Comparison · Cancún vs Key West · Mexico / United States
Cancún vs Key West
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
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Quick answer
Choose Cancún for Caribbean beaches, All-inclusive resorts and lower day-to-day costs; choose Key West for Mallory Square sunset, Ernest Hemingway and a short break. Cancún is generally less expensive, and the two are about 642 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 642 km
- Less expensive
- Cancún
- Best time for Cancún
- December–April
- Best time for Key West
- December–May
Side by side
| Cancún | Key West | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Mexico | United States |
| Known for | Caribbean beaches, All-inclusive resorts and Isla Mujeres | Mallory Square sunset, Ernest Hemingway and Duval Street |
| Best time to visit | December–April | December–May |
| Ideal stay | 7 days | 4 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $180–$320 | $320–$520 |
| Cost level | Moderately priced | Very expensive |
| Warmest month | July, 33°C (91°F) | July, 32°C (90°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 28°C (82°F) | January, 24°C (75°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 6 | 5 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 5 |
| Beaches | Playa Delfines | Fort Zachary Taylor beach |
| Airports | CUN | EYW |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Cancún for…
Caribbean beaches, All-inclusive resorts and lower day-to-day costs. Cancún is two places: the Hotel Zone, a 22-km sandbar shaped like a figure 7 between the turquoise Caribbean and the Nichupté Lagoon, lined with resorts, public beaches and nightclubs; and downtown, a working Mexican city of markets, taquerías and the main…
Choose Key West for…
Mallory Square sunset, Ernest Hemingway and a short break. Key West is a small coral island at the end of the Overseas Highway, about 250 km from Miami and closer to Havana than to most of Florida. Old Town — Duval Street, Bahama Village and the harbour — is about 3 km across, so visitors get around by bike, on foot…
Top sights compared
| # | Cancún | Key West |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Playa Delfines (El Mirador) | Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum |
| 2 | Playa Langosta and Playa Tortugas | Mallory Square Sunset Celebration |
| 3 | Museo Maya de Cancún and San Miguelito | Duval Street |
| 4 | El Rey archaeological site | Southernmost Point buoy |
| 5 | MUSA Underwater Museum of Art | Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park |
Food compared
| Cancún | Key West |
|---|---|
| Cochinita pibil | Key lime pie |
| Sopa de lima | Conch fritters |
| Poc chuc | Key West pink shrimp |
| Panuchos and salbutes | Cuban sandwich |
Which is cheaper?
Cancún is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $180–$320 per person there, against $320–$520 in Key West (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Cancún on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Cancún and Key West are about 642 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 7 days in Cancún and 4 in Key West.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Cancún or Key West cheaper?
Cancún is usually less expensive: about $180–$320 a day mid-range against $320–$520 (estimates).
+Is Cancún or Key West better for a first trip?
Pick Cancún for Caribbean beaches, All-inclusive resorts and lower day-to-day costs, or Key West for Mallory Square sunset, Ernest Hemingway and a short break.
+How far is Cancún from Key West?
About 642 km in a straight line.