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

Should you visit Big Pine Key or Marathon?

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 Marathon. 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 Marathon?

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!

Marathon

You step outside your deluxe suite onto the balcony and are greeted with nothing less than tropical perfection. The hum of the ocean, the whispers of the palm trees, the songs of the seagulls - you bask in this paradise otherwise known as Marathon, Florida. A 10-mile-long island, the chain contains Vaca Key, Fat Deer Key and Grassy Key, along with Duck Key just another few minutes up the road.

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

Which is Bigger, Big Pine Key or Marathon?

Marathon has a larger population, and is about 82% larger than the population of Big Pine Key. When comparing the sizes of Big Pine Key and Marathon, 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 Marathon?

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 Marathon in the Summer?

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

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marathon 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 Marathon during summer. Big Pine Key gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Marathon receives 328 hours of full sun in the summer.

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

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Big Pine Key as well as Marathon. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Marathon because of the natural beauty of the area.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marathon. 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 Marathon. Big Pine Key gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marathon receives 258 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Marathon. 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 Marathon. Big Pine Key gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Marathon receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In Marathon, 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 Marathon. Big Pine Key gets 326 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marathon receives 326 hours of full sun.

Big Pine Key usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Marathon. Big Pine Key gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Marathon receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Marathon and Big Pine Key