Which place is cheaper, Big Pine Key or Playa del Carmen?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Big Pine Key?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Big Pine Key? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Playa del Carmen or Big Pine Key?
Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is in Quintana Roo on the Yucatan Peninsula. It's a popular resort town and is about seventy kilometers south of Cancun. It has a European atmosphere with many small hotels and a nice relaxed feel. It was originally a small fishing town but tourism began with the introduction of a passenger ferry to Cozumel. The area developed rapidly and there are many luxury hotels, condos, and resorts. There are also American chains and a variety of shopping opportunities nearby.
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!
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPlaya del Carmen $81Big Pine Key $144
The average daily cost (per person) in Playa del Carmen is $81, while the average daily cost in Big Pine Key is $144. 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 Playa del Carmen and Big Pine Key in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPlaya del Carmen $40Big Pine Key $64
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPlaya del Carmen $80Big Pine Key $128
Compare Hotels in Playa del Carmen and Big Pine Key
Looking for a hotel in Playa del Carmen or Big Pine Key? 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: Playa del Carmen Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Playa del Carmen $24Big Pine Key $56
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Playa del Carmen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Playa del Carmen:
- Wedding Transfers Services in Round Trip Playa del Carmen: $180
- VIP TRANSFER FROM CANCUN AIRPORT TI PLAYA DEL CARMEN.: $94
- Transfer in Private vehicle from Akumal City - Cancun Airport (CUN) : $74
- Tour Bacalar Ponton with Transfer from Cancun & Playa del Carmen : $147
- Shared roundtrip transfer from Cancun airport to Playa del Carmen: $71
- Shared Transfer Cancun Airport - Playa del Carmen: $31
- Roundtrip Private Transfer Playa del Carmen from CUN: $175
- Private Transfer: Playa del Carmen to Cancun Airport CUN in SUV: $91
- Private Transfer: Akumal to Cancun Airport CUN in SUV: $115
- Private Transfer to/from Akumal Hotels: $79
- Private Transfer to Xel-Há Park from Playa del Carmen: $53
- Private Transfer to Xcaret Park from Playa del Carmen: $60
Is it cheaper to fly into Playa del Carmen or Big Pine Key?
Prices for flights to both Big Pine Key and Playa del Carmen 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 dayPlaya del Carmen $24Big Pine Key $42
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Playa del Carmen
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Playa del Carmen.
- Cenotes by Bike and Mayan Cooking Class Half-Day Guided Tour: $60
- Walking Food Tour: $65
- Playa del Carmen Food Tour: $71
- Playa Del Carmen Authentic Downtown Food Tour: Tacos and Local Flavors: $75
- Playa del Carmen Walking Food Tour: $78
- Playa del Camen Vegan Mexican Food Tour: $84
- Mexican Cooking Class: $101
- PDC Traditional Mexican Cooking Experience: $105
- Authentic Mexican Cooking Class in Playa del Carmen: $120
- Isa’s Authentic Mexican Cooking Class: $120
- Riviera Maya: Sunset Cruise with Beach Dinner and Open Bar: $159
- Playa del Carmen Mexican Gourmet Food Tour: $211
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Playa del Carmen $17Big Pine Key $42
Tours and Activities in Playa del Carmen
Here are a few actual costs in Playa del Carmen for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Electric fatbike ecological tour in the Mayan lands: $150
- Tulum Ruins, Turtle Sightseeing & Underground Cenote from Tulum: $140
- 3 Hour Tour ATV Single with Underground River from Tulum : $118
- 3D Museum of Wonders Admission Ticket: $42
- A Lifetime Experience: Whale Shark Snorkeling Tour: $250
- ATV Adventure with Ziplines Cenote from Playa del Carmen: $75
- ATV Ride and Secret Caves Tour from Playa del Carmen: $80
- ATV Shared & Ziplines Adventure in Tulum Jungle from Riviera Maya: $133
- ATV Shared, Cavern & Ziplines -Jungle Adventure from Riviera Maya: $158
- ATV Tour in Playa del Carmen with Zip Lines: $73
- ATV Xtreme & Snorkel Experience: $138
- ATV Xtreme and Zipline Adventure from Riviera Maya: $119
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPlaya del Carmen $21Big Pine Key $9.29
Sample the Local Flavors in Playa del Carmen
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Playa del Carmen:
- Tour to the Brewery with Tasting and Fifth Avenue: $109
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Playa del Carmen and Big Pine Key, we can see that Big Pine Key is more expensive. And not only is Playa del Carmen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Playa del Carmen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Playa del Carmen 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 Big Pine Key would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Big Pine Key than you might in Playa del Carmen.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Playa del Carmen Expensive? and Is Big Pine Key Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Big Pine Key?
Playa del Carmen has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Big Pine Key. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Big Pine Key, 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 Playa del Carmen or Big Pine Key?
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 Playa del Carmen or Big Pine Key in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Big Pine Key. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Playa del Carmen is generally around the same temperature as Big Pine Key. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 28°C (82°F), and Big Pine Key fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Big Pine Key. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In the summer, Playa del Carmen often gets less sunshine than Big Pine Key. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Big Pine Key receives 328 hours of full sun.
Playa del Carmen receives a lot of rain in the summer. Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in July than Big Pine Key. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Big Pine Key receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPlaya del Carmen 28°C (82°F)Big Pine Key 84°F (29°C)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Big Pine Key in the Autumn?
Both Big Pine Key and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Big Pine Key in the autumn. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Big Pine Key fluctuates around 80°F (27°C).
It's quite sunny in Big Pine Key. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives less sunshine than Big Pine Key during autumn. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Big Pine Key receives 258 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Big Pine Key. It's quite rainy in Playa del Carmen. In October, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Big Pine Key. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Big Pine Key receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPlaya del Carmen 26°C (79°F)Big Pine Key 80°F (27°C)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Big Pine Key in the Winter?
Both Big Pine Key and Playa del Carmen during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year.
In the winter, Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Big Pine Key. Typically, the winter temperatures in Playa del Carmen in January average around 23°C (73°F), and Big Pine Key averages at about 70°F (21°C).
In Big Pine Key, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the winter, Playa del Carmen often gets less sunshine than Big Pine Key. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Big Pine Key receives 252 hours of full sun.
Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in January than Big Pine Key. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Big Pine Key receives 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPlaya del Carmen 23°C (73°F)Big Pine Key 70°F (21°C)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Big Pine Key in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Big Pine Key. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In April, Playa del Carmen is generally around the same temperature as Big Pine Key. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 27°C (81°F), and Big Pine Key fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Big Pine Key this time of the year. In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa del Carmen usually receives less sunshine than Big Pine Key during spring. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Big Pine Key receives 326 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Big Pine Key. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Big Pine Key receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to October is the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPlaya del Carmen 27°C (81°F)Big Pine Key 77°F (25°C)
Typical Weather for Big Pine Key and Playa del Carmen
| Playa del Carmen | Big Pine Key | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 70°F (21°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 71°F (21°C) | 1.4 inches (36 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 83°F (28°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 84°F (29°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 84°F (29°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 83°F (29°C) | 5.7 inches (144 mm) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 80°F (27°C) | 5.1 inches (129 mm) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 1.4 inches (35 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.