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

Should you visit Key West or Santa Fe?

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

Should I visit Key West or Santa Fe? 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 lively, quaint, and laid-back 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.

Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a artsy, cultural, and historic historic town. Santa Fe is a beautiful place to visit, too. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and skiing. See Santa Fe travel costs.

Key West and Santa Fe: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key West or Santa Fe?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Santa Fe. Although Key West and Santa Fe are both popular with visitors, Santa Fe has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Santa Fe is more popular for its skiing, museums and attractions, music, hiking, and shopping, while Key West is known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Key West is more touristy than Santa Fe 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. Santa Fe is popular for its strong arts scene, its Pueblo-style architecture, and its unique local cuisine. It is also home to The Museum of New Mexico Complex.

How is Key West different from Santa Fe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Santa Fe and Key West. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Key West or Santa Fe Better for Skiing?

Santa Fe is a popular place for snow skiing. However, Key West is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Santa Fe is a great destination to visit. There are a few good ski resorts not far from Santa Fe. Popular options include Taos Ski Valley, Ski Santa Fe, Pajarito Mountain Ski Area, and Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort.

Key West is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Key West or Santa Fe?

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

Santa Fe offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Head to the Museum of New Mexico Complex, which has four museums that give a great overview of the history of the area. Also make sure you visit the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi and the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum.

Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at great restaurants in both Key West and Santa Fe.

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.

Santa Fe has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are many local restaurants that use regional ingredients and offer great flavors. There are also cafes and bistros where you can enjoy breakfast or brunch. Local dishes include sopaipillas made with Native American fry bread, slow-cooked beans, and anything made with red and green chili peppers.

Is Key West or Santa Fe Better for Nightlife?

Key West is a great town for its evening party scene. However, Santa Fe is not known for nightlife.

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.

Most people don't head to Santa Fe specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. While most of the town quiets down at night, the city has a few areas that stay active late into the night. Live music is popular and diverse. It often includes different genres such as the blues, country, salsa or bluegrass.

Is Key West or Santa Fe Better for Music?

Santa Fe is a popular place for its live music scene. However, Key West is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Santa Fe is active and vibrant. The town has an eclectic music scene that includes a mix of the blues, country, Latin American music, and bluegrass.

Key West is not a live music destination.

Is Key West or Santa Fe Better for Resorts?

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

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Key West. 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.

Santa Fe is not a resort destination.

Is Key West or Santa Fe Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Key West is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Santa Fe is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving 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.

Santa Fe is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key West or Santa Fe Better for Beaches?

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

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

Santa Fe is not a beach destination.

Is Key West or Santa Fe Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the great old towns in both Key West and Santa Fe.

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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Santa Fe. As the 2nd oldest city in the United States, the old town historic district is filled with charm. The Pueblo-style buildings are brightly colored and there are churches throughout.

Is Key West or Santa Fe Better for Hiking?

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

Santa Fe is a good destination for hiking. Because it's located right by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, there are many beautiful hikes right outside of town. Popular trails include the Picacho Peak Trail and the Nambe Lake Trail. Bandelier National also has many places to hike.

Key West is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Key West or Santa Fe?

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

Santa Fe is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are many unique shops and art galleries that feature local artists and craftsmen.

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 Santa Fe More Beautiful?

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

Santa Fe is a gorgeous place to visit. This cultural city has a unique beauty that is hard to find anywhere else.

Is Key West or Santa Fe Better for Families?

Key West is a great town for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town 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.

Santa Fe is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a few kids' museums in Santa Fe including the Santa Fe Children's Museum and the Meow Wolf Art Complex. Kids also enjoy the botanical gardens at Museum Hill and Bandelier National Monument just outside of the city.

Is Key West or Santa Fe Better for Couples?

Key West is a great town for couples. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town 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.

Santa Fe is a nice destination for couples. There are many romantic inns around town, each with a lot of character. The town also has a lot of atmosphere that makes for a romantic getaway.

Is Key West or Santa Fe Better for Students?

Key West is a great town for its student-friendly activities. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town for students.

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

Santa Fe is a good town to visit for students. There are a few colleges and universities in town and students will appreciate the reasonable cost of living and outdoor activities nearby.

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

Santa Fe is a moderate historic 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 Santa Fe. There is a bus system - the Santa Fe Trails Bus Service.

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

Is Key West or Santa Fe a more walkable city?

Santa Fe 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.

Santa Fe is a very walkable historic town. The historic district is walkable and it's easy to visit most of the tourist sights in this area 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 Santa Fe Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Fe or Key West?

How long in Key West or Santa Fe?

In either Key West or Santa Fe, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Key West than Santa Fe because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Key West, and 2-5 days is enough time in Santa Fe.

Families should spend more time in Key West than Santa Fe. 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 Santa Fe. 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 Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe.

One day in Key West or Santa Fe?

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 historic town of Santa Fe offers museums and skiing. 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.

A weekend in Key West or Santa Fe?

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.

Santa Fe is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this historic town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Santa Fe, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Key West or Santa Fe?

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.

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

A week in Key West or Santa Fe?

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.

Santa Fe is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This historic 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 Santa Fe, we can see that Key West is more expensive. And not only is Santa Fe much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Santa Fe would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe.

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 Santa Fe Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Key West or Santa Fe?

Santa Fe has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Key West. When comparing the sizes of Key West and Santa Fe, 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.