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

Should you visit Big Pine Key or Monterey?

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 Monterey. 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 Monterey?

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!

Monterey

When it comes to California, Monterey may not be mentioned half as much as you hear about Los Angeles or San Francisco, but it is a beautiful city to visit, with a diverse expanse of exciting and relaxing things to do, whether you're looking for adventure, a quiet getaway, or romance.

Located on California's central coast, the city of Monterey was the first State Capital of California. It was also home to many artists, athletes, and musicians, such as John Steinbeck, Clint Eastwood, and Ron Johnson.

Monterey has mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm, dry summers. Cold season runs from December to April and warm season, from July until October. The peak travel seasons are during summer, from July to September. If you want to avoid crowds, the months of April and October are ideal times to visit for fewer crowds and comfortable weather.

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 Monterey, we can see that Monterey 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 Monterey would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Monterey 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 Monterey Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Big Pine Key or Monterey?

Monterey has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Big Pine Key. When comparing the sizes of Big Pine Key and Monterey, 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 Monterey?

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 Monterey in the Summer?

Both Monterey and Big Pine Key are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Monterey this time of year.

In the summer, Big Pine Key is much warmer than Monterey. Typically, the summer temperatures in Big Pine Key in July average around 84°F (29°C), and Monterey averages at about 63°F (17°C).

In July, Big Pine Key usually receives more rain than Monterey. Big Pine Key gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

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

In October, Big Pine Key is generally much warmer than Monterey. Daily temperatures in Big Pine Key average around 80°F (27°C), and Monterey fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Big Pine Key. Big Pine Key usually gets more rain in October than Monterey. Big Pine Key gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Big Pine Key and Monterey. Also, many visitors come to Monterey in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Big Pine Key is much warmer than Monterey in the winter. The daily temperature in Big Pine Key averages around 70°F (21°C) in January, and Monterey fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In January, Big Pine Key usually receives less rain than Monterey. Big Pine Key gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Big Pine Key as well as Monterey. Also, most visitors come to Monterey for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, Big Pine Key is much warmer than Monterey. Typically, the spring temperatures in Big Pine Key in April average around 77°F (25°C), and Monterey averages at about 56°F (13°C).

Big Pine Key usually gets less rain in April than Monterey. Big Pine Key gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Monterey and Big Pine Key