Which place is cheaper, New Orleans 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 New Orleans?
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 New Orleans. 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 New Orleans?
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!
New Orleans
New Orleans is the largest city in the state of Louisiana, and it is a cultural city that is the home of jazz, unique cuisine, and Mardi Gras in the U.S. It was established in 1718 and is one of the oldest cities in the country. The culture of the city has a mix of French, Creole, African American, Caribbean, Irish, Haitian, German and Vietnamese. There's an energy and atmosphere that is unlike any place else.
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 $144New Orleans $239
The average daily cost (per person) in Big Pine Key is $144, while the average daily cost in New Orleans is $239. 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 New Orleans in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBig Pine Key $64New Orleans $125
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBig Pine Key $128New Orleans $250
Compare Hotels in Big Pine Key and New Orleans
Looking for a hotel in Big Pine Key or New Orleans? 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: New Orleans Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Big Pine Key $56New Orleans $51
Typical Local Transportation Prices in New Orleans
Some typical examples of transportation costs in New Orleans are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in New Orleans
Also for New Orleans, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from New Orleans MSY or Port to New Orleans City by SUV: $93
- Private transfer: New Orleans to New Orleans Airport (MSY): $133
- Private Transfer: New Orleans to Louis Armstrong Airport MSY in Luxury SUV : $115
- Private Transfer: New Orleans to Louis Armstrong Airport MSY in Business Car: $103
- Private Transfer: New Orleans Airport MSY to Cruise Port in SUV: $115
- Private Transfer: Louis Armstrong Airport MSY to New Orleans in Business Car: $103
- Private Transfer: Cruise Port to New Orleans Airport MSY in SUV: $115
- Private Transfer in a Luxury Sedan from Louis Armstrong Airport: $69
- Private Transfer in (Rover RSD) New Orleans MSY/Home/Hotel/Work : $47
- Private Transfer from Port Of New of New Orleans Cruise: $210
- Private Transfer New Orleans MSY or Port to New Orleans by Sedan: $76
- Private Transfer From New Orleans To Baton Rouge: $157
Is it cheaper to fly into Big Pine Key or New Orleans?
Prices for flights to both New Orleans 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 $42New Orleans $45
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in New Orleans
For New Orleans, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cajun and Creole Cooking Class with Meal: $38
- New Orleans Demonstration Cooking Class with Meal: $42
- Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Jazz Dinner Cruise in New Orleans: $55
- Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option: $55
- Evening Jazz Boat Cruise with Optional Dinner: $55
- French Quarter Food Tour: Signature Flavors of New Orleans: $59
- The Premier New Orleans Food Tour: $77
- Taste Of New Orleans Food Tour and Experience: $80
- French Quarter Food Tour with a Local: $80
- Private New Orleans Food Tour of the French Quarter : $85
- New Orleans' Lower Garden Food Tour: $89
- French Quarter Food Tour with Tastings: $89
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Big Pine Key $42New Orleans $55
Typical Entertainment Prices in New Orleans
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for New Orleans's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Zoo & Aquarium Tickets (2)$75
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Riverboat Cruise$70
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French Quarter City Tour$100
Tours and Activities in New Orleans
For New Orleans, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Bom Creole Dining Experience w/ Pool and Louisiana Native Chef : $135
- Creole French Quarter Walking Tour: $30
- Walking Instagram Photo Tour in the French Quarter New Orleans: $27
- 2-Hour Guided French Quarter Vampire Walking Tour: $25
- 45 Minute Highlights Tour of the French Quarter: $23
- 90-Minute Jean Lafitte Swamp and Bayou Tour with Transportation: $57
- A Local's Private French Quarter Walking or Biking Tour : $175
- Adults-Only History, Ghost, Vampire, and Voodoo Walking Tour: $30
- Adults-Only New Orleans Ghost, Crime, Voodoo, and Vampire Tour: $37
- Airboat Tour of Louisiana Swamps: $130
- Audio-Guided Whitney Plantation Tour with Transportation: $90
- Automated Historical Ghost Bus Tour of New Orleans: $55
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBig Pine Key $9.29New Orleans $60
Sample the Local Flavors in New Orleans
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in New Orleans:
- Haunted Pub Crawl In-App Audio Tour (ENG): $13
- Guided Rum Distillery Tour and Tasting: $15
- Guided Distillery Tour & Rum Tasting: $15
- New Orleans Distillery Tour and Rum Tasting with Guide: $15
- Private New Orleans Seafood Bar Crawl: $15
- Spooky Ghost and Haunted Pub Crawl Tour: $17
- New Orleans Small-Group History Tour Pub Crawl of The Irish Channel: $25
- Haunted Pub Crawl in New Orleans: $26
- Adults Only True Crime Pub Crawl: $27
- New Orleans Bar Crawl: $28
- True Crime Pub Crawl in New Orleans: $30
- Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Big Pine Key and New Orleans, we can see that New Orleans 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 New Orleans would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in New Orleans 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 New Orleans Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Big Pine Key or New Orleans?
New Orleans has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Big Pine Key. When comparing the sizes of Big Pine Key and New Orleans, 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 New Orleans?
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 New Orleans in the Summer?
Both New Orleans and Big Pine Key are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to New Orleans because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Big Pine Key is generally around the same temperature as New Orleans. Daily temperatures in Big Pine Key average around 84°F (29°C), and New Orleans fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).
It's quite sunny in New Orleans. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Big Pine Key. Big Pine Key usually receives more sunshine than New Orleans during summer. Big Pine Key gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while New Orleans receives 264 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. In July, Big Pine Key usually receives less rain than New Orleans. Big Pine Key gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBig Pine Key 84°F (29°C)New Orleans 82°F (28°C)
Should I visit Big Pine Key or New Orleans in the Autumn?
Both New Orleans and Big Pine Key during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to New Orleans this time of year.
Big Pine Key is a little warmer than New Orleans in the autumn. The daily temperature in Big Pine Key averages around 80°F (27°C) in October, and New Orleans fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).
In New Orleans, 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 around the same amount of sunshine as New Orleans. Big Pine Key gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while New Orleans receives 240 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 New Orleans. Big Pine Key gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while New Orleans receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBig Pine Key 80°F (27°C)New Orleans 69°F (21°C)
Should I visit Big Pine Key or New Orleans in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Big Pine Key and New Orleans. Furthermore, many travelers come to New Orleans for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
In the winter, Big Pine Key is much warmer than New Orleans. Typically, the winter temperatures in Big Pine Key in January average around 70°F (21°C), and New Orleans averages at about 51°F (11°C).
In Big Pine Key, it's very sunny this time of the year. Big Pine Key usually receives more sunshine than New Orleans during winter. Big Pine Key gets 252 hours of sunny skies, while New Orleans receives 158 hours of full sun in the winter.
New Orleans receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Big Pine Key usually receives less rain than New Orleans. Big Pine Key gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBig Pine Key 70°F (21°C)New Orleans 51°F (11°C)
Should I visit Big Pine Key or New Orleans in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Big Pine Key as well as New Orleans. Additionally, many visitors come to New Orleans in the spring for the activities around the city.
In April, Big Pine Key is generally a little warmer than New Orleans. Daily temperatures in Big Pine Key average around 77°F (25°C), and New Orleans fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. 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 New Orleans. Big Pine Key gets 326 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while New Orleans receives 254 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in New Orleans. Big Pine Key usually gets less rain in April than New Orleans. Big Pine Key gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while New Orleans receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBig Pine Key 77°F (25°C)New Orleans 68°F (20°C)
Typical Weather for New Orleans and Big Pine Key
| Big Pine Key | New Orleans | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 70°F (21°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) | 51°F (11°C) | 5.2 inches (131 mm) |
| Feb | 71°F (21°C) | 1.4 inches (36 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 5.8 inches (147 mm) |
| Mar | 74°F (23°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) | 62°F (16°C) | 5 inches (126 mm) |
| Apr | 77°F (25°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) | 68°F (20°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) |
| May | 81°F (27°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 75°F (24°C) | 4.3 inches (110 mm) |
| Jun | 83°F (28°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) | 80°F (27°C) | 5.9 inches (151 mm) |
| Jul | 84°F (29°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 82°F (28°C) | 5.9 inches (149 mm) |
| Aug | 84°F (29°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) | 82°F (28°C) | 6.2 inches (157 mm) |
| Sep | 83°F (29°C) | 5.7 inches (144 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 5.5 inches (140 mm) |
| Oct | 80°F (27°C) | 5.1 inches (129 mm) | 69°F (21°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) |
| Nov | 76°F (24°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) | 61°F (16°C) | 4.8 inches (122 mm) |
| Dec | 72°F (22°C) | 1.4 inches (35 mm) | 55°F (13°C) | 5.7 inches (146 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.