Cost To Visit Key West: Complete 2026 Budget Guide
Explore the cost to visit Key West in this complete 2026 budget guide. We cover food, lodging, flights, and seasonal price changes for all travel styles.
💡 Is Key West Expensive to Visit?
Yes — Key West is one of the most expensive destinations in Florida. Compared to mainland cities like Miami or Tampa, costs for accommodations, dining, and activities are noticeably higher, especially during peak months. Relative to the rest of the U.S., it's on the pricier end of beach destinations due to limited land, high demand, and seasonal travel trends.
The good news? With some smart planning, you can enjoy this island paradise on nearly any budget. We’ll break down how seasons impact prices, what to expect for food, attractions, and transportation costs, and which areas are more or less affordable to stay in.
🗓️ Seasonal Cost Overview
When you visit Key West drastically affects how much you’ll spend. From winter snowbirds to summer deal-seekers, timing is everything.
🔥 Peak Season (Late December – April)
- Why it's expensive: Ideal weather, winter escape for northerners.
- What to expect: Full hotels, high airfare, and packed restaurants.
- Rate increase: Hotel prices can double or triple.
🌺 Shoulder Season (May–June, mid-November–mid-December)
- Why it’s ideal: Fewer crowds, warm weather, moderate prices.
- Perks: Cheaper lodging and better availability at restaurants.
- Savings: Hotels are often 25–35% cheaper than winter.
🌴 Off-Season (July–October)
- Why it’s cheapest: Heat, humidity, and hurricane season.
- What to know: Lowest prices of the year, but also highest risk of storms.
- Tip: Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
💸 Most Expensive Times To Visit Key West
- Christmas & New Year’s Eve: Among the priciest weeks of the year.
- Spring Break (March): Hotel and flight prices spike.
- Fantasy Fest (late October): A major local event with high demand.
🤑 Cheapest Months To Visit Key West
- August–September: Lowest flight and hotel rates, but also peak hurricane season.
- Early December & early June: Shoulder season sweet spots with savings and good weather.
- Tip: Travel mid-week for better rates.
🏨 Where You Stay Matters
Location in Key West significantly impacts lodging prices, even with similar hotel amenities. Below, we break down the most expensive, affordable, and cheapest areas.
💎 Most Expensive Areas To Stay
- Old Town (Key West)
- Historic area near Duval Street, Mallory Square, and the seaport.
- Pros: Walkable, near attractions, nightlife, and ocean views.
- Cons: Extremely pricey, especially during high season.
- Nearby Attractions:
- Ernest Hemingway House
- Key West Lighthouse
- Mallory Square Sunset Celebration
- Casa Marina
- Upscale beachfront area near the Waldorf Astoria resort.
- Pros: Luxury resorts and private beach access.
- Cons: Pricey and a bit removed from downtown action.
💼 Affordable Areas To Stay
- New Town
- Modern area farther from the tourist zone.
- Pros: More affordable hotels, chain restaurants, and shopping.
- Cons: Requires a bike, car, or shuttle to reach attractions.
- Stock Island
- Technically not Key West proper, but very close.
- Pros: Affordable lodgings and marinas.
- Cons: Less touristy and farther from the action.
🏷️ Cheapest Areas To Stay
- Lower Keys (Big Pine, Cudjoe, Sugarloaf)
- 20–40 minutes from Key West by car.
- Pros: Cheaper accommodations, peaceful environment.
- Cons: Must drive to Key West daily, limited nightlife.
🏝️ Key West Vacation Costs
Here’s what you can expect to spend based on your travel style and the season you visit.
🛏️ Average Accommodation Cost
| Travel Style | Off-Season | Shoulder Season | Peak Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | $110–$150/night | $150–$200 | $220–$300+ |
| Mid-Range | $200–$300/night | $300–$400 | $450–$600+ |
| Luxury | $500+/night | $600+ | $700–$1,200 |
🍤 Food Costs
| Meal | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | $6–$10 | $10–$18 | $25+ |
| Lunch | $10–$18 | $18–$30 | $40+ |
| Dinner | $15–$25 | $30–$60 | $75+ |
🚲 Transportation Costs
- Bike Rental: $12–$18/day (common way to get around)
- Taxi or Uber: $8–$25 per ride (short distance)
- Scooter Rental: ~$40/day
- Car Rental: $70–$120/day (parking is limited in Old Town)
- Ferry from Miami: ~$90 each way
- Flights (from major U.S. cities):
- Off-season: $180–$280 round-trip
- Peak season: $350–$650 round-trip
🎟️ Popular Attractions & Prices
- Ernest Hemingway Home: $18
- Key West Butterfly Conservatory: $15
- Fort Zachary Taylor Park: $6 per vehicle
- Dry Tortugas Ferry: ~$200 round-trip
- Key West Aquarium: $22.99
- Sunset Cruise: $50–$80
- Snorkeling Tour: $40–$100
🧭 Day Trips from Key West
| Destination | Distance | Transport Options | Round Trip Cost | Notable Attractions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Tortugas NP | 70 miles | Ferry or Seaplane | $200–$700 | Fort Jefferson, snorkeling, marine life |
| Marathon | 50 miles | Drive or bus | $20–$60 | Turtle Hospital, Sombrero Beach |
| Bahia Honda Park | 37 miles | Drive | $15–$30 | State Park, beaches, snorkeling |
| Islamorada | 80 miles | Drive | $25–$70 | Fishing, breweries, Theater of the Sea |
💵 Daily Budget
| Travel Style | Off-Season | Shoulder Season | Peak Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | $150–$180/day | $180–$220 | $250–$300 |
| Mid-Range | $280–$350/day | $350–$400 | $450–$500 |
| Luxury | $600–$800/day | $700+ | $900+ |
📅 Weekly Budget (7 Days)
| Style | Lodging | Food | Transit + Attractions | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | $900 | $175 | $200 | $1,275 |
| Mid-Range | $2,100 | $350 | $300 | $2,750 |
| Luxury | $4,200 | $650 | $500+ | $5,350+ |
✈️ Flight Cost to Key West
- Average Round-Trip Flight from U.S.:
- Off-Season: $180–$280
- Shoulder Season: $250–$400
- Peak Season: $350–$650
👉 You can save hundreds on airfare by signing up for cheap flight alerts from Jetsetter Alerts.
Is summer a good time to visit Key West?
Summer in Key West is considered off-season due to hot weather and hurricane risk, but it's also when you'll find the lowest hotel and flight prices. Expect smaller crowds, daily rates around $150–$180 USD for budget travelers, and flight deals under $250 round-trip. However, it’s hot, humid, and occasional storms can disrupt plans.
Is $2,500 enough to visit Key West?
Yes — $2,500 USD is enough for a 7-day mid-range trip to Key West. This budget covers:
- Hotels: $1,200–$1,600 total
- Food: $250–$350
- Activities & transport: $300–$400
What is the cheapest area of Key West to stay in?
The cheapest areas near Key West include:
- Stock Island: Affordable hotels and inns, just a 10-minute drive from Old Town.
- Lower Keys (Big Pine & Cudjoe): Guesthouses from $80–$120 USD/night, great for road-trippers with a car rental.
What is the average daily cost to visit Key West?
The average daily cost depends on your travel style:
- Budget: $150–$180 USD/day
- Mid-range: $280–$350 USD/day
- Luxury: $600–$800+ USD/day