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

Should you visit Key Largo or Newport?

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 Newport 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 relaxed, peaceful, and family-friendly 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.

Newport

Newport is a charming, coastal, and seaside town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Newport offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and beaches. See Newport travel costs.

Key Largo and Newport: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Key Largo or Newport?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Newport. Although Key Largo and Newport are popular destinations, Newport has more sights and attractions for tourists. Newport is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Key Largo attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and quaint atmosphere. Key Largo is famous for its snorkeling and scuba diving including that around John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the artificial reef around the USS Spiegel Grove. Newport is famous for its sailing regattas, its mansions along Bellevue Avenue, and its maritime history. It is also well known for Thames Street.

How is Key Largo different from Newport?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Key Largo
Newport

Newport 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 Newport. The historic mansions and local museums educate visitors on the town's maritime past and colonial roots. Some of the more popular places to visit include The Breakers, The Elms Mansion, The Marble House, and Chateau-sur-mer Mansion.

Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Key Largo
Newport

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

Newport has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Find a waterfront restaurant and enjoy fresh seafood and a charming atmosphere. Many restaurants are influenced by the town's Portuguese and Irish roots. You'll find classic pubs as well as brunch cafes and traditional taverns.

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 Newport Better for Nightlife?

Key Largo
Newport

Newport is a 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 Newport has a few options to choose from. There's a lively atmosphere in the evening with many pubs, taverns, and bars that keep the energy high.

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 Newport Better for Resorts?

Key Largo
Newport

Key Largo is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Newport 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.

Newport is not a resort destination.


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

Key Largo
Newport

Key Largo is a very popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Newport 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.

Newport is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key Largo or Newport Better for Beaches?

Key Largo
Newport

Newport is great for the beach. Also, Key Largo is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its beaches.

The beaches at Newport attract visitors from all over. Tucked in along the rocky coastline are many beautiful sandy beaches. You'll find popular and active beaches where you can lounge in a chair and people watch, as well as more secluded spots where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. The largest beach is Easton's Beach (also known as First Beach). Surfers and boaters enjoy Sachuest Beach (or Second Beach), and a less popular, but very rewarding beach is also King Park Beach.

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.

Is Key Largo or Newport Better for its Old Town?

Key Largo
Newport

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

Newport is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The Historic District is filled with colonial buildings and impressive mansions. There are cobblestone streets and a charming loop through the town's Old Quarter.

Key Largo does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Key Largo or Newport?

Key Largo
Newport

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Newport. Walk along the charming cobblestone streets and pop in the many local boutiques and shops.

Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Key Largo or Newport More Beautiful?

Key Largo
Newport

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

Newport offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The coastal setting and charming architecture give it a lot of character.

Key Largo is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Key Largo or Newport Better for Families?

Key Largo
Newport

Key Largo is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Newport is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Newport is a very family-friendly place to visit. For an educational and interactive experience, head to Save The Bay Exploration Center & Aquarium. The Norman Bird Sanctuary also has a lot of land and places to explore. Kids will enjoy a visit to the beach or running around Breton Point State Park as well. On a rainy day, Ryans Family Amusements is the perfect way to pass some time.


Is Key Largo or Newport Better for Couples?

Key Largo
Newport

Newport is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Key Largo is not as popular, but is still a nice island for romance.

Newport is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's a coastal town with a lot of charm that makes for a perfect romantic escape. Enjoy dining and shopping along Thames Street or take a walk along the coast. There are many local restaurants and evening activities for couples as well.

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

Key Largo
Newport

Newport is a town with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Newport offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses operated by RIPTA. You can visit most of the attractions in the downtown area by catching a ride on one of the classic green and gold hybrid trolley buses.

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 Newport a more walkable city?

Key Largo
Newport

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

Newport is a very walkable destination. The town's downtown are compact and fun to explore on foot. There is a nice concentration of shops, restaurants, hotels and sights.

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 Newport Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Newport or Key Largo?

How long in Key Largo or Newport?

In either Key Largo or Newport, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Key Largo than Newport because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Key Largo, and 2-5 days is enough time in Newport.

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

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


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

One day in Key Largo or Newport?

In Key Largo, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Newport. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Newport?

In Key Largo, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historical destination of Newport. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Newport?

Key Largo is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Key Largo has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find nightlife and food around the historical town of Newport. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.


A week in Key Largo or Newport?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Key Largo. In Key Largo, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Newport is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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, Newport 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
    Newport Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Key Largo $256
    Newport $192

The average daily cost (per person) in Key Largo is $256, while the average daily cost in Newport is $192. 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 Newport in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Key Largo $117
    Newport $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Key Largo $234
    Newport $184
Compare Hotels in Key Largo and Newport

Looking for a hotel in Key Largo or Newport? 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 Newport


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 Newport Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Key Largo $56
    Newport $36

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 Newport?

Prices for flights to both Newport 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
    Newport $78

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Newport

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

  • Newport Neighborhood Food Tour: $99

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Key Largo $27
    Newport $17

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
  • Jet Ski Eco Tour through Key Largo: $195
  • 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

Tours and Activities in Newport

For Newport, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Newport Ghosts: Seaside Hauntings and Hags Tour: $32
  • Afternoon Grand Tour | Gansett Cruises in Newport, RI: $40
  • America's Cup Evening Sailing Adventure Newport, RI: $125
  • Colonial Newport Walking Tour: $20
  • Explore Newport Cliff Walk Self Guided Walking Tour: $9.99
  • Golden Age to Gilded Age Newport's Transformation Walking Tour: $20
  • Golden Hour Cruise: $45
  • Guided Tour of Newport in Open Air LSV : $129
  • Historic Highlights with the Gilded Age Private Van Tour: $100
  • Historic Scenic Tour Through Newport With Elms Admission: $45
  • Lighthouse and Mimosa Cruise of Narragansett Bay from Newport: $41
  • Morning Mimosa Cruise with Gansett Cruises in Newport, RI: $40

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Key Largo $24
    Newport $14


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

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 Newport Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Key Largo or Newport?

Newport has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Key Largo. When comparing the sizes of Key Largo and Newport, 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 Newport?

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 Newport in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Key Largo and Newport. Many visitors come to Key Largo in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Newport for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Key Largo is a little warmer than Newport in the summer. The daily temperature in Key Largo averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Newport fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Newport this time of the year. In Key Largo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Key Largo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Newport during summer. Key Largo gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Newport receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

Key Largo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Key Largo usually receives more rain than Newport. Key Largo gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Key Largo 82°F (28°C) 
    Newport 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Key Largo or Newport in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Key Largo as well as Newport. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Newport because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Key Largo is much warmer than Newport. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Key Largo in October average around 78°F (26°C), and Newport averages at about 53°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Newport. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key Largo this time of the year. In the autumn, Key Largo often gets more sunshine than Newport. Key Largo gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newport receives 211 hours of full sun.

Key Largo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Key Largo usually gets more rain in October than Newport. Key Largo gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Key Largo 78°F (26°C) 
    Newport 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Key Largo or Newport in the Winter?

Both Newport and Key Largo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. 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 Newport this time of year.

It's quite cold in Newport in the winter. In January, Key Largo is generally much warmer than Newport. Daily temperatures in Key Largo average around 67°F (19°C), and Newport fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key Largo. Key Largo usually receives more sunshine than Newport during winter. Key Largo gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Newport receives 170 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Key Largo usually receives less rain than Newport. Key Largo gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Key Largo 67°F (19°C) 
    Newport 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Key Largo or Newport in the Spring?

Both Newport and Key Largo during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches are the main draw to Key Largo this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Newport for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Key Largo is much warmer than Newport in the spring. The daily temperature in Key Largo averages around 74°F (24°C) in April, and Newport fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In Newport, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Key Largo. In the spring, Key Largo often gets more sunshine than Newport. Key Largo gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newport receives 225 hours of full sun.

Key Largo usually gets less rain in April than Newport. Key Largo gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Key Largo 74°F (24°C) 
    Newport 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Newport and Key Largo

Key Largo Newport
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 67°F (19°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 71°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 78°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)