Comparison · Key West vs Miami · United States
Key West vs Miami
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Radomianin, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Choose Key West for Mallory Square sunset and Ernest Hemingway; choose Miami for South Beach, Art Deco architecture and lower day-to-day costs. Miami is generally less expensive, and the two are about 209 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 209 km
- Less expensive
- Miami
- Best time for Key West
- December–May
- Best time for Miami
- December–April
Side by side
| Key West | Miami | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | United States | United States |
| Known for | Mallory Square sunset, Ernest Hemingway and Duval Street | South Beach, Art Deco architecture and Cuban food |
| Best time to visit | December–May | December–April |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 5 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $320–$520 | $230–$400 |
| Cost level | Very expensive | Expensive |
| Warmest month | July, 32°C (90°F) | July, 32°C (90°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 24°C (75°F) | January, 24°C (75°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 5 | 7 |
| Day trips in our guide | 5 | 6 |
| Beaches | Fort Zachary Taylor beach | South Beach |
| Airports | EYW | MIA, FLL |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Key West for…
Mallory Square sunset and Ernest Hemingway. 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…
Choose Miami for…
South Beach, Art Deco architecture and lower day-to-day costs. Miami pairs a long barrier-island beach, Miami Beach, with a mainland city of Cuban cafés, glass towers and street art. South Beach's Art Deco District and Ocean Drive face the Atlantic; across Biscayne Bay, Little Havana, Wynwood, Brickell and Coconut Grove…
Top sights compared
| # | Key West | Miami |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum | South Beach |
| 2 | Mallory Square Sunset Celebration | Art Deco Historic District |
| 3 | Duval Street | Wynwood Walls |
| 4 | Southernmost Point buoy | Vizcaya Museum and Gardens |
| 5 | Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park | Little Havana and Calle Ocho |
Food compared
| Key West | Miami |
|---|---|
| Key lime pie | Cuban sandwich |
| Conch fritters | Cafecito and colada |
| Key West pink shrimp | Croquetas |
| Cuban sandwich | Pastelitos |
Which is cheaper?
Miami is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $230–$400 per person there, against $320–$520 in Key West (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Miami on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Key West and Miami are about 209 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 4 days in Key West and 5 in Miami.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Key West or Miami cheaper?
Miami is usually less expensive: about $230–$400 a day mid-range against $320–$520 (estimates).
+Is Key West or Miami better for a first trip?
Pick Key West for Mallory Square sunset and Ernest Hemingway, or Miami for South Beach, Art Deco architecture and lower day-to-day costs.
+How far is Key West from Miami?
About 209 km in a straight line.