Bottom Boat Adventure : $45
  • Key Largo Day Tour: $65
  • Key Largo Jetski Tour for 2 : $214
  • Key Largo Snorkel Tour, Two Locations - Equipment Included!: $70

Tours and Activities in Albuquerque

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

  • A Food and Art Walking Tour through Old Town ABQ: $120
  • 12pm - Public High Noon History, Legends & Lore Tour - Guided Old Town Stroll: $35
  • 4pm Private Ghost Tour of Old Town Albuquerque: $67
  • 6pm Private Ghost Tour of Old Town Albuquerque: $81
  • 8pm Private Ghost Tour of Old Town Albuquerque : $94
  • Albuquerque Desert Shadows Rising Ghost Tour: $24
  • Albuquerque Desert Shadows Rising Ghost Tour: $26
  • Albuquerque Family Adventure: A Private Discovery Tour: $935
  • Albuquerque Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $49
  • Albuquerque Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Albuquerque Snowshoe Experience: $159
  • 10pm Late Night RATED "R" Ghost Tour Ages 18+: $38

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Key Largo $24
    Albuquerque $20


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Key Largo and Albuquerque, we can see that Key Largo is more expensive. And not only is Albuquerque much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Albuquerque would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Albuquerque 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 Largo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Key Largo than you might in Albuquerque.

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


Which is Bigger, Key Largo or Albuquerque?

Albuquerque has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Key Largo. When comparing the sizes of Key Largo and Albuquerque, 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.