Which place is cheaper, Pensacola 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 Pensacola?
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 Pensacola. 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 Pensacola?
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!
Pensacola
With sands as white as sugar grain and a sky devoid of grey clouds and innumerable downpours, Pensacola is known by many as the "Western Gate to the Sunshine State." Located in northern Florida, Pensacola is a waterfront city known for its pristine beaches and rich Floridian history. As one of the earliest European settlements in the U.S., Pensacola is riddled with museums and landmarks that commemorate the state's history, making the city quite appetizing for history buffs and students alike. However, if you are simply looking to get the most out of the all-around good weather of Florida, Pensacola's protected beaches complemented with high-class restaurants and stores make this a vacation capital for many.
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 $144Pensacola $198
The average daily cost (per person) in Big Pine Key is $144, while the average daily cost in Pensacola is $198. 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 Pensacola in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBig Pine Key $64Pensacola $115
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBig Pine Key $128Pensacola $230
Compare Hotels in Big Pine Key and Pensacola
Looking for a hotel in Big Pine Key or Pensacola? 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: Pensacola Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Big Pine Key $56Pensacola $64
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Pensacola
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Pensacola:
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Boca Grande Causeway Toll$5.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pensacola
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pensacola:
- Pensacola to Pensacola International Airport (PNS) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
- Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Pensacola - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $109
- Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Pensacola - Arrival Private Transfer: $55
- Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Destin, FL - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $142
- Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Destin, FL - Arrival Private Transfer: $71
Is it cheaper to fly into Big Pine Key or Pensacola?
Prices for flights to both Pensacola 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 $42Pensacola $48
Typical Food Prices in Pensacola
Some typical examples of dining costs in Pensacola are as follows:
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Two Ice Creams$6.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pensacola
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Pensacola.
- Seville Stroll Food Tour: $72
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Big Pine Key $42Pensacola $13
Typical Entertainment Prices in Pensacola
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Pensacola are as follows:
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Bike Rental$16
Tours and Activities in Pensacola
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Pensacola are as follows:
- 1hr Segway Tour Downtown : $57
- 2hr Segway Tour of Downtown : $72
- 3 Hour Sandbar Adventure on Motorized Floats: $69
- 3 hours cruise with swimming: $81
- Dolphin & Sightseeing Cruise + Private Beach Stop: $64
- Fourth of July Fireworks Cruise: $59
- Frisky Mermaid Fireworks Cruise Up to 49 Pax: $64
- Frisky Mermaid Public Dolphin + Sightseeing Cruise Up to 49 Pax: $37
- Ghosts and Graveyard Tour of Pensacola: $34
- Hop-on Hop-off Tour in Pensacola : $35
- Land Paddle Tour in Pensacola: $50
- Pensacola Beach Jolly Dolphin Cruise and Scenic Bay Tour: $39
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBig Pine Key $9.29Pensacola $44
Sample the Local Flavors in Pensacola
Also in Pensacola, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Walking Pub Tour : $21
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Big Pine Key and Pensacola, we can see that Pensacola 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 Pensacola would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pensacola 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 Pensacola Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Big Pine Key or Pensacola?
Pensacola has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Big Pine Key. When comparing the sizes of Big Pine Key and Pensacola, 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 Pensacola?
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 Pensacola in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Big Pine Key as well as Pensacola. Also, many visitors come to Pensacola in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
Big Pine Key is around the same temperature as Pensacola in the summer. The daily temperature in Big Pine Key averages around 84°F (29°C) in July, and Pensacola fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).
It's quite rainy in Pensacola. Big Pine Key usually gets less rain in July than Pensacola. Big Pine Key gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Pensacola receives 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBig Pine Key 84°F (29°C)Pensacola 82°F (28°C)
Should I visit Big Pine Key or Pensacola in the Autumn?
Both Pensacola and Big Pine Key are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Pensacola for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.
In the autumn, Big Pine Key is a little warmer than Pensacola. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Big Pine Key in October average around 80°F (27°C), and Pensacola averages at about 69°F (21°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Pensacola. It's quite rainy in Big Pine Key. In October, Big Pine Key usually receives more rain than Pensacola. Big Pine Key gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Pensacola receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Pensacola is the hurricane season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBig Pine Key 80°F (27°C)Pensacola 69°F (21°C)
Should I visit Big Pine Key or Pensacola in the Winter?
Both Pensacola and Big Pine Key during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Pensacola because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Big Pine Key is generally much warmer than Pensacola. Daily temperatures in Big Pine Key average around 70°F (21°C), and Pensacola fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).
Pensacola gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Big Pine Key usually gets less rain in January than Pensacola. Big Pine Key gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Pensacola receives 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBig Pine Key 70°F (21°C)Pensacola 51°F (10°C)
Should I visit Big Pine Key or Pensacola in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Big Pine Key and Pensacola. Furthermore, the beaches are the main draw to Pensacola this time of year.
Big Pine Key is a little warmer than Pensacola in the spring. The daily temperature in Big Pine Key averages around 77°F (25°C) in April, and Pensacola fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).
In April, Big Pine Key usually receives less rain than Pensacola. Big Pine Key gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Pensacola receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Pensacola is June to November.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBig Pine Key 77°F (25°C)Pensacola 67°F (20°C)
Typical Weather for Pensacola and Big Pine Key
| Big Pine Key | Pensacola | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 70°F (21°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) | 51°F (10°C) | 4.6 inches (117 mm) |
| Feb | 71°F (21°C) | 1.4 inches (36 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 5.4 inches (137 mm) |
| Mar | 74°F (23°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) | 60°F (16°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) |
| Apr | 77°F (25°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) | 67°F (20°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
| May | 81°F (27°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) |
| Jun | 83°F (28°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) | 80°F (27°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) |
| Jul | 84°F (29°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 82°F (28°C) | 7.4 inches (189 mm) |
| Aug | 84°F (29°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) | 82°F (28°C) | 7.4 inches (188 mm) |
| Sep | 83°F (29°C) | 5.7 inches (144 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 5.3 inches (135 mm) |
| Oct | 80°F (27°C) | 5.1 inches (129 mm) | 69°F (21°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) |
| Nov | 76°F (24°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) | 61°F (16°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) |
| Dec | 72°F (22°C) | 1.4 inches (35 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 4.3 inches (109 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.