Which place is cheaper, Big Pine Key or Tulum?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Tulum or Big Pine Key?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tulum and Big Pine Key can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Tulum or Big Pine Key?
Tulum
When you think of ancient ruins you probably picture dusty archaeological digs surrounded by sand and professors in khaki shorts. What if I told you there is a way to see ancient ruins and visit a tropical beach? That's exactly what you find in Tulum, Mexico.
Built near the end of Mayan era, the ruins of Tulum served as a port before the arrival of the Spanish. It may have been called Zama, meaning City of Dawn, given that these ruins face the sunrise. Because of Tulum's access to both land and sea routes, this spot was an important hub for the trade industry. It may have had another claim to fame, too. According to some murals and other works around the site, it seems this spot was an important site for the worship of the Diving or Descending God. Today, the area is the third most visited archaeological site in all of Mexico with daily tour buses dropping off visitors.
This area is usually packed with people looking to get a glimpse of the seaside ruins. To avoid crowds and capture the best view of the day, try to arrive as early as possible.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.
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Tulum Prices
Mexico PricesBig Pine Key Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTulum $135Big Pine Key $174
The average daily cost (per person) in Tulum is $135, while the average daily cost in Big Pine Key is $174. 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 Tulum and Big Pine Key in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTulum $55Big Pine Key $64
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTulum $110Big Pine Key $128
Compare Hotels in Tulum and Big Pine Key
Looking for a hotel in Tulum 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: Tulum Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tulum $26Big Pine Key $56
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Tulum
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Tulum are as follows:
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Scooter Rental$17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tulum
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tulum:
- Xcaret to Tulum - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $80
- Tulum to Xcaret - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $110
- Tulum to Playa del Carmen - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $115
- Tulum to Chetumal - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $240
- Tulum to Cancun Airport Private Transfer Service by Mercedes Benz: $208
- Tulum to Cancun Airport Private Departure Transfer with Beer: $275
- Tulum Hotels to Merida Rejon Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $207
- Tulum Archaeological Zone: Cenote, Lunch & Transfer: $203
- Tulum Archaeological Zone and El Jaguar Park, with Transfer and Lunch: $163
- Tulum Airport: One-Way or Roundtrip Private Transfer: $302
- Tulum Airport to Riviera Maya Private Transfer: $120
- Tulum Airport Private Transfer to Hotels and Airbnbs: $73
Is it cheaper to fly into Tulum or Big Pine Key?
Prices for flights to both Big Pine Key and Tulum 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 dayTulum $54Big Pine Key $72
Typical Food Prices in Tulum
Some typical examples of dining costs in Tulum are as follows:
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Lunch$2.75
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tulum
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Tulum.
- Salsa Class,Mezcalita Workshop & Mexican Dinner: $86
- Yucatecan cooking class in Nixtamal, Recado, and Pibil: $89
- Tortilla & Taco Cooking Class – Mexican Cuisine from scratch: $91
- Tulum Vegan Food Tour: $91
- Mexican Cooking from Scratch in a Local Home in Tulum: $94
- Mexican Cooking Class with Tacos, Ceviche and Margaritas in Tulum: $95
- Mexican Cooking class experience in Tulum: $132
- Temazcal Mayan Ritual, Cenote, Yucatecan Dinner from Tulum: $149
- Private Authentic Mayan Cooking Class with Tulum Hotel Transfers: $280
- Private transfer for 5 hours (go dinner,cenotes, shopping and more): $299
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tulum $29Big Pine Key $42
Tours and Activities in Tulum
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Tulum are as follows:
- 2 Cenotes Private Tour – VIP Adventure with Expert Guide: $175
- 2 tanks Cenote Diving Adventure in Tulum for Certified Divers: $200
- 3 Cenotes & Hidden Lagoon Swim Tour with Lunch from Tulum: $139
- 5 Cenotes Half Day Experience Riviera Maya Cliff Jumping: $40
- 5x1 Deluxe Tour Tulum, Coba, Cenote Transportation from Tulum: $114
- ATV Cenote and Zipline Adventure from Tulum: $129
- ATV Extreme Adventure Single with Ziplines & Cenote Swim: $157
- ATV Extreme Adventure Single with Ziplines and Cenote Swim: $156
- ATV Extreme Adventure Single with Ziplines and Cenote Swim: $151
- ATV Tour from Tulum or Riviera with Ziplines and Cenote Swim Day: $25
- ATV cenote tour Tulum – Mayan Jungle ATV & Cavern Experience: $58
- Adrenaline ATV Cenote and Zip Lines Experience at Tulum: $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTulum $23Big Pine Key $9.29
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tulum and Big Pine Key, we can see that Big Pine Key is more expensive. And not only is Tulum much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tulum would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tulum 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 Tulum.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tulum Expensive? and Is Big Pine Key Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tulum or Big Pine Key?
Tulum has a larger population, and is about 52% larger than the population of Big Pine Key. When comparing the sizes of Tulum 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 Tulum 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 Tulum or Big Pine Key in the Summer?
Both Big Pine Key and Tulum during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tulum this time of year.
In the summer, Tulum is around the same temperature as Big Pine Key. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tulum in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Big Pine Key averages at about 84°F (29°C).
In Big Pine Key, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tulum. In the summer, Tulum often gets less sunshine than Big Pine Key. Tulum gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Big Pine Key receives 328 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually gets more rain in July than Big Pine Key. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 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 JulyTulum 28°C (83°F)Big Pine Key 84°F (29°C)
Should I visit Tulum or Big Pine Key in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Big Pine Key. Many travelers come to Tulum for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Tulum is generally around the same temperature as Big Pine Key. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 27°C (81°F), and Big Pine Key fluctuates around 80°F (27°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Big Pine Key this time of the year. In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tulum usually receives less sunshine than Big Pine Key during autumn. Tulum gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Big Pine Key receives 258 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Big Pine Key receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Tulum gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Tulum usually receives more rain than Big Pine Key. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Big Pine Key receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. November to April in Tulum is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. June to October is the hurricane season in Tulum.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberTulum 27°C (81°F)Big Pine Key 80°F (27°C)
Should I visit Tulum or Big Pine Key in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Big Pine Key. Many visitors come to Tulum in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Tulum is a little warmer than Big Pine Key in the winter. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 23°C (74°F) in January, and Big Pine Key fluctuates around 70°F (21°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 Tulum this time of the year. In the winter, Tulum often gets less sunshine than Big Pine Key. Tulum gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Big Pine Key receives 252 hours of full sun.
Tulum usually gets more rain in January than Big Pine Key. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 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 JanuaryTulum 23°C (74°F)Big Pine Key 70°F (21°C)
Should I visit Tulum or Big Pine Key in the Spring?
Both Big Pine Key and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Tulum for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Tulum is around the same temperature as Big Pine Key. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tulum in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Big Pine Key averages at about 77°F (25°C).
It's quite sunny in Big Pine Key. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually receives less sunshine than Big Pine Key during spring. Tulum gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Big Pine Key receives 326 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Tulum usually receives more rain than Big Pine Key. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Big Pine Key receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Tulum is November to April. The rainy season in Tulum is June to October. June to October in Tulum is the hurricane season.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilTulum 27°C (81°F)Big Pine Key 77°F (25°C)
Typical Weather for Big Pine Key and Tulum
| Tulum | Big Pine Key | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (74°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 70°F (21°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 71°F (21°C) | 1.4 inches (36 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (78°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Jun | 29°C (83°F) | 192 mm (7.6 in) | 83°F (28°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 84°F (29°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 84°F (29°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 83°F (29°C) | 5.7 inches (144 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 80°F (27°C) | 5.1 inches (129 mm) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 72 mm (2.8 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.