A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Key West vs. Charlottesville for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Families

Should you visit Key West or Charlottesville?

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

Should I visit Key West or Charlottesville? 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. The beauty of Key West is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Visitors also love the beaches, nightlife, and food. See Key West travel costs.

Charlottesville

Charlottesville is a southern, proud, and traditional university town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. Charlottesville is a beautiful place to visit, too. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and nightlife. See Charlottesville travel costs.

Key West and Charlottesville: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key West or Charlottesville?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Key West than Charlottesville, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Key West is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Charlottesville is more popular for its museums and attractions, hiking, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Key West is more touristy than Charlottesville 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. Also, Key West is famous for Duval Street. Charlottesville is well known for being home to the University of Virginia, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, and serving as a gateway to Shenandoah National Park.

How is Key West different from Charlottesville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Charlottesville offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. A highlight of a trip to the area is a visit to Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. The city is also famously home to the beautiful University of Virginia, which has a manicured and beautiful campus. History buffs will also appreciate visiting the Civil War Sites that are nearby as well.

Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Key West is a great town for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Charlottesville is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Key West has a huge number of terrific 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.

Charlottesville may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Head to the Historic Downtown Mall to enjoy an outdoor meal at a top rated restaurant. There are also restaurants that cater specifically to students and offer affordable and quick meals.

Is Key West or Charlottesville Better for Nightlife?

Key West is a great town for nightlife and partying. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Key West has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Charlottesville. Charlottesville is a university town with an active nightlife. The best areas for nightlife are found around the Downtown Mall, Belmont neighborhood, the Corner, and University Ave west near the mall. Even though there are a number of activities to enjoy at night, this is still a small town and the nightlife scene reflects that.

Is Key West or Charlottesville Better for Resorts?

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

There are plenty of resorts in Key West to choose from. 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.

Charlottesville is not a resort destination.

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

Key West is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Charlottesville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Key West. 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.

Charlottesville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key West or Charlottesville Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Key West for it's beautiful beaches. 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.

Charlottesville is not a beach destination.

Is Key West or Charlottesville Better for its Old Town?

Key West is a great town for its old town. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its historic old town charm.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of 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.

Charlottesville offers a nice historic old town area. The Historic Downtown Mall is filled with restaurants and shops. It's a pedestrian only area with a lot of character and energy.

Is Key West or Charlottesville Better for Hiking?

Charlottesville is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Key West is not a hiking destination.

Charlottesville is a good destination for hiking. Just outside of town there are plenty of hiking opportunities including in and around Shenandoah National Park. Hiking is at its best during the fall season when the leaves are changing.

Key West is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Key West or Charlottesville?

Key West is adequate for its shopping opportunities. However, Charlottesville is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

If you're looking to go shopping, Key West has some nice offerings. 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.

Charlottesville is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Key West or Charlottesville More Beautiful?

Key West is a great town for its scenery and beauty. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its scenery and beauty.

The beauty of Key West is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. There are blue waters as far as the eye can see. It doesn't get much more beautiful than this.

Charlottesville offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Surrounded by the Shenandoah Mountains, this is a beautiful town and home to the beautiful University of Virginia.

Is Key West or Charlottesville Better for Families?

Key West is a great town for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Key West is very family-friendly. 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.

Charlottesville is a family-friendly place to visit. Wandering the campus of UVA, picking fruit at Carter Mountain Orchard or exploring the downtown mall, including the Virginia Discovery Museum are all activities that everyone can enjoy. There are also great hiking trails just outside of town.

Is Key West or Charlottesville Better for Couples?

Key West is a great town for its romantic activities. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for couples.

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.

Charlottesville is a good town for couples to visit. The UVA campus is beautiful to explore, as is Monticello. The Downtown Mall has many great restaurants and activities that make for a nice date night and during the day, there's also beautiful hikes nearby that are at their peak during the fall season.

Is Key West or Charlottesville Better for Students?

Charlottesville is renowned for students. Also, Key West is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Many students frequent Charlottesville. The town is home to the beautiful University of Virginia and it's a popular destination for international students as well as local students. Much of the town is focused around student life, and the city's proximity to Washington, DC means it has access to global opportunities.

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

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

Charlottesville is a moderate university town 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 Charlottesville. There is a bus system that runs between campus, downtown, and several neighborhoods in Charlottesville.

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

Is Key West or Charlottesville a more walkable city?

Key West is a good destination for its high level of walkability. However, Charlottesville is not known for its ease of walking around.

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.

Charlottesville is generally not very walkable. While the University of Virginia campus and the Downtown Mall are both very walkable, most of the town is not.

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

Should I spend more time in Charlottesville or Key West?

How long in Key West or Charlottesville?

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

Families should spend more time in Key West than Charlottesville. 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 Charlottesville. 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 Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville?

The bustling destination of Key West offers food and 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.

Charlottesville is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. 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 Charlottesville?

The quaint town of Key West offers scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

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

Five days in Key West or Charlottesville?

Key West is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville?

The quaint town of Key West offers food and 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.

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

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 Charlottesville Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Key West or Charlottesville?

Charlottesville has a larger population, and is about 41% larger than the population of Key West. When comparing the sizes of Key West and Charlottesville, 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 Charlottesville?

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 Charlottesville in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Key West as well as Charlottesville. Most visitors come to Key West for the beaches, snorkeling, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Charlottesville because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Key West is a little warmer than Charlottesville in the summer. The daily temperature in Key West averages around 84°F (29°C) in July, and Charlottesville fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charlottesville. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key West this time of the year. In the summer, Key West often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Charlottesville. Key West gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charlottesville receives 305 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Charlottesville. Key West usually gets less rain in July than Charlottesville. Key West gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 5 inches (128 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key West or Charlottesville in the Autumn?

Both Charlottesville and Key West are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Key West because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Charlottesville this time of year.

In the autumn, Key West is much warmer than Charlottesville. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Key West in October average around 80°F (27°C), and Charlottesville averages at about 59°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in Charlottesville. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key West. Key West usually receives more sunshine than Charlottesville during autumn. Key West gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Charlottesville receives 221 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Key West. In October, Key West usually receives more rain than Charlottesville. Key West gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Key West is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Key West or Charlottesville in the Winter?

Both Charlottesville and Key West during the winter are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Key West this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Charlottesville for the museums, the Christmas ambience, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Charlottesville. In January, Key West is generally much warmer than Charlottesville. Daily temperatures in Key West average around 70°F (21°C), and Charlottesville fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).

It's quite sunny in Key West. In the winter, Key West often gets more sunshine than Charlottesville. Key West gets 252 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charlottesville receives 169 hours of full sun.

Key West usually gets less rain in January than Charlottesville. Key West gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key West or Charlottesville in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Key West and Charlottesville. Many travelers come to Key West for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Charlottesville in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Key West is much warmer than Charlottesville in the spring. The daily temperature in Key West averages around 77°F (25°C) in April, and Charlottesville fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Charlottesville this time of the year. In Key West, it's very sunny this time of the year. Key West usually receives more sunshine than Charlottesville during spring. Key West gets 326 hours of sunny skies, while Charlottesville receives 265 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Key West usually receives less rain than Charlottesville. Key West gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Key West is June to November.

Typical Weather for Charlottesville and Key West