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

Should you visit Washington or Big Pine Key?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Washington and Big Pine Key can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Washington or Big Pine Key?

Washington

Washington, DC is the capital city of the United States of America. It is also a city rich in history and culture. The city dates back to 1791 when the states of Maryland and Virginia donated the land to create the capital. In 1846, Congress returned the land that was ceded by Virginia and in 1871 it created a single municipal government with the remaining area. Today, Washington, DC has a population of over 600,000 people. The metropolitan area includes suburbs in Maryland and Virginia and has a population of about 5.8 million.

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 Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Big Pine Key or Washington?

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

  • Washington Prices
    USA Prices
    Big Pine Key Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Washington $226
    Big Pine Key $174

The average daily cost (per person) in Washington is $226, 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 Washington and Big Pine Key in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Washington $113
    Big Pine Key $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Washington $226
    Big Pine Key $128
Compare Hotels in Washington and Big Pine Key

Looking for a hotel in Washington 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 Washington


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: Washington Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Washington $47
    Big Pine Key $56
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Washington

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Washington are as follows:


  • Metro Day Pass
    $9.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Washington

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

  • private Ronald Reagan, Washington National Airport transfer: $150
  • DCA Airport Private Transfer to Washington D.C.: $37
  • Washington, D.C.: DCA Airport Private Transfer to Downtown: $110
  • Washington to Washington R. Reagan Airport (DCA) - Departure Private Transfer: $67
  • Washington to Washington Dulles Airport (IAD) - Departure Private Transfer: $89
  • Washington to Washington Airport (IAD) Departure Private Transfer: $131
  • Washington to Baltimore Washington Airport (BWI) - Departure Private Transfer: $84
  • Washington to Baltimore Airport (BWI) Departure Private Transfer: $154
  • Washington R. Reagan Airport (DCA) to Washington - Arrival Private Transfer: $67
  • Washington Dulles Airport (IAD) to Washington - Arrival Private Transfer: $89
  • Washington DC: Private Transfer to Airports or Baltimore: $160
  • Washington DC: One Way Airport Transfer Service: $80

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

Prices for flights to both Big Pine Key and Washington 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
    Washington $66
    Big Pine Key $72
Typical Food Prices in Washington

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Washington:


  • Water
    $2.00
  • Snacks on Monuments Tour
    $6.15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Washington

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

  • DC: City Cruises Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise: $60
  • DC: City Cruises Gourmet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise: $71
  • Little Ethiopia Food Tour: $71
  • Adams Morgan Food Tour: $78
  • Dupont Circle Food Tour: $84
  • Washington D.C: Acquired Taste Food Tour in Georgetown: $95
  • DC: Eastern Market Eats Food Tour (5 Food Stops + Dessert): $99
  • Washington D.C.: Georgetown Guided Secret Food Tour: $104
  • City Cruises Washington DC: Signature Dinner Cruise: $121
  • City Cruises Washington DC: Premier Dinner Cruise: $127
  • Eastern Market Neighborhood Food Tour (5 Food Stops + Dessert): $129
  • Washington D.C.: Taste of Georgetown Walking Food Tour: $129

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Washington $24
    Big Pine Key $42

Tours and Activities in Washington

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Washington.

  • Run the Washington DC Monuments with a Local: Group Running Tour: $53
  • See DC In A Day: Guided Small Group Ultimate Day Tour : $99
  • "Drunk Shakespeare" Live Show Ticket at DC's Sage Theatre: $49
  • 2 Hour Guided Bike Tour of Capitol Hill: $52
  • 2-Day Best of Niagara Falls (US Side) Tour from Washington D.C.: $49
  • 2-Hour Arlington Cemetery Guided Walking Tour : $75
  • 2-Hour National Mall Walking Tour from Washington DC: $25
  • 3-Hour Small Group Memorial Tour in Washington, D.C.: $59
  • 4-Hr DC Monuments Small Group Sightseeing Guided Tour: $79
  • Admission & Guided Tour of Mount Vernon and Old Town Alexandria: $99
  • African American Tour Of Annapolis From Washington DC: $180
  • Air & Space Museum Semi-Private Tour with Reserved Tickets: $103

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Washington $19
    Big Pine Key $9.29

Sample the Local Flavors in Washington

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Washington:

  • Epic Washington DC Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
  • Washington DC: Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • DC Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl By US Ghost Adventures: $36
  • Washington, D.C.: History Tour Pub Crawl: $56
  • DC Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $105
  • DC: Guided Craft Brewery Tours with a Snack: $105


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


Which is Bigger, Washington or Big Pine Key?

Washington has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Big Pine Key. When comparing the sizes of Washington 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 Washington or Big Pine Key?

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 Washington or Big Pine Key in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Washington and Big Pine Key. Many visitors come to Washington in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Big Pine Key this time of the year. In Washington, it's very sunny this time of the year. Washington usually receives less sunshine than Big Pine Key during summer. Washington gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Big Pine Key receives 328 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Washington usually receives around the same amount of rain as Big Pine Key. Washington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Big Pine Key receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


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

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Washington as well as Big Pine Key. Most visitors come to Washington for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Washington is generally much colder than Big Pine Key. Daily temperatures in Washington average around 60°F (15°C), and Big Pine Key fluctuates around 80°F (27°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Big Pine Key. In the autumn, Washington often gets less sunshine than Big Pine Key. Washington gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Big Pine Key receives 258 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Big Pine Key. Washington usually gets less rain in October than Big Pine Key. Washington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Big Pine Key receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Washington 60°F (15°C) 
    Big Pine Key 80°F (27°C)

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

Both Big Pine Key and Washington are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Washington because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

The weather in Washington can be very cold. Washington is much colder than Big Pine Key in the winter. The daily temperature in Washington averages around 35°F (1°C) in January, and Big Pine Key fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

It's quite sunny in Big Pine Key. Washington usually receives less sunshine than Big Pine Key during winter. Washington gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Big Pine Key receives 252 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Washington usually receives more rain than Big Pine Key. Washington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Big Pine Key receives 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Washington 35°F (1°C) 
    Big Pine Key 70°F (21°C)

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

Both Big Pine Key and Washington during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Washington this time of year.

In the spring, Washington is much colder than Big Pine Key. Typically, the spring temperatures in Washington in April average around 56°F (14°C), and Big Pine Key averages at about 77°F (25°C).

In Big Pine Key, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Washington. In the spring, Washington often gets less sunshine than Big Pine Key. Washington gets 228 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Big Pine Key receives 326 hours of full sun.

Washington usually gets more rain in April than Big Pine Key. Washington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Big Pine Key receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Washington 56°F (14°C) 
    Big Pine Key 77°F (25°C)

Typical Weather for Big Pine Key and Washington

Washington Big Pine Key
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 70°F (21°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm)
Feb 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 71°F (21°C) 1.4 inches (36 mm)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 74°F (23°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Apr 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 77°F (25°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 81°F (27°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Jun 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 83°F (28°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 84°F (29°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Aug 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 84°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Sep 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 83°F (29°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm)
Oct 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 80°F (27°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm)
Nov 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 76°F (24°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Dec 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 72°F (22°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm)