Which place is cheaper, Houston 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 Houston?
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 Houston. 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 Houston?
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!
Houston
The largest city in Texas and the fourth largest in the United States, Houston is a sprawling urban center that has grown from its wealth in the oil industry. Visitors today are drawn to its cultural diversity which has additionally made Houston a foodie destination. Other attractions to Houston include its proximity to NASA's Space Center Houston on the Gulf coast, and its Downtown which features a vibrant museum and arts scene, shopping, and dining.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBig Pine Key $144Houston $262
The average daily cost (per person) in Big Pine Key is $144, while the average daily cost in Houston is $262. 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 Houston in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBig Pine Key $64Houston $142
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBig Pine Key $128Houston $284
Compare Hotels in Big Pine Key and Houston
Looking for a hotel in Big Pine Key or Houston? 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: Houston Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Big Pine Key $56Houston $72
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Houston
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Houston:
- William P.Hobby Airport (HOU): Transfer to Port of Galveston: $560
- Sedan Airport Transfer in Houston: $165
- Roundtrip Private Transfer Houston Airport (IAH)-Houston Downtown: $142
- RoundTrip Private Transfer SUV Houston Airport (IAH)-Houston Dwtn: $167
- Private Transfer in SUV Houston Downtown to Houston Airport (IAH): $83
- Private Transfer in SUV Houston Airport (IAH)- Houston Downtown: $83
- Private Departure Transfer to Houston George Bush Airport IAH: $51
- Private Arrival Transfer from Houston George Bush Airport (IAH): $51
- Houston to Houston George Bush Airport (IAH) - Departure Private Transfer: $84
- Houston George Bush Airport (IAH): Transfer to Houston: $359
- Houston George Bush Airport (IAH) to Houston - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $167
- Houston George Bush Airport (IAH) to Houston - Arrival Private Transfer: $84
Is it cheaper to fly into Big Pine Key or Houston?
Prices for flights to both Houston 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 $42Houston $35
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Houston
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Houston.
- Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $70
- Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $72
- Houston Downtown: Secret Food Tours: $82
- Houston Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $85
- East Downtown Food Tour: $90
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Big Pine Key $42Houston $14
Tours and Activities in Houston
Here are a few actual costs in Houston for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- H- Town Tour with 15ft Open Air Party Truck : $46
- Houston Ghosts and Hauntings By US Ghost Adventures: $30
- 2-Hour Houston Skyline Tour: $69
- 2-Hour Private Sightseeing Cart Tour of Houston and Galveston: $256
- All-Inclusive Hip-Hop Brunch Party Bike Tour: $69
- Astroville Best of Houston City Driving Tour with Live Guide: $45
- Astroville Driving Tour & NASA Space Center Ticket/Transportation: $85
- Astroville Houston Tunnel Tour (in Spanish): $30
- Astroville Private Best of Houston Driving City Tour: $360
- Astroville Tunnel Tour & NASA Space Center Ticket/Transportation: $85
- Astroville Tunnel Tour of Downtown Houston (Air-Conditioned): $30
- Austin & Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBig Pine Key $9.29Houston $13
Sample the Local Flavors in Houston
Also in Houston, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Brewery Pass with Beer Tastings: $50
- Private Houston Brewery Tour by Cart: $57
- 2-Hour Downtown Brewery Tour by Electric Cart: $70
- Private 3-in-1 Sightseeing, Brewery, and Mural Tour of Houston by Cart: $115
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Big Pine Key and Houston, we can see that Houston 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 Houston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Houston 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 Houston Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Big Pine Key or Houston?
Houston has a larger population, and is about 370 times larger than the population of Big Pine Key. When comparing the sizes of Big Pine Key and Houston, 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 Houston?
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 Houston in the Summer?
Both Houston and Big Pine Key during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Houston this time of year.
Big Pine Key is around the same temperature as Houston in the summer. The daily temperature in Big Pine Key averages around 84°F (29°C) in July, and Houston fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).
Houston gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Big Pine Key usually gets less rain in July than Houston. Big Pine Key gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBig Pine Key 84°F (29°C)Houston 84°F (29°C)
Should I visit Big Pine Key or Houston in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Big Pine Key and Houston. Also, many travelers come to Houston for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.
In the autumn, Big Pine Key is a little warmer than Houston. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Big Pine Key in October average around 80°F (27°C), and Houston averages at about 71°F (22°C).
Houston receives a lot of rain 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 Houston. Big Pine Key gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Houston 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)Houston 71°F (22°C)
Should I visit Big Pine Key or Houston in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Big Pine Key as well as Houston. Also, many visitors come to Houston in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Big Pine Key is generally much warmer than Houston. Daily temperatures in Big Pine Key average around 70°F (21°C), and Houston fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).
Big Pine Key usually gets less rain in January than Houston. Big Pine Key gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBig Pine Key 70°F (21°C)Houston 52°F (11°C)
Should I visit Big Pine Key or Houston in the Spring?
Both Houston and Big Pine Key are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Houston for the activities around the city during these months.
Big Pine Key is a little warmer than Houston in the spring. The daily temperature in Big Pine Key averages around 77°F (25°C) in April, and Houston fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).
In April, Big Pine Key usually receives less rain than Houston. Big Pine Key gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBig Pine Key 77°F (25°C)Houston 70°F (21°C)
Typical Weather for Houston and Big Pine Key
| Big Pine Key | Houston | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 70°F (21°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) | 52°F (11°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) |
| Feb | 71°F (21°C) | 1.4 inches (36 mm) | 55°F (13°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) |
| Mar | 74°F (23°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) | 63°F (17°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Apr | 77°F (25°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) | 70°F (21°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) |
| May | 81°F (27°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 5.2 inches (132 mm) |
| Jun | 83°F (28°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) | 81°F (27°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) |
| Jul | 84°F (29°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 84°F (29°C) | 4.8 inches (122 mm) |
| Aug | 84°F (29°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) | 83°F (29°C) | 4.4 inches (113 mm) |
| Sep | 83°F (29°C) | 5.7 inches (144 mm) | 80°F (27°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) |
| Oct | 80°F (27°C) | 5.1 inches (129 mm) | 71°F (22°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) |
| Nov | 76°F (24°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) | 63°F (17°C) | 4.1 inches (104 mm) |
| Dec | 72°F (22°C) | 1.4 inches (35 mm) | 55°F (13°C) | 3.4 inches (87 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.