A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Big Pine Key vs. Hershey for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Big Pine Key or Hershey?

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 Hershey. 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 Hershey?

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!

Hershey

Often called "Chocolatetown, USA" and "The Sweetest Place on Earth," Hershey, Pennsylvania is most known for being home to the famous Hershey's chocolates. The Hershey Company was founded in 1894 by Milton S. Hershey, and has grown to sell products in over sixty countries worldwide. Before the town was named Hershey, it was called Derry Church and was the hometown of the chocolatier. While there are now manufacturing plants in many locations, Hershey, PA, remains the location that draws the crowds. It is the place where the Hershey Company originated and is home to attractions like Hershey Park, Hershey Gardens, and Hershey's Chocolate World.

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, Hershey 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 Hershey is $212. 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 Hershey in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Big Pine Key $64
    Hershey $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Big Pine Key $128
    Hershey $228
Compare Hotels in Big Pine Key and Hershey

Looking for a hotel in Big Pine Key or Hershey? 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 Hershey


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: Hershey Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Big Pine Key $56
    Hershey $49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hershey

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hershey:

  • Private transfer from MDT airport to Harrisburg, Lancaster, York, Hershey: $150

Is it cheaper to fly into Big Pine Key or Hershey?

Prices for flights to both Hershey 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
    Hershey $61

Typical Food Prices in Hershey

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hershey:


  • Frozen Hot Chocolate
    $4.19
  • Plain and Fancy Farm
    $46
  • Homemade Apple Butter
    $7.98

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Big Pine Key $42
    Hershey $53

Typical Entertainment Prices in Hershey

Here are a few typical costs in Hershey for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Hershey Chocolate World (for 3)
    $75

Tours and Activities in Hershey

Here are a few actual costs in Hershey for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Skip the Line: AACA Museum Admission Ticket: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Big Pine Key $9.29
    Hershey $27


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Big Pine Key and Hershey, we can see that Hershey 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 Hershey would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hershey 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 Hershey Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Big Pine Key or Hershey?

Hershey 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 Hershey, 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 Hershey?

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 Hershey in the Summer?

Both Hershey and Big Pine Key during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hershey for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Big Pine Key is generally a little warmer than Hershey. Daily temperatures in Big Pine Key average around 84°F (29°C), and Hershey fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

In Hershey, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Big Pine Key. In the summer, Big Pine Key often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hershey. Big Pine Key gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 310 hours of full sun.

Big Pine Key usually gets less rain in July than Hershey. Big Pine Key gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Big Pine Key 84°F (29°C) 
    Hershey 77°F (25°C)

Should I visit Big Pine Key or Hershey in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Big Pine Key and Hershey. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hershey in the autumn for the shopping scene.

Big Pine Key is much warmer than Hershey in the autumn. The daily temperature in Big Pine Key averages around 80°F (27°C) in October, and Hershey fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In Big Pine Key, it's very sunny this time of the year. Big Pine Key usually receives more sunshine than Hershey during autumn. Big Pine Key gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Big Pine Key gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Big Pine Key usually receives more rain than Hershey. Big Pine Key gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Big Pine Key 80°F (27°C) 
    Hershey 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Big Pine Key or Hershey in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Big Pine Key as well as Hershey. Additionally, most visitors come to Hershey for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Hershey can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Big Pine Key is much warmer than Hershey. Typically, the winter temperatures in Big Pine Key in January average around 70°F (21°C), and Hershey averages at about 30°F (-1°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Big Pine Key this time of the year. In the winter, Big Pine Key often gets more sunshine than Hershey. Big Pine Key gets 252 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 153 hours of full sun.

Big Pine Key usually gets less rain in January than Hershey. Big Pine Key gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Big Pine Key 70°F (21°C) 
    Hershey 30°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Big Pine Key or Hershey in the Spring?

Both Hershey and Big Pine Key are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In April, Big Pine Key is generally much warmer than Hershey. Daily temperatures in Big Pine Key average around 77°F (25°C), and Hershey fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Hershey. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Big Pine Key. Big Pine Key usually receives more sunshine than Hershey during spring. Big Pine Key gets 326 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 237 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Big Pine Key usually receives less rain than Hershey. Big Pine Key gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Big Pine Key 77°F (25°C) 
    Hershey 53°F (12°C)

Typical Weather for Hershey and Big Pine Key

Big Pine Key Hershey
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 70°F (21°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Feb 71°F (21°C) 1.4 inches (36 mm) 33°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Mar 74°F (23°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Apr 77°F (25°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
May 81°F (27°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 63°F (17°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
Jun 83°F (28°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Jul 84°F (29°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Aug 84°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Sep 83°F (29°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Oct 80°F (27°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Nov 76°F (24°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Dec 72°F (22°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm) 35°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)