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

Should you visit Big Pine Key or Columbus?

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 Columbus. 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 Columbus?

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!

Columbus

The capital city of Ohio, Columbus sits at the meeting point of America's Rust Belt, Bible Belt, Appalachia, and the Plains. It is also home of Ohio State University, which is a major financial and economic force in the city. While not always famous for it's sights and attractions, visitors will be pleasantly surprised by what they find here.

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, Columbus 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
    Columbus Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Big Pine Key $174
    Columbus $193

The average daily cost (per person) in Big Pine Key is $174, while the average daily cost in Columbus is $193. 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 Columbus in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Big Pine Key $64
    Columbus $72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Big Pine Key $128
    Columbus $144
Compare Hotels in Big Pine Key and Columbus

Looking for a hotel in Big Pine Key or Columbus? 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 Columbus


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: Columbus Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Big Pine Key $56
    Columbus $50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Columbus

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

  • Columbus to Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) - Departure Private Transfer: $106
  • Columbus Ohio (CMH) Airport Arrival or Departure Private Transfer: $180
  • Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) to Columbus - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $212
  • Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) to Columbus - Arrival Private Transfer: $106
  • Columbus International Airport Private Transfer with Bus or Coach: $90

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

Prices for flights to both Columbus 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
    Columbus $85

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Columbus

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

  • Short North Walking Food Tour : $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Big Pine Key $42
    Columbus $46

Tours and Activities in Columbus

For Columbus, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Columbus Ohio Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Columbus Scavenger Hunt Adventure : $49
  • Experience a Scavenger Hunt in A German Village: $15
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Columbus with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus Admission Ticket: $26
  • Shared Yoga and Coffee Experience On The Trolley Pub: $39
  • The Perfect Half Day Columbus Adventure: $59
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Columbus by Crazy Dash: $10

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Big Pine Key $9.29
    Columbus $20

Sample the Local Flavors in Columbus

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Columbus:

  • Columbus Ohio Bar Crawl: $15


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


Which is Bigger, Big Pine Key or Columbus?

Columbus has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Big Pine Key. When comparing the sizes of Big Pine Key and Columbus, 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 Columbus?

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 Columbus in the Summer?

Both Columbus and Big Pine Key are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Columbus for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Big Pine Key is generally a little warmer than Columbus. Daily temperatures in Big Pine Key average around 84°F (29°C), and Columbus fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

It's quite sunny in Columbus. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Big Pine Key. Big Pine Key usually receives more sunshine than Columbus during summer. Big Pine Key gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Columbus receives 254 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Columbus. In July, Big Pine Key usually receives less rain than Columbus. Big Pine Key gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Big Pine Key 84°F (29°C) 
    Columbus 77°F (25°C)

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

Both Columbus and Big Pine Key during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Columbus in the autumn for the shopping scene.

Big Pine Key is much warmer than Columbus in the autumn. The daily temperature in Big Pine Key averages around 80°F (27°C) in October, and Columbus fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Big Pine Key. In the autumn, Big Pine Key often gets more sunshine than Columbus. Big Pine Key gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbus receives 179 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Big Pine Key. Big Pine Key usually gets more rain in October than Columbus. Big Pine Key gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Big Pine Key 80°F (27°C) 
    Columbus 57°F (14°C)

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Big Pine Key and Columbus. Also, most visitors come to Columbus for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Columbus can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Big Pine Key is much warmer than Columbus. Typically, the winter temperatures in Big Pine Key in January average around 70°F (21°C), and Columbus averages at about 30°F (-1°C).

In Big Pine Key, it's very sunny this time of the year. Big Pine Key usually receives more sunshine than Columbus during winter. Big Pine Key gets 252 hours of sunny skies, while Columbus receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Big Pine Key usually receives less rain than Columbus. Big Pine Key gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Big Pine Key 70°F (21°C) 
    Columbus 30°F (-1°C)

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

The spring brings many poeple to Big Pine Key as well as Columbus.

In April, Big Pine Key is generally much warmer than Columbus. Daily temperatures in Big Pine Key average around 77°F (25°C), and Columbus fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Big Pine Key this time of the year. In the spring, Big Pine Key often gets more sunshine than Columbus. Big Pine Key gets 326 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbus receives 200 hours of full sun.

Big Pine Key usually gets less rain in April than Columbus. Big Pine Key gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Big Pine Key 77°F (25°C) 
    Columbus 54°F (12°C)

Typical Weather for Columbus and Big Pine Key

Big Pine Key Columbus
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 70°F (21°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)
Feb 71°F (21°C) 1.4 inches (36 mm) 33°F (1°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Mar 74°F (23°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Apr 77°F (25°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
May 81°F (27°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 65°F (18°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Jun 83°F (28°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm) 73°F (23°C) 4 inches (102 mm)
Jul 84°F (29°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 77°F (25°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm)
Aug 84°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm)
Sep 83°F (29°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm) 69°F (20°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
Oct 80°F (27°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Nov 76°F (24°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Dec 72°F (22°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm) 35°F (2°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)