Which place is cheaper, Cape Canaveral 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 Cape Canaveral?
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 Cape Canaveral. 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 Cape Canaveral?
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!
Cape Canaveral
As a part of the region known as the "Space Coast," Cape Canaveral is best known as the home of America's launch pad, the Kennedy Space Center. The Space Center is located just to the west of the city on Merritt Island. Other features of the cape include the Cape Canaveral lighthouse and Port Canaveral, one of the busiest cruise ports in the world.
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 PricesCape Canaveral Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBig Pine Key $174Cape Canaveral $251
The average daily cost (per person) in Big Pine Key is $174, while the average daily cost in Cape Canaveral is $251. 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 Cape Canaveral in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBig Pine Key $64Cape Canaveral $155
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBig Pine Key $128Cape Canaveral $310
Compare Hotels in Big Pine Key and Cape Canaveral
Looking for a hotel in Big Pine Key or Cape Canaveral? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Big Pine Key $56Cape Canaveral $35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cape Canaveral
Also for Cape Canaveral, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer: Port Canaveral to Orlando Airport MCO in Luxury SUV: $167
- Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Vistana Centre Drive: $261
- Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to SeaWorld: $261
- Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Pointe Orlando: $252
- Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Orlando Int Airport: $100
- Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to New Smyrna Beach: $261
- Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Melbourne: $236
- Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Altamonte Springs: $269
- Private SUV Transfer from Port Canaveral to Orlando Theme Parks: $210
- Private SUV Transfer from Port Canaveral to Orlando Airport MCO : $215
- Port Canaveral to Orlando Airport MCO and Hotels Private Transfer: $155
- Port Canaveral to MCO Orlando Airport One Way Private Transfers: $85
Is it cheaper to fly into Big Pine Key or Cape Canaveral?
Prices for flights to both Cape Canaveral 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 $72Cape Canaveral $74
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Big Pine Key $42Cape Canaveral $17
Tours and Activities in Cape Canaveral
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Cape Canaveral.
- Bioluminescence Kayak Tour Near Orlando: $80
- Canaveral Private Fishing Charter Experience,: $55
- Cape Canaveral Private Surf Lesson with Experienced Instructor: $70
- Wizard of Oz Museum Entry Ticket: $32
- Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures ticket: $56
- Cocoa Beach Night Time Bioluminescence Kayak Tour: $79
- Cocoa Beach: Aerial Adventure Park Ticket: $56
- Dolphin & Manatee Kayaking Tour in Orlando Area: $65
- Fully Guided Kayaking Backwater Manatee and Dolphin Tour: $75
- Kennedy Space Center from Port Canaveral & return to Cruise Ship : $70
- Port Canaveral: Airboat Wildlife Tour with Gator Encounter: $97
- SUP Paddleboard Lesson and Tour - Port Canaveral & Cocoa Beach: $95
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBig Pine Key $9.29Cape Canaveral $13
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Big Pine Key and Cape Canaveral, we can see that Cape Canaveral 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 Cape Canaveral would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cape Canaveral 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 Cape Canaveral Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Big Pine Key or Cape Canaveral?
Cape Canaveral has a larger population, and is about 83% larger than the population of Big Pine Key. When comparing the sizes of Big Pine Key and Cape Canaveral, 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 Cape Canaveral?
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 Cape Canaveral in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Big Pine Key and Cape Canaveral. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cape Canaveral for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Big Pine Key is around the same temperature as Cape Canaveral. Typically, the summer temperatures in Big Pine Key in July average around 84°F (29°C), and Cape Canaveral averages at about 80°F (27°C).
Cape Canaveral receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Big Pine Key usually receives less rain than Cape Canaveral. Big Pine Key gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Cape Canaveral receives 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBig Pine Key 84°F (29°C)Cape Canaveral 80°F (27°C)
Should I visit Big Pine Key or Cape Canaveral in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Big Pine Key as well as Cape Canaveral. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Cape Canaveral because of the shopping scene.
In October, Big Pine Key is generally a little warmer than Cape Canaveral. Daily temperatures in Big Pine Key average around 80°F (27°C), and Cape Canaveral fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).
It's quite rainy in Cape Canaveral. Big Pine Key receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Big Pine Key usually gets more rain in October than Cape Canaveral. Big Pine Key gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Cape Canaveral receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Cape Canaveral is the hurricane season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBig Pine Key 80°F (27°C)Cape Canaveral 74°F (24°C)
Should I visit Big Pine Key or Cape Canaveral in the Winter?
Both Cape Canaveral and Big Pine Key are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cape Canaveral this time of year.
Big Pine Key is a little warmer than Cape Canaveral in the winter. The daily temperature in Big Pine Key averages around 70°F (21°C) in January, and Cape Canaveral fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).
In January, Big Pine Key usually receives less rain than Cape Canaveral. Big Pine Key gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Cape Canaveral receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBig Pine Key 70°F (21°C)Cape Canaveral 60°F (15°C)
Should I visit Big Pine Key or Cape Canaveral in the Spring?
Both Cape Canaveral and Big Pine Key during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Cape Canaveral for the beaches.
In the spring, Big Pine Key is a little warmer than Cape Canaveral. Typically, the spring temperatures in Big Pine Key in April average around 77°F (25°C), and Cape Canaveral averages at about 70°F (21°C).
Big Pine Key usually gets less rain in April than Cape Canaveral. Big Pine Key gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Cape Canaveral receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Cape Canaveral is June to November.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBig Pine Key 77°F (25°C)Cape Canaveral 70°F (21°C)
Typical Weather for Cape Canaveral and Big Pine Key
| Big Pine Key | Cape Canaveral | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 70°F (21°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) | 60°F (15°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Feb | 71°F (21°C) | 1.4 inches (36 mm) | 59°F (15°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) |
| Mar | 74°F (23°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) | 65°F (19°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) |
| Apr | 77°F (25°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) | 70°F (21°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| May | 81°F (27°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) |
| Jun | 83°F (28°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 7.1 inches (181 mm) |
| Jul | 84°F (29°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 80°F (27°C) | 8.3 inches (211 mm) |
| Aug | 84°F (29°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) | 80°F (27°C) | 6.7 inches (171 mm) |
| Sep | 83°F (29°C) | 5.7 inches (144 mm) | 79°F (26°C) | 7.2 inches (183 mm) |
| Oct | 80°F (27°C) | 5.1 inches (129 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 4.1 inches (103 mm) |
| Nov | 76°F (24°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) | 64°F (18°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
| Dec | 72°F (22°C) | 1.4 inches (35 mm) | 62°F (16°C) | 1.9 inches (48 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.