A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Key Largo vs. Portland, Maine for Families, Beaches, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Key Largo or Portland, Maine?

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 Portland, Maine 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. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling and beaches. See Key Largo travel costs.

Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is a seaside, laid-back, and scenic coastal town. With stunning beauty, Portland, Maine attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and beaches. See Portland, Maine travel costs.

Key Largo and Portland, Maine: 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 nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Known for its beauty
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Key Largo or Portland, Maine?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Portland, Maine. Although Key Largo and Portland, Maine are popular destinations, Portland, Maine has more sights and attractions for tourists. Portland, Maine is very popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Key Largo attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and quaint atmosphere. Key Largo is more touristy than Portland, Maine and 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. Portland, Maine is famous for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks. It is also well known for The Portland Head Light.

How is Key Largo different from Portland, Maine?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Portland, Maine and Key Largo. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is the Food Better in Key Largo or Portland, Maine? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Key Largo
Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is a coastal town with good options for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Portland, Maine is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The town has grown into a foodie destination that takes advantage of its waterfront setting. Many restaurants make use of the fresh seafood with lobster rolls and oysters on the half shell being popular. You'll also find a lot of dishes that use haddock and whole lobsters.

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 Portland, Maine Better for Nightlife?

Key Largo
Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is a coastal 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 Portland, Maine has a few options to choose from. The city has many microbreweries, wine bars, taverns, and pubs. You'll find many places concentrated in the Old Port, which has a charming and fun atmosphere.

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 Portland, Maine Better for Resorts?

Key Largo
Portland, Maine

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

Key Largo is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Popular resorts in the area include Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, Reefhouse Resort & Marina, and Largo Resort.

Portland, Maine is not a resort destination.

Is Key Largo or Portland, Maine Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Key Largo
Portland, Maine

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

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting 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.

Portland, Maine is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Key Largo or Portland, Maine Better for Beaches?

Key Largo
Portland, Maine

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

The beaches at Portland, Maine attract visitors from all over. It has many sandy and calm beaches. The water may be too cold to swim, but the beaches are perfect for flying a kite or hanging out with family.

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 Portland, Maine Better for Hiking?

Key Largo
Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is a coastal town with good options for hiking. However, Key Largo is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Portland, Maine. In addition to bike trails, there are several good hikes in the area.

Key Largo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Key Largo or Portland, Maine?

Key Largo
Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is a coastal town with good options for its shopping areas. However, Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Portland, Maine has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The town has many nice local boutiques to explore. Head downtown for the best local venues and the most interesting shopping opportunities.

Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Key Largo or Portland, Maine More Beautiful?

Key Largo
Portland, Maine

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

With stunning beauty, Portland, Maine attracts visitors from all around. Set against the water's edge, the town offers many beautiful scenes and picturesque settings.

Key Largo is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Key Largo or Portland, Maine Better for Families?

Key Largo
Portland, Maine

Key Largo is an amazing island to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Key Largo is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Portland, Maine offers lots of family activities. It is a charming town with a number of kid-friendly museums, walks, and waterfront activities. You can visit the Portland Observatory, Bug Light Park, or grab ice cream in the Old Port. There are also children's museums such as the Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine.

Is Key Largo or Portland, Maine Better for Couples?

Key Largo
Portland, Maine

Both Key Largo and Portland, Maine are nice 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.

Portland, Maine is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy the beautiful waterfront setting, the fine dining restaurants, and everything that the city has to offer. Head to the Old Port for romantic restaurants and a great atmosphere or catch a show at Portland Stage.


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

Key Largo
Portland, Maine

Neither Key Largo or Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine. There is a very basic bus system but you really must have a car to explore the city.

Is Key Largo or Portland, Maine a more walkable city?

Key Largo
Portland, Maine

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

Portland, Maine is generally not a very walkable coastal town. Downtown is very walkable but if you want to travel to other areas you'll need 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 Portland, Maine Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portland, Maine or Key Largo?

How long in Key Largo or Portland, Maine?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine.


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

One day in Key Largo or Portland, Maine?

The peaceful 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the coastal town of Portland, Maine. 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 Portland, Maine?

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.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the picturesque destination of Portland, Maine. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal town has to offer. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Key Largo or Portland, Maine?

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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the seaside coastal town of Portland, Maine. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Key Largo or Portland, Maine?

The family-friendly 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.

Portland, Maine 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, Portland, Maine 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
    Portland, Maine Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Key Largo $256
    Portland, Maine $227

The average daily cost (per person) in Key Largo is $256, while the average daily cost in Portland, Maine is $227. 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 Portland, Maine in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Key Largo $117
    Portland, Maine $115
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Key Largo $234
    Portland, Maine $230
Compare Hotels in Key Largo and Portland, Maine

Looking for a hotel in Key Largo or Portland, Maine? 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 Portland, Maine


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 Portland, Maine Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Key Largo $56
    Portland, Maine $34

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 Portland, Maine

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portland, Maine:

  • Private Transfer from Portland Port to Portland Jetport (PWM): $136
  • Private Transfer from Portland city to Portland Cruise Port: $75
  • Private Transfer from Portland Cruise Port to Portland city: $75

Is it cheaper to fly into Key Largo or Portland, Maine?

Prices for flights to both Portland, Maine 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
    Portland, Maine $84

Typical Food Prices in Portland, Maine

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Portland, Maine:


  • Breakfast for 2
    $17
  • Dinner for 2
    $30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Portland, Maine

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

  • Portland: Walking Food Tour – Warm Donuts & History: $57

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Key Largo $27
    Portland, Maine $39

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
  • Ultimate Florida Self Guided Driving & Walking Audio Tour Bundle: $40
  • Key Largo Coral Reef Glass Bottom Boat Adventure : $45
  • Small Group Florida Keys Eco Tour by Boat: $60
  • Key Largo Sunset Cruise: $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

Tours and Activities in Portland, Maine

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

  • 2 Hour Scenic Powerboat Cruise Experience Portland's Waterfront: $143
  • 2-Hour Portland Old Port Ghost Walking Tour: $29
  • A Walk Through Time Tour in Portland: $49
  • Afternoon Lighthouse Cruise Along the Coast of Portland Maine: $62
  • Afternoon Windjammer Cruise Along the Coast of Portland Maine: $67
  • Around The Peninsula Bike Tour: $85
  • Audio Guided Walking Tour from Old Port of Portland, Maine: $7.75
  • Discover Portland City and Lighthouse Tour: $56
  • Guided RIB Boat Adventure of Casco Bay: $75
  • Harbor Lights and Sights Cruise: $56
  • Historical Walking Tour of Portland’s Old Port District: $7.99
  • Lighthouse Bicycle Tour from South Portland with 4 Lighthouses: $99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Key Largo $24
    Portland, Maine $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Portland, Maine

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Portland, Maine:

  • Portland Old Port Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $99
  • Local Brewery & Spirits Bus Tour: $99
  • Old Port Brewery & Pub Walking Tour: $99


When comparing the travel costs between Key Largo and Portland, Maine, 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 Portland, Maine Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Key Largo or Portland, Maine?

Portland, Maine has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Key Largo. When comparing the sizes of Key Largo and Portland, Maine, 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 Portland, Maine?

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 Portland, Maine in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Key Largo as well as Portland, Maine. Many travelers come to Key Largo for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Portland, Maine in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Key Largo is a little warmer than Portland, Maine in the summer. The daily temperature in Key Largo averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Portland, Maine. 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 Portland, Maine. Key Largo gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 282 hours of full sun.

Key Largo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Key Largo usually gets more rain in July than Portland, Maine. Key Largo gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Key Largo 82°F (28°C) 
    Portland, Maine 69°F (20°C)

Should I visit Key Largo or Portland, Maine in the Autumn?

Both Portland, Maine and Key Largo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Portland, Maine for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Key Largo is much warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Key Largo in October average around 78°F (26°C), and Portland, Maine averages at about 49°F (9°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key Largo. Key Largo usually receives more sunshine than Portland, Maine during autumn. Key Largo gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine. Key Largo gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Key Largo 78°F (26°C) 
    Portland, Maine 49°F (9°C)

Should I visit Key Largo or Portland, Maine in the Winter?

Both Portland, Maine and Key Largo during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Key Largo for the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Portland, Maine because of the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Portland, Maine can be very cold. In January, Key Largo is generally much warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Key Largo average around 67°F (19°C), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

It's quite sunny in Key Largo. In the winter, Key Largo often gets more sunshine than Portland, Maine. Key Largo gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 163 hours of full sun.

Key Largo usually gets less rain in January than Portland, Maine. Key Largo gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Key Largo 67°F (19°C) 
    Portland, Maine 21°F (-6°C)

Should I visit Key Largo or Portland, Maine in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Key Largo and Portland, Maine. The spring months attract visitors to Key Largo because of the beaches. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Portland, Maine this time of year.

Key Largo is much warmer than Portland, Maine in the spring. The daily temperature in Key Largo averages around 74°F (24°C) in April, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Portland, Maine this time of the year. In Key Largo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Key Largo usually receives more sunshine than Portland, Maine during spring. Key Largo gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Key Largo usually receives less rain than Portland, Maine. Key Largo gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Key Largo 74°F (24°C) 
    Portland, Maine 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Portland, Maine and Key Largo

Key Largo Portland, Maine
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 67°F (19°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Feb 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Mar 71°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 33°F (1°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Apr 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
May 78°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm) 63°F (17°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 69°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Oct 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 49°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Nov 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 39°F (4°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Dec 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)