A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Big Pine Key vs. Portland, Maine for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Big Pine Key or Portland, Maine?

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 Portland, Maine. 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 Portland, Maine?

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!

Portland, Maine

The largest city in the U.S. state of Maine, Portland has much to offer with its most visited areas being the historic Old Port and the Arts District. They are a mix of the old and new, with a historic feel of the waterfront port versus the contemporary culture of the local art scene. In addition to these popular locations, the Portland area is marked with historical landmarks and museums, places to shop, award-winning restaurants, and activities in areas just outside the city as well.

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.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Big Pine Key and Portland, Maine, we can see that Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Big Pine Key or Portland, Maine?

Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine, 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 Portland, Maine?

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 Portland, Maine in the Summer?

Both Portland, Maine and Big Pine Key during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Portland, Maine for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Big Pine Key is a little warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the summer temperatures in Big Pine Key in July average around 84°F (29°C), and Portland, Maine averages at about 69°F (20°C).

In Portland, Maine, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Big Pine Key. In the summer, Big Pine Key often gets more sunshine than Portland, Maine. Big Pine Key gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 282 hours of full sun.

Big Pine Key usually gets more rain in July than Portland, Maine. Big Pine Key gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Big Pine Key or Portland, Maine in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Big Pine Key and Portland, Maine. Also, many visitors come to Portland, Maine in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Big Pine Key is generally much warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Big Pine Key average around 80°F (27°C), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

In Big Pine Key, it's very sunny this time of the year. Big Pine Key usually receives more sunshine than Portland, Maine during autumn. Big Pine Key gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Big Pine Key gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Big Pine Key usually receives more rain than Portland, Maine. Big Pine Key gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Big Pine Key or Portland, Maine in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Big Pine Key as well as Portland, Maine. Also, most visitors come to Portland, Maine for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Portland, Maine can be very cold during winter. Big Pine Key is much warmer than Portland, Maine in the winter. The daily temperature in Big Pine Key averages around 70°F (21°C) in January, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Big Pine Key this time of the year. In the winter, Big Pine Key often gets more sunshine than Portland, Maine. Big Pine Key gets 252 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 163 hours of full sun.

Big Pine Key usually gets less rain in January than Portland, Maine. Big Pine Key gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Big Pine Key or Portland, Maine in the Spring?

Both Portland, Maine and Big Pine Key are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Portland, Maine because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Big Pine Key is much warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the spring temperatures in Big Pine Key in April average around 77°F (25°C), and Portland, Maine averages at about 43°F (6°C).

It's quite sunny in Portland, Maine. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Big Pine Key. Big Pine Key usually receives more sunshine than Portland, Maine during spring. Big Pine Key gets 326 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Big Pine Key usually receives less rain than Portland, Maine. Big Pine Key gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Portland, Maine and Big Pine Key