Which place is cheaper, San Diego 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.
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Should you visit Big Pine Key or San Diego?
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 San Diego. 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 San Diego?
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!
San Diego
For many visitors and locals alike, San Diego is a paradise. Located in southern California, not far from Los Angeles, it has the perfect climate, wonderful beaches, and a culturally rich environment. It's surrounded by beautiful landscape and has a strong focus on wildlife conservation and eco-friendly living. Home to about 1.3 million residents, it is California's second largest city. It also has many universities, a large tech industry, and a thriving economy. Despite its size, many people perceive San Diego as a slower, more relaxed city with a pleasant vibe away from the chaos of a large city.
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.
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Big Pine Key Prices
USA PricesSan Diego Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBig Pine Key $174San Diego $233
The average daily cost (per person) in Big Pine Key is $174, while the average daily cost in San Diego is $233. 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 San Diego in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBig Pine Key $64San Diego $115
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBig Pine Key $128San Diego $230
Compare Hotels in Big Pine Key and San Diego
Looking for a hotel in Big Pine Key or San Diego? 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.
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: San Diego Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Big Pine Key $56San Diego $23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Diego
Also for San Diego, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Tijuana to Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $141
- Tijuana to Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) – Departure Private Transfer: $70
- Tijuana Intl Airport (TIJ) to Playas de Rosarito - Arrival Private Transfer: $276
- Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) to Tijuana hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $70
- Sedan Departure Transfer San Diego to San Diego Airport SAN: $104
- Sedan Arrival Private Transfer San Diego Airport SAN to San Diego: $125
- San Marcos, CA to San Diego Airport (SAN) - Departure Private Transfer: $66
- One Way Airport Hotel Shuttle Transfer: $68
- San Diego Airport: One-Way Transfer to San Diego downtown: $90
- San Diego Airport (SAN) to San Marcos, CA - Arrival Private Transfer: $66
- San Diego Airport (SAN) to Hot Springs/Ocotillo, CA - Arrival Private Transfer: $66
- Roundtrip Private Transfer from Tijuana Airport (TIJ): $77
Is it cheaper to fly into Big Pine Key or San Diego?
Prices for flights to both San Diego 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
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Food Meals for one dayBig Pine Key $72San Diego $77
Typical Food Prices in San Diego
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to San Diego:
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Mexican Lunch for Two$27
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Breakfast at Starbucks$20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Diego
For San Diego, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 2-Hour Ravioli Cooking Class With Local Chef: $75
- 2 Hour Ravioli Cooking Class With Local Chef in San Diego : $75
- 2-Hour Pasta Cooking Class at a Local Brewery: $75
- Pizza and Ice Cream Walking Tour: $80
- Old Town Tequila and Tacos Walking Food Tour: $84
- San Diego Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour with Tastings: $85
- North Park San Diego Walking Food Tour: $85
- Vegan Food Tour: $89
- Gaslamp Quarter Food Tour: $89
- Little Italy Food and Drink Walking Tour: Pizza, Pasta & Piazzas: $90
- Christmas Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $95
- Christmas Eve Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $95
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Big Pine Key $42San Diego $48
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Diego
For San Diego, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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San Diego Zoo$15
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Sea World Parking$12
Tours and Activities in San Diego
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Diego.
- Gaslamp Quarter to Little Italy Tour: $39
- Maritime Museum of San Diego Admission Ticket: $28
- Old Town Walking Tour: $129
- The La Jolla Walking Tour: $119
- The Little Italy Walking Tour: $99
- 1 Hour GPS Guided Scooter Tour: Harbor/Gaslamp Quarter: $92
- 1-Hour Private Scenic Tandem Sidecar Tour in San Diego: $99
- 1.5 Hour Walking Tour from La Jolla in San Diego: $59
- 2-Hour Downtown and Balboa Tour in GPS Guided Vanderhall GoCar: $288
- 2-Hour GoCar Tour of Downtown San Diego and Old Town: $52
- 2-Hour GoCar Tour of Downtown and Balboa Park: $90
- 2-Hour San Diego Pier Fishing Experience: $75
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBig Pine Key $9.29San Diego $21
Sample the Local Flavors in San Diego
Also in San Diego, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt: Slammin' San Diego Bar Crawl: $13
- Downtown Bar Crawl Party Pass: $25
- History Tour Pub Crawl of Famous Gaslamp Quarter: $30
- Hillcrest: LGBTQ+ Pub Crawl with Local Drag Queen: $35
- Hillcrest Drag Queen 5 Bar Crawl with Shots: $45
- Brewery Tour with Tastings and Food Pairings: $85
- $99 Valle de Guadalupe Wine Tours - DayTrip to baja from San Diego: $123
- Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $125
- Cruise & Booze Brewery tours : $149
- Baja Tour Guide wine tour: $169
- Valle de Guadalupe Wine Tour: $249
- Luxury Private Wine Tasting Tour to Guadalupe Valley from San Diego: $269
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Big Pine Key and San Diego, we can see that San Diego 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 San Diego would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Diego 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 San Diego Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Big Pine Key or San Diego?
San Diego has a larger population, and is about 220 times larger than the population of Big Pine Key. When comparing the sizes of Big Pine Key and San Diego, 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 San Diego?
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 San Diego in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Big Pine Key and San Diego. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to San Diego this time of year.
Big Pine Key is a little warmer than San Diego in the summer. The daily temperature in Big Pine Key averages around 84°F (29°C) in July, and San Diego fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Diego 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 San Diego during summer. Big Pine Key gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 306 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Big Pine Key usually receives more rain than San Diego. Big Pine Key gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBig Pine Key 84°F (29°C)San Diego 71°F (22°C)
Should I visit Big Pine Key or San Diego in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Big Pine Key as well as San Diego. Also, many travelers come to San Diego for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Big Pine Key is a little warmer than San Diego. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Big Pine Key in October average around 80°F (27°C), and San Diego averages at about 68°F (20°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Diego. 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 around the same amount of sunshine as San Diego. Big Pine Key gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 244 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 San Diego. Big Pine Key gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBig Pine Key 80°F (27°C)San Diego 68°F (20°C)
Should I visit Big Pine Key or San Diego in the Winter?
Both San Diego and Big Pine Key are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to San Diego in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Big Pine Key is generally a little warmer than San Diego. Daily temperatures in Big Pine Key average around 70°F (21°C), and San Diego fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).
It's quite sunny in San Diego. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Big Pine Key. Big Pine Key usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Diego during winter. Big Pine Key gets 252 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 239 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Big Pine Key usually receives around the same amount of rain as San Diego. Big Pine Key gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBig Pine Key 70°F (21°C)San Diego 57°F (14°C)
Should I visit Big Pine Key or San Diego in the Spring?
Both San Diego and Big Pine Key during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to San Diego for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.
Big Pine Key is much warmer than San Diego in the spring. The daily temperature in Big Pine Key averages around 77°F (25°C) in April, and San Diego fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).
In San Diego, 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 San Diego. Big Pine Key gets 326 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 277 hours of full sun.
Big Pine Key usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as San Diego. Big Pine Key gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBig Pine Key 77°F (25°C)San Diego 62°F (17°C)
Typical Weather for San Diego and Big Pine Key
| Big Pine Key | San Diego | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 70°F (21°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.8 inches (46 mm) |
| Feb | 71°F (21°C) | 1.4 inches (36 mm) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.5 inches (39 mm) |
| Mar | 74°F (23°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) |
| Apr | 77°F (25°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.8 inches (20 mm) |
| May | 81°F (27°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) |
| Jun | 83°F (28°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) | 67°F (19°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Jul | 84°F (29°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 71°F (22°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 84°F (29°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Sep | 83°F (29°C) | 5.7 inches (144 mm) | 71°F (22°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| Oct | 80°F (27°C) | 5.1 inches (129 mm) | 68°F (20°C) | 0.4 inches (9 mm) |
| Nov | 76°F (24°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 1.5 inches (37 mm) |
| Dec | 72°F (22°C) | 1.4 inches (35 mm) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.