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

Should you visit Big Pine Key or Roanoke?

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 Roanoke. 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 Roanoke?

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!

Roanoke

Roanoke is a charming city located in the western region of the U.S. state of Virginia. Sometimes called the "Star City of the South" or the "Magic City," Roanoke lies in the scenic Roanoke Valley with Mill Mountain as a local icon, topped with a lighted 100-foot star. The city itself is home to many museums and opportunities for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

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.


Which place is cheaper, Roanoke or Big Pine Key?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Big Pine Key is $144, while the average daily cost in Roanoke is $164. 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 Roanoke in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Big Pine Key $64
    Roanoke $96
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Big Pine Key $128
    Roanoke $192
Compare Hotels in Big Pine Key and Roanoke

Looking for a hotel in Big Pine Key or Roanoke? 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.

Hotels in Big Pine Key


Hotels in Roanoke


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: Roanoke Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Big Pine Key $56
    Roanoke $23

Is it cheaper to fly into Big Pine Key or Roanoke?

Prices for flights to both Roanoke 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Big Pine Key $42
    Roanoke $48

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Roanoke

For Roanoke, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Roanoke Ebike Food Tour: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Big Pine Key $42
    Roanoke $35

Tours and Activities in Roanoke

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Roanoke.

  • 3-Hour E-Bike Sightseeing and Breweries Tour in Roanoke: $109
  • Blue Ridge Parkway – Driving Audio Tour (Roanoke ↔ Afton): $12
  • Blue Ridge Parkway (Roanoke to Afton) Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia) Driving Tour with Audio Guide: $9.99
  • Blue Ridge Parkway Virginia Audio Driving Tour: $9.99
  • Mountain Bike Tour from The Roanoke Star: $139
  • Roanoke Downtown Food and Cultural Tour: $78
  • Roanoke Holiday Season E-Bike Tour: $92

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Big Pine Key $9.29
    Roanoke $30


When comparing the travel costs between Big Pine Key and Roanoke, we can see that Roanoke is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Roanoke Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Big Pine Key or Roanoke?

Roanoke has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Big Pine Key. When comparing the sizes of Big Pine Key and Roanoke, 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 Roanoke?

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 Roanoke in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Big Pine Key and Roanoke. Furthermore, many travelers come to Roanoke for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Big Pine Key is a little warmer than Roanoke. Typically, the summer temperatures in Big Pine Key in July average around 84°F (29°C), and Roanoke averages at about 79°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Roanoke this time of the year. In Big Pine Key, it's very sunny this time of the year. Big Pine Key usually receives more sunshine than Roanoke during summer. Big Pine Key gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Roanoke receives 273 hours of full sun in the summer.

Roanoke receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Big Pine Key usually receives less rain than Roanoke. Big Pine Key gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Big Pine Key 84°F (29°C) 
    Roanoke 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Big Pine Key or Roanoke in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Big Pine Key as well as Roanoke. Additionally, many visitors come to Roanoke in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Big Pine Key is generally much warmer than Roanoke. Daily temperatures in Big Pine Key average around 80°F (27°C), and Roanoke fluctuates around 60°F (16°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Roanoke. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Big Pine Key this time of the year. In the autumn, Big Pine Key often gets more sunshine than Roanoke. Big Pine Key gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Roanoke receives 210 hours of full sun.

Big Pine Key receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Big Pine Key usually gets more rain in October than Roanoke. Big Pine Key gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Big Pine Key 80°F (27°C) 
    Roanoke 60°F (16°C)

Should I visit Big Pine Key or Roanoke in the Winter?

Both Roanoke and Big Pine Key are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Roanoke for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Roanoke can be very cold during winter. Big Pine Key is much warmer than Roanoke in the winter. The daily temperature in Big Pine Key averages around 70°F (21°C) in January, and Roanoke fluctuates around 38°F (3°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Big Pine Key. Big Pine Key usually receives more sunshine than Roanoke during winter. Big Pine Key gets 252 hours of sunny skies, while Roanoke receives 165 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Big Pine Key usually receives less rain than Roanoke. Big Pine Key gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Big Pine Key 70°F (21°C) 
    Roanoke 38°F (3°C)

Should I visit Big Pine Key or Roanoke in the Spring?

Both Roanoke and Big Pine Key during the spring are popular places to visit.

In the spring, Big Pine Key is much warmer than Roanoke. Typically, the spring temperatures in Big Pine Key in April average around 77°F (25°C), and Roanoke averages at about 59°F (15°C).

In Roanoke, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Big Pine Key. In the spring, Big Pine Key often gets more sunshine than Roanoke. Big Pine Key gets 326 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Roanoke receives 246 hours of full sun.

Big Pine Key usually gets less rain in April than Roanoke. Big Pine Key gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Big Pine Key 77°F (25°C) 
    Roanoke 59°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Roanoke and Big Pine Key

Big Pine Key Roanoke
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 70°F (21°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm) 38°F (3°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Feb 71°F (21°C) 1.4 inches (36 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Mar 74°F (23°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Apr 77°F (25°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
May 81°F (27°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Jun 83°F (28°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.4 inches (88 mm)
Jul 84°F (29°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 79°F (26°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Aug 84°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 78°F (26°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Sep 83°F (29°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Oct 80°F (27°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm) 60°F (16°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Nov 76°F (24°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 51°F (11°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Dec 72°F (22°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm) 42°F (5°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)