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

Should you visit Big Pine Key or Hood River?

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 Hood River. 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 Hood River?

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!

Hood River

The city of Hood River is the seat of Hood River County, Oregon, United States. It is a port on the Columbia River, and is named for the nearby Hood River. The dynamic town of Hood River is one of the best windsurfing and kiteboarding destinations in the world. Strong river currents, prevailing westerly winds and a vast body of water provide the perfect conditions for these wind sports, attracting sometimes hundreds of photogenic enthusiasts who zip back and forth across the wide Columbia River.

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, Hood River 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 Hood River is $145. 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 Hood River in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Big Pine Key $64
    Hood River $78
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Big Pine Key $128
    Hood River $156
Compare Hotels in Big Pine Key and Hood River

Looking for a hotel in Big Pine Key or Hood River? 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 Hood River


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: Hood River Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Big Pine Key $56
    Hood River $46

Is it cheaper to fly into Big Pine Key or Hood River?

Prices for flights to both Hood River 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
    Hood River $40

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Big Pine Key $42
    Hood River $18

Tours and Activities in Hood River

For Hood River, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Gift Basket Factory Tour: $31
  • Orchard Tour: $31
  • Railbikes Experience: $211
  • Portland: Multnomah Falls Scenic Air Tour: $199

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Big Pine Key $9.29
    Hood River $19


When comparing the travel costs between Big Pine Key and Hood River, we can see that Hood River is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Hood River Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Big Pine Key or Hood River?

Hood River has a larger population, and is about 14% larger than the population of Big Pine Key. When comparing the sizes of Big Pine Key and Hood River, 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 Hood River?

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 Hood River in the Summer?

Both Hood River and Big Pine Key are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Hood River for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Big Pine Key is a little warmer than Hood River in the summer. The daily temperature in Big Pine Key averages around 84°F (29°C) in July, and Hood River fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Hood River. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Big Pine Key. Big Pine Key usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hood River during summer. Big Pine Key gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Hood River receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Big Pine Key usually receives more rain than Hood River. Big Pine Key gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Big Pine Key 84°F (29°C) 
    Hood River 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Big Pine Key or Hood River in the Autumn?

Both Hood River and Big Pine Key during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Hood River in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Big Pine Key is much warmer than Hood River. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Big Pine Key in October average around 80°F (27°C), and Hood River averages at about 55°F (13°C).

It's quite sunny in Big Pine Key. In the autumn, Big Pine Key often gets more sunshine than Hood River. Big Pine Key gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hood River receives 155 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Big Pine Key. Big Pine Key usually gets more rain in October than Hood River. Big Pine Key gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Big Pine Key 80°F (27°C) 
    Hood River 55°F (13°C)

Should I visit Big Pine Key or Hood River in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Big Pine Key and Hood River. Also, most visitors come to Hood River for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Hood River can be very cold during winter. In January, Big Pine Key is generally much warmer than Hood River. Daily temperatures in Big Pine Key average around 70°F (21°C), and Hood River fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

In Big Pine Key, it's very sunny this time of the year. Big Pine Key usually receives more sunshine than Hood River during winter. Big Pine Key gets 252 hours of sunny skies, while Hood River receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

Hood River receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Big Pine Key usually receives less rain than Hood River. Big Pine Key gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Big Pine Key 70°F (21°C) 
    Hood River 40°F (4°C)

Should I visit Big Pine Key or Hood River in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Big Pine Key as well as Hood River. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Hood River because of the natural beauty.

Big Pine Key is much warmer than Hood River in the spring. The daily temperature in Big Pine Key averages around 77°F (25°C) in April, and Hood River fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hood River. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Big Pine Key this time of the year. In the spring, Big Pine Key often gets more sunshine than Hood River. Big Pine Key gets 326 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hood River receives 231 hours of full sun.

Big Pine Key usually gets less rain in April than Hood River. Big Pine Key gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Big Pine Key 77°F (25°C) 
    Hood River 51°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Hood River and Big Pine Key

Big Pine Key Hood River
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 70°F (21°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm) 40°F (4°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm)
Feb 71°F (21°C) 1.4 inches (36 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Mar 74°F (23°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm) 47°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Apr 77°F (25°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
May 81°F (27°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2 inches (51 mm)
Jun 83°F (28°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm)
Jul 84°F (29°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 68°F (20°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
Aug 84°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 69°F (20°C) 1 inches (25 mm)
Sep 83°F (29°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)
Oct 80°F (27°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm) 55°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Nov 76°F (24°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 46°F (8°C) 5.4 inches (136 mm)
Dec 72°F (22°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm) 40°F (5°C) 6.1 inches (156 mm)