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

Should you visit Key Largo or Asheville?

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 Asheville 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 peaceful, family-friendly, and beautiful island. It's a quaint destination. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling and beaches. See Key Largo travel costs.

Asheville

Asheville is a open-minded, eclectic, and outdoorsy mountain town. Asheville offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the nightlife, live music, and food. See Asheville travel costs.

Key Largo and Asheville: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key Largo or Asheville?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Asheville. Although Key Largo and Asheville are both popular with visitors, Asheville has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Asheville is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, historical sights, hiking, shopping, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Key Largo is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Key Largo is more touristy than Asheville and is popular for its snorkeling and scuba diving including that around John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the artificial reef around the USS Spiegel Grove. Asheville is popular for its fall foliage, artsy downtown, and local North Carolina barbecue. It is also home to The Biltmore Estate.

How is Key Largo different from Asheville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Asheville has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Downtown Asheville is filled with local restaurants that serve everything from brunch to late night snacks. There are many vegan and vegetarian options as well as a number of international restaurants. Popular local dishes include North Carolina barbeque and country ham biscuits.

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 Asheville Better for Nightlife?

Asheville is great for its evening party scene. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Asheville for the nightlife scene. The city has a fun and eclectic nightlife scene that centers around the city's breweries and live music venues.

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 Asheville Better for Music?

Asheville is great for its music scene. However, Key Largo is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Asheville draws a good crowd. The city has grown into a world famous music destination that holds true to its mountain roots and independent artists.

Key Largo is not a live music destination.

Is Key Largo or Asheville Better for Resorts?

Key Largo is well known for its resorts. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

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.

Asheville has a few great resort options. The most famous resorts in the area are the Biltmore Estate and the Grove Park Inn. Both offer luxury restaurants and beautiful grounds that are particularly nice during the holidays.

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

Key Largo is well known for its diving and snorkeling. However, Asheville 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.

Asheville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key Largo or Asheville Better for Beaches?

Key Largo is a good destination for the beach. However, Asheville 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.

Asheville is not a beach destination.

Is Key Largo or Asheville Better for its Old Town?

Asheville is adequate for its historic old town charm. However, Key Largo does not have a historic old town.

The old town area in Asheville is worth visiting. Downtown Asheville maintains much of its historic vibe, but it's smaller than some of the more notable old cities around the country.

Key Largo does not have a historic old town.

Is Key Largo or Asheville Better for Hiking?

Asheville is great for hiking. However, Key Largo is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Asheville for the hiking trails. Just outside of town are many great hikes to waterfalls or through the mountains. The hikes range in skill level and length but many pass through local forests or along the beautiful skyline.

Key Largo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Key Largo or Asheville?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Asheville. The city has many local shops that sell local crafts and independent art. The downtown area is filled with art vendors and you'll find the greatest concentration of shopping along the pedestrian-friendly Lexington Avenue.

Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Key Largo or Asheville More Beautiful?

Asheville is a mountain town with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, Key Largo is not a destination known for its beauty.

Asheville offers plenty of beauty for visitors. With the surrounding mountains and the charming town, the area is filled with natural beauty.

Key Largo is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Key Largo or Asheville Better for Families?

Key Largo is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Asheville. With its beautiful hiking, interesting nature centers, and outdoor adventure activities, this mountain town makes a great kid-friendly destination. There are outdoor adventure parks where kids can zipline or climb. There are also hands on farms and orchards for fruit-picking.

Is Key Largo or Asheville Better for Couples?

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

Asheville is a great mountain town if you're traveling as a couple. Couples enjoy exploring the beautiful Biltmore Estates or visiting the spa at the Grove Park Inn. The quaint town makes a great honeymoon destination or a nice romantic getaway. There are luxury hotels or intimate bed and breakfasts that offer different options for couples on a romantic trip.

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 Asheville Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Asheville is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Asheville. The town has an eclectic vibe that backpackers appreciate. There are a few good hostels around town as well as nearby campgrounds that are perfect for budget travelers or hikers.

Key Largo is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This area is a bit more affordable than the more southern keys so it appeals to budget travelers and backpackers.

Is Key Largo or Asheville Better for Students?

Asheville is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Key Largo is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Asheville. With its progressive personality and charming downtown, students enjoy spending time in this great town.

Key Largo is not popular with students.

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

Asheville 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 Asheville. There are buses around town, but almost everyone gets around by using their own vehicle. In particular, if you plan to hike or explore the Blue Ridge Mountains, you'll need a car. Many of the downtown hotels offer shuttle buses to the Biltmore area.

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 Asheville a more walkable city?

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

Asheville is a somewhat walkable mountain town. If you stay downtown and don't plan to explore the outlying areas, then it's possible to reach restaurants and shops on foot. Otherwise, you'll need a car.

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 Asheville Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Asheville or Key Largo?

How long in Key Largo or Asheville?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Key Largo and Asheville. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Key Largo than in Asheville. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Key Largo, and 2-3 days is enough time in Asheville.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Asheville 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 Asheville.

One day in Key Largo or Asheville?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling around the island of Key Largo. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the mountain town of Asheville. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Asheville?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling around the relaxed destination of Key Largo. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the progressive destination of Asheville. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this mountain town has to offer. This mountain town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Key Largo or Asheville?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling around the family-friendly island of Key Largo. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the open-minded mountain town of Asheville. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Key Largo or Asheville?

Key Largo is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Key Largo, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Asheville is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Key Largo and Asheville, we can see that Key Largo is more expensive. And not only is Asheville much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Asheville would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Asheville 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 Asheville.

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 Asheville Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Key Largo or Asheville?

Asheville has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Key Largo. When comparing the sizes of Key Largo and Asheville, 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 Key Largo or Asheville?

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 Key Largo or Asheville in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Key Largo as well as Asheville. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Key Largo this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Asheville for the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Key Largo is generally around the same temperature as Asheville. Daily temperatures in Key Largo average around 82°F (28°C), and Asheville fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Asheville. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key Largo this time of the year. In the summer, Key Largo often gets more sunshine than Asheville. Key Largo gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Asheville receives 268 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Asheville. Key Largo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Key Largo usually gets more rain in July than Asheville. Key Largo gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Asheville receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key Largo or Asheville in the Autumn?

Both Asheville and Key Largo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Asheville in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Key Largo is a little warmer than Asheville in the autumn. The daily temperature in Key Largo averages around 78°F (26°C) in October, and Asheville fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

It's quite sunny in Asheville. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key Largo. Key Largo usually receives more sunshine than Asheville during autumn. Key Largo gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Asheville receives 229 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Key Largo. In October, Key Largo usually receives more rain than Asheville. Key Largo gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Asheville receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Key Largo or Asheville in the Winter?

Both Asheville and Key Largo during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Key Largo in the winter for the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Asheville for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Key Largo is much warmer than Asheville. Typically, the winter temperatures in Key Largo in January average around 67°F (19°C), and Asheville averages at about 44°F (7°C).

It's quite sunny in Key Largo. In the winter, Key Largo often gets more sunshine than Asheville. Key Largo gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Asheville receives 176 hours of full sun.

Asheville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Key Largo usually gets less rain in January than Asheville. Key Largo gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Asheville receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key Largo or Asheville in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Key Largo and Asheville. Most visitors come to Key Largo for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Asheville because of the natural beauty.

In April, Key Largo is generally a little warmer than Asheville. Daily temperatures in Key Largo average around 74°F (24°C), and Asheville fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Asheville this time of the year. In Key Largo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Key Largo usually receives more sunshine than Asheville during spring. Key Largo gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Asheville receives 266 hours of full sun in the spring.

Asheville receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Key Largo usually receives less rain than Asheville. Key Largo gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Asheville receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Asheville and Key Largo