A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Key Largo vs. Hope for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Key Largo or Hope?

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 Hope 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.

Hope

Hope is a local, small, and friendly town. It's also popular because of the hiking. See Hope travel costs.

Key Largo and Hope: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key Largo or Hope?

Both Hope and Key Largo have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Key Largo is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and quaint atmosphere, while Hope is more popular for its museums and attractions, hiking, and shopping. Key Largo is more touristy than Hope 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. Hope is well known for its chainsaw carvings and being the filming location of "Rambo."

How is Key Largo different from Hope?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

While most people don't head to Hope specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. You can check out Hopes Art Gallery, The Sunshine Valley Tashme Museum, or the Hope Museum.

Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Key Largo and Hope 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.

Hope offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There's a decent selection of casual restaurants with basic dishes and local cuisine.

Is Key Largo or Hope Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is respectable in both Key Largo and Hope.

Key Largo doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. This area is not known for its nightlife, so you'll need to head further south if partying is your style.

Most people don't head to Hope specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town but there are some local pubs and bars.

Is Key Largo or Hope Better for Resorts?

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

Hope is not a resort destination.

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

Key Largo is a great island for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Hope 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.

Hope is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key Largo or Hope Better for Beaches?

Key Largo is very good for its beaches. However, Hope 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.

Hope is not a beach destination.

Is Key Largo or Hope Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Hope for the hiking trails. There are a range of hikes in the area, like more challenging routes such as Hope Mountain and Wells Peak. For a more casual hike you can check out Rotary Trail, Thacker Marsh Trail, and the Othello Tunnels.

Key Largo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Key Largo or Hope?

Hope is adequate for its shopping areas. However, Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Hope has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. It's a small town, but there are places to peak up anything you may have forgotten.

Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Key Largo or Hope Better for Families?

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

Hope is a very kid-friendly island. Kids will love enjoying the outdoors just as much as the adults. You can also visit the Hope Museum or the Coquihalla Gorge.

Is Key Largo or Hope Better for Couples?

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

Hope is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy adventures and nature will love a few days in this beautiful area.

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 Hope Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Hope. There are many camping and backpacking opportunities in the area.

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

Neither Key Largo or Hope offer decent public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Hope. There is no public transit in town.

Is Key Largo or Hope a more walkable city?

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

Hope is generally not a very walkable town. The town is relatively walkable, but you'll likely want to get into the surrounding area where most of the activities are.

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 Hope Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hope or Key Largo?

How long in Key Largo or Hope?

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

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

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

One day in Key Largo or Hope?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Key Largo. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find around the town of Hope. 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 Hope?

Key Largo is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find around the friendly destination of Hope. 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 town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Key Largo or Hope?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the family-friendly destination of Key Largo. This island offers something for everyone. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the friendly town of Hope. 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 Hope?

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 one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Hope 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 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada.

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

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 Hope Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Key Largo or Hope?

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

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 Hope in the Summer?

Both Hope and Key Largo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Key Largo in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Hope for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Key Largo is much warmer than Hope. Typically, the summer temperatures in Key Largo in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Hope averages at about 18°C (64°F).

It's quite rainy in Key Largo. In July, Key Largo usually receives more rain than Hope. Key Largo gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Hope receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Key Largo or Hope in the Autumn?

Both Hope and Key Largo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Hope because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Key Largo is generally much warmer than Hope. Daily temperatures in Key Largo average around 78°F (26°C), and Hope fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

Hope gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Key Largo. Key Largo usually gets less rain in October than Hope. Key Largo gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Hope receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key Largo or Hope in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Key Largo and Hope. The winter months attract visitors to Key Largo because of the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hope this time of year.

It's quite cold in Hope in the winter. Key Largo is much warmer than Hope in the winter. The daily temperature in Key Largo averages around 67°F (19°C) in January, and Hope fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Hope receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Key Largo usually receives less rain than Hope. Key Largo gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Hope receives 201 mm (7.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Key Largo or Hope in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Key Largo as well as Hope. The beaches are the main draw to Key Largo this time of year.

In the spring, Key Largo is much warmer than Hope. Typically, the spring temperatures in Key Largo in April average around 74°F (24°C), and Hope averages at about 9°C (49°F).

It's quite rainy in Hope. Key Largo usually gets less rain in April than Hope. Key Largo gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Hope receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hope and Key Largo