Which place is cheaper, Galveston 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 Galveston?
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 Galveston. 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 Galveston?
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!
Galveston
Located on Galveston Island off the Texas Gulf Coast, Galveston is a popular destination for Texans and a departure point for cruise ships. It also makes a great beach destination for anyone looking to enjoy a week or weekend.
Galveston is a popular destination during the summer months, but the warm climate makes it comfortable year round. Even during the winter months you can enjoy mild temperatures, although on occasion it can have a cold spell.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBig Pine Key $144Galveston $183
The average daily cost (per person) in Big Pine Key is $144, while the average daily cost in Galveston is $183. 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 Galveston in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBig Pine Key $64Galveston $81
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBig Pine Key $128Galveston $162
Compare Hotels in Big Pine Key and Galveston
Looking for a hotel in Big Pine Key or Galveston? 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: Galveston Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Big Pine Key $56Galveston $35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Galveston
Also for Galveston, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Galveston to Houston George Bush Airport (IAH) Private Transfer: $201
- Galveston Port to William Hobby Airport Departure Transfer: $174
- Galveston Port to George Bush Airport Private Departure Transfer: $201
Is it cheaper to fly into Big Pine Key or Galveston?
Prices for flights to both Galveston 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 $42Galveston $52
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Big Pine Key $42Galveston $15
Tours and Activities in Galveston
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Galveston.
- Al's Ghost tour : a small group experience : $16
- Authentic Galveston Ghost City Tour: $30
- Baywatch Dolphin Tour : $25
- Beer Tasting Experience with 4 Beer Flight: $10
- Dark Side and Cemeteries of Galveston – Walking Tour: $365
- Galveston Cemetery Tour with Ghost Hunting Equipment: $20
- Galveston Dark of the Moon Ghost Tour with Red Light District: $30
- Galveston Dark of the Moon Tour: $30
- Galveston Gilded Age Architecture Tour: $85
- Galveston Great Storm Hurricane Talk & Tour: $40
- Galveston Haunted Tour with Ghost Hunting Equipment: $20
- Galveston Island Ghost Tour: $20
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBig Pine Key $9.29Galveston $37
Sample the Local Flavors in Galveston
Also in Galveston, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Galveston Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
- Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
- Experience Best the Happy Hour Pub Crawl Tour in Galveston: $30
- Historical Walking Tour and Pub Crawl: $30
- Happy Hour Pub Crawl: $30
- Galveston's Best Pub Crawl: $30
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Big Pine Key and Galveston, we can see that Galveston 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 Galveston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Galveston 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 Galveston Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Big Pine Key or Galveston?
Galveston 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 Galveston, 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 Galveston?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Big Pine Key or Galveston in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Big Pine Key and Galveston. Also, many visitors come to Galveston in the summer for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
Big Pine Key is around the same temperature as Galveston in the summer. The daily temperature in Big Pine Key averages around 84°F (29°C) in July, and Galveston fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).
In July, Big Pine Key usually receives around the same amount of rain as Galveston. Big Pine Key gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBig Pine Key 84°F (29°C)Galveston 84°F (29°C)
Should I visit Big Pine Key or Galveston in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Big Pine Key as well as Galveston. Also, most visitors come to Galveston for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months.
In the autumn, Big Pine Key is a little warmer than Galveston. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Big Pine Key in October average around 80°F (27°C), and Galveston averages at about 71°F (22°C).
Big Pine Key receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Big Pine Key usually gets more rain in October than Galveston. Big Pine Key gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBig Pine Key 80°F (27°C)Galveston 71°F (22°C)
Should I visit Big Pine Key or Galveston in the Winter?
Both Galveston and Big Pine Key are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Galveston because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Big Pine Key is generally much warmer than Galveston. Daily temperatures in Big Pine Key average around 70°F (21°C), and Galveston fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).
In January, Big Pine Key usually receives less rain than Galveston. Big Pine Key gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBig Pine Key 70°F (21°C)Galveston 52°F (11°C)
Should I visit Big Pine Key or Galveston in the Spring?
Both Galveston and Big Pine Key during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the beaches and the small town charm are the main draw to Galveston this time of year.
Big Pine Key is a little warmer than Galveston in the spring. The daily temperature in Big Pine Key averages around 77°F (25°C) in April, and Galveston fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).
Big Pine Key usually gets less rain in April than Galveston. Big Pine Key gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBig Pine Key 77°F (25°C)Galveston 70°F (21°C)
Typical Weather for Galveston and Big Pine Key
| Big Pine Key | Galveston | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 70°F (21°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) | 52°F (11°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Feb | 71°F (21°C) | 1.4 inches (36 mm) | 55°F (13°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) |
| Mar | 74°F (23°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) | 63°F (17°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Apr | 77°F (25°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) | 70°F (21°C) | 2.4 inches (60 mm) |
| May | 81°F (27°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Jun | 83°F (28°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) | 81°F (27°C) | 4.3 inches (108 mm) |
| Jul | 84°F (29°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 84°F (29°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) |
| Aug | 84°F (29°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) | 83°F (29°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Sep | 83°F (29°C) | 5.7 inches (144 mm) | 80°F (27°C) | 5.6 inches (141 mm) |
| Oct | 80°F (27°C) | 5.1 inches (129 mm) | 71°F (22°C) | 2.3 inches (59 mm) |
| Nov | 76°F (24°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) | 63°F (17°C) | 3.2 inches (81 mm) |
| Dec | 72°F (22°C) | 1.4 inches (35 mm) | 55°F (13°C) | 3.3 inches (84 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.