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

Should you visit Key West or Pittsburgh?

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

Should I visit Key West or Pittsburgh? 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. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, Key West attracts visitors from all around. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and food. See Key West travel costs.

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is a authentic, under-rated, and industrial city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Pittsburgh travel costs.

Key West and Pittsburgh: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key West or Pittsburgh?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Key West. Although Key West and Pittsburgh are both popular with visitors, Key West has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Key West is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Pittsburgh is known for its museums and attractions, shopping, and big city activities. Key West is more touristy than Pittsburgh 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. Pittsburgh is popular for its many bridges, its steel industry, and being the home of "Mr. Roger's Neighborhood".

How is Key West different from Pittsburgh?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Pittsburgh offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The museums range from science and nature focused, like the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden, to quirky and artsy, like the Mattress Factory. The Warhol Museum is dedicated to the works of Andy Warhol and it's not to be missed. Also worth a visit is the Heinz History Center, Randyland, and the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History.

Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Key West is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Pittsburgh is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Pittsburgh offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city is known for its working class roots, and the food is hearty and filling, which is great for those on a budget. Popular local dishes include pierogis, deli sandwiches, Pittsburgh salads (complete with French fries), and hotcakes.

Is Key West or Pittsburgh Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are very good in both Key West and Pittsburgh.

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.

Pittsburgh has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. There's an active music and dance scene in town. For the best bars and clubs, head to the Strip and South Side and for live entertainment and casinos check out the North Shore.

Is Key West or Pittsburgh Better for Resorts?

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

Key West is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. 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.

Pittsburgh is not a resort destination.

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

Key West is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Pittsburgh is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Key West has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. 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.

Pittsburgh is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key West or Pittsburgh Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Key West. 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.

Pittsburgh is not a beach destination.

Is Key West or Pittsburgh Better for its Old Town?

Key West is great for its historic old town charm. However, Pittsburgh does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Key West to see the historical old town. 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.

Pittsburgh does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Key West or Pittsburgh?

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

Pittsburgh offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find local fashion boutiques and shopping centers in the city's downtown. Other great shopping neighborhoods include Shadyside, Station Square, and Fifth Avenue Place.

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 Pittsburgh More Beautiful?

Key West is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Pittsburgh 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.

Pittsburgh is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Key West or Pittsburgh Better for Families?

Key West is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Pittsburgh is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Pittsburgh is a family-friendly place to visit. There's a surprising number of kid-friendly activities packed into this city. Check out the National Aviary or visit the popular Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium. There are also kid-focused museums and science centers as well as parks and playgrounds. Also make sure you take the cable car up Duquesne Incline or enjoy a boat ride on one of the rivers as well.

Is Key West or Pittsburgh Better for Couples?

Key West is great for couples. However, Pittsburgh is not a good destination for romance.

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.

Pittsburgh is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are a few good date night activities like taking river cruises, enjoying dinner and show, or going to a Pirate's game.

Is Key West or Pittsburgh Better for Students?

Key West is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Pittsburgh is not popular with students.

Key West is a great town to visit as a student. It's a great spring break destination with a quirky personality and many great activities.

Pittsburgh is not popular with students.

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

Pittsburgh is a popular place for its public transit. However, Key West is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

Pittsburgh has a few public transit options. There are bus and lightrail options through the city's downtown. There's also the unique incline, which is an experience worth doing.

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

Is Key West or Pittsburgh a more walkable city?

Key West and Pittsburgh both are good 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.

Pittsburgh is a somewhat walkable town. Some of the attractions are spread out, but if you're willing to do a bit of walking, it's possible to get around on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Pittsburgh or Key West?

How long in Key West or Pittsburgh?

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

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

With scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the active town of Key West, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The city of Pittsburgh offers food and shopping. 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 Pittsburgh?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Key West, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

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

Five days in Key West or Pittsburgh?

Key West, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh?

Key West is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this town makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

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 Pittsburgh Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Key West or Pittsburgh?

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