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

Should you visit Key West or Monterey?

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

Should I visit Key West or Monterey? 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 eclectic, bustling, and active 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.

Monterey

Monterey is a relaxing, nature-oriented, and laid back city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Monterey travel costs.

Key West and Monterey: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key West or Monterey?

Both Monterey and Key West have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Key West is more popular for its resorts, beaches, historical sights, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Monterey is known for its museums and attractions and shopping. Key West is more touristy than Monterey 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. Monterey is popular for its rugged coastline, diverse marine life, and excellent seafood.

How is Key West different from Monterey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Monterey is notable for its sights and museums. However, Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

Monterey offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a not-to-be-missed destination in town. You can also visit the Monterey State Historic Park or the Monterey Museum of Art.

Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at superb restaurants in both Key West and Monterey.

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.

Monterey has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Seafood and local produce are what make the food special. There are many great restaurants to you can choose from that will let you enjoy the classic seafood dishes like clam chowder or oysters, as well as fresh artichokes and local wine.

Is Key West or Monterey Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are superb in both Key West and Monterey.

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.

Monterey has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. There's a buzzing atmosphere at night with bars, breweries, and casual eateries all coming to life. Some of the best venues are found at the Old Fisherman's Wharf and along Alvarado Street.

Is Key West or Monterey Better for Resorts?

Key West is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Monterey 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.

Monterey is not a resort destination.

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

There's good scuba diving or snorkeling available in both Key West and Monterey.

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.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Monterey. Scuba diving offers an unforgettable experience. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary gives you the unique experience of seeing sea lions, otters, kelp forests, crabs, and more.

Is Key West or Monterey Better for Beaches?

Key West is a very popular place for the beach. Also, Monterey is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

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.

Monterey is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches highlight the laid by California vibe with sunbathers and beachgoers soaking up the atmosphere. There are both inlets and sandy beaches where you can see sea lions or explore the tidal pools.

Is Key West or Monterey Better for its Old Town?

Key West is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Monterey does not have a historic old town.

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.

Monterey does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Key West or Monterey?

Monterey is notable for its shopping opportunities. However, Key West is a mediocre town for its shopping areas.

Monterey is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. You'll find both local vendors and tourist shops around town. Cannery Row is a popular destination, as is Old Fisherman's Wharf and the Old Farmer's Market.

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 Monterey More Beautiful?

Key West is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Monterey 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.

Monterey is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Key West or Monterey Better for Families?

Monterey is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Key West is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Monterey is a very family-friendly destination. Monterey Bay Aquarium is a highlight for kids and adults alike. There's also the Monterey Zoo as well as lighthearted activities like a mirror maze. MY Museum is an interactive museum that's perfect for younger kids. There are also whale watching trips and nearby beaches.

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.

Is Key West or Monterey Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Key West and Monterey make for a superb place to visit.

Key West is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Monterey makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many romantic inns in town as well as quaint restaurants and fun activities. There are also spas, wine bars, and plenty of shopping for couples to enjoy as well.

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

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Monterey. There's a hostel in town as well as fun activities that will appeal to backpackers.

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 Monterey Better for Students?

Key West is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Monterey is not popular with students.

Many students visit Key West. It's a great spring break destination with a quirky personality and many great activities.

Monterey is not popular with students.

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

Monterey 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 Monterey. There is a bus system through the area.

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

Is Key West or Monterey a more walkable city?

Monterey is notable for its high level of walkability. Also, Key West is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its ease of walking around.

Monterey is a very walkable city. If you stay near the town center, it's very walkable and easy to get around on foot.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Monterey or Key West?

How long in Key West or Monterey?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Key West and Monterey. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Key West than in Monterey. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Key West, and 1-3 days is enough time in Monterey.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Monterey 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 Monterey.

One day in Key West or Monterey?

The beautiful town of Key West offers nightlife and food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

The city of Monterey offers museums and nightlife. 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 Monterey?

Key West is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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

Five days in Key West or Monterey?

Key West is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Key West, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Monterey 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 Monterey?

Key West is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Key West has to offer. This town offers something for everyone.

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

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 Monterey Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Key West or Monterey?

Monterey has a larger population, and is about 23% larger than the population of Key West. When comparing the sizes of Key West and Monterey, 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 Monterey?

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 Monterey in the Summer?

Both Monterey and Key West during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Key West for the beaches, snorkeling, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Monterey because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Key West is much warmer than Monterey. Typically, the summer temperatures in Key West in July average around 84°F (29°C), and Monterey averages at about 63°F (17°C).

Key West usually gets more rain in July than Monterey. Key West gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key West or Monterey in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Key West and Monterey. The autumn months attract visitors to Key West because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene are the main draw to Monterey this time of year.

In October, Key West is generally much warmer than Monterey. Daily temperatures in Key West average around 80°F (27°C), and Monterey fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Key West gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Key West usually receives more rain than Monterey. Key West gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Key West.

Should I visit Key West or Monterey in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Key West as well as Monterey. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Key West this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Monterey for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Key West is much warmer than Monterey in the winter. The daily temperature in Key West averages around 70°F (21°C) in January, and Monterey fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Key West usually gets less rain in January than Monterey. Key West gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key West or Monterey in the Spring?

Both Monterey and Key West are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Key West for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Monterey in the spring for the beaches.

In the spring, Key West is much warmer than Monterey. Typically, the spring temperatures in Key West in April average around 77°F (25°C), and Monterey averages at about 56°F (13°C).

In April, Key West usually receives less rain than Monterey. Key West gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Key West is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Monterey and Key West