Which place is cheaper, Sacramento 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 Sacramento?
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 Sacramento. 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 Sacramento?
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!
Sacramento
Sacramento is the capital city and one of the oldest cities in the state of California. It was founded in 1849 in the midst of the Gold Rush, and has since grown to a population of over 500,000 people. The atmosphere is more laid back than most major cities, and its heritage is rooted in the Gold Rush and Transcontinental Railroad era.
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 $144Sacramento $281
The average daily cost (per person) in Big Pine Key is $144, while the average daily cost in Sacramento is $281. 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 Sacramento in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBig Pine Key $64Sacramento $111
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBig Pine Key $128Sacramento $222
Compare Hotels in Big Pine Key and Sacramento
Looking for a hotel in Big Pine Key or Sacramento? 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: Sacramento Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Big Pine Key $56Sacramento $51
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sacramento
Also for Sacramento, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Sacramento Airport to Northstar/Squaw Valley - Arrival Transfer: $218
- Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Sacramento hotel/address- RoundTrip Private Transfer: $122
- Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $221
- Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Arrival Private Transfer: $110
- Round Trip Private Transfer in Sacramento Airport to Calistoga: $294
Is it cheaper to fly into Big Pine Key or Sacramento?
Prices for flights to both Sacramento 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 $42Sacramento $53
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sacramento
For Sacramento, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Historic Old Sacramento Walking Food Tour: $95
- Midtown Sacramento Arts and Food Tour: $98
- Downtown Sacramento Historical Food Tour: $98
- Midtown Sacramento Walking Food Tour: $125
- Midtown Walking Food Tour: $145
- Italian Cooking and Dance Class Experience: $160
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Big Pine Key $42Sacramento $19
Tours and Activities in Sacramento
For Sacramento, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Auburn to Placerville: $12
- A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Jackson to Angels Camp: $12
- A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Placerville to Jackson: $12
- Davis Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
- Delta's History and Wine: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $12
- Downtown Sacramento Mural and Art Walking Tour : $45
- Driving in Delta’s Wine Country: Private Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
- Folsom Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
- Full-Day Boarding Experience Wakeboard,Wakesurf,orKneeboard: $850
- Gold Rush and Ghosts of Sacramento Smart Phone guided (App/GPS) Walking Tour: $6.75
- Half Day Boarding Experience Wakeboard,Wakesurf,or Kneeboard: $425
- Historic Folsom: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBig Pine Key $9.29Sacramento $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Sacramento
Also in Sacramento, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Sacramento Bar Hunt: Sacramento Sprint Bar Crawl: $12
- Placer County Wine Tasting Pass: $19
- Wine Tasting Audio Tour - Lodi California: $35
- Cider and Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch - near Sacramento: $125
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Big Pine Key and Sacramento, we can see that Sacramento 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 Sacramento would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sacramento 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 Sacramento Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Big Pine Key or Sacramento?
Sacramento has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Big Pine Key. When comparing the sizes of Big Pine Key and Sacramento, 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 Sacramento?
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 Sacramento in the Summer?
Both Sacramento and Big Pine Key are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Sacramento for the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Big Pine Key is a little warmer than Sacramento in the summer. The daily temperature in Big Pine Key averages around 84°F (29°C) in July, and Sacramento fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).
It's quite sunny in Sacramento. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Big Pine Key. Big Pine Key usually receives less sunshine than Sacramento during summer. Big Pine Key gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 439 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Big Pine Key usually receives more rain than Sacramento. Big Pine Key gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBig Pine Key 84°F (29°C)Sacramento 76°F (24°C)
Should I visit Big Pine Key or Sacramento in the Autumn?
Both Sacramento and Big Pine Key during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Sacramento because of the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Big Pine Key is a little warmer than Sacramento. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Big Pine Key in October average around 80°F (27°C), and Sacramento averages at about 64°F (18°C).
In Sacramento, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Big Pine Key. In the autumn, Big Pine Key often gets less sunshine than Sacramento. Big Pine Key gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 300 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Big Pine Key. Big Pine Key usually gets more rain in October than Sacramento. Big Pine Key gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBig Pine Key 80°F (27°C)Sacramento 64°F (18°C)
Should I visit Big Pine Key or Sacramento in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Big Pine Key and Sacramento. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sacramento this time of year.
In January, Big Pine Key is generally much warmer than Sacramento. Daily temperatures in Big Pine Key average around 70°F (21°C), and Sacramento fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).
In Big Pine Key, it's very sunny this time of the year. Big Pine Key usually receives more sunshine than Sacramento during winter. Big Pine Key gets 252 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 149 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Big Pine Key usually receives less rain than Sacramento. Big Pine Key gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBig Pine Key 70°F (21°C)Sacramento 45°F (7°C)
Should I visit Big Pine Key or Sacramento in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Big Pine Key as well as Sacramento.
Big Pine Key is much warmer than Sacramento in the spring. The daily temperature in Big Pine Key averages around 77°F (25°C) in April, and Sacramento fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sacramento. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Big Pine Key this time of the year. In the spring, Big Pine Key often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sacramento. Big Pine Key gets 326 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 328 hours of full sun.
Big Pine Key usually gets less rain in April than Sacramento. Big Pine Key gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBig Pine Key 77°F (25°C)Sacramento 58°F (15°C)
Typical Weather for Sacramento and Big Pine Key
| Big Pine Key | Sacramento | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 70°F (21°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) | 45°F (7°C) | 3.8 inches (97 mm) |
| Feb | 71°F (21°C) | 1.4 inches (36 mm) | 51°F (10°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Mar | 74°F (23°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Apr | 77°F (25°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) | 58°F (15°C) | 1.3 inches (32 mm) |
| May | 81°F (27°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 65°F (18°C) | 0.3 inches (7 mm) |
| Jun | 83°F (28°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Jul | 84°F (29°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 84°F (29°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) | 75°F (24°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Sep | 83°F (29°C) | 5.7 inches (144 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 0.5 inches (12 mm) |
| Oct | 80°F (27°C) | 5.1 inches (129 mm) | 64°F (18°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
| Nov | 76°F (24°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) | 53°F (12°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Dec | 72°F (22°C) | 1.4 inches (35 mm) | 45°F (7°C) | 2.6 inches (65 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.