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

Should you visit Key Largo or Baltimore?

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 Baltimore 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.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a historic, vibrant, and diverse city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Baltimore travel costs.

Key Largo and Baltimore: 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
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in Key Largo or Baltimore?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Baltimore. Although Key Largo and Baltimore are both popular with visitors, Baltimore has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Baltimore is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Key Largo is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and quaint atmosphere. Key Largo 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. Baltimore is popular for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities. It is also home to the National Aquarium.

How is Key Largo different from Baltimore?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Baltimore 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 Baltimore?

Key Largo
Baltimore

Baltimore 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 Baltimore. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.

Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Key Largo
Baltimore

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

Baltimore has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

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 Baltimore Better for Nightlife?

Key Largo
Baltimore

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

Many people head to Baltimore for the nightlife scene. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

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 Baltimore Better for Resorts?

Key Largo
Baltimore

Key Largo is well known for its resorts. However, Baltimore is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Key Largo. Popular resorts in the area include Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, Reefhouse Resort & Marina, and Largo Resort.

Baltimore is not a resort destination.


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

Key Largo
Baltimore

Key Largo is well known for its diving and snorkeling. However, Baltimore is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in 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.

Baltimore is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key Largo or Baltimore Better for Beaches?

Key Largo
Baltimore

Key Largo is very good for the beach. However, Baltimore is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Key Largo to enjoy the beach. 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.

Baltimore is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Key Largo or Baltimore?

Key Largo
Baltimore

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Baltimore. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Key Largo or Baltimore Better for Families?

Key Largo
Baltimore

Key Largo is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Key Largo is one of the most popular family destinations. 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 Baltimore. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

Is Key Largo or Baltimore Better for Couples?

Key Largo
Baltimore

Both Key Largo and Baltimore are good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Key Largo is a good island for couples to visit. 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.

Baltimore is a nice destination for couples. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.

Is Key Largo or Baltimore Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Key Largo
Baltimore

Baltimore is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for backpackers.

Baltimore is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

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 Baltimore Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Key Largo
Baltimore

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

Many visitors use the public transit system in Baltimore. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail system.

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 Baltimore a more walkable city?

Key Largo
Baltimore

Baltimore is great for its ease of walking around. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its walkability.

Baltimore is a very walkable destination. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.

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 Baltimore Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Baltimore or Key Largo?

How long in Key Largo or Baltimore?

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

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

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


  • How many days in Key Largo or Baltimore? Ideal Length of Stay
    Key Largo 5-7 
    Baltimore 2-3

One day in Key Largo or Baltimore?

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 shopping and museums around the city of Baltimore. 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 Baltimore?

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 museums and nightlife around the diverse destination of Baltimore. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Key Largo or Baltimore?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling around the beautiful 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 food when visiting the diverse city of Baltimore. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Key Largo or Baltimore?

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.

Baltimore is a popular choice for travelers. 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, Baltimore 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
    Baltimore Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Key Largo $256
    Baltimore $217

The average daily cost (per person) in Key Largo is $256, while the average daily cost in Baltimore is $217. 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 Baltimore in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Key Largo $117
    Baltimore $93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Key Largo $234
    Baltimore $186
Compare Hotels in Key Largo and Baltimore

Looking for a hotel in Key Largo or Baltimore? 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 Baltimore


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 Baltimore Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Key Largo $56
    Baltimore $21

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 Baltimore

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Baltimore:

  • Private Airport Transfer from Baltimore to DCA or vice versa: $300
  • Airport transfer to or from Silver Spring, MD and Dulles Airport: $275
  • Airport Transfer Baltimore/Washington International Airport BWI to Baltimore, MD: $245
  • Private transfer To or Form Bethesda and Dulles International Airport: $240
  • Private Transfer from BWI Airport ⇄ Washington DC : $199
  • Baltimore City to Washington City - Private Transfer: $172
  • Airport Transfer Downtown Baltimore to BWI Airport: $160
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $154
  • Oakland to San Francisco Airport (SFO)-Departure Private Transfer: $135
  • Departure Private Transfer Baltimore to Baltimore Airport BWI: $114
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to San Francisco hotel/address - Private Arrival Transfer: $77
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Baltimore Washington Airport BWI: $60

Is it cheaper to fly into Key Largo or Baltimore?

Prices for flights to both Baltimore 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
    Baltimore $79

Typical Food Prices in Baltimore

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Baltimore:


  • Seafood Dinner (for 2) in Fells Point
    $76

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Baltimore

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Baltimore.

  • Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery in Baltimore: $75
  • Pasta Making Cooking Classes at a Local Brewery: $75
  • Fells Point Food Tour in Baltimore: $78
  • City Cruises Signature Dinner Cruise: $125

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Key Largo $27
    Baltimore $18

Tours and Activities in Key Largo

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

  • Florida Key West Self-Guided Driving Tour (7 Mile Bridge): $17
  • Key Largo Coral Reef Glass Bottom Boat Adventure : $45
  • Key Largo Sunset Cruise: $60
  • Small Group Florida Keys Eco Tour by Boat: $60
  • Snorkel Tours to Shallow Coral Reefs at Pennekamp Underwater Park: $64
  • Sunset Cruise: $65
  • Boat Eco Tour: $65
  • Key Largo Day Tour: $65
  • Key Largo Bay Sunset Tour: $66
  • Mangroves and Manatees - Guided Kayak Eco Tour: $67
  • Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Adventure in Key Largo: $68
  • 1.5 Hour Bay Side Key Largo Sunset Cruise on a Spacious Catamaran: $69

Tours and Activities in Baltimore

Here are a few actual costs in Baltimore for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Antietam National Battlefield Self-Guided Driving Tour: $15
  • Assateague Island Cruise Departs from Ocean Pines: $40
  • Baltimore Bewitched: Raven's Revenge, Bones & Ballads Ghost Tour: $32
  • Baltimore Downtown Poe Ruth and More GPS Self Guided Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Baltimore Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate: $96
  • Baltimore Ravens Football Game Ticket at M&T Bank Stadium: $109
  • Baltimore Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $49
  • Baltimore Walking & Driving Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Baltimore Walking Foodie Tour in Fells Point: $104
  • Baltimore's Cruise ship Tour-shuttle service: $25
  • Baltimore's Historical Sightseeing Tour: $44
  • Baltimore's Private Cultural Tour: $200

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Key Largo $24
    Baltimore $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Baltimore

Also in Baltimore, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Original Fells Point Haunted Pub Tour by Baltimore Ghost Tours: $33
  • Baltimore Boos & Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $36


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

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 Baltimore Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Key Largo or Baltimore?

Baltimore has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Key Largo. When comparing the sizes of Key Largo and Baltimore, 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 Baltimore?

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 Baltimore in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Key Largo as well as Baltimore. Many visitors come to Key Largo in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Baltimore for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Key Largo is generally a little warmer than Baltimore. Daily temperatures in Key Largo average around 82°F (28°C), and Baltimore fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Baltimore. 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 Baltimore. Key Largo gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Baltimore receives 283 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Baltimore. Key Largo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Key Largo usually gets more rain in July than Baltimore. Key Largo gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Baltimore receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Key Largo 82°F (28°C) 
    Baltimore 78°F (25°C)

Should I visit Key Largo or Baltimore in the Autumn?

Both Baltimore and Key Largo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Baltimore because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Key Largo is much warmer than Baltimore in the autumn. The daily temperature in Key Largo averages around 78°F (26°C) in October, and Baltimore fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key Largo. Key Largo usually receives more sunshine than Baltimore during autumn. Key Largo gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Baltimore receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Key Largo. In October, Key Largo usually receives more rain than Baltimore. Key Largo gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Baltimore receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Key Largo 78°F (26°C) 
    Baltimore 57°F (14°C)

Should I visit Key Largo or Baltimore in the Winter?

Both Baltimore and Key Largo during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Key Largo because of the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Baltimore this time of year.

It's quite cold in Baltimore in the winter. In the winter, Key Largo is much warmer than Baltimore. Typically, the winter temperatures in Key Largo in January average around 67°F (19°C), and Baltimore averages at about 32°F (0°C).

It's quite sunny in Key Largo. In the winter, Key Largo often gets more sunshine than Baltimore. Key Largo gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Baltimore receives 153 hours of full sun.

Key Largo usually gets less rain in January than Baltimore. Key Largo gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Baltimore receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Key Largo 67°F (19°C) 
    Baltimore 32°F (0°C)

Should I visit Key Largo or Baltimore in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Key Largo and Baltimore. The beaches are the main draw to Key Largo this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Baltimore for the activities around the city.

In April, Key Largo is generally much warmer than Baltimore. Daily temperatures in Key Largo average around 74°F (24°C), and Baltimore fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Baltimore this time of the year. In Key Largo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Key Largo usually receives more sunshine than Baltimore during spring. Key Largo gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Baltimore receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Key Largo usually receives around the same amount of rain as Baltimore. Key Largo gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Baltimore receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Key Largo 74°F (24°C) 
    Baltimore 54°F (12°C)

Typical Weather for Baltimore and Key Largo

Key Largo Baltimore
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 67°F (19°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 32°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Feb 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 35°F (2°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Mar 71°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Apr 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
May 78°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 78°F (25°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm) 76°F (25°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Oct 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Nov 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 47°F (9°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Dec 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 37°F (3°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)