Which place is cheaper, Moab or Big Pine Key?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Big Pine Key or Moab?
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 Moab. 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 Moab?
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!
Moab
Moab is the closest town to Arches National Park in Utah's Canyon Country. It is also a popular base for exploring Canyonlands National Park. It's a small town that serves mainly to accommodate tourists to the popular national parks and other surrounding wildlife areas. It has grown dramatically in recent years and has a population of just over 5,000. In town you will find hotels and motels, a handful of restaurants and a few shops where you can stock up on supplies. There's a small museum, the Museum of Moab, and a variety of tour operators in town. You can easily book river rafting trips, jeep expeditions, and tours of the surrounding area. For many, exploring Arches National Park on your own is a more enjoyable and independent experience.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBig Pine Key $144Moab $388
The average daily cost (per person) in Big Pine Key is $144, while the average daily cost in Moab is $388. 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 Moab in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBig Pine Key $64Moab $336
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBig Pine Key $128Moab $672
Compare Hotels in Big Pine Key and Moab
Looking for a hotel in Big Pine Key or Moab? 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: Moab Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Big Pine Key $56Moab $17
Is it cheaper to fly into Big Pine Key or Moab?
Prices for flights to both Moab 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 dayBig Pine Key $42Moab $37
Typical Food Prices in Moab
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Moab:
-
Moab Brewery$42
-
Breakfast for Two$17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Moab
For Moab, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Colorado River Dinner Cruise with Music and Light Show: $99
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Big Pine Key $42Moab $3.13
Typical Entertainment Prices in Moab
For Moab, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Slickrock Trail Pass$5.00
Tours and Activities in Moab
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Moab.
- 2 Hours Guided UTV Tour in Moab Utah: $129
- 2 hour Moab Ebike Petroglyph Tour: $107
- 25+ National Parks Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle: $85
- 3-Hours Sunset Arches National Park Pavement Sights Tour: $191
- 3.5 Hour HELL'S REVENGE and FINS & THINGS You Drive UTV Tour: $239
- Afternoon Arches National Park 4x4 Tour: $185
- Afternoon Canyonlands Island In The Sky 4X4 Tour: $185
- Afternoon Half Day Moab Jeep Tour: $152
- Arches National Park 4x4 Adventure from Moab: $197
- Arches National Park Back Country Adventure from Moab: $142
- Arches National Park Backcountry Tour: $252
- Arches National Park Scenic Tours From Moab: $161
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayBig Pine Key $9.29Moab $66
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Big Pine Key and Moab, we can see that Moab 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 Moab would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Moab 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 Moab Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Big Pine Key or Moab?
Big Pine Key has a larger population, and is about 13% larger than the population of Moab. When comparing the sizes of Big Pine Key and Moab, 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.
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.