A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Big Pine Key vs. Daytona Beach for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Big Pine Key or Daytona Beach?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Big Pine Key and Daytona Beach. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Big Pine Key or Daytona Beach?

Big Pine Key

If you are yearning for a slice of paradise without the hustle and bustle of an ever-growing tourist population, the calm, turquoise waters and the untouched sands of Big Pine Key will surely do. Located 100 miles south of Miami and 30 miles north of Key West, this small community huddled in the family of Florida keys is often overlooked by many. However, Big Pine Key is truly a gem for all who seek a tropical vacation as activities like boating, fishing, scuba diving and snorkeling are found throughout the town. Besides its oceanic wonders, Big Pine Key also boasts in containing some of the United States' best seafood restaurants. Enjoy the aquatic wonders of the Keys and stop at Big Pine Key!

Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach, Florida, located on the Atlantic coast, is a wildly popular tourist destination for people from all over the world due to great beaches, spring break fun, and NASCAR races. Tourists come to enjoy the warm Florida weather, the beautiful beaches, the activities, the boardwalk, the nightlife, and many other things the city has to offer. The beaches around Daytona are famous for their hard-packed sand, which makes them easy for cars to drive on. For this reason, Daytona has a history of automobile racing, and is home to dozens of races that take place throughout the year, the most famous of which is the Daytona 500. Naturally, Daytona is also home to NASCAR headquarters. But it's so much more than just a race destination, as it's also a fun and family-friendly destination that attractions a wide range of visitors.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Daytona Beach or Big Pine Key?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Big Pine Key is $144, while the average daily cost in Daytona Beach is $211. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Big Pine Key and Daytona Beach in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Big Pine Key $64
    Daytona Beach $84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Big Pine Key $128
    Daytona Beach $168
Compare Hotels in Big Pine Key and Daytona Beach

Looking for a hotel in Big Pine Key or Daytona Beach? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Big Pine Key


Hotels in Daytona Beach


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Daytona Beach Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Big Pine Key $56
    Daytona Beach $53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Daytona Beach

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Daytona Beach:

  • Private Transfer from New Smyrna Beach to Port Canaveral: $239
  • Private Transfer from New Smyrna Beach to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $185
  • Private Transfer from Daytona to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $200

Is it cheaper to fly into Big Pine Key or Daytona Beach?

Prices for flights to both Daytona Beach and Big Pine Key change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Big Pine Key $42
    Daytona Beach $80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Daytona Beach

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Daytona Beach.

  • Polynesian Fire and Dinner Show Ticket in Daytona Beach: $53

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Big Pine Key $42
    Daytona Beach $28

Tours and Activities in Daytona Beach

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Daytona Beach are as follows:

  • St. Johns River Nature Cruise at Blue Spring State Park : $28
  • 2 Hour Coastal Discovery Cruise: $75
  • 2-Hour Glass Bottom Guided Eco Tour in Flagler County-Small-group: $85
  • Guided Kayaking or Standup Paddling Tour: $65
  • Dolphin and Manatee Kayak Tour of Daytona Beach: $65
  • Dolphin and Manatee Stand Up Paddleboard Tour in Daytona Beach: $65
  • Electric Bike Tour of New Smyrna Beach: $115
  • Guided Wildlife Eco Kayak Tour in New Smyrna Beach: $45
  • Half Day Coastal Fun Cruise in Florida: $200
  • New Smyrna Dolphin and Manatee Kayak and SUP Adventure Tour: $65
  • Orlando Manatee and Natural Spring Adventure Tour at Blue Springs: $65
  • Ormond Beach Manatee and Nature Tour Kayaking or Paddle Boarding: $65

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Big Pine Key $9.29
    Daytona Beach $43

Sample the Local Flavors in Daytona Beach

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Daytona Beach:

  • Dive Bar Bus Crawl: $38
  • Dive Bar Bus Crawl from Daytona Beach: $40


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Big Pine Key and Daytona Beach, we can see that Daytona Beach is more expensive. And not only is Big Pine Key much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Big Pine Key would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Big Pine Key and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Daytona Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Daytona Beach than you might in Big Pine Key.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Big Pine Key Expensive? and Is Daytona Beach Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Big Pine Key or Daytona Beach?

Daytona Beach has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Big Pine Key. When comparing the sizes of Big Pine Key and Daytona Beach, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Big Pine Key or Daytona Beach?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Big Pine Key or Daytona Beach in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Big Pine Key as well as Daytona Beach. Additionally, many travelers come to Daytona Beach for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Big Pine Key is around the same temperature as Daytona Beach. Typically, the summer temperatures in Big Pine Key in July average around 84°F (29°C), and Daytona Beach averages at about 81°F (27°C).

It's quite rainy in Daytona Beach. Big Pine Key usually gets less rain in July than Daytona Beach. Big Pine Key gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Daytona Beach receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Big Pine Key 84°F (29°C) 
    Daytona Beach 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Big Pine Key or Daytona Beach in the Autumn?

Both Daytona Beach and Big Pine Key are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Daytona Beach in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Big Pine Key is generally a little warmer than Daytona Beach. Daily temperatures in Big Pine Key average around 80°F (27°C), and Daytona Beach fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Daytona Beach. It's quite rainy in Big Pine Key. In October, Big Pine Key usually receives more rain than Daytona Beach. Big Pine Key gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Daytona Beach receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Big Pine Key 80°F (27°C) 
    Daytona Beach 74°F (23°C)

Should I visit Big Pine Key or Daytona Beach in the Winter?

Both Daytona Beach and Big Pine Key during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Daytona Beach for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Big Pine Key is a little warmer than Daytona Beach in the winter. The daily temperature in Big Pine Key averages around 70°F (21°C) in January, and Daytona Beach fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

Big Pine Key usually gets less rain in January than Daytona Beach. Big Pine Key gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Daytona Beach receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Big Pine Key 70°F (21°C) 
    Daytona Beach 58°F (14°C)

Should I visit Big Pine Key or Daytona Beach in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Big Pine Key and Daytona Beach. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Daytona Beach because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Big Pine Key is a little warmer than Daytona Beach. Typically, the spring temperatures in Big Pine Key in April average around 77°F (25°C), and Daytona Beach averages at about 69°F (21°C).

In April, Big Pine Key usually receives less rain than Daytona Beach. Big Pine Key gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Daytona Beach receives 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Big Pine Key 77°F (25°C) 
    Daytona Beach 69°F (21°C)

Typical Weather for Daytona Beach and Big Pine Key

Big Pine Key Daytona Beach
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 70°F (21°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
Feb 71°F (21°C) 1.4 inches (36 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Mar 74°F (23°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm) 65°F (18°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Apr 77°F (25°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm) 69°F (21°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
May 81°F (27°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Jun 83°F (28°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm) 80°F (26°C) 6 inches (152 mm)
Jul 84°F (29°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 81°F (27°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Aug 84°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 81°F (27°C) 6.2 inches (157 mm)
Sep 83°F (29°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm) 80°F (26°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm)
Oct 80°F (27°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm) 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Nov 76°F (24°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 66°F (19°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Dec 72°F (22°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm) 60°F (16°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)