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

Should you visit Big Pine Key or Ketchikan?

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 Ketchikan. 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 Ketchikan?

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!

Ketchikan

Ketchikan, Alaska is located at the southern end of the well-known Alaskan inside passage. It is often called the beginning of the last frontier, because of it's location near the southern entrance of Alaska. It is a beautiful and quaint town, that leaves you feeling like you may have gone back in time with its storefront lined streets and natural beauty. Ketchikan has been called some of the most beautifully stunning wilderness area in the world. It is known as the Salmon Capital of the World due to the superior century old fishing industry in the area. The Native Culture in Ketchikan is extremely rich and it is home to the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian tribes. The nearby Tongass rainforest provides red cedar trees for the popular totem poles, which are abundant in the area.

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 Ketchikan, we can see that Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Big Pine Key or Ketchikan?

Ketchikan has a larger population, and is about 30% larger than the population of Big Pine Key. When comparing the sizes of Big Pine Key and Ketchikan, 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 Ketchikan?

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 Ketchikan in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Big Pine Key as well as Ketchikan. Also, many visitors come to Ketchikan in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Big Pine Key is generally much warmer than Ketchikan. Daily temperatures in Big Pine Key average around 84°F (29°C), and Ketchikan fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).

It's quite rainy in Ketchikan. Big Pine Key usually gets less rain in July than Ketchikan. Big Pine Key gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 7.6 inches (193 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Ketchikan and Big Pine Key are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Ketchikan for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Big Pine Key is much warmer than Ketchikan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Big Pine Key averages around 80°F (27°C) in October, and Ketchikan fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ketchikan. It's quite rainy in Big Pine Key. In October, Big Pine Key usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Big Pine Key gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 22.9 inches (581 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

Both Ketchikan and Big Pine Key during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Ketchikan because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Ketchikan can be very cold. In the winter, Big Pine Key is much warmer than Ketchikan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Big Pine Key in January average around 70°F (21°C), and Ketchikan averages at about 34°F (1°C).

Ketchikan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Big Pine Key usually gets less rain in January than Ketchikan. Big Pine Key gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 14.9 inches (379 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Big Pine Key and Ketchikan. Furthermore, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Ketchikan this time of year.

In April, Big Pine Key is generally much warmer than Ketchikan. Daily temperatures in Big Pine Key average around 77°F (25°C), and Ketchikan fluctuates around 44°F (6°C).

Ketchikan receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Big Pine Key usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Big Pine Key gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 11.3 inches (286 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ketchikan and Big Pine Key