Which place is cheaper, Fairfield or Key West?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Key West or Fairfield?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Key West or Fairfield? 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.
Where Should I go: Key West or Fairfield?
Key West
Key West is both a city and an island as well as the southern most Florida Key. It is also the southern most city in the continental United States. The island is only about four miles long and one mile wide. The total land mass covers just 4.2 square miles. The most famous street in town is Duval Street, which runs just 1.1 miles from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. There are 14 blocks. The size of the island doubled during the 1950s when many of the salt ponds along the eastern side of the island were filled in.
Fairfield
The city of Fairfield is in Solano County, California, in the Sacramento Valley area. It's a medium sized city that is home to the Travis Air Force Base. It's also halfway between San Francisco and Sacramento along Interstate 80. There are a handful of interesting activities in the area. Consider visiting either the Grizzly Island Wildlife Area or the Hill Slough Wildlife Area both of which have hiking, fishing, birdwatching, and boating opportunities. You can also take a tour of the Jelly Belly Factory which is in town, or tour the Anheuser-Busch Brewery which includes two complimentary beers and a limitless supply of pretzels. On Thursdays you can take a guided tour of the Travis Air Force Base. If you're interested in visited a working ranch, Rush Ranch is open to the public and can be a fun experience with an opportunity to visit with the animals.
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.
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Key West Prices
USA PricesFairfield Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKey West $832Fairfield $153
The average daily cost (per person) in Key West is $832, while the average daily cost in Fairfield is $153. 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 West and Fairfield in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKey West $132Fairfield $97
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKey West $264Fairfield $194
Compare Hotels in Key West and Fairfield
Looking for a hotel in Key West or Fairfield? 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.
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 West Hotel Prices and Fairfield Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Key West $51Fairfield -
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Key West
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Key West:
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Rental Car for One Day$38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Key West
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Key West:
- Key West Int Airport (EYW) to Key West - Arrival Private Transfer: $163
- Key West to Key West Airport (EYW) - Departure Private Transfer: $163
- Key West Int Airport EYW to Key West Hotels Arrival Transfer: $155
- Key West hotels to Key West Int Airport (EYW) Departure Transfer: $155
- One Way Airport Transfer Service: $54
Is it cheaper to fly into Key West or Fairfield?
Prices for flights to both Fairfield and Key West 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
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Food Meals for one dayKey West $667Fairfield $53
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Key West
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Key West.
- Sunset Dinner Cruise with Open Bar & Live Music: $74
- Cooking Show Chef Demonstration with Meal: $81
- Key West Sunset Cruise: Dinner, Live Music & Drinks Included: $84
- Southernmost Food & Cultural Walking Tour by Key West Food Tours: $90
- Key West Sunset Buffet Dinner Cruise with Open Bar and Live Music: $100
- Secret Walking Food Tour: $115
- Sunset Sail Full Bar, Live Music & Dinner & Early Morning Snorkeling: $160
Typical Food Prices in Fairfield
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Fairfield:
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El Pollo Loco Lunch (for 3)$17
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Hometown Buffet Dinner (for 3)$44
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Key West $33Fairfield $13
Tours and Activities in Key West
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Key West are as follows:
- 2 Hour Key West Mini Catamaran Eco Tour: $285
- 2-Hour Live Music Guided Tour in Key West: $35
- Day Sailing Adventure in the Florida Marine Sanctuary: $99
- Day in Key West - Private SUV Tour From Miami: $1,300
- Florida Key West Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
- Florida Keys: Aquarium Encounters Day Tour with Lunch: $182
- Florida Keys: Dolphin Research Center Day Tour with Lunch: $182
- Florida Keys: Up The Keys Nature Tour: $128
- Fort East Martello Ghost Tour & VIP Robert the Doll Experience: $99
- From Dolphin Watching Tour with Lunch & Drinks: $150
- From Sandbar Cruise with Lunch and Open Bar (18+): $151
- Full-Day Tour of Florida Keys Including Aquarium Encounters from Key West: $169
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKey West $16Fairfield -
Sample the Local Flavors in Key West
Also in Key West, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Key West Bar Crawl: $15
- Key West Haunted Pub Crawl and Ghost Tour with Free T-Shirt: $32
- Bone Island Haunted Pub Crawl: $32
- Key West Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $35
- Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $35
- 2.5-Hour Duval Street Pub Crawl: $43
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Key West and Fairfield, we can see that Key West is more expensive. And not only is Fairfield much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Fairfield would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Fairfield 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 Fairfield.
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 Fairfield Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Key West or Fairfield?
Fairfield has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Key West. When comparing the sizes of Key West and Fairfield, 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 Fairfield?
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 Fairfield in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Key West as well as Fairfield. Many visitors come to Key West in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Key West is generally a little warmer than Fairfield. Daily temperatures in Key West average around 84°F (29°C), and Fairfield fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fairfield. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key West this time of the year. In the summer, Key West often gets less sunshine than Fairfield. Key West gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Fairfield receives 439 hours of full sun.
Key West usually gets more rain in July than Fairfield. Key West gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Fairfield receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKey West 84°F (29°C)Fairfield 73°F (23°C)
Should I visit Key West or Fairfield in the Autumn?
Both Fairfield and Key West are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Key West for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Key West is much warmer than Fairfield in the autumn. The daily temperature in Key West averages around 80°F (27°C) in October, and Fairfield fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).
It's quite sunny in Fairfield. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key West. Key West usually receives less sunshine than Fairfield during autumn. Key West gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Fairfield receives 300 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Key West. In October, Key West usually receives more rain than Fairfield. Key West gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Fairfield receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Key West is June to November.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKey West 80°F (27°C)Fairfield 62°F (17°C)
Should I visit Key West or Fairfield in the Winter?
Both Fairfield and Key West during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Key West because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.
In the winter, Key West is much warmer than Fairfield. Typically, the winter temperatures in Key West in January average around 70°F (21°C), and Fairfield averages at about 46°F (8°C).
It's quite sunny in Key West. In the winter, Key West often gets more sunshine than Fairfield. Key West gets 252 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Fairfield receives 149 hours of full sun.
Key West usually gets less rain in January than Fairfield. Key West gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Fairfield receives 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKey West 70°F (21°C)Fairfield 46°F (8°C)
Should I visit Key West or Fairfield in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Key West and Fairfield. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Key West this time of year.
In April, Key West is generally much warmer than Fairfield. Daily temperatures in Key West average around 77°F (25°C), and Fairfield fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fairfield this time of the year. In Key West, it's very sunny this time of the year. Key West usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Fairfield during spring. Key West gets 326 hours of sunny skies, while Fairfield receives 328 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Key West usually receives less rain than Fairfield. Key West gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Fairfield receives 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Key West.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKey West 77°F (25°C)Fairfield 56°F (13°C)
Typical Weather for Fairfield and Key West
| Key West | Fairfield | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 70°F (21°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) | 46°F (8°C) | 3.8 inches (97 mm) |
| Feb | 71°F (21°C) | 1.4 inches (36 mm) | 51°F (11°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Mar | 74°F (23°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Apr | 77°F (25°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) | 56°F (13°C) | 1.3 inches (32 mm) |
| May | 81°F (27°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.3 inches (7 mm) |
| Jun | 83°F (28°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) | 69°F (21°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Jul | 84°F (29°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 84°F (29°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Sep | 83°F (29°C) | 5.7 inches (144 mm) | 70°F (21°C) | 0.5 inches (12 mm) |
| Oct | 80°F (27°C) | 5.1 inches (129 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
| Nov | 76°F (24°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Dec | 72°F (22°C) | 1.4 inches (35 mm) | 46°F (8°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.