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

Should you visit Key West or Norfolk?

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

Should I visit Key West or Norfolk? 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. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Key West is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. It's also known for scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and nightlife. See Key West travel costs.

Norfolk

Norfolk is a maritime, authentic, and blue collar city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Norfolk travel costs.

Key West and Norfolk: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key West or Norfolk?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Key West. Although Key West and Norfolk are popular destinations, Key West has more sights and attractions for tourists. Key West is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Norfolk attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and shopping. Key West is more touristy than Norfolk and is known 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 well known for Duval Street. Norfolk is famous for its naval base and military presence.

How is Key West different from Norfolk?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Norfolk offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting museums in town like the Chrysler Museum, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, and the Norfolk Police and Fire Museum. You should also check out the Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin.

Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Key West is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Key West makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Norfolk has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find a decent collection of restaurants in the downtown area. Food options include local seafood, brunch, casual eateries, and fine dining.

Is Key West or Norfolk Better for Nightlife?

Key West is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Key West know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Norfolk has a few options to choose from. Downtown is where you'll find the most busy nightlife venues. The city has great breweries, and the live music scene has taken off. There are also lounges, dance clubs, and wine bars to choose from.

Is Key West or Norfolk Better for Resorts?

Key West is a great destination for its resorts. However, Norfolk 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.

Norfolk is not a resort destination.

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

Key West is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Norfolk 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.

Norfolk is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key West or Norfolk Better for Beaches?

Key West is a great destination for its beaches. However, Norfolk 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.

Norfolk is not a beach destination.

Is Key West or Norfolk Better for its Old Town?

Key West is a great destination for its historic old town. However, Norfolk 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.

Norfolk does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Key West or Norfolk?

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

Norfolk offers some nice shopping areas. There's a mix of shopping malls, local boutiques, farmer's markets, and shopping centers around town.

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 Norfolk More Beautiful?

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

Key West is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. There are blue waters as far as the eye can see. It doesn't get much more beautiful than this.

Norfolk is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Key West or Norfolk Better for Families?

Key West is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Key West is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Norfolk offers lots of family activities. The Norfolk Zoo is always a hit with kids. You should also visit the USS Wisconsin which offers tours, as well as the Douglas MacArthur Memorial Museum.

Is Key West or Norfolk Better for Couples?

Key West is a great destination for romance. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Key West frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Most people don't think of Norfolk as a couple's destination. There are some nice hotels and several great parks and outdoor activities.

Is Key West or Norfolk Better for Students?

Key West is a great destination for students. However, Norfolk 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.

Norfolk is not popular with students.

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

Norfolk 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 Norfolk. While there are buses, ferries, and even lightrail in the area, you really want to have a car to get around.

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

Is Key West or Norfolk a more walkable city?

Key West and Norfolk both are nice 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.

Norfolk is a somewhat walkable town. Downtown is the most walkable part of the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Norfolk or Key West?

How long in Key West or Norfolk?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Key West or Norfolk to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Key West than Norfolk 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 Norfolk.

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

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.

The city of Norfolk offers food 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 Norfolk?

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.

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

Five days in Key West or Norfolk?

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.

Norfolk 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 Norfolk?

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.

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

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 Norfolk Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Key West or Norfolk?

Norfolk has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Key West. When comparing the sizes of Key West and Norfolk, 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 Norfolk?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Key West or Norfolk in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Key West and Norfolk. The summer months attract visitors to Key West because of the beaches, snorkeling, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Norfolk this time of year.

In July, Key West is generally a little warmer than Norfolk. Daily temperatures in Key West average around 84°F (29°C), and Norfolk fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Norfolk this time of the year. In Key West, it's very sunny this time of the year. Key West usually receives more sunshine than Norfolk during summer. Key West gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Norfolk receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

Norfolk receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Key West usually receives less rain than Norfolk. Key West gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Key West or Norfolk in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Key West as well as Norfolk. The shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Key West this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Norfolk for the shopping scene.

Key West is much warmer than Norfolk in the autumn. The daily temperature in Key West averages around 80°F (27°C) in October, and Norfolk fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Norfolk. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key West this time of the year. In the autumn, Key West often gets more sunshine than Norfolk. Key West gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Norfolk receives 211 hours of full sun.

Key West receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Key West usually gets more rain in October than Norfolk. Key West gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Key West.

Should I visit Key West or Norfolk in the Winter?

Both Norfolk and Key West are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Key West for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Norfolk in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Norfolk can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Key West is much warmer than Norfolk. Typically, the winter temperatures in Key West in January average around 70°F (21°C), and Norfolk averages at about 39°F (4°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key West. Key West usually receives more sunshine than Norfolk during winter. Key West gets 252 hours of sunny skies, while Norfolk receives 168 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Key West usually receives less rain than Norfolk. Key West gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Key West or Norfolk in the Spring?

Both Norfolk and Key West during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Key West in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Key West is generally much warmer than Norfolk. Daily temperatures in Key West average around 77°F (25°C), and Norfolk fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

In Norfolk, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Key West. In the spring, Key West often gets more sunshine than Norfolk. Key West gets 326 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Norfolk receives 253 hours of full sun.

Key West usually gets less rain in April than Norfolk. Key West gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Key West is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Norfolk and Key West