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

Should you visit Big Pine Key or Charlottesville?

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 Charlottesville. 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 Charlottesville?

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!

Charlottesville

Located in central Virginia, Charlottesville is a little university town steeped in history and culture. Home to Thomas Jefferson, much of the town's architecture is heavily influenced by his hand, while the people scene is full of activities, dining, and entertainment. Many visitors are drawn to the area for the University of Virginia, the Historic Downtown Mall, plus many quaint vineyards and farms in the surrounding countryside.

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.


Which place is cheaper, Charlottesville 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.

  • Big Pine Key Prices
    USA Prices
    Charlottesville Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Big Pine Key $174
    Charlottesville $185

The average daily cost (per person) in Big Pine Key is $174, while the average daily cost in Charlottesville is $185. 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 Charlottesville in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Big Pine Key $64
    Charlottesville $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Big Pine Key $128
    Charlottesville $160
Compare Hotels in Big Pine Key and Charlottesville

Looking for a hotel in Big Pine Key or Charlottesville? 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.

Hotels in Big Pine Key


Hotels in Charlottesville


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: Charlottesville Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Big Pine Key $56
    Charlottesville $53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Charlottesville

Also for Charlottesville, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Departure Transfer to Charlottesville Airport (CHO): $50
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Charlotteville Airport (CHO): $50

Is it cheaper to fly into Big Pine Key or Charlottesville?

Prices for flights to both Charlottesville 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Big Pine Key $72
    Charlottesville $73

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Charlottesville

For Charlottesville, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • The Dairy Market Food Tour: $75

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Big Pine Key $42
    Charlottesville $18

Tours and Activities in Charlottesville

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Charlottesville.

  • Chains, Coffins, & Curses: Charlottesville Ghost Tours: $32
  • Chains, Coffins, & Curses: Charlottesville Ghost Tours: $24
  • Charlottesville Historic Downtown APP/GPS Smartphone Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Charlottesville Scavenger Hunt Experience: $15
  • Small Group Washington DC to Thomas Jefferson Monticello Day Tour: $180
  • Wine and Culinary Delight Private Tour: $248

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Big Pine Key $9.29
    Charlottesville $53

Sample the Local Flavors in Charlottesville

Also in Charlottesville, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Family Wine Tour: $85
  • Private Wine Tours (Minimum 3 & Maximum 6 ) Pickup Maximum 30 Mi : $95
  • 5 Hour Historic Thomas Jefferson Wine Tour: $248
  • Private Charlottesville Area Wine Tour: $248


When comparing the travel costs between Big Pine Key and Charlottesville, we can see that Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Big Pine Key or Charlottesville?

Charlottesville has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Big Pine Key. When comparing the sizes of Big Pine Key and Charlottesville, 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 Charlottesville?

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 Charlottesville in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Big Pine Key and Charlottesville. Furthermore, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Charlottesville this time of year.

Big Pine Key is a little warmer than Charlottesville in the summer. The daily temperature in Big Pine Key averages around 84°F (29°C) in July, and Charlottesville fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Charlottesville this time of the year. In Big Pine Key, it's very sunny this time of the year. Big Pine Key usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Charlottesville during summer. Big Pine Key gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Charlottesville receives 305 hours of full sun in the summer.

Charlottesville receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Big Pine Key usually receives less rain than Charlottesville. Big Pine Key gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 5 inches (128 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Big Pine Key 84°F (29°C) 
    Charlottesville 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Big Pine Key or Charlottesville in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Big Pine Key as well as Charlottesville. Additionally, many travelers come to Charlottesville for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Big Pine Key is much warmer than Charlottesville. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Big Pine Key in October average around 80°F (27°C), and Charlottesville averages at about 59°F (15°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charlottesville. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Big Pine Key this time of the year. In the autumn, Big Pine Key often gets more sunshine than Charlottesville. Big Pine Key gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charlottesville receives 221 hours of full sun.

Big Pine Key receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Big Pine Key usually gets more rain in October than Charlottesville. Big Pine Key gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Big Pine Key 80°F (27°C) 
    Charlottesville 59°F (15°C)

Should I visit Big Pine Key or Charlottesville in the Winter?

Both Charlottesville and Big Pine Key are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Charlottesville in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, and the cuisine.

Charlottesville can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Big Pine Key is generally much warmer than Charlottesville. Daily temperatures in Big Pine Key average around 70°F (21°C), and Charlottesville fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Big Pine Key. Big Pine Key usually receives more sunshine than Charlottesville during winter. Big Pine Key gets 252 hours of sunny skies, while Charlottesville receives 169 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Big Pine Key usually receives less rain than Charlottesville. Big Pine Key gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Big Pine Key 70°F (21°C) 
    Charlottesville 36°F (2°C)

Should I visit Big Pine Key or Charlottesville in the Spring?

Both Charlottesville and Big Pine Key during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Charlottesville for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

Big Pine Key is much warmer than Charlottesville in the spring. The daily temperature in Big Pine Key averages around 77°F (25°C) in April, and Charlottesville fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

In Charlottesville, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Big Pine Key. In the spring, Big Pine Key often gets more sunshine than Charlottesville. Big Pine Key gets 326 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charlottesville receives 265 hours of full sun.

Big Pine Key usually gets less rain in April than Charlottesville. Big Pine Key gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Big Pine Key 77°F (25°C) 
    Charlottesville 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Charlottesville and Big Pine Key

Big Pine Key Charlottesville
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 70°F (21°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm) 36°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (83 mm)
Feb 71°F (21°C) 1.4 inches (36 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (80 mm)
Mar 74°F (23°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm) 49°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Apr 77°F (25°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm) 58°F (14°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
May 81°F (27°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3.8 inches (98 mm)
Jun 83°F (28°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 84°F (29°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 78°F (26°C) 5 inches (128 mm)
Aug 84°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 77°F (25°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm)
Sep 83°F (29°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm) 71°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Oct 80°F (27°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Nov 76°F (24°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Dec 72°F (22°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)