A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Veracruz vs. Key West for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Veracruz or Key West?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Veracruz and Key West can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Veracruz or Key West?

Veracruz

Veracruz is the name of both a state and city in the country of Mexico. Locals often call the city "Puerto" (port) in order to differentiate the city from the state. The general area runs along the Gulf of Mexico and encompasses ruins, old colonial cities, lush green mountains, and delicious seafood.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Key West or Veracruz?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Veracruz Prices
    Mexico Prices
    Key West Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Veracruz $143
    Key West $832

The average daily cost (per person) in Veracruz is $143, while the average daily cost in Key West is $832. 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 Veracruz and Key West in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Veracruz $49
    Key West $132
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Veracruz $98
    Key West $264
Compare Hotels in Veracruz and Key West

Looking for a hotel in Veracruz or Key West? 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.

Hotels in Veracruz


Hotels in Key West


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: Veracruz Hotel Prices and Key West Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Veracruz $26
    Key West $51

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Veracruz

Also for Veracruz, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Veracruz Airport (VER): $18
  • Private Transfer to Veracruz Airport (VER): $18
  • Shared Arrival Transfer: General Heriberto Jara International Airport to Veracruz Hotels: $23
  • Roundtrip Private Transfer from Veracruz Airport (VER): $37
  • Transfer from Veracruz Airport to Hotel in Veracruz Port: $42

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Key West

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Key West:


  • Rental Car for One Day
    $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Key West

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Key West:

  • Key West to Key West Airport (EYW) - Departure Private Transfer: $164
  • Key West Int Airport (EYW) to Key West - Arrival 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
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Key West Airport EYW: $144
  • Private Transfer from Key West hotels to Key West Cruise Port: $114
  • Private Transfer from Key West Port to Key West Airport (EYW): $112
  • Private Transfer from Key West Airport (EYW) to Key West Port: $112
  • One Way Airport Transfer Service: $54

Is it cheaper to fly into Veracruz or Key West?

Prices for flights to both Key West and Veracruz 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Veracruz $78
    Key West $667

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
  • Exploring and Walking Food Tour of Cayo Hueso: $80
  • Key West Cooking Show Chef Demonstration with Meal: $81
  • 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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Veracruz $13
    Key West $33

Tours and Activities in Veracruz

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Veracruz.

  • Panoramic Sightseeing Bus City Tour of Veracruz: $8.00
  • 3-hour tour to the San Juan de Ulúa Fortress: $23
  • Mandinga And Boat Trip Tour: $24
  • Aquatico Inbursa Waterpark: Veracruz - Ticket: $25
  • San Juan De Ulua Tour: $26
  • Veracruz City Tour with San Juan de Ulúa and Mandinga Boat: $46
  • Live a Kayak Experience: $85
  • Full Day Tour to La Antigua, Cempoala and Quiahuiztlán: $87
  • Full Day Tour to Alvarado and Tlacotalpan from Veracruz or Boca del Río: $92
  • Full Day Tour to Catemaco and Los Tuxtlas with Transportation: $92
  • Tour with Certified Guide to Xalapa, Xico and Coatepec: $95
  • Full Day Coffee Guided Tour in Coatepec: $98

Tours and Activities in Key West

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Key West are as follows:

  • 1 Hour Key West Jet Ski Freestyle Adventure: $155
  • 2 Hour Key West Mini Catamaran Eco Tour: $285
  • 2-Hour Live Music Guided Tour in Key West: $35
  • A Self Guided Key West Cemetery Tour: $30
  • Day Sailing Adventure in the Florida Marine Sanctuary: $99
  • Day in Key West - Private SUV Tour From Miami: $1,300
  • Dinghy Drinking Tour through Key West Waters: $85
  • Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling Adventure in Key West: $89
  • 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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Veracruz $16
    Key West $16

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Veracruz Expensive? and Is Key West Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Veracruz or Key West?

Veracruz has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Key West. When comparing the sizes of Veracruz and Key West, 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 Veracruz or Key West?

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 Veracruz or Key West in the Summer?

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

Veracruz is around the same temperature as Key West in the summer. The daily temperature in Veracruz averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Key West fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).

In Key West, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Veracruz. In the summer, Veracruz often gets less sunshine than Key West. Veracruz gets 208 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Key West receives 328 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Veracruz. Veracruz usually gets more rain in July than Key West. Veracruz gets 410 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Key West receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Veracruz 27°C (81°F) 
    Key West 84°F (29°C)

Should I visit Veracruz or Key West in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Veracruz and Key West. Furthermore, 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.

In the autumn, Veracruz is around the same temperature as Key West. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Veracruz in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Key West averages at about 80°F (27°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key West this time of the year. Veracruz usually receives less sunshine than Key West during autumn. Veracruz gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Key West receives 258 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Key West receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Veracruz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Veracruz usually receives around the same amount of rain as Key West. Veracruz gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Key West receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Key West is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Veracruz 26°C (79°F) 
    Key West 80°F (27°C)

Should I visit Veracruz or Key West in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Veracruz as well as Key West. Additionally, many travelers come to Key West for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, Veracruz is generally around the same temperature as Key West. Daily temperatures in Veracruz average around 21°C (71°F), and Key West fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key West. In the winter, Veracruz often gets less sunshine than Key West. Veracruz gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Key West receives 252 hours of full sun.

Veracruz usually gets less rain in January than Key West. Veracruz gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Key West receives 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Veracruz 21°C (71°F) 
    Key West 70°F (21°C)

Should I visit Veracruz or Key West in the Spring?

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

Veracruz is around the same temperature as Key West in the spring. The daily temperature in Veracruz averages around 26°C (78°F) in April, and Key West fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

It's quite sunny in Key West. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Veracruz. Veracruz usually receives less sunshine than Key West during spring. Veracruz gets 203 hours of sunny skies, while Key West receives 326 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Veracruz usually receives less rain than Key West. Veracruz gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Key West receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Key West is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Veracruz 26°C (78°F) 
    Key West 77°F (25°C)

Typical Weather for Key West and Veracruz

Veracruz Key West
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°C (71°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 70°F (21°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm)
Feb 22°C (71°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 71°F (21°C) 1.4 inches (36 mm)
Mar 24°C (74°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 74°F (23°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Apr 26°C (78°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 77°F (25°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
May 28°C (82°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 81°F (27°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 290 mm (11.4 in) 83°F (28°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 410 mm (16.1 in) 84°F (29°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 351 mm (13.8 in) 84°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 346 mm (13.6 in) 83°F (29°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 80°F (27°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm)
Nov 25°C (76°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 76°F (24°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Dec 23°C (73°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 72°F (22°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm)