A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Big Pine Key vs. Islamorada for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Big Pine Key or Islamorada?

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 Islamorada. 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 Islamorada?

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!

Islamorada

From its thriving coral reefs to its miraculous botanical gardens, you will find adventure on both land and sea at Islamorada, Florida. Islamorada, or "Village of Islands," is located in Monroe County and holds a population of no more than 6,119. As Islamorada's village is occupied within a cluster of nearby islands, Islamorada is located on Tea Table Key, Lower Matecumbe Key, Upper Matecumbe Key, Windley Key and Plantation Key in the Florida Keys. The village is relatively small, expanding to about 7.2 square miles total. Approximately an hour and a half-drive from Miami and a two hour-drive from Key West, Islamorada works swimmingly for those who seek to acquaint themselves with the tropical pleasures of the Keys.

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, Islamorada 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 Islamorada 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 Islamorada in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Big Pine Key $64
    Islamorada $79
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Big Pine Key $128
    Islamorada $158
Compare Hotels in Big Pine Key and Islamorada

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


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: Islamorada Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Big Pine Key $56
    Islamorada $28

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

Prices for flights to both Islamorada 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
    Islamorada $47

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Big Pine Key $42
    Islamorada $19

Tours and Activities in Islamorada

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Islamorada.

  • 1.5 Hour (20 miles) Waverunner Tour. See Mangrove Tunnels, 20 Islands & SandBar: $225
  • Day Tour Glass Bottom Boat In Islamorada: $80
  • From Miami: Key Largo & Islamorada Private Open-Top Bus Tour: $1,515
  • Islamorada Florida Keys Sunset Sightseeing Cruise Music : $86
  • 2-Hour Snorkeling Adventure on Pontoon : $80
  • Guided Tour with Local Highlights: $95
  • Snorkel Adventure & Sandbar Trip: $130
  • Snorkel Adventure & Sandbar Trip from Cheeca Spa: $140
  • Snorkel adventure & Sandbar Trip : $150
  • Snorkel adventure & Sandbar Trip : $160
  • Snorkeling Experience : $80
  • Snorkeling and Beach Adventure: $90

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Big Pine Key $9.29
    Islamorada $15


When comparing the travel costs between Big Pine Key and Islamorada, we can see that Islamorada 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 Islamorada Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Big Pine Key or Islamorada?

Islamorada has a larger population, and is about 29% larger than the population of Big Pine Key. When comparing the sizes of Big Pine Key and Islamorada, 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 Islamorada?

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 Islamorada in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Big Pine Key and Islamorada. Furthermore, most visitors come to Islamorada for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Big Pine Key is generally around the same temperature as Islamorada. Daily temperatures in Big Pine Key average around 84°F (29°C), and Islamorada fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamorada this time of the year. In Big Pine Key, it's very sunny this time of the year. Big Pine Key usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Islamorada during summer. Big Pine Key gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Islamorada receives 328 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Big Pine Key usually receives around the same amount of rain as Islamorada. Big Pine Key gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Islamorada receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Big Pine Key 84°F (29°C) 
    Islamorada 84°F (29°C)

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Big Pine Key as well as Islamorada. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Islamorada because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Big Pine Key is around the same temperature as Islamorada in the autumn. The daily temperature in Big Pine Key averages around 80°F (27°C) in October, and Islamorada fluctuates around 80°F (27°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamorada. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Big Pine Key this time of the year. In the autumn, Big Pine Key often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Islamorada. Big Pine Key gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamorada receives 258 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Islamorada. Big Pine Key receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Big Pine Key usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Islamorada. Big Pine Key gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Islamorada receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Islamorada.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Big Pine Key 80°F (27°C) 
    Islamorada 80°F (27°C)

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

Both Islamorada and Big Pine Key are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Islamorada this time of year.

In the winter, Big Pine Key is around the same temperature as Islamorada. Typically, the winter temperatures in Big Pine Key in January average around 70°F (21°C), and Islamorada averages at about 70°F (21°C).

It's quite sunny in Islamorada. 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 Islamorada during winter. Big Pine Key gets 252 hours of sunny skies, while Islamorada receives 252 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Big Pine Key usually receives around the same amount of rain as Islamorada. Big Pine Key gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Islamorada receives 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Big Pine Key 70°F (21°C) 
    Islamorada 70°F (21°C)

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

Both Islamorada and Big Pine Key during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Islamorada for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Big Pine Key is generally around the same temperature as Islamorada. Daily temperatures in Big Pine Key average around 77°F (25°C), and Islamorada fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

In Islamorada, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Big Pine Key. In the spring, Big Pine Key often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Islamorada. Big Pine Key gets 326 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamorada receives 326 hours of full sun.

Big Pine Key usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Islamorada. Big Pine Key gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Islamorada receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Islamorada is the hurricane season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Big Pine Key 77°F (25°C) 
    Islamorada 77°F (25°C)

Typical Weather for Islamorada and Big Pine Key

Big Pine Key Islamorada
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 70°F (21°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm) 70°F (21°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm)
Feb 71°F (21°C) 1.4 inches (36 mm) 71°F (21°C) 1.4 inches (36 mm)
Mar 74°F (23°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm) 74°F (23°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Apr 77°F (25°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm) 77°F (25°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
May 81°F (27°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 81°F (27°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Jun 83°F (28°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm) 83°F (28°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm)
Jul 84°F (29°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 84°F (29°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Aug 84°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 84°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Sep 83°F (29°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm) 83°F (29°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm)
Oct 80°F (27°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm) 80°F (27°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm)
Nov 76°F (24°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 76°F (24°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Dec 72°F (22°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm) 72°F (22°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm)