Which place is cheaper, Destin or Big Pine Key?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Big Pine Key or Destin?
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 Destin. 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 Destin?
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!
Destin
An upscale resort town located on the Florida Panhandle, Destin is best known for its white sand beaches and clear green waters, golfing opportunities, and world renowned fishing. The stretch of beach here (on a peninsula between the Gulf of Mexico and the Choctawhatchee Bay) is nicknamed Florida's Emerald Coast.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBig Pine Key $144Destin $192
The average daily cost (per person) in Big Pine Key is $144, while the average daily cost in Destin is $192. 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 Destin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBig Pine Key $64Destin $111
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBig Pine Key $128Destin $222
Compare Hotels in Big Pine Key and Destin
Looking for a hotel in Big Pine Key or Destin? 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.
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: Destin Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Big Pine Key $56Destin $50
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Destin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Destin:
- Destin, FL to Pensacola International Airport (PNS) - Departure Private Transfer: $71
Is it cheaper to fly into Big Pine Key or Destin?
Prices for flights to both Destin 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
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Food Meals for one dayBig Pine Key $42Destin $51
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Destin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Destin.
- 3 Hour Destin Dinner Cruise: Solaris Yacht in Miramar Beach: $128
- 3 Hour Sunset Dinner Cruise by Solaris Yacht in Miramar Beach: $128
- Mother's Day Sunset Dinner Cruise: SOLARIS Yacht Miramar Beach FL: $128
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Big Pine Key $42Destin $17
Typical Entertainment Prices in Destin
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Destin are as follows:
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1 Day Rental Umbrella and Chairs$40
Tours and Activities in Destin
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Destin are as follows:
- FAMOUS Destin Dolphin Cruise & Crab Island Sandbar: $70
- 1 Hour and 30 Minutes Harbor Sightseeing Cruise from Destin: $60
- 3 Hour Crab Island and Dolphin Cruise from Destin : $70
- Chakras Sound Bath Meditation Experience in Destin: $35
- Clear Kayak Ecotour Destin Ft. Walton Beach: $75
- Clear Kayak Glow Tour Destin Ft. Walton Beach: $75
- Clear Kayaking Eco Adventure Tour in Marianna: $75
- Crab Island Dolphin Jetski Adventure : $227
- Destin Harbor Fireworks Cruise: $40
- Destin Harbor Sunset Eco Dolphin Cruise: $35
- Destin Private Guided Sunset Cruise up to 6 Passengers: $230
- Crab Island Catamaran Tour with Dolphin Watching: $59
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBig Pine Key $9.29Destin $49
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Big Pine Key and Destin, we can see that Destin 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 Destin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Destin 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 Destin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Big Pine Key or Destin?
Destin has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Big Pine Key. When comparing the sizes of Big Pine Key and Destin, 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 Destin?
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 Destin in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Big Pine Key as well as Destin. Also, many visitors come to Destin in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Big Pine Key is generally around the same temperature as Destin. Daily temperatures in Big Pine Key average around 84°F (29°C), and Destin fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).
It's quite rainy in Destin. Big Pine Key usually gets less rain in July than Destin. Big Pine Key gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Destin receives 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBig Pine Key 84°F (29°C)Destin 82°F (28°C)
Should I visit Big Pine Key or Destin in the Autumn?
Both Destin and Big Pine Key are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Destin for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Big Pine Key is a little warmer than Destin in the autumn. The daily temperature in Big Pine Key averages around 80°F (27°C) in October, and Destin fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Destin. It's quite rainy in Big Pine Key. In October, Big Pine Key usually receives more rain than Destin. Big Pine Key gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Destin receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBig Pine Key 80°F (27°C)Destin 69°F (21°C)
Should I visit Big Pine Key or Destin in the Winter?
Both Destin and Big Pine Key during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Destin because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.
In the winter, Big Pine Key is much warmer than Destin. Typically, the winter temperatures in Big Pine Key in January average around 70°F (21°C), and Destin averages at about 50°F (10°C).
Destin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Big Pine Key usually gets less rain in January than Destin. Big Pine Key gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Destin receives 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBig Pine Key 70°F (21°C)Destin 50°F (10°C)
Should I visit Big Pine Key or Destin in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Big Pine Key and Destin. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Destin this time of year.
In April, Big Pine Key is generally a little warmer than Destin. Daily temperatures in Big Pine Key average around 77°F (25°C), and Destin fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).
In April, Big Pine Key usually receives less rain than Destin. Big Pine Key gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Destin receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBig Pine Key 77°F (25°C)Destin 68°F (20°C)
Typical Weather for Destin and Big Pine Key
| Big Pine Key | Destin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 70°F (21°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) | 50°F (10°C) | 4.6 inches (117 mm) |
| Feb | 71°F (21°C) | 1.4 inches (36 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 5.4 inches (137 mm) |
| Mar | 74°F (23°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) | 60°F (16°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) |
| Apr | 77°F (25°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) | 68°F (20°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
| May | 81°F (27°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) |
| Jun | 83°F (28°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) | 80°F (27°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) |
| Jul | 84°F (29°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 82°F (28°C) | 7.4 inches (189 mm) |
| Aug | 84°F (29°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) | 82°F (28°C) | 7.4 inches (188 mm) |
| Sep | 83°F (29°C) | 5.7 inches (144 mm) | 79°F (26°C) | 5.3 inches (135 mm) |
| Oct | 80°F (27°C) | 5.1 inches (129 mm) | 69°F (21°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) |
| Nov | 76°F (24°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) | 61°F (16°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) |
| Dec | 72°F (22°C) | 1.4 inches (35 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 4.3 inches (109 mm) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.