Which place is cheaper, Miami 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 Miami?
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 Miami. 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 Miami?
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!
Miami
Miami is a popular tourist destination and a modern city in South Florida. It has beautiful white beaches, crystal blue waters, cosmopolitan neighborhoods, impressive shopping, and excellent dining opportunities. It is also a gateway to the Florida Keys, which is another popular destination in South Florida.
Miami is the second most populated city in Florida and the metropolitan area is the most populated in the state with more than 5.4 million people. It's also the 7th largest metro area in the country. The city sits between the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Everglades to the west. It covers 110 miles north to south but is a narrow 20 miles east to west.
Miami sits at a low latitude, giving it a subtropical savannah climate. There are two seasons; the warm and dry season between November and April and the hot and wet season between May and October. The coldest months are between December and March when highs are in the upper 70 or low 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The summer months have highs in the upper 80s or 90s and lows in the mid 70s with high humidity.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBig Pine Key $144Miami $206
The average daily cost (per person) in Big Pine Key is $144, while the average daily cost in Miami is $206. 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 Miami in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBig Pine Key $64Miami $132
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBig Pine Key $128Miami $264
Compare Hotels in Big Pine Key and Miami
Looking for a hotel in Big Pine Key or Miami? 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: Miami Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Big Pine Key $56Miami $38
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Miami
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Miami are as follows:
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Car Rental for a Day$18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Miami
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Miami:
- Transfers Airports Miami, Ft. Lauderdale Port Mía Everglades: $25
- Transfer from Miami Hotel or Miami Port to Fort Lauderdale Airport or Hotel: $199
- Transfer from Miami Airport to Miami Hotel or Miami Port: $160
- Shared Tour in Miami with Transfer: $170
- Round Trip Motorcoach Transfer to Key West from Miami: $245
- Private transfer from Miami hotel to Port of Miami: $160
- Private Transfer: Miami International Airport (MIA) to Miami Beach : $69
- Private Transfer from Miami Hotels to Miami International Airport: $120
- Private Transfer from Miami Airport to any Hotels Downtown Miami: $99
- Private Transfer from Miami Airport to Hotel or Port of Miami: $35
- Private Transfer from Miami Airport (MIA) to Miami hotels/beach: $140
- Private Transfer To/From Miami Intl Airport & Port of Miami: $98
Is it cheaper to fly into Big Pine Key or Miami?
Prices for flights to both Miami 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 $42Miami $41
Typical Food Prices in Miami
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Miami:
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Lunch with Drinks (for 2)$45
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David's Cafe Lunch (for 1)$16
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Miami
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Miami.
- Little Havana- Family Friendly Walking Food Tour : $52
- Little Havana Ultimate Food Tour : $64
- The Ultimate Little Havana Food Tour: $64
- A Taste of South Beach Food Tour: $70
- South Beach Food Tour: $70
- Taste of Little Havana Food Tour in Miami with Cuban Street Food: $75
- Food Tour of Miami's South Beach: $79
- Mango's Dinner and Show Ticket: $98
- Mango's Tropical Cafe Dinner & Show: $98
- Miami Dinner Party w/ Night Club Experience: $100
- Guided Small Group Little Havana Food Tour: $124
- 3 Hour Regional Indian Cooking Class and Dining Experience in Miami: $150
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Big Pine Key $42Miami $31
Tours and Activities in Miami
Here are a few actual costs in Miami for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 30 Minute- Ocean Drive Segway Tour: $42
- Cultural Brunch Experience in Miami: $75
- Miami Beach Art Deco Tour with Cocktails: $75
- Miami's Most Authentic Walking Tour of Little Havana: $39
- 1 Day Key West Tour from Miami Florida: $175
- 1 Hour Jet Ski Experience in Miami Beach Florida: $95
- 1 Hour Star Island Segway Tour: $74
- 1HR Boat Tour Around Miami Celebrities Mansion: $65
- 2 Hours Private Walking Tour in Miami Beach: $273
- 2 hrs Miami Private Boat Tour with Cooler, Ice, Bluetooth Stereo: $75
- 2-Day Key West and Miami South Beach Tour: $100
- 2-Hour Miami Beach Electric Bike Tour: $80
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBig Pine Key $9.29Miami $22
Typical Alcohol Prices in Miami
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Miami are as follows:
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Evening at a Bar$32
Sample the Local Flavors in Miami
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Miami:
- Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
- Small-Group Brewery Golf Cart Tour of Wynwood with a Local Guide: $59
- Wynwood Graffiti Brewery Golf Cart Tour: $63
- Wynwood Party Bike Bar Crawl: $64
- Wynwood Party Bike Bar Crawl: $64
- Wynwood Bar Crawl: $100
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Big Pine Key and Miami, we can see that Miami 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 Miami would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Miami 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 Miami Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Big Pine Key or Miami?
Miami has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Big Pine Key. When comparing the sizes of Big Pine Key and Miami, 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 Miami?
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 Miami in the Summer?
Both Miami and Big Pine Key during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Miami in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Big Pine Key is generally around the same temperature as Miami. Daily temperatures in Big Pine Key average around 84°F (29°C), and Miami fluctuates around 83°F (28°C).
In Miami, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Big Pine Key. In the summer, Big Pine Key often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Miami. Big Pine Key gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Miami receives 316 hours of full sun.
Miami gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Big Pine Key usually gets less rain in July than Miami. Big Pine Key gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Miami receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBig Pine Key 84°F (29°C)Miami 83°F (28°C)
Should I visit Big Pine Key or Miami in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Big Pine Key and Miami. Also, most visitors come to Miami for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.
Big Pine Key is around the same temperature as Miami in the autumn. The daily temperature in Big Pine Key averages around 80°F (27°C) in October, and Miami fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Miami 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 Miami during autumn. Big Pine Key gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Miami receives 275 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Miami 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 less rain than Miami. Big Pine Key gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Miami receives 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBig Pine Key 80°F (27°C)Miami 78°F (26°C)
Should I visit Big Pine Key or Miami in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Big Pine Key as well as Miami. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Miami because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.
In the winter, Big Pine Key is around the same temperature as Miami. Typically, the winter temperatures in Big Pine Key in January average around 70°F (21°C), and Miami averages at about 67°F (20°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Miami. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Big Pine Key this time of the year. In the winter, Big Pine Key often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Miami. Big Pine Key gets 252 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Miami receives 243 hours of full sun.
Big Pine Key usually gets less rain in January than Miami. Big Pine Key gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Miami receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBig Pine Key 70°F (21°C)Miami 67°F (20°C)
Should I visit Big Pine Key or Miami in the Spring?
Both Miami and Big Pine Key are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Miami this time of year.
In April, Big Pine Key is generally around the same temperature as Miami. Daily temperatures in Big Pine Key average around 77°F (25°C), and Miami fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).
It's quite sunny in Miami. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Big Pine Key. Big Pine Key usually receives more sunshine than Miami during spring. Big Pine Key gets 326 hours of sunny skies, while Miami receives 300 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Big Pine Key usually receives less rain than Miami. Big Pine Key gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Miami 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)Miami 75°F (24°C)
Typical Weather for Miami and Big Pine Key
| Big Pine Key | Miami | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 70°F (21°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) | 67°F (20°C) | 2.2 inches (55 mm) |
| Feb | 71°F (21°C) | 1.4 inches (36 mm) | 68°F (20°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) |
| Mar | 74°F (23°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) |
| Apr | 77°F (25°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) | 75°F (24°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) |
| May | 81°F (27°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 79°F (26°C) | 6.4 inches (162 mm) |
| Jun | 83°F (28°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) | 81°F (27°C) | 9.4 inches (238 mm) |
| Jul | 84°F (29°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 83°F (28°C) | 5.9 inches (149 mm) |
| Aug | 84°F (29°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) | 83°F (28°C) | 7.5 inches (191 mm) |
| Sep | 83°F (29°C) | 5.7 inches (144 mm) | 82°F (28°C) | 7.6 inches (194 mm) |
| Oct | 80°F (27°C) | 5.1 inches (129 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) |
| Nov | 76°F (24°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Dec | 72°F (22°C) | 1.4 inches (35 mm) | 69°F (21°C) | 1.9 inches (48 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.