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

Should you visit Key Largo or Lancaster?

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 Lancaster 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. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling and beaches. See Key Largo travel costs.

Lancaster

Lancaster is a picturesque, scenic, and traditional town. With stunning beauty, Lancaster attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping. See Lancaster travel costs.

Key Largo and Lancaster: 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
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Fun shopping
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Key Largo or Lancaster?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lancaster. Although Key Largo and Lancaster are popular destinations, Lancaster has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lancaster is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Key Largo attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and quaint atmosphere. Key Largo is more touristy than Lancaster 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. Lancaster is famous for its history and long running Amish community. It is also well known for Bird-in-Hand Village.

How is Key Largo different from Lancaster?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Key Largo
Lancaster

Lancaster 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 Lancaster. Filled with history and local culture, there are many educational opportunities in the area where you can learn about Amish traditions. The Amish Village has tours and unique experiences. The town also has James Buchanan's Wheatland, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, the National Toy Train Museum, the Ephrata Cloister, and the National Watch & Clock Museum, among many others.

Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Key Largo
Lancaster

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

Lancaster has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You can sample authentic Pennsylvania Dutch dishes at one of the Amish restaurants in the area. Many places serve food family-style and dishes include chicken pot pie, ham balls, and pork and sauerkraut. Whoopie pies also originated in the area.

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 Lancaster Better for Nightlife?

Key Largo
Lancaster

The vibe at night is reasonable in both Key Largo and Lancaster.

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 Lancaster specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town, but you'll still find local pubs and cozy bars where you can enjoy a drink in a laid back atmosphere.

Is Key Largo or Lancaster Better for Resorts?

Key Largo
Lancaster

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

Key Largo is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Popular resorts in the area include Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, Reefhouse Resort & Marina, and Largo Resort.

Lancaster is not a resort destination.


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

Key Largo
Lancaster

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

Many visitors go to Key Largo to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Lancaster is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key Largo or Lancaster Better for Beaches?

Key Largo
Lancaster

Key Largo is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Lancaster is not a beach destination.

Key Largo has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Lancaster is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Key Largo or Lancaster?

Key Largo
Lancaster

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Lancaster. Many visitors pick up hand-crafted Amish items while they're in town. Furniture and Amish quilts are particularly popular. Farmers markets and antique shopping are both unique in the area and there are also art galleries and several outlet stores that you can visit.

Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Key Largo or Lancaster More Beautiful?

Key Largo
Lancaster

Lancaster is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Key Largo is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Lancaster attracts visitors from all around. The countryside is beautiful, with preserved farmland, covered bridges, and beautiful gardens.

Key Largo is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Key Largo or Lancaster Better for Families?

Key Largo
Lancaster

Key Largo is an amazing island to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Lancaster is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

Key Largo is an amazing family-friendly island to visit. 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.

Lancaster is a very family-friendly place to visit. In you area you'll find farms and petting zoos, amusement parks, and train rides. They can learn about a unique lifestyle at the Amish Experience or soak up the local beauty and farmland in the surrounding countryside.

Is Key Largo or Lancaster Better for Couples?

Key Largo
Lancaster

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

Lancaster is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. This region is known for it's local beauty and serene farmland, making it a relaxing and peaceful destination for couples. There are walking trails, outdoor activities, buggy rides, and a variety of dining experiences. You can also stay at a bed and breakfast or local inn.

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

Key Largo
Lancaster

Lancaster 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 Lancaster. The city has buses and several transportation options, but once you're outside of the urban core, your options are limited.

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 Lancaster a more walkable city?

Key Largo
Lancaster

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

Lancaster is generally not a very walkable town. While the city itself has walkable areas, most visitors want to get out and explore the countryside, which requires 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 Lancaster Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lancaster or Key Largo?

How long in Key Largo or Lancaster?

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

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

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


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

One day in Key Largo or Lancaster?

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 town of Lancaster. 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 Lancaster?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling around the peaceful 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 food around the scenic destination of Lancaster. 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 Lancaster?

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 food and shopping when visiting the scenic town of Lancaster. 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 Lancaster?

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.

Lancaster 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, Lancaster 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
    Lancaster Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Key Largo $256
    Lancaster $221

The average daily cost (per person) in Key Largo is $256, while the average daily cost in Lancaster is $221. 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 Lancaster in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Key Largo $117
    Lancaster $91
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Key Largo $234
    Lancaster $182
Compare Hotels in Key Largo and Lancaster

Looking for a hotel in Key Largo or Lancaster? 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 Lancaster


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 Lancaster Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Key Largo $56
    Lancaster $69

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Key Largo or Lancaster?

Prices for flights to both Lancaster 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
    Lancaster $91

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lancaster

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

  • International Food Tour Lancaster, PA: $62
  • Red Rose Walking Food Tour in Lancaster: $69
  • 3 Hour Retro Music Variety Show Dinner Theater: $75
  • Outdoor Cooking Class Activity with Customizable Recipes: $80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Key Largo $27
    Lancaster $19

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
  • 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
  • Key Largo Snorkeling Tour - rental mask, fins and vest INCLUDED: $75

Tours and Activities in Lancaster

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

  • 45-Minute Private Guided Historic Walking Tour in Lititz: $12
  • Amish Experience SuperSaver Package: $35
  • Amish Experience Visit-In-Person Tour: $56
  • Amish Farm and House Day Tour from Washington D.C.: $169
  • Amish Farmlands Tour: $27
  • Authentic Tour & Meal with the Amish!: $89
  • Ghost Tour of Lancaster: $25
  • Guided Ghost Tour of Lititz: $12
  • Guided Tour of the Lititz 1792 Johannes Mueller House: $10
  • Historic Lancaster Photo Shoot Tour: $100
  • Lancaster History and Breakfast Walking Tour: $60
  • Lancaster Puzzling Adventure: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Key Largo $24
    Lancaster $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Lancaster

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lancaster:

  • Guided Brewery Walking Tour in Lancaster City: $79


When comparing the travel costs between Key Largo and Lancaster, we can see that Key Largo is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Lancaster Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Key Largo or Lancaster?

Lancaster has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Key Largo. When comparing the sizes of Key Largo and Lancaster, 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 Lancaster?

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 Lancaster in the Summer?

Both Lancaster and Key Largo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Key Largo for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Lancaster because of the family-friendly experiences.

Key Largo is a little warmer than Lancaster in the summer. The daily temperature in Key Largo averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Lancaster fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

It's quite sunny in Lancaster. 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 Lancaster during summer. Key Largo gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 310 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Key Largo. In July, Key Largo usually receives more rain than Lancaster. Key Largo gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Key Largo 82°F (28°C) 
    Lancaster 77°F (25°C)

Should I visit Key Largo or Lancaster in the Autumn?

Both Lancaster and Key Largo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lancaster this time of year.

In the autumn, Key Largo is much warmer than Lancaster. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Key Largo in October average around 78°F (26°C), and Lancaster averages at about 56°F (13°C).

It's quite sunny in Key Largo. In the autumn, Key Largo often gets more sunshine than Lancaster. Key Largo gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 194 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 Lancaster. Key Largo gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Key Largo 78°F (26°C) 
    Lancaster 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Key Largo or Lancaster in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Key Largo and Lancaster. The cuisine are the main draw to Key Largo this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Lancaster for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Lancaster. In January, Key Largo is generally much warmer than Lancaster. Daily temperatures in Key Largo average around 67°F (19°C), and Lancaster fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

In Key Largo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Key Largo usually receives more sunshine than Lancaster during winter. Key Largo gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Key Largo usually receives less rain than Lancaster. Key Largo gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Key Largo 67°F (19°C) 
    Lancaster 30°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Key Largo or Lancaster in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Key Largo as well as Lancaster. Many travelers come to Key Largo for the beaches. Additionally, many visitors come to Lancaster in the spring for the natural beauty.

Key Largo is much warmer than Lancaster in the spring. The daily temperature in Key Largo averages around 74°F (24°C) in April, and Lancaster fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lancaster. 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 Lancaster. Key Largo gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 237 hours of full sun.

Key Largo usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Lancaster. Key Largo gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Key Largo 74°F (24°C) 
    Lancaster 53°F (12°C)

Typical Weather for Lancaster and Key Largo

Key Largo Lancaster
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 67°F (19°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Feb 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 33°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Mar 71°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Apr 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
May 78°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm) 63°F (17°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Oct 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Nov 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Dec 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 35°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)