A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kingston vs. Big Pine Key for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Kingston or Big Pine Key?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Kingston or Big Pine Key, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Kingston or Big Pine Key?

Kingston

Kingston is Jamaica's capital city with a population of about 579,000. For being located on an island, Kingston is a very large city with several different zip codes. Not only is Kingston the cultural capital of the country, but also the commercial one as well.

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!

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Big Pine Key or Kingston?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Kingston Prices
    Jamaica Prices
    Big Pine Key Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Kingston $123
    Big Pine Key $174

The average daily cost (per person) in Kingston is $123, while the average daily cost in Big Pine Key is $174. 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 Kingston and Big Pine Key in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kingston $62
    Big Pine Key $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kingston $124
    Big Pine Key $128
Compare Hotels in Kingston and Big Pine Key

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


Hotels in Big Pine Key


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: Kingston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kingston $28
    Big Pine Key $56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kingston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kingston:

  • Transfer for Kingston Airport to and from Hotels in Montego Bay: $173
  • Runaway Bay Hotels Private Roundtrip Airport Transfer from Kingston Airport(KIN): $261
  • Private Transfers To/From Kingston & Airport Across Jamaica: $49
  • Private Transfers To/From Kingston & Airport (KIN) Across Jamaica: $24
  • Private Transfer To & From New Kingston to Norman Manley Airport: $40
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Kingston International Airport (KIN): $34
  • Private Arrivals or Departures Transfer: Norman Manley Airport to Kingston : $136
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Kingston International Airport to Hotel: $53
  • Port Antonio Hotel Private Roundtrip Airport Transfer from Kingston Airport(KIN): $235
  • NMIA & Kingston transfer to Negril: $225
  • Montego Bay: 5-Day Jamaica Tour with Meals and Transfers: $2,200
  • Tropical Off-Road ATV Tour with Lunch and Transfer: $369

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

Prices for flights to both Big Pine Key and Kingston 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
    Kingston $44
    Big Pine Key $72

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kingston $12
    Big Pine Key $42

Tours and Activities in Kingston

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

  • Appleton Estate Rum Tour and Tasting from Ocho Rios: $232
  • Bamboo Rafting Adventure in Ocho Rios : $62
  • Bamboo Rafting and Boston Jerk Centre Tour in Portland Jamaica: $220
  • Blue Mountain Tour: A Half-Day Escape from Kingston: $1,011
  • Blue Mountains Coffee Private Tour from Kingston: $180
  • Bob Marley Guided City Tour: $95
  • Bob Marley Museum Entry Ticket: $30
  • Bob Marley Museum Express Tour from Port Royal Cruise Port: $141
  • Bob Marley Museum, Devon House and Downtown Kingston Tour: $134
  • City Tour of Kingston Including Entry Fees: $105
  • Club Kingston VIP Departure Lounge Experience: $38
  • Devon House City Tour Combo: $85

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kingston $11
    Big Pine Key $9.29


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kingston and Big Pine Key, we can see that Big Pine Key is more expensive. And not only is Kingston much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Kingston is in Caribbean Islands and Big Pine Key is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Kingston would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kingston 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 Kingston.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kingston Expensive? and Is Big Pine Key Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kingston or Big Pine Key?

Kingston has a larger population, and is about 170 times larger than the population of Big Pine Key. When comparing the sizes of Kingston and Big Pine Key, 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 Kingston or Big Pine Key?

Big Pine Key has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Kingston experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Kingston or Big Pine Key in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Kingston as well as Big Pine Key. Kingston attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In July, Kingston is generally around the same temperature as Big Pine Key. Daily temperatures in Kingston average around 29°C (83°F), and Big Pine Key fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Big Pine Key. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kingston this time of the year. In the summer, Kingston often gets less sunshine than Big Pine Key. Kingston gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Big Pine Key receives 328 hours of full sun.

Kingston usually gets less rain in July than Big Pine Key. Kingston gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Big Pine Key receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kingston 29°C (83°F) 
    Big Pine Key 84°F (29°C)

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

Both Big Pine Key and Kingston are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kingston throughout the year.

Kingston is around the same temperature as Big Pine Key in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kingston averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Big Pine Key fluctuates around 80°F (27°C).

It's quite sunny in Big Pine Key. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kingston. Kingston usually receives less sunshine than Big Pine Key during autumn. Kingston gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Big Pine Key receives 258 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Big Pine Key. It's quite rainy in Kingston. In October, Kingston usually receives more rain than Big Pine Key. Kingston gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Big Pine Key receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kingston 28°C (82°F) 
    Big Pine Key 80°F (27°C)

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

Both Big Pine Key and Kingston during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kingston because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the winter, Kingston is a little warmer than Big Pine Key. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kingston in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Big Pine Key averages at about 70°F (21°C).

In Big Pine Key, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Kingston. In the winter, Kingston often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Big Pine Key. Kingston gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Big Pine Key receives 252 hours of full sun.

Kingston usually gets less rain in January than Big Pine Key. Kingston gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Big Pine Key receives 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kingston 26°C (79°F) 
    Big Pine Key 70°F (21°C)

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kingston and Big Pine Key. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kingston year-round.

In April, Kingston is generally around the same temperature as Big Pine Key. Daily temperatures in Kingston average around 26°C (80°F), and Big Pine Key fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Big Pine Key this time of the year. In Kingston, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kingston usually receives less sunshine than Big Pine Key during spring. Kingston gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Big Pine Key receives 326 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Kingston usually receives more rain than Big Pine Key. Kingston gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Big Pine Key receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kingston 26°C (80°F) 
    Big Pine Key 77°F (25°C)

Typical Weather for Big Pine Key and Kingston

Kingston Big Pine Key
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 70°F (21°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 71°F (21°C) 1.4 inches (36 mm)
Mar 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 74°F (23°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 77°F (25°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
May 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 81°F (27°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 83°F (28°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 84°F (29°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 84°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Sep 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 83°F (29°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 80°F (27°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 76°F (24°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 72°F (22°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm)