Which place is cheaper, Austin or Big Pine Key?
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 Big Pine Key or Austin?
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 Austin. 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 Austin?
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!
Austin
Located in the Texas Hill Country, Austin is the capital city of the state. It is a relatively small city with a compact downtown area and many sprawling suburbs stretching out along the interstate. Austin prides itself on its eclectic culture and alternative vibe which is epitomized by the city's unofficial slogan "Keep Austin Weird." The University of Texas at Austin is also located downtown. The school's large student population helps give the city a youthful feel with a lively nightlife and no shortage of activities on weekends. The city is also the self proclaimed live music capital of the country. As such, it has many music venues and bars, most of which are clustered around the 6th Street area downtown. There are also many free outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.
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Big Pine Key Prices
USA PricesAustin Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBig Pine Key $174Austin $167
The average daily cost (per person) in Big Pine Key is $174, while the average daily cost in Austin is $167. 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 Austin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBig Pine Key $64Austin $56
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBig Pine Key $128Austin $112
Compare Hotels in Big Pine Key and Austin
Looking for a hotel in Big Pine Key or Austin? 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: Austin Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Big Pine Key $56Austin $47
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Austin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Austin:
- Private Transfer in a Luxury Vehicle to and/or from AUS Airport: $125
- Private Transfer Austin Airport AUS to Austin City: $100
- Private Airport and Hotel Transfer Services in Austin: $115
- Private Transfer Between Airport and Hotels: $80
- Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) to Austin City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $241
- Austin Texas Airport Transfer Premium Black SUV: $189
- Austin City to Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $121
- AUS Airport Private Transfer to Austin(downtown): $70
Is it cheaper to fly into Big Pine Key or Austin?
Prices for flights to both Austin 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 $72Austin $60
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Austin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Austin.
- Sushi Making Cooking Class in a Sake Bar in Austin: $75
- Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery in Austin: $75
- Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Tap Room in Austin: $75
- Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Tap Room: $75
- Austin Street Art and Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $85
- Street Art and Street Food Tour: $85
- Austin Food Tour with BBQ Brisket, Breakfast Tacos & 6 Tastings: $99
- Austin South Congress Food Tour with 6 Tastings, Tacos & Sweets: $99
- Austin Taco Tasting Walking Food Tour (Small Group): $99
- Downtown Food Tour with 6+ Tastings of Local Flavors: $104
- South Congress District Food Tour with 6 Tastings: $115
- Austin Small-Group BBQ Walking Food Tour: $129
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Big Pine Key $42Austin $28
Typical Entertainment Prices in Austin
Here are a few typical costs in Austin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Austin Duck Tour$31
Tours and Activities in Austin
Here are a few actual costs in Austin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Africa Hologram Adventure at Zoocade: $27
- Austin's Best Speakeasies 3-Hour Guided Tour: $50
- 1 Hour Private Electric Duffy Cruise on Lake Austin: $200
- 1 Hour Private Electric Duffy Cruise on Lake Austin: $200
- 3D Printer Factory Tour plus 2 ft Tall Rocket!: $22
- Austin 3-Hour Local Splash Pad Tour on an E-Bike: $89
- Austin : Private Custom Walking Tour With A Guide (Private Tour): $161
- Austin Aquarium Entry Ticket: $31
- Austin Art & Architecture Bicycle Tour: $56
- Austin Art and Architecture Bicycle Tour: $56
- Austin Biker Gang E-Bike Tour: $85
- Austin City Limits Guided Backstage Tour at The Moody Theater: $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBig Pine Key $9.29Austin $28
Sample the Local Flavors in Austin
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Austin:
- Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt: Sixth Street Spree Austin Bar Crawl: $12
- Austin’s Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
- Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $35
- Austin Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $35
- Lost Legends of Texas Pub Crawl in Austin: $35
- Public Pedal Pub Tour in Austin: $39
- Austin 6th Street Bar Crawl | The Epic Group: $43
- Austin Bar Crawl: Austin's 6th Street Bar Crawl: $43
- Public Party Bike Pub Crawl Tour in Austin: $54
- East Austin Brewery Tour by Pedicab: $65
- Private Austin Brewery Tour by Pedicab with All-Inclusive Beer Flight Option: $70
- At-Home Private Wine or NA Wine Tasting Experience in Austin: $75
When comparing the travel costs between Big Pine Key and Austin, we can see that Big Pine Key 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 Austin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Big Pine Key or Austin?
Austin has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Big Pine Key. When comparing the sizes of Big Pine Key and Austin, 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 Austin?
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 Austin in the Summer?
Both Austin and Big Pine Key during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Austin for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Big Pine Key is generally around the same temperature as Austin. Daily temperatures in Big Pine Key average around 84°F (29°C), and Austin fluctuates around 87°F (30°C).
In Austin, 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 around the same amount of sunshine as Austin. Big Pine Key gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 318 hours of full sun.
Big Pine Key usually gets more rain in July than Austin. Big Pine Key gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBig Pine Key 84°F (29°C)Austin 87°F (30°C)
Should I visit Big Pine Key or Austin in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Big Pine Key and Austin. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Austin because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Big Pine Key is a little warmer than Austin in the autumn. The daily temperature in Big Pine Key averages around 80°F (27°C) in October, and Austin fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Austin 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 Austin during autumn. Big Pine Key gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 214 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 Austin. Big Pine Key gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBig Pine Key 80°F (27°C)Austin 73°F (23°C)
Should I visit Big Pine Key or Austin in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Big Pine Key as well as Austin. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Austin this time of year.
In the winter, Big Pine Key is much warmer than Austin. Typically, the winter temperatures in Big Pine Key in January average around 70°F (21°C), and Austin averages at about 51°F (11°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 Austin. Big Pine Key gets 252 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 163 hours of full sun.
Big Pine Key usually gets less rain in January than Austin. Big Pine Key gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBig Pine Key 70°F (21°C)Austin 51°F (11°C)
Should I visit Big Pine Key or Austin in the Spring?
Both Austin and Big Pine Key are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Austin for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In April, Big Pine Key is generally a little warmer than Austin. Daily temperatures in Big Pine Key average around 77°F (25°C), and Austin fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).
It's quite sunny in Austin. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Big Pine Key. Big Pine Key usually receives more sunshine than Austin during spring. Big Pine Key gets 326 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Big Pine Key usually receives less rain than Austin. Big Pine Key gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBig Pine Key 77°F (25°C)Austin 71°F (22°C)
Typical Weather for Austin and Big Pine Key
| Big Pine Key | Austin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 70°F (21°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) | 51°F (11°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) |
| Feb | 71°F (21°C) | 1.4 inches (36 mm) | 55°F (13°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) |
| Mar | 74°F (23°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) | 63°F (17°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) |
| Apr | 77°F (25°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) | 71°F (22°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| May | 81°F (27°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 77°F (25°C) | 4 inches (101 mm) |
| Jun | 83°F (28°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) | 83°F (29°C) | 3.1 inches (80 mm) |
| Jul | 84°F (29°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 87°F (30°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) |
| Aug | 84°F (29°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) | 87°F (31°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) |
| Sep | 83°F (29°C) | 5.7 inches (144 mm) | 82°F (28°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) |
| Oct | 80°F (27°C) | 5.1 inches (129 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) |
| Nov | 76°F (24°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 2 inches (52 mm) |
| Dec | 72°F (22°C) | 1.4 inches (35 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.2 inches (56 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.