Which place is cheaper, Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs?
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 Palm Springs. 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 Palm Springs?
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!
Palm Springs
Palm Springs is a desert resort town located about two hours east of Los Angeles, most famously known as Hollywood's playground, where stars and starlets could escape for rest and relaxation but still be close enough to return for impromptu work.
It's no wonder that Palm Springs is increasingly popular as a weekend getaway for special occasions, and even for bachelor and bachelorette parties. Closer than the typical Las Vegas weekend for Southern California residents, Palm Springs provides a desert getaway with endless possibilities of activities, whether visitors want to gamble, shop, hike, or wander through an art gallery.
Climate in the high-desert is generally warm with highs in the 100s during the hot and dry summers, and lows in the mid 40s in the winter months, with sparse rainfall. However, if you're visiting during winter, be sure to pack versatile attire and layers as the days may be warm, but the nights in the low desert can get chilly enough to convince you to change into long pants.
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 $144Palm Springs $206
The average daily cost (per person) in Big Pine Key is $144, while the average daily cost in Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBig Pine Key $64Palm Springs $120
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBig Pine Key $128Palm Springs $240
Compare Hotels in Big Pine Key and Palm Springs
Looking for a hotel in Big Pine Key or Palm Springs? 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: Palm Springs Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Big Pine Key $56Palm Springs $52
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Palm Springs
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Palm Springs:
- Private Transfer from PSP to Palm Desert / Indian Wells: $135
- Private Airport Transfer in Palm Springs: $195
- Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) to SANTA ANA - Arrival Private Transfer: $128
- Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) to ONTARIO - Arrival Private Transfer: $105
- Palm Springs Airport to Snow Summit - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $262
- Palm Springs Airport to Desert Hot Springs Round-Trip Transfer: $175
- Palm Springs Airport PSP to Snow Summit-Arrival Private Transfer: $131
- Palm Springs Airport (PSP) to LOS ANGELES - Arrival Private Transfer: $171
- Palm Springs Airport (PSP) to LA QUINTA/INDIO - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $129
- Palm Springs Airport (PSP) to INDIAN WELLS - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $162
- Palm Springs Airport (PSP) to Desert Hot Springs Private Transfer: $87
- Desert Hot Springs to Palm Springs Airport Departure Transfer: $87
Is it cheaper to fly into Big Pine Key or Palm Springs?
Prices for flights to both Palm Springs 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 $42Palm Springs $53
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Big Pine Key $42Palm Springs $29
Tours and Activities in Palm Springs
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Palm Springs are as follows:
- 10+ Self-Guided Driving Tours from Las Vegas: $50
- 100+ Self Guided Driving & Walking Tours by Action: $100
- Best of Palm Springs Small Group Tour w/ Aerial Tram: $166
- Covered Wagon Adventure & BBQ: $129
- Death Valley National Park Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $17
- Desert Healing Experience: $175
- Earthquake Canyon Express Downhill Bicycle Adventure: $139
- Food Adventure Game: $99
- Indian Canyons Walking Tour by Jeep from Palm Springs: $200
- Joshua Tree National Park Driving Tour : $235
- Joshua Tree National Park Offroad Tour: $235
- Joshua Tree National Park Scenic Tour: $149
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBig Pine Key $9.29Palm Springs $13
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Big Pine Key and Palm Springs, we can see that Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Big Pine Key or Palm Springs?
Palm Springs has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Big Pine Key. When comparing the sizes of Big Pine Key and Palm Springs, 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 Palm Springs?
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 Palm Springs in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Big Pine Key as well as Palm Springs. Also, many visitors come to Palm Springs in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Big Pine Key is generally a little warmer than Palm Springs. Daily temperatures in Big Pine Key average around 84°F (29°C), and Palm Springs fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).
Big Pine Key usually gets more rain in July than Palm Springs. Big Pine Key gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBig Pine Key 84°F (29°C)Palm Springs 73°F (23°C)
Should I visit Big Pine Key or Palm Springs in the Autumn?
Both Palm Springs and Big Pine Key are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Palm Springs for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.
Big Pine Key is a little warmer than Palm Springs in the autumn. The daily temperature in Big Pine Key averages around 80°F (27°C) in October, and Palm Springs fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).
It's quite rainy in Big Pine Key. In October, Big Pine Key usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. Big Pine Key gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBig Pine Key 80°F (27°C)Palm Springs 69°F (20°C)
Should I visit Big Pine Key or Palm Springs in the Winter?
Both Palm Springs and Big Pine Key during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Palm Springs because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Big Pine Key is a little warmer than Palm Springs. Typically, the winter temperatures in Big Pine Key in January average around 70°F (21°C), and Palm Springs averages at about 57°F (14°C).
Big Pine Key usually gets less rain in January than Palm Springs. Big Pine Key gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 2 inches (52 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBig Pine Key 70°F (21°C)Palm Springs 57°F (14°C)
Should I visit Big Pine Key or Palm Springs in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Big Pine Key and Palm Springs.
In April, Big Pine Key is generally much warmer than Palm Springs. Daily temperatures in Big Pine Key average around 77°F (25°C), and Palm Springs fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).
In April, Big Pine Key usually receives less rain than Palm Springs. Big Pine Key gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.9 inches (24 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBig Pine Key 77°F (25°C)Palm Springs 62°F (17°C)
Typical Weather for Palm Springs and Big Pine Key
| Big Pine Key | Palm Springs | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 70°F (21°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) | 57°F (14°C) | 2 inches (52 mm) |
| Feb | 71°F (21°C) | 1.4 inches (36 mm) | 58°F (15°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Mar | 74°F (23°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) | 59°F (15°C) | 2.2 inches (57 mm) |
| Apr | 77°F (25°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.9 inches (24 mm) |
| May | 81°F (27°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 65°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| Jun | 83°F (28°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) | 69°F (20°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Jul | 84°F (29°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 84°F (29°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 0.2 inches (4 mm) |
| Sep | 83°F (29°C) | 5.7 inches (144 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 0.4 inches (9 mm) |
| Oct | 80°F (27°C) | 5.1 inches (129 mm) | 69°F (20°C) | 0.3 inches (7 mm) |
| Nov | 76°F (24°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 1.5 inches (39 mm) |
| Dec | 72°F (22°C) | 1.4 inches (35 mm) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.7 inches (42 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.