Comparison · Key West vs Orlando · United States
Key West vs Orlando
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, Ernest Hemingway, beaches and free sights; choose Orlando for Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and lower day-to-day costs. Orlando is generally less expensive, and the two are about 445 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 445 km
- Less expensive
- Orlando
- Best time for Key West
- December–May
- Best time for Orlando
- January–February and October–November
Side by side
| Key West | Orlando | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | United States | United States |
| Known for | Mallory Square sunset, Ernest Hemingway and Duval Street | Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and Theme parks |
| Best time to visit | December–May | January–February and October–November |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 7 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $320–$520 | $250–$450 |
| Cost level | Very expensive | Expensive |
| Warmest month | July, 32°C (90°F) | June, 33°C (91°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 24°C (75°F) | January, 22°C (72°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 5 | 2 |
| Day trips in our guide | 5 | 7 |
| Beaches | Fort Zachary Taylor beach | — |
| Airports | EYW | MCO, SFB |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Key West for…
Mallory Square sunset, Ernest Hemingway, beaches and free sights. 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…
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Choose Orlando for…
Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and lower day-to-day costs. Orlando is built around its theme parks: Walt Disney World's four parks, Universal Orlando's three, including Epic Universe, and SeaWorld lie within about half an hour's drive of each other south-west of the city. Beyond the parks, Downtown, Winter Park and…
Top sights compared
| # | Key West | Orlando |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum | Magic Kingdom |
| 2 | Mallory Square Sunset Celebration | EPCOT |
| 3 | Duval Street | Disney's Hollywood Studios |
| 4 | Southernmost Point buoy | Disney's Animal Kingdom |
| 5 | Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park | Universal Studios Florida |
Food compared
| Key West | Orlando |
|---|---|
| Key lime pie | Dole Whip |
| Conch fritters | Butterbeer |
| Key West pink shrimp | Smoked turkey leg |
| Cuban sandwich | Mickey ice cream bar |
Which is cheaper?
Orlando is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $250–$450 per person there, against $320–$520 in Key West (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Orlando on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Key West and Orlando are about 445 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 4 days in Key West and 7 in Orlando.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Key West or Orlando cheaper?
Orlando is usually less expensive: about $250–$450 a day mid-range against $320–$520 (estimates).
+Is Key West or Orlando better for a first trip?
Pick Key West for Mallory Square sunset, Ernest Hemingway, beaches and free sights, or Orlando for Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and lower day-to-day costs.
+How far is Key West from Orlando?
About 445 km in a straight line.