Is Key West expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Key West is expensive, even by US standards: it is a small island resort with limited hotel space, so rooms cost more than in most of mainland Florida. Expect about US$185 a day per person on a budget, about US$375 mid-range and US$710 or more for comfort. Hotels take the biggest share, followed by boat trips, seafood dinners and drinks with 18–20% tips.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | US$80 | US$170 | US$320 |
| Food & drink | US$50 | US$90 | US$160 |
| Sights & tickets | US$40 | US$90 | US$180 |
| Local transport | US$15 | US$25 | US$50 |
| Per person, per day | US$185 | US$375 | US$710 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Key West day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Cuban coffee (cafecito or café con leche) | about US$2–5 |
| Cuban sandwich | US$12–16 |
| Slice of Key lime pie | US$8–12 |
| Basket of conch fritters | US$12–18 |
| Bike rental | about US$15–25 a day |
| Taxi from Key West airport to Old Town | roughly US$20–30 |
| Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum | around US$20–25 |
| Reef snorkel trip (2–3 hours) | about US$50–80 |
| Dry Tortugas ferry day trip | around US$200–250 per adult |
| Old Town guesthouse double room | US$250–450 a night |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Accommodation dominates the budget: even motels and hostels on North Roosevelt Boulevard cost about US$120–250 a night, Old Town guesthouses US$250–450 and waterfront resorts US$450–900, plus about 12.5% in combined sales and tourist taxes. Water activities come next — a reef snorkel trip is US$50–80, a sunset sail US$50–100 and the Dry Tortugas ferry day about US$200–250. Food and drink are pricey too: lunch costs US$15–25, dinner US$40–80 per person with a drink, before an 18–20% tip. Parking in Old Town (often US$5–7 an hour) is another hidden cost.
When it is cheaper
From roughly late May to early December, outside holidays and events such as Fantasy Fest, hotel rates are often noticeably lower than in the December–April peak. The trade-off is heat, more rain and the hurricane season, which runs from June to November.
How to spend less
- Use the free Duval Loop bus and a rented bike instead of a car; Old Town parking is scarce and expensive.
- Watch the free Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square instead of paying for a sunset sail every night.
- Eat breakfast and lunch at Cuban cafés and sandwich counters, and save seafood for one dinner.
- Check bills for an automatic gratuity before adding a tip.
- Book the Dry Tortugas ferry early; it sells out and there is no cheap alternative.
- Travel in May or November for lower rates outside the peak season and the worst of the hurricane months.
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Common questions
Is Key West expensive?
Yes. Hotels cost more than in most of Florida. Plan on about US$185 a day on a budget, US$375 mid-range and US$710 for comfort.
How much is the Dry Tortugas ferry?
Around US$200–250 per adult, including breakfast, lunch, snorkel gear and the park fee. Book weeks or months ahead.
Do I need to tip in Key West?
Yes, 18–20% is expected in restaurants and bars. Check the bill first for an automatic gratuity.