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

Should you visit Big Pine Key or Raleigh?

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 Raleigh. 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 Raleigh?

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!

Raleigh

Raleigh is the capital city of the state of North Carolina. The city has a population of about 450,000 and is home to many colleges and university including North Carolina State University, Shaw University, Saint Augustine's College, Meredith College and Peace University. The city has a wide range of museums, restaurants, theaters, and parks. There's also an extensive greenway system that is great for biking or running.

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, Raleigh 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
    Raleigh Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Big Pine Key $174
    Raleigh $231

The average daily cost (per person) in Big Pine Key is $174, while the average daily cost in Raleigh is $231. 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 Raleigh in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Big Pine Key $64
    Raleigh $104
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Big Pine Key $128
    Raleigh $208
Compare Hotels in Big Pine Key and Raleigh

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


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: Raleigh Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Big Pine Key $56
    Raleigh $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Raleigh

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Raleigh:

  • Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) to Raleigh Arrival Private Transfer: $139
  • Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) to Raleigh - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $277
  • Raleigh to Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) - Departure Private Transfer: $139
  • Durham to Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) - Departure Private Transfer: $134

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

Prices for flights to both Raleigh 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
    Raleigh $99

Typical Food Prices in Raleigh

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Raleigh:


  • The Pit Authentic BBQ (for 3)
    $84

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Raleigh

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Raleigh.

  • Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Craft Beer Bar in Raleigh: $75

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Big Pine Key $42
    Raleigh $37

Tours and Activities in Raleigh

Here are a few actual costs in Raleigh for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Carolina Hurricanes Ice Hockey Game Ticket at Lenovo Center: $50
  • Chapel Hill Historic Churches History and Architecture Tour: $18
  • Chapel Hill LGBT History Tour: $19
  • Chapel Hill True Crime Walking Tour: $19
  • Create Your Own Lipstick or Lip Gloss Class Experience in Raleigh: $65
  • Downtown Cary Historian-Guided Tour: $19
  • Durham African-American Historic Walking Tour: $18
  • Durham True Crime Tour: $19
  • Guided Walking Historian Tour in Downtown Durham: $19
  • Historic Oakwood: History & Architecture Tour: $19
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Chapel Hill NC: $15
  • Private Pedicab Tour of Downtown Raleigh: $65

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Big Pine Key $9.29
    Raleigh $27


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Big Pine Key and Raleigh, we can see that Raleigh 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 Raleigh would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Raleigh 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 Raleigh Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Big Pine Key or Raleigh?

Raleigh has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Big Pine Key. When comparing the sizes of Big Pine Key and Raleigh, 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 Raleigh?

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 Raleigh in the Summer?

Both Raleigh and Big Pine Key during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Raleigh for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Big Pine Key is a little warmer than Raleigh. Typically, the summer temperatures in Big Pine Key in July average around 84°F (29°C), and Raleigh averages at about 79°F (26°C).

In Raleigh, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Big Pine Key. In the summer, Big Pine Key often gets more sunshine than Raleigh. Big Pine Key gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Raleigh receives 259 hours of full sun.

Raleigh gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Big Pine Key usually gets less rain in July than Raleigh. Big Pine Key gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Raleigh receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Big Pine Key 84°F (29°C) 
    Raleigh 79°F (26°C)

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Big Pine Key and Raleigh. Also, many visitors come to Raleigh in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions.

In October, Big Pine Key is generally much warmer than Raleigh. Daily temperatures in Big Pine Key average around 80°F (27°C), and Raleigh fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Raleigh 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 Raleigh during autumn. Big Pine Key gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Raleigh receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Big Pine Key gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Big Pine Key usually receives more rain than Raleigh. Big Pine Key gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Raleigh receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Big Pine Key 80°F (27°C) 
    Raleigh 61°F (16°C)

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

The winter brings many poeple to Big Pine Key as well as Raleigh. Also, most visitors come to Raleigh for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Raleigh can be very cold during winter. Big Pine Key is much warmer than Raleigh in the winter. The daily temperature in Big Pine Key averages around 70°F (21°C) in January, and Raleigh fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Big Pine Key this time of the year. In the winter, Big Pine Key often gets more sunshine than Raleigh. Big Pine Key gets 252 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Raleigh receives 162 hours of full sun.

Big Pine Key usually gets less rain in January than Raleigh. Big Pine Key gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Raleigh receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Big Pine Key 70°F (21°C) 
    Raleigh 40°F (5°C)

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

Both Raleigh and Big Pine Key are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Raleigh because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Big Pine Key is much warmer than Raleigh. Typically, the spring temperatures in Big Pine Key in April average around 77°F (25°C), and Raleigh averages at about 60°F (16°C).

It's quite sunny in Raleigh. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Big Pine Key. Big Pine Key usually receives more sunshine than Raleigh during spring. Big Pine Key gets 326 hours of sunny skies, while Raleigh receives 251 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Big Pine Key usually receives less rain than Raleigh. Big Pine Key gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Raleigh receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Big Pine Key 77°F (25°C) 
    Raleigh 60°F (16°C)

Typical Weather for Raleigh and Big Pine Key

Big Pine Key Raleigh
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 70°F (21°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm) 40°F (5°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Feb 71°F (21°C) 1.4 inches (36 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Mar 74°F (23°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Apr 77°F (25°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm) 60°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
May 81°F (27°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Jun 83°F (28°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm) 76°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Jul 84°F (29°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 79°F (26°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm)
Aug 84°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 78°F (26°C) 4.9 inches (125 mm)
Sep 83°F (29°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Oct 80°F (27°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm) 61°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Nov 76°F (24°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 53°F (11°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Dec 72°F (22°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)