Where To Stay On A Budget In Key West, Florida - Updated 2024

Sowmya
Contributing Writer
Updated
| 6 min read

A dream vacation destination, Key West in Florida offers a heady mix of enthralling beaches, exciting water sports, and buzzing nightlife. Its ample natural beauty and laid back vibe make it an ideal place to rejuvenate. Lounging in its pristine beaches, exploring the range of water sports, and enjoying nightlife are popular activities. An unmissable experience is watching the sunset from Mallory Square and soaking in the festive spirit. Must-see historical landmarks include Ernest Hemingway’s House and Little White House. Key West has much more to offer, and if you are wondering where to stay on a budget in Key West, Florida, then look no further! Read on for a curated list of best vacation rental options!

Budget-friendly activities in Key West:

  • Sunset Celebration is an unmissable nightly event in Key West that is free to attend. Taking place on Mallory Square Dock and Plaza, the event has performers and street vendors selling yummy food and lovely crafts for visitors to buy. The items are crafted by locals, so visitors can support the community by shopping here.
  • For a small entrance fee (17 USD for adults), you can visit the beautiful Key West Lighthouse and see relics from the lighthouse's storied past and admire the lighthouse keepers' belongings.

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on October 24, 2024.

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1. Cosy, bright guest house close to landmarks (from USD 97)

Offering a warm and cheery ambience, this house is a charming option that can sleep up to four guests. The house features two bedrooms and its open-plan layout includes a well-furnished living room and dining space. You can relax in the small front porch and enjoy the Key West weather. Restaurants, bars and stores are all within easy walking distance. Please note that this rental has a booking requirement of minimum 28 nights or longer.

Stayed at this property?
Key West, FL, US
391 meters (0.3 ft) from The Hemingway Home and Museum
8 reviews  
House 4 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 4
Minimum Nights: 28
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 30 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Host:

the staff was helpful and the whole experience was exceptional
Location:
most of all though it was close to everything exciting on key west
if you're flying in and have no rental car it is a wonderful location
Amenities & Room:
we like the privacy of a cottage along with a full kitchen
Read more reviews

2. Studio apartment in Old Town neighbourhood (from USD 171)

Offering a chic coastal vibe this well-planned studio suite can sleep up to two guests. Though located within the main house the suite comes with a private entrance that opens into a front porch which is available for the guests’ exclusive use. The suite itself features a double bed, a small kitchenette fitted up with essentials like microwave along with an updated bathroom with walk-in shower. The suite is a short distance from Duval Street and the Harbor.

Stayed at this property?
Key West, Florida, United States
874 meters (0.6 ft) from The Hemingway Home and Museum
31 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
ENTIRE RENTAL UNIT 1 Bed 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Host:
julie was very communicative as well accommodating
julie was very responsive and was there when i needed any help
very friendly and pleasant people
i definitely recommend it for your vacation thank you for hosting us)
Location:
this location is perfect you can literally walk to anywhere from the beach to downtown
easy walk to duval street and beach
had a great experience at julie's place already making plans to return in the very near future
her place is great
Cleanliness:
apartment very clean and very well located
Amenities & Room:
plenty of space and nice little kitchen area
sophisticated design beautiful location spacious bathroom wonderful view from terrace
Read more reviews

3. Spacious apartment with pool access (from USD 5600)

Located on the second floor or a large condo building, this apartment comes with two bedrooms and can sleep up to six guests. Furnished in modern style, the apartment offers several facilities such as a roomy living and dining area, a fully equipped kitchen and a wrap-around deck that overlooks the surrounding garden and a pool. Guests have shared access to the pool. The house is located in a quiet residential area within Old Town, a 15-minute walk to Duval Street.

Stayed at this property?
Key West, Florida, United States
1.24 km (0.8 mi) from The Hemingway Home and Museum
17 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
ENTIRE CONDO 2 Beds 4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews
Location:
marlene’s place is a great find in the meadows area of key west
well designed nice pool nice people walkable to everything
Read more reviews

4. No-frills studio apartment for two (from USD 129)

Located in Bahama Village, this studio apartment can accommodate up to two guests. The facilities available for use include a compact kitchen with basics, a bathroom and access to a communal pool. The apartment is within easy reach of Duval Street (two blocks away). This is a perfect getaway for couples or solo travellers.

Stayed at this property?

287 meters (0.2 ft) from The Hemingway Home and Museum
221 reviews   Wifi Available
studio 2 Guests 0 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2
Minimum Nights: 3
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 60 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Host:
the owner responded quickly before & during our stay with helpful local information such as bike rental
Location:
great location and everything you need to get by
walking distance to everything in key west relaxing pool quite neighborhood
the rental was located close to all attractions we wanted to visit
we would love to stay here again it was close to everything
the location was perfect the room was just as described
Cleanliness:
it was clean and well put together
clean quiet room the pool was a great place to recover
it was clean and within walking distance of everything
Amenities & Room:
and the bathroom is a joke the sink is the size of a powder room sink
our studio room was the perfect rental for our 8 day stay
the room was perfect for two people
the location was perfect had all the ammenities you could need and the air conditioner worked well
the pool is very nice and was perfect temperature for being cooler out
Read more reviews

5. Tastefully decorated residence for long stays (from USD 119)

Suitable for long stays, this rental option is a large house in a residential neighbourhood just two blocks away from Duval Street. The two-bedroom house can sleep up to four guests, and features a living room, a full kitchen and a front porch perfect for relaxing. With simple and elegant furnishings done up in traditional style, the house has an appealing character. Please note that the rental period needs to be at least a month, though the actual stay can be shorter.

Stayed at this property?
Key West, FL, US
4 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

6. Homey unit near Smather's Beach (from USD 147)

Enjoy the convenience of this condo’s accessibility to the island’s attractions and the natural beauty of nearby Smather’s Beach. Perfect for a family or couples with all the comforts of home. Enjoy some entertainment and recreation, like swimming in the pools or playing tennis within the complex. In addition, you get one free parking spot right outside your corner unit.

You can bring a maximum of two cats or dogs weighing less than 50 pounds (22.65 kilograms) each, but you’ll need proof of current vaccinations. Enjoy a walk with your dog in one of the sections of the property for a fun experience.

Stayed at this property?
Key West, Florida, United States
3.05 km (1.9 mi) from The Hemingway Home and Museum
condo 6 Guests 3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Top guest reviews
Host:
the owner was helpful and communicative
we had a such a great time michelle is a fantastic host very responsive and made everything easy
Location:
excellent location awesome facilities would definitely stay here again
i have already booked a return next year just a wonderful location and friendly people abound
Cleanliness:
spacious clean and delightful
clean and convenient to everything
Amenities & Room:
it had noodles for the pool but beach chairs would have been nice
nice pools and laundry facility on the property
the pool is perfect and there is plenty of outdoor space
Read more reviews

7. Well-located apartment with a balcony (from USD 173)

This homey apartment is conveniently near Duval Street, where you’ll find a wide variety of entertainment options, including live music, bars, restaurants, and shops. Bring along some of your close friends and family members since it can comfortably accommodate up to four guests, and pets are also welcome.

This property offers a queen-size bed in the loft bedroom. In the living area, a full-size sofa sleeper and a 40-inch cable TV provide the perfect combination of comfort and entertainment. Have some coffee and personal reflection on the balcony to get your day started.

Stayed at this property?
Key West, Florida, United States
1.05 km (0.7 mi) from The Hemingway Home and Museum
PRIVATE VACATION HOME 4 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
a clean and comfy setup with a very comfortable bed
Read more reviews

8. Bright and sunny cottage for two (from USD 490)

If you’re looking to lighten up the mood, book your stay for a few nights in this charming cottage in the Keys. Bright colours and tropical plants accentuate the home’s exterior, creating a pleasant sight after an eventful day out. Able to comfortably accommodate couples and solo travellers, the sunny cottage features a well-appointed living area, a small yet functional kitchen, and a tidy bedroom with an en suite bath.

There’s a patio with comfortable lounging chairs by the front entrance, and the shared outdoor grill is available for use. The rental is also complete with air conditioning, Internet access, and a dog-friendly policy. Moreover, it’s just a stroll from Key West’s best restaurants and Duval Street.

Stayed at this property?
Key West, FL, US
248 meters (0.2 ft) from The Hemingway Home and Museum
166 reviews  
cottage 4 Guests 1 Bedroom 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 4
Minimum Nights: 1
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 30 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Location:
easy walking distance to duval street
cute little cottage at a great location
easy walk to most things
great place to walk everywhere
it was a great location
Cleanliness:
super clean and very comfortable
the apartment was very clean when we arrived
very clean and cozy accommodating and close to all the fun
Read more reviews

9. Charming room in quaint one-storey cottage (from USD 195)

If you’re looking to rent a room rather than an entire home, this charming bedroom with a double bed in a quaint cottage in the heart of Old Town Key West is ideal. Not only is the home a mere 10-minute walk from Higgs Beach, but it’s also just a few blocks away from Duval Street and all shopping, dining, and entertainment in Key West. The clean, secluded room is located on the ground floor of a single-storey cottage, which also allows guests access to a full kitchen, a small fridge, Wi-Fi, a beautiful outdoor patio with a lush tropical garden and a swimming pool, as well as beach chairs. What’s more, bicycles for rent to explore Key West can be delivered right to your door!

Stayed at this property?
Key West, Florida, United States
832 meters (0.6 ft) from The Hemingway Home and Museum
555 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Entire guesthouse 1 Bed 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Host:
hosts were great
the hospitality shown by our hosts was beautiful
our host claire was very welcoming and knowledgeable
celine was a wonderful host
our hosts were very friendly & helpful
Location:
great location—next to all major attractions; close to duval st
great location walking distance to a lot of places
nice room in walking distance to everything
a very nice space located within walking distance to duval st
this place was perfect the location was close enough to everything yet far away from noise
Cleanliness:
very clean quiet space
very clean and stylish place
the room was clean and comfortable
everything was clean which is most important to us
the room is clean and well decorated
Amenities & Room:
a ceiling fan and/or air conditioner kept the room comfortable day and night
we loved the patio with the coffee bar mini fridge and pool
the outside area was very nice with small pool a fridge and coffee maker to use
the deck garden and pool area are so beautiful and nicely decorated
it was very comfortable and we especially enjoyed the outdoor coffee station
Read more reviews

10. Mint-green seaside conch-cottage oasis (from USD 7000)

This custom-crafted, oh-so-sweet typical Key Westian conch cottage in the heart of Key West Historic District, hidden in a quiet lane, is just what the doctor ordered. What’s more, the four-bedroom haven is just a few blocks from the center of all entertainment and action in the island—Duval Street. With one king, two double, and two single beds, perfect for eight people, the cottage boasts an open-plan space with a living room, a dining area, and a modern fully stocked kitchen. A second comfy living room features flatscreen cable TV, there’s a well-stocked library for bibliophiles, and the house also has free Wi-Fi. An outdoor patio with alfresco seating opens to a private backyard with lounge chairs and even a fabulous new outdoor shower!

Stayed at this property?
Key West, Florida, United States
512 meters (0.4 ft) from The Hemingway Home and Museum
11 reviews   Wifi Available
Entire cottage 6 Beds 5 Guests 4 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 5

Top guest reviews
Host:
the neighbors were nice and friendly the house is beautiful with a pooldefinitely felt like home away from home
Location:
the location is also great to walk around town and get to duval st
great place to stay lots of nice cafes and places to get food near by
Read more reviews

Nearby budget-friendly accommodations

11. Cozy fully furnished house by the waterway (from USD 3888)

This furnished house is in a peaceful community in Geiger Key. It stands right in front of the deep water canal, giving you calming water views and convenient access to boats. You can use the available kayaks and paddle boards and take them to nearby mangrove tunnels and rivers.

Your host requires a minimum rental of 30 days, so take time to explore attractions. Boca Chica Beach is about 1.5 mi (2.4 km) away. You can also walk over to Geiger Key Marina, a fish camp with a restaurant that offers private charters for deep-water fishing. You can catch tarpon, permit, and snapper in and around Geiger Keys.

Stayed at this property?
Key West, Florida, United States
14.81 km (9.2 mi) from The Hemingway Home and Museum
12 reviews   Wifi Available
ENTIRE HOME 3 Beds 6 Guests 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 6

Top guest reviews
Host:
host was very responsive to any questions
great host thank you so much
jim is awesome great host great spot great times
Location:
i felt safe walking the dogs every night
location was great for us since we had a vehicle
its proximity to the ocean and key west make it a perfect location
james place is the perfect location
great neighborhood; lots of places to walk and the ocean is so close
Read more reviews

12. Compact studio unit near Duval Street

The studio is located on the first floor of a huge house in a residential area and offers a double bed, a small kitchenette, and a bathroom. Guests have shared access to the pool on grounds, common living space, and seating area adjoining the pool and the front porch. The room is furnished in bright colours with simple elegance and features all essential amenities. The location of the unit is its biggest advantage - several of Key West’s landmarks are within easy reach including Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, Mallory Square and Duval Street.

Stayed at this property?
Key West, Florida, United States
139 meters (455.1 ft) from The Hemingway Home and Museum
72 reviews  
Entire apartment 1 Bed 0 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom
Top guest reviews
Host:
the host provided great information about the facility
our host provided wonderful little amenities within the unit and it was very clean
Location:
the location is great it‘s very close to everyting
location was great and everything was walking distance
location was nice and quiet
everything is very close just take a nice walk
this was such a cute little place
Cleanliness:
everything was very clean
it was a clean room
linens and towels were clean and bed was very comfortable
space was quite small but clean
very comfy clean and cool
Amenities & Room:
we got incredible sleep the bed was really comfortable and ac was nice and cool
the a/c unit kept us nice and cold considering it was very hot outside
it's clean and the air conditioner works fine
however the bed is super comfortable there is a fridge a small stove a tv and a sink
the space is quite small but the bed was very comfortable
Read more reviews

13. Luxe sailboat experience

If you have ever wondered about living aboard a sailboat, then this option is for you! Offering a unique experience, here you will have use of a 32-foot (9.7 m) sailboat docked on the marina, just off a boutique hotel. The boat offers one bedroom but can accommodate up to four guests. There are a host of amenities available inside the boat including a double bed, berth beds, a small kitchenette with a fridge, microwave and coffee maker. The boat also offers a full bathroom. The guests additionally have access to the hotel’s amenities such as pools, restaurants, free kayaks and free shuttle to town.

Stayed at this property?
Key West, Florida, United States
6.46 km (4.1 mi) from The Hemingway Home and Museum
322 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Boat 4 Beds 4 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews
Host:
james was a great host
james is a great host
james is a wonderful host
james is an excellent host
host was easy to communicate with me
Location:
very interesting place to stay
the location is excellent quiet and calm
the location is excellent quiet and calm
great stay in key west perfect location
great location close to all the action in key west and it was fun to stay on a boat
Cleanliness:
excellent boat and very clean
and it’s sparkling clean
the boat was clean had all the advertised amenities
it was very clean and was ready before our arrival
it had everything we needed it was clean and the marina was amazing
Amenities & Room:
the pools and the marina are very pretty
the hot water to wash up in was pleasant and the air conditioning worked well
the boat is real cute and cozy with all amenities that you need
there was ample space for the 4 of us and we were all comfortable
the sleeping arrangements are tight (hey it's a sailboat ) but comfortable
Read more reviews

14. Welcoming town house with plush furnishings

Located within the Key West Golf Club Resort, this charming townhouse done up in chic-modern-style decor has two bedrooms, a living room and a newly renovated kitchen with high-end appliances. The house can sleep up to six guests. The house offers ample outdoor space to enjoy, including an outdoor dining area, a balcony attached to the bedroom as well as a back patio. Guests have access to two communal pools and the clubhouse as well.

Stayed at this property?

6.3 km (4.0 mi) from The Hemingway Home and Museum
14 reviews  
townhome 6 Guests 2 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms
Top guest reviews
Host:
the security guards at the front gate and elsewhere are very friendly
lots of friendly neighbors
kathy and bob were fantastic hosts
Location:
dog friendly location that is only a 5 mile-ish ride to ft zachary/duval street
Cleanliness:
very clean and nice furnishings
Amenities & Room:
wonderful property; comfortable layout with plenty of room for the two of us
the community pool is huge the exercise roomis good
Read more reviews

15. Delightful cottage in Old Town (from USD 143)

This attractive cottage with an old-world charm inside an Old Town residential neighbourhood puts you in the middle of Key West’s attractions including Duval Street and the Historic Seaport. Featuring two bedrooms, the cottage can sleep up to four guests. The decor inside features an appealing coastal-chic style with high-end furnishings and amenities. Guests have access to a welcoming living space, a roomy kitchen with premium modern appliances and a cosy front porch. A top highlight of the cottage is the completely private outdoor shower.

Stayed at this property?

1.01 km (0.7 mi) from The Hemingway Home and Museum
8 reviews  
House 4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 4
Minimum Nights: 28
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 91 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Host:
rating details:the property manager was very helpful
rating details:the property manager was very helpful
rating details:the property manager was very helpful
rating details:the property manager was very helpful
rating details:the property manager was more than helpful
Location:
quiet location an easy walk or bike ride to duval street
good location and amazing outside area
i was very happy with the location
i was very happy with the location
i was very happy with the location
Cleanliness:
the vacation rental was very clean
Read more reviews

Enjoy Key West's at an affordable price

A Key West vacation is a special experience indeed. Its scenic beauty, tropical climate and welcoming ambience are sure to charm you. Consider taking walking tours of the Old Town to enjoy its appeal and appreciate its history. These affordable rentals are the perfect choice for those travelling on a budget.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Writing and travelling both bring joy to Sowmya's life. Her favourite destination so far is Bhutan - a land of incredible beauty! And her favourite style of travelling is solo backpacking!...Read more

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