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

Should you visit Big Pine Key or Jacksonville?

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 Jacksonville. 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 Jacksonville?

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!

Jacksonville

As the sky above you darkens, the city around you glows with a vividness of a thousand colors as you hear the soft swell of waves upon the shore. Such an urban paradise is none other than Jacksonville, Florida. Located on the northeastern side of the sunshine state, Jacksonville stands where the St. John's River meets the Atlantic Ocean. Estimated to be the 12th most populous city in the United States, Jacksonville works as the cultural, commercial and financial hive of north Florida. The large city is known for its exquisite beaches, interactive museums, and golf course areas. Surf, shop, and socialize in one of Florida's most popular metropolitan areas.

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.

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

Which is Bigger, Big Pine Key or Jacksonville?

Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Big Pine Key. When comparing the sizes of Big Pine Key and Jacksonville, 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 Jacksonville?

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 Jacksonville in the Summer?

Both Jacksonville and Big Pine Key are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Jacksonville this time of year.

In the summer, Big Pine Key is around the same temperature as Jacksonville. Typically, the summer temperatures in Big Pine Key in July average around 84°F (29°C), and Jacksonville averages at about 82°F (28°C).

It's quite sunny in Jacksonville. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Big Pine Key. Big Pine Key usually receives more sunshine than Jacksonville during summer. Big Pine Key gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Jacksonville receives 286 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Jacksonville. In July, Big Pine Key usually receives less rain than Jacksonville. Big Pine Key gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Jacksonville receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Jacksonville and Big Pine Key during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Jacksonville for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Big Pine Key is generally a little warmer than Jacksonville. Daily temperatures in Big Pine Key average around 80°F (27°C), and Jacksonville fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

In Jacksonville, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Big Pine Key. In the autumn, Big Pine Key often gets more sunshine than Jacksonville. Big Pine Key gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jacksonville receives 214 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 Jacksonville. Big Pine Key gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Jacksonville receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Jacksonville is the hurricane season.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Big Pine Key and Jacksonville. Furthermore, many visitors come to Jacksonville in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Big Pine Key is much warmer than Jacksonville in the winter. The daily temperature in Big Pine Key averages around 70°F (21°C) in January, and Jacksonville fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

In Big Pine Key, it's very sunny this time of the year. Big Pine Key usually receives more sunshine than Jacksonville during winter. Big Pine Key gets 252 hours of sunny skies, while Jacksonville receives 191 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Big Pine Key usually receives less rain than Jacksonville. Big Pine Key gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Jacksonville receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Big Pine Key as well as Jacksonville. Additionally, most visitors come to Jacksonville for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Big Pine Key is a little warmer than Jacksonville. Typically, the spring temperatures in Big Pine Key in April average around 77°F (25°C), and Jacksonville averages at about 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jacksonville. 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 Jacksonville. Big Pine Key gets 326 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jacksonville receives 285 hours of full sun.

Big Pine Key usually gets less rain in April than Jacksonville. Big Pine Key gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Jacksonville receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Jacksonville is June to November.

Typical Weather for Jacksonville and Big Pine Key