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

Should you visit Big Pine Key or Columbia?

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 Columbia. 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 Columbia?

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!

Columbia

Both the largest and capital city of South Carolina, Columbia is literally the center of everything. Geographically it is located in the middle of the state, and it is the home to the University of South Carolina, the Army's Fort Jackson, as well as a variety of museums that celebrate the city's art, history, and culture.

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 Columbia, we can see that Big Pine Key is more expensive. And not only is Columbia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Columbia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Columbia 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 Columbia.

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 Columbia Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Big Pine Key or Columbia?

Columbia has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Big Pine Key. When comparing the sizes of Big Pine Key and Columbia, 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 Columbia?

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 Columbia in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Big Pine Key as well as Columbia. Additionally, many travelers come to Columbia for the family-friendly experiences.

Big Pine Key is around the same temperature as Columbia in the summer. The daily temperature in Big Pine Key averages around 84°F (29°C) in July, and Columbia fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Columbia. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Big Pine Key this time of the year. In the summer, Big Pine Key often gets more sunshine than Columbia. Big Pine Key gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia receives 293 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Columbia. Big Pine Key usually gets less rain in July than Columbia. Big Pine Key gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Columbia and Big Pine Key are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Columbia in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Big Pine Key is a little warmer than Columbia. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Big Pine Key in October average around 80°F (27°C), and Columbia averages at about 64°F (18°C).

It's quite sunny in Columbia. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Big Pine Key. Big Pine Key usually receives more sunshine than Columbia during autumn. Big Pine Key gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia receives 230 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Big Pine Key. In October, Big Pine Key usually receives more rain than Columbia. Big Pine Key gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

Both Columbia and Big Pine Key during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Columbia for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Big Pine Key is generally much warmer than Columbia. Daily temperatures in Big Pine Key average around 70°F (21°C), and Columbia fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

It's quite sunny in Big Pine Key. In the winter, Big Pine Key often gets more sunshine than Columbia. Big Pine Key gets 252 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia receives 171 hours of full sun.

Big Pine Key usually gets less rain in January than Columbia. Big Pine Key gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Big Pine Key and Columbia.

Big Pine Key is a little warmer than Columbia in the spring. The daily temperature in Big Pine Key averages around 77°F (25°C) in April, and Columbia fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Columbia 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 Columbia during spring. Big Pine Key gets 326 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia receives 273 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Big Pine Key usually receives less rain than Columbia. Big Pine Key gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Columbia and Big Pine Key