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

Should you visit Key West or Boise?

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

Should I visit Key West or Boise? 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 quaint, laid-back, and quirky town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. With stunning beauty, Key West attracts visitors from all around. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Key West travel costs.

Boise

Boise is a welcoming, authentic, and friendly city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Boise travel costs.

Key West and Boise: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key West or Boise?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Key West. Although Key West and Boise are both popular with visitors, Key West has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Key West is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Boise is known for its museums and attractions and shopping. Key West is more touristy than Boise 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. It is also home to Duval Street. Boise is popular for its many outdoor and recreational activities.

How is Key West different from Boise?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Boise is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

Boise offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. As the state capital, there's a nice selection of local museums around town. Favorites include the Boise Art Museum, the Basque Museum & Cultural Center, the Idaho Black History Museum, and Discovery Center.

Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Key West is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Boise is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Key West has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Boise offers some easy restaurants to choose from. While Idaho has long been associated with the potato, the locals usually think of "finger steaks" when describing local food. These are deep-friend beef strips that are as good as they sound.

Is Key West or Boise Better for Nightlife?

Key West is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Boise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Key West has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Boise has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. In downtown Boise you'll find a selection of bars, lounges, and breweries. There's enough around town to keep the nightlife scene interesting.

Is Key West or Boise Better for Resorts?

Key West is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Boise is not a resort destination.

Key West is known as a popular and fun resort destination. 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.

Boise is not a resort destination.

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

Key West is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Boise is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Key West has a few good snorkeling spots. 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.

Boise is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key West or Boise Better for Beaches?

Key West is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Boise is not a beach destination.

Key West is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Boise is not a beach destination.

Is Key West or Boise Better for its Old Town?

Key West is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Boise does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Key West. 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.

Boise does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Key West or Boise?

Boise is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Key West is a mediocre town for its shopping areas.

Boise offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find a mix of local boutiques, independent vendors, and suburban shopping centers where you'll find anything that you might need.

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 Boise More Beautiful?

Key West is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Boise 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.

Boise is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Key West or Boise Better for Families?

Key West is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Boise is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Key West. 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.

Boise doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. You'll find parks, playgrounds, and the Discovery Center which will help keep kids entertained.

Is Key West or Boise Better for Couples?

Key West is an excellent place to visit for couples. However, Boise is lacking in options for romance.

Key West makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Boise is not the best destination for a couple to visit. Date night activities include dining at a nice restaurants and seeing a show at the theater.

Is Key West or Boise Better for Students?

Key West is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Boise is not popular with students.

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.

Boise is not popular with students.

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

Boise 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 Boise. There are infrequent buses around town, but visitors usually have a car to get around town efficiently.

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

Is Key West or Boise a more walkable city?

Key West is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Boise is lacking in options for its walkability.

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

Boise is generally not very walkable. There are a couple of walkable neighborhoods but, in general, the town isn't very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Boise or Key West?

How long in Key West or Boise?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Key West or Boise to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Key West than Boise because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Key West, and 1-2 days is enough time in Boise.

Families should spend more time in Key West than Boise. 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 Boise. 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 Key West than Boise 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 Key West.

One day in Key West or Boise?

In Key West, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this quirky destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The city of Boise offers nightlife and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Key West or Boise?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Key West. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Boise 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 Boise, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Key West or Boise?

Key West is a fun place to experience. In Key West, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife that this quaint destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Boise 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 Boise?

In Key West, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this eclectic destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Boise 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 Boise, we can see that Key West is more expensive. And not only is Boise much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Boise would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Boise 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 Boise.

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 Boise Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Key West or Boise?

Boise has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Key West. When comparing the sizes of Key West and Boise, 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.