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

Should you visit Key Largo or Charlottesville?

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 Charlottesville 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. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling and beaches. See Key Largo travel costs.

Charlottesville

Charlottesville is a young, collegiate, and southern university town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Charlottesville offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and hiking. See Charlottesville travel costs.

Key Largo and Charlottesville: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key Largo or Charlottesville?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Charlottesville. Although Key Largo and Charlottesville are both popular with visitors, Charlottesville has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Charlottesville is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Key Largo is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Key Largo is more touristy than Charlottesville 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. Charlottesville is popular for being home to the University of Virginia, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, and serving as a gateway to Shenandoah National Park. It is also home to The University of Virginia Campus.

How is Key Largo different from Charlottesville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Charlottesville is a university town with good options for its historical sights. However, Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Charlottesville. A highlight of a trip to the area is a visit to Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. The city is also famously home to the beautiful University of Virginia, which has a manicured and beautiful campus. History buffs will also appreciate visiting the Civil War Sites that are nearby as well.

Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Key Largo and Charlottesville can be an enjoyable experience.

Key Largo may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. 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.

Charlottesville offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Head to the Historic Downtown Mall to enjoy an outdoor meal at a top rated restaurant. There are also restaurants that cater specifically to students and offer affordable and quick meals.

Is Key Largo or Charlottesville Better for Nightlife?

Charlottesville is a university 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 Charlottesville has a few options to choose from. Charlottesville is a university town with an active nightlife. The best areas for nightlife are found around the Downtown Mall, Belmont neighborhood, the Corner, and University Ave west near the mall. Even though there are a number of activities to enjoy at night, this is still a small town and the nightlife scene reflects that.

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 Charlottesville Better for Resorts?

Key Largo is a great island for its luxury resorts. However, Charlottesville 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.

Charlottesville is not a resort destination.

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

Key Largo is a great island for its diving and snorkeling. However, Charlottesville 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.

Charlottesville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key Largo or Charlottesville Better for Beaches?

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

Charlottesville is not a beach destination.

Is Key Largo or Charlottesville Better for its Old Town?

Charlottesville is a university town with good options for its historic old town charm. However, Key Largo does not have a historic old town.

Charlottesville has an old town worth visiting. The Historic Downtown Mall is filled with restaurants and shops. It's a pedestrian only area with a lot of character and energy.

Key Largo does not have a historic old town.

Is Key Largo or Charlottesville Better for Hiking?

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

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Charlottesville. Just outside of town there are plenty of hiking opportunities including in and around Shenandoah National Park. Hiking is at its best during the fall season when the leaves are changing.

Key Largo is not a hiking destination.

Is Key Largo or Charlottesville More Beautiful?

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

Charlottesville offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Surrounded by the Shenandoah Mountains, this is a beautiful town and home to the beautiful University of Virginia.

Key Largo is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Key Largo or Charlottesville Better for Families?

Key Largo is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university 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.

Charlottesville is a family-friendly place to visit. Wandering the campus of UVA, picking fruit at Carter Mountain Orchard or exploring the downtown mall, including the Virginia Discovery Museum are all activities that everyone can enjoy. There are also great hiking trails just outside of town.

Is Key Largo or Charlottesville Better for Couples?

Both Key Largo and Charlottesville 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.

Charlottesville is a nice destination for couples. The UVA campus is beautiful to explore, as is Monticello. The Downtown Mall has many great restaurants and activities that make for a nice date night and during the day, there's also beautiful hikes nearby that are at their peak during the fall season.

Is Key Largo or Charlottesville Better for Students?

Charlottesville is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Key Largo is not popular with students.

Charlottesville is a very popular university town for students. The town is home to the beautiful University of Virginia and it's a popular destination for international students as well as local students. Much of the town is focused around student life, and the city's proximity to Washington, DC means it has access to global opportunities.

Key Largo is not popular with students.

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

Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville. There is a bus system that runs between campus, downtown, and several neighborhoods in Charlottesville.

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 Charlottesville a more walkable city?

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

Charlottesville is generally not a very walkable university town. While the University of Virginia campus and the Downtown Mall are both very walkable, most of the town is not.

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 Charlottesville Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Charlottesville or Key Largo?

How long in Key Largo or Charlottesville?

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

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

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

One day in Key Largo or Charlottesville?

The beautiful destination of Key Largo offers scuba diving and snorkeling. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Even though Charlottesville is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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 Charlottesville?

The island of Key Largo offers scuba diving and snorkeling. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Charlottesville is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this university town has to offer. This university town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Key Largo or Charlottesville?

Key Largo is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This island offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Charlottesville is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. 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 Charlottesville?

The relaxed island of Key Largo offers scuba diving and snorkeling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Charlottesville 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.

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

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 Charlottesville Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Key Largo or Charlottesville?

Charlottesville has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Key Largo. When comparing the sizes of Key Largo and Charlottesville, 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 Charlottesville?

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 Key Largo or Charlottesville in the Summer?

Both Charlottesville and Key Largo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Key Largo this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Charlottesville for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Key Largo is generally around the same temperature as Charlottesville. Daily temperatures in Key Largo average around 82°F (28°C), and Charlottesville fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Charlottesville. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key Largo. Key Largo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Charlottesville during summer. Key Largo gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Charlottesville receives 305 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Charlottesville. It's quite rainy in Key Largo. In July, Key Largo usually receives more rain than Charlottesville. Key Largo gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 5 inches (128 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Key Largo or Charlottesville in the Autumn?

Both Charlottesville and Key Largo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Charlottesville in the autumn for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Key Largo is much warmer than Charlottesville in the autumn. The daily temperature in Key Largo averages around 78°F (26°C) in October, and Charlottesville fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

In Charlottesville, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Key Largo. In the autumn, Key Largo often gets more sunshine than Charlottesville. Key Largo gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charlottesville receives 221 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Key Largo. Key Largo usually gets more rain in October than Charlottesville. Key Largo gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key Largo or Charlottesville in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Key Largo and Charlottesville. Many visitors come to Key Largo in the winter for the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Charlottesville for the museums, the Christmas ambience, and the cuisine during these months.

Charlottesville can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Key Largo is much warmer than Charlottesville. Typically, the winter temperatures in Key Largo in January average around 67°F (19°C), and Charlottesville averages at about 36°F (2°C).

In Key Largo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Key Largo usually receives more sunshine than Charlottesville during winter. Key Largo gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Charlottesville receives 169 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Key Largo usually receives less rain than Charlottesville. Key Largo gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Key Largo or Charlottesville in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Key Largo as well as Charlottesville. Most visitors come to Key Largo for the beaches during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Charlottesville because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Key Largo is generally much warmer than Charlottesville. Daily temperatures in Key Largo average around 74°F (24°C), and Charlottesville fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charlottesville. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key Largo this time of the year. In the spring, Key Largo often gets more sunshine than Charlottesville. Key Largo gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charlottesville receives 265 hours of full sun.

Key Largo usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Charlottesville. Key Largo gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Charlottesville and Key Largo