Which place is cheaper, Orlando or Big Pine Key?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Big Pine Key or Orlando?
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 Orlando. 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 Orlando?
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!
Orlando
Orlando is a haven for tourists from the entire United States and abroad. The most famous sight in Orlando, Walt Disney World, is not actually located in the city at all, but in nearby Lake Buena Vista. The area attracts over 50 million visitors a year and the city's sprawling development has created amenities and entertainment options for tourists of all ages.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.
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Big Pine Key Prices
USA PricesOrlando Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBig Pine Key $174Orlando $368
The average daily cost (per person) in Big Pine Key is $174, while the average daily cost in Orlando is $368. 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 Orlando in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBig Pine Key $64Orlando $154
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBig Pine Key $128Orlando $308
Compare Hotels in Big Pine Key and Orlando
Looking for a hotel in Big Pine Key or Orlando? 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: Orlando Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Big Pine Key $56Orlando $66
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Orlando
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Orlando are as follows:
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Parking$14
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Taxi Ride$45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Orlando
Also for Orlando, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Universal Orlando Resorts to Orlando Airport MCO Private Transfer: $125
- Transfer: MCO/Orlando Hotels to Port Canaveral: $40
- Transfer: Lake Buena Vista Hotels To/From Orlando Airport: $295
- Sanford to Orlando Sanford Intl. Airport (SFB) - Departure Private Transfer: $87
- Sanford Airport (SFB) to Lake Buena Vista - Arrival Transfer: $87
- Sanford Airport (SFB) to Lake Buena Vista – Roundtrip Transfer: $173
- SUV Transfer To or From MCO to Theme Parks and I-Drive: $145
- SUV Transfer From Orlando Airport to Lake Buena Vista Area Hotels: $150
- Roundtrip/Oneway Transfer: Orlando Intl Airport to Disney Hotels: $57
- Roundtrip Private Transfer from Orlando Airport (MCO): $58
- Private Transfers from Port Canaveral to Lake Buena Vista Hotels: $250
- Private Transfer: Theme Park Hotels to Orlando MCO Airport by Car: $101
Is it cheaper to fly into Big Pine Key or Orlando?
Prices for flights to both Orlando 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 $72Orlando $113
Typical Food Prices in Orlando
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Orlando:
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Lunch for Two at Epcot$29
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Orlando
For Orlando, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show: $39
- Flavors of ICON Park Food Tour: $40
- St. Johns River Lunch and Dinner Cruises in Sanford, Florida: $43
- Orlando Polynesian Fire Luau and Dinner Show Experience: $75
- Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery in Orlando: $75
- Pirates Adventure Dinner Show with Drinks: $80
- Medieval Times Dinner Show in Orlando: $80
- Speakeasy Murder Mystery Dinner Show in Orlando: $82
- Titanic: First Class Dinner Gala Tickets in Orlando: $84
- Ivanhoe Village Food Tour with Tastings: $88
- Food Tour of Local Orlando's Ivanhoe Village : $89
- Sleuth's Mystery Dinner Show, Orlando: $90
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Big Pine Key $42Orlando $204
Typical Entertainment Prices in Orlando
For Orlando, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Universal Studios for Two$110
Tours and Activities in Orlando
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Orlando.
- 2 HR Interactive Walking Ghost Tour in Downtown Orlando: $78
- 90 minute Everglades Airboat Tour near Orlando Florida : $89
- Magic After Dark Bioluminescence Kayak Tour Orlando: $85
- 1 Hour Florida Everglades Wildlife Tour: $65
- 1 Hour Historical Wildlife Tour of The Famous Chain of Lakes: $27
- 1 Hour Scenic Pontoon Day Cruise: $48
- 2 Hour Historical Wildlife Tour of the Chain of Lakes: $42
- 2 Hour Investigative Walking Ghost Tour of Downtown Orlando: $53
- 2Park 1Day Park-to-Park + 1Day Universal Epic Ticket: $331
- 30 Days Self Guided Audio Tour: Discover Orlando Local Stories: $30
- 8-Hour Automatic Polaris Slingshot SL Adventure Rental: $300
- 90 Minute Airboat Tour in the Florida Everglades: $85
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBig Pine Key $9.29Orlando $30
Sample the Local Flavors in Orlando
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Orlando:
- Orlando Haunts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $27
- Orlando Haunts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
- Caribbean Moonshine Distillery Tour and Tasting: $40
- Sanford’s Haunted Brewery Tour: $43
- Brews and Bites Brewery Walking Tour: $75
- 2-Hour Sushi Making Class at a Local Brewery: $75
- Pontoon Pub Crawl, 5 Lakeside Pubs and Restaurants Visit by Boat: $90
- Ghost Tour and Pub Crawl: $139
- Chef's Table and Wine Tasting Tour: $300
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Big Pine Key and Orlando, we can see that Orlando 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 Orlando would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Orlando 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 Orlando Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Big Pine Key or Orlando?
Orlando has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Big Pine Key. When comparing the sizes of Big Pine Key and Orlando, 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 Orlando?
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 Orlando in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Big Pine Key and Orlando. Also, many travelers come to Orlando for the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Big Pine Key is generally around the same temperature as Orlando. Daily temperatures in Big Pine Key average around 84°F (29°C), and Orlando fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).
Orlando receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Big Pine Key usually receives less rain than Orlando. Big Pine Key gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Orlando receives 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBig Pine Key 84°F (29°C)Orlando 82°F (28°C)
Should I visit Big Pine Key or Orlando in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Big Pine Key as well as Orlando. Also, many visitors come to Orlando in the autumn for the shopping scene.
Big Pine Key is a little warmer than Orlando in the autumn. The daily temperature in Big Pine Key averages around 80°F (27°C) in October, and Orlando fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).
It's quite rainy in Orlando. Big Pine Key receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Big Pine Key usually gets more rain in October than Orlando. Big Pine Key gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Orlando receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBig Pine Key 80°F (27°C)Orlando 75°F (24°C)
Should I visit Big Pine Key or Orlando in the Winter?
Both Orlando and Big Pine Key are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Orlando for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.
In the winter, Big Pine Key is a little warmer than Orlando. Typically, the winter temperatures in Big Pine Key in January average around 70°F (21°C), and Orlando averages at about 59°F (15°C).
In January, Big Pine Key usually receives less rain than Orlando. Big Pine Key gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Orlando receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBig Pine Key 70°F (21°C)Orlando 59°F (15°C)
Should I visit Big Pine Key or Orlando in the Spring?
Both Orlando and Big Pine Key during the spring are popular places to visit.
In April, Big Pine Key is generally a little warmer than Orlando. Daily temperatures in Big Pine Key average around 77°F (25°C), and Orlando fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).
Big Pine Key usually gets less rain in April than Orlando. Big Pine Key gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Orlando receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBig Pine Key 77°F (25°C)Orlando 72°F (22°C)
Typical Weather for Orlando and Big Pine Key
| Big Pine Key | Orlando | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 70°F (21°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) | 59°F (15°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Feb | 71°F (21°C) | 1.4 inches (36 mm) | 62°F (16°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) |
| Mar | 74°F (23°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) | 67°F (19°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) |
| Apr | 77°F (25°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| May | 81°F (27°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 77°F (25°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) |
| Jun | 83°F (28°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) | 81°F (27°C) | 7.1 inches (181 mm) |
| Jul | 84°F (29°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 82°F (28°C) | 8.3 inches (211 mm) |
| Aug | 84°F (29°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) | 82°F (28°C) | 6.7 inches (171 mm) |
| Sep | 83°F (29°C) | 5.7 inches (144 mm) | 81°F (27°C) | 7.2 inches (183 mm) |
| Oct | 80°F (27°C) | 5.1 inches (129 mm) | 75°F (24°C) | 4.1 inches (103 mm) |
| Nov | 76°F (24°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) | 68°F (20°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
| Dec | 72°F (22°C) | 1.4 inches (35 mm) | 62°F (17°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.