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

Should you visit Big Pine Key or Bar Harbor?

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 Bar Harbor. 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 Bar Harbor?

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!

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a seafront town located on Mount Desert Island just off the coast of Maine. The Wabanaki Indians who seasonally fished, hunted and gathered berries, clams, and other shellfish in the area, called it the ‘clam-gathering' or ‘clambake' place. Eventually the area was settled by Europeans who established industries in fishing, lumbering, shipbuilding, and agriculture. Its maritime scenery even attracted artists of the Hudson River School like Thomas Cole, and the area soon became a seasonal resort for the affluent, comparable to that of Newport, Rhode Island.

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.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Big Pine Key and Bar Harbor, we can see that Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Big Pine Key or Bar Harbor?

Bar Harbor has a larger population, and is about 10% larger than the population of Big Pine Key. When comparing the sizes of Big Pine Key and Bar Harbor, 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 Bar Harbor?

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 Bar Harbor in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Big Pine Key as well as Bar Harbor. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Bar Harbor because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Big Pine Key is generally a little warmer than Bar Harbor. Daily temperatures in Big Pine Key average around 84°F (29°C), and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

Big Pine Key usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Bar Harbor. Big Pine Key gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Big Pine Key or Bar Harbor in the Autumn?

Both Bar Harbor and Big Pine Key are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bar Harbor this time of year.

Big Pine Key is much warmer than Bar Harbor in the autumn. The daily temperature in Big Pine Key averages around 80°F (27°C) in October, and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

It's quite rainy in Big Pine Key. In October, Big Pine Key usually receives more rain than Bar Harbor. Big Pine Key gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Big Pine Key or Bar Harbor in the Winter?

Both Bar Harbor and Big Pine Key during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Bar Harbor for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bar Harbor. In the winter, Big Pine Key is much warmer than Bar Harbor. Typically, the winter temperatures in Big Pine Key in January average around 70°F (21°C), and Bar Harbor averages at about 18°F (-8°C).

Big Pine Key usually gets less rain in January than Bar Harbor. Big Pine Key gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Big Pine Key or Bar Harbor in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Big Pine Key and Bar Harbor. Also, many visitors come to Bar Harbor in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Big Pine Key is generally much warmer than Bar Harbor. Daily temperatures in Big Pine Key average around 77°F (25°C), and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

In April, Big Pine Key usually receives less rain than Bar Harbor. Big Pine Key gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bar Harbor and Big Pine Key