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

Should you visit Key West or Atlanta?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Key West or Atlanta? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Key West

Key West is a laid-back, quirky, and eclectic town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, Key West attracts visitors from all around. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and food. See Key West travel costs.

Atlanta

Atlanta is a sprawling, suburban, and cultural city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Atlanta travel costs.

Key West and Atlanta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key West or Atlanta?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Atlanta. Although Key West and Atlanta are both popular with visitors, Atlanta has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Atlanta is more popular for its museums and attractions, shopping, and big city activities, while Key West is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Key West is more touristy than Atlanta and is popular for its festive nightlife, quirky town center, colorful personality, adrenaline-filled watersports, stunning beaches, turquoise water, and location at the southernmost point of the continental U.S. Atlanta is popular for its world class aquarium, its role as host of the 1996 Olympic Games, and its influence during the Civil Rights Movement. It is also home to the Georgia Aquarium.

How is Key West different from Atlanta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Key West or Atlanta?

Atlanta is renowned for its sights and museums. However, Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Atlanta are among the most recognizable in the world. The museums range in topic from history to science and art. The country's largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium, is in Atlanta as well. It's home to whale sharks, stingrays, and a diversity of marine life. Other museums around town include the Atlanta History Center, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the High Museum of Art, the World of Coca Cola, the David J. Sencer CDC Museum, and the Delta Flight Museum. There are also many monuments and sites including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.

Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Key West or Atlanta? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at very good restaurants in both Key West and Atlanta.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Key West. Head to town for local restaurants with quirky atmospheres. There are many local dishes to sample, but the town is most known for its stone crabs, conch fritters, and Mahi Mahi sandwiches. You'll also find cold drinks and waterfront dining areas.

Atlanta has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's a huge city with a wide selection of restaurants including international, local, and classic southern styles. Fried chicken, biscuits, diner food, and barbecue are all popular. For a classic southern breakfast check out The OK Cafe and for a quintessential Atlanta experience go to The Varsity.

Is Key West or Atlanta Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are very good in both Key West and Atlanta.

Key West has plenty to do after the sun goes down. This area has some of the most lively nightlife in the Florida Keys. There are quirky bars and fun hangouts where you can spend the evening. The party starts at Mallory Square around sunset and many bars stay open well into the early hours. You can also enjoy sunset cruises or pass your time at one of the many tiki bars.

Atlanta has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The nightlife scene is diverse with trendy bars, dance clubs, and huge music halls. There are a number of neighborhoods that each have their own atmosphere. For some of the best nightlife check out the upscale bars in Buckhead, the music venues in Midtown, the hipster vibe in Edgewood, or the laid-back atmosphere in Virginia Highland.

Is Key West or Atlanta Better for Resorts?

Key West is a great town for its luxury resorts. However, Atlanta is not a resort destination.

Key West is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are a number of high end resorts around the island, many with recognizable names such as the Hyatt and Hilton. Prices can be high, but these resorts often come with reliable luxury.

Atlanta is not a resort destination.

Is Key West or Atlanta Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Key West is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Atlanta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Key West has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are a number of dive shops and snorkeling excursions that leave from Key West. Like many tourist areas these days, the coral shows its damage from the crowds, but you'll likely see some barracuda or a Grouper.

Atlanta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key West or Atlanta Better for Beaches?

Key West is a great town for the beach. However, Atlanta is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Key West. One of the best beaches in the area is Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. The beach has soft sand and stunning turquoise water. As is typical in the Keys, the water stays shallow for great distances.

Atlanta is not a beach destination.

Is Key West or Atlanta Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Key West to see the historical old town. The town has the most charming Old Town areas in the Florida Keys. Head to Mallory Square for the sunset street performers and explore the historic streets around Duval Street.

Atlanta does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Key West or Atlanta?

Atlanta is renowned for its shopping opportunities. However, Key West is a mediocre town for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Atlanta make it a world-class shopping destination. There are a number of great shopping districts around town. Atlantic Station is popular with a movie theater and ice skating. Buckhead has boutique and local vendors and Lenox Square has a large shopping mall.

Key West has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. While it definitely has its share of gimmicky souvenir shops and t-shirt stores, there are still a number of art galleries and local shops around Key West where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Key West or Atlanta More Beautiful?

Key West is a great town for its scenery and beauty. However, Atlanta is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Key West attracts visitors from all around. There are blue waters as far as the eye can see. It doesn't get much more beautiful than this.

Atlanta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Key West or Atlanta Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Key West or Atlanta.

Key West is a very kid-friendly town. Families that enjoy snorkeling, aquariums, water sports, and exploring new places will enjoy visiting this part of the Florida Keys. There are many ways to get out on the water from kayaking and snorkeling to glass bottom boat tours and sunset cruises. There are also many kid-friendly beaches in the area. The town can have a party atmosphere, but it's not hard to find a more family-friendly area where everyone can have fun.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Atlanta. There is no shortage of playgrounds around town, but a highlight of any trip is a visit to the Georgia Aquarium. It's the largest aquarium in the United States and its home to whale sharks, hammerheads, dolphin shows, and more. It is so much more than just an aquarium, and it truly is a not to be missed experience. Also worth a visit are Zoo Atlanta, the Center of Puppetry Arts, Stone Mountain, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and the Lego Discovery Center. If you have the chance to see the Atlanta Braves play, that's also a rewarding experience.

Is Key West or Atlanta Better for Couples?

Key West is a great town for couples. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Key West is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. From Mallory Square to the beautiful nearby parks, Key West makes a wonderful, romantic destination. Whether it's your honeymoon, an anniversary, or simply a couples' retreat, Key West is a great option. You can sip wine on a sunset cruise or dine at one of the many character-filled restaurants in town. If you are looking for a party, it's not hard to find, but if you want a more laid back holiday, that's also possible.

Atlanta is a nice destination for couples. It's a big city, so there are a number of date night activities available such as orchestra concerts, theater shows, and fine dining. The city also has many outdoor areas like Lake Lanier and Piedmont Park. The Georgia Aquarium is world class, and there are other amazing museums around town as well.

Is Key West or Atlanta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Atlanta is a popular place for backpackers. However, Key West is a mediocre town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Atlanta. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, there are actually a couple of hostels around town and a surprising number of activities worth experiencing. The city's large airport make it a convenient entry point for international travelers.

Key West is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Key West is a pretty expensive destination, but there are Airbnbs and even a hostel or two that cater to budget backpackers.

Is Key West or Atlanta Better for Students?

Key West and Atlanta are both very good destinations for students and younger travelers.

Key West is a very popular town for students and younger travelers. It's a great spring break destination with a quirky personality and many great activities.

Atlanta is very popular with students. There are a number of universities in town such as Emory, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, and Morehouse College. The city is sprawling, but it's also full of entertainment and activities that students will enjoy.

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

Atlanta is a moderate city for its public transit. However, Key West is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Atlanta. For such a large city, the public transportation system is very limited. MARTA is the main transit authority and there are a few subway lines that cross the city as well as bus routes running around town.

Public transit is quite limited in Key West. Public transportation in Key West is limited to a few buses.

Is Key West or Atlanta a more walkable city?

Key West and Atlanta both are good when exploring on foot.

Key West is a somewhat walkable place. The town is the most walkable part of the Florida Keys. The area around Mallory Square and Duval Street is the most pedestrian friendly.

Atlanta is a somewhat walkable town. Parts of the city are walkable, but most of the sights are spread out and require a car to access. Within neighborhoods, there are a few places that are more pedestrian-friendly such as Downtown, Midtown, Virginia Highlands, and Buckhead.

For even more information, also check out Is Key West Worth Visiting? and Is Atlanta Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Atlanta or Key West?

How long in Key West or Atlanta?

It's fun to spend time in either Key West or Atlanta. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Key West due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Key West, and 2-4 days is enough time in Atlanta.

Families should spend more time in Key West than Atlanta. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Key West, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Key West than Atlanta. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Key West that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Atlanta than Key West 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 Atlanta.

One day in Key West or Atlanta?

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

Atlanta is a big city with plenty to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Key West or Atlanta?

In Key West, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Atlanta is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Atlanta, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Key West or Atlanta?

Key West 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 West has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Atlanta is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Key West or Atlanta?

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

Atlanta is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Key West and Atlanta, we can see that Key West is more expensive. And not only is Atlanta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Atlanta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Atlanta 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 West would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Key West than you might in Atlanta.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Key West Expensive? and Is Atlanta Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Key West or Atlanta?

Atlanta has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Key West. When comparing the sizes of Key West and Atlanta, 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 West or Atlanta?

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 West or Atlanta in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Key West as well as Atlanta. Many travelers come to Key West for the beaches, snorkeling, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Atlanta in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Key West is around the same temperature as Atlanta. Typically, the summer temperatures in Key West in July average around 84°F (29°C), and Atlanta averages at about 82°F (28°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key West this time of the year. In the summer, Key West often gets more sunshine than Atlanta. Key West gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlanta receives 271 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Atlanta. Key West usually gets less rain in July than Atlanta. Key West gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Atlanta receives 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key West or Atlanta in the Autumn?

Both Atlanta and Key West are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Key West in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Atlanta for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Key West is generally a little warmer than Atlanta. Daily temperatures in Key West average around 80°F (27°C), and Atlanta fluctuates around 66°F (19°C).

It's quite sunny in Atlanta. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key West. Key West usually receives more sunshine than Atlanta during autumn. Key West gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Atlanta receives 222 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Key West. In October, Key West usually receives more rain than Atlanta. Key West gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Atlanta receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Key West.

Should I visit Key West or Atlanta in the Winter?

Both Atlanta and Key West during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Key West for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Atlanta because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Key West is much warmer than Atlanta in the winter. The daily temperature in Key West averages around 70°F (21°C) in January, and Atlanta fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

It's quite sunny in Key West. In the winter, Key West often gets more sunshine than Atlanta. Key West gets 252 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlanta receives 164 hours of full sun.

Atlanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Key West usually gets less rain in January than Atlanta. Key West gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Atlanta receives 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key West or Atlanta in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Key West and Atlanta. The spring months attract visitors to Key West because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Atlanta this time of year.

In the spring, Key West is a little warmer than Atlanta. Typically, the spring temperatures in Key West in April average around 77°F (25°C), and Atlanta averages at about 65°F (18°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Atlanta this time of the year. In Key West, it's very sunny this time of the year. Key West usually receives more sunshine than Atlanta during spring. Key West gets 326 hours of sunny skies, while Atlanta receives 262 hours of full sun in the spring.

Atlanta receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Key West usually receives less rain than Atlanta. Key West gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Atlanta receives 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Key West is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Atlanta and Key West