Which place is cheaper, Kailua-Kona or Atlanta?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Atlanta or Kailua-Kona?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Atlanta or Kailua-Kona, 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: Atlanta or Kailua-Kona?
Atlanta
Atlanta is a city rich in history but modern in its development and industry. It has a population of just under 500,000 with more than five million people living in the metropolitan area. It is also the ninth largest metropolitan area in the United States The city is rich in culture and was at the center of the civil rights movement. It is the capital of the state of Georgia, and was home to the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games. It has the world's busiest airport and arguably some of the country's worst traffic, but the residents are recognized for their friendly and welcoming nature and the city is lush with green trees and wonderful parks.
Kailua-Kona
Kailua Kona, or Kona, as it is commonly referred, is the largest city on the western side of the Big Island of Hawaii. It's a popular destination for sport fishing, snorkeling, and its beautiful sunsets. Kona is protected by the mountains so it receives very little rain annually and has about 300 days of sunshine every year. The closest airport is Kona International Airport at Keahole, which receives flights from the mainland United States, Canada, as well as Honolulu and other islands. Once in town, you can walk around Kona, but if you hope to explore anywhere else on the Big Island you will need a car. To take full advantage of your Hawaiian vacation it really is recommended that you rent a car for at least a few days while you're on the island.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAtlanta $173Kailua-Kona $231
The average daily cost (per person) in Atlanta is $173, while the average daily cost in Kailua-Kona 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 Atlanta and Kailua-Kona in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAtlanta $90Kailua-Kona $141
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAtlanta $180Kailua-Kona $282
Compare Hotels in Atlanta and Kailua-Kona
Looking for a hotel in Atlanta or Kailua-Kona? 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: Atlanta Hotel Prices and Kailua-Kona Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Atlanta $44Kailua-Kona $45
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Atlanta
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Atlanta:
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MARTA Subway Ticket$4.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Atlanta
Also for Atlanta, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Hartsfield Jackson Airport (ATL) to Lithia Springs - Arrival Private Transfer: $33
- San Jose Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to San Jose Costa: $35
- Atlanta Airport (ATL) to Lithia Springs -Arrival Private Transfer: $36
- Hartsfield Jackson Airport (ATL) to Lithia Springs - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $66
- Transfer in Executive Private Minivan from Atlanta Downtown to Atlanta Airport: $67
- Private Arrival Transfer from Atlanta Airport (ATL): $80
- Private Transfer from Atlanta (ATL) Airport to Atlanta City: $94
- Atlanta to Atlanta Airport (ATL) Departure Private Transfer: $97
- Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta Airport (ATL) to Atlanta - Arrival Private Transfer: $97
- Private Transfer: H. J. Airport ATL to Atlanta in Business Car: $119
- Departure Transfer: Atlanta to Atlanta Airport ATL by Luxury SUV: $127
- Departure Transfer: Atlanta to Atlanta Airport ATL in Luxury SUV: $133
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
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Rental Car for One Day$35
Is it cheaper to fly into Atlanta or Kailua-Kona?
Prices for flights to both Kailua-Kona and Atlanta 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 dayAtlanta $43Kailua-Kona $58
Typical Food Prices in Atlanta
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Atlanta:
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Fast Food Lunch (for 2)$15
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Lunch$20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Atlanta
For Atlanta, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 2 Hour Guided Wood Fired Pizza Class in Atlanta: $55
- City Lights Atlanta Night-Time Tour with Photos & Dinner Stop: $65
- City Lights Night Tour with Photos & Dinner Stop: $65
- 2 Hour Historic Market Food Tour and Hands-On Biscuit Class: $70
- Historic Market Food Tour and Biscuit Cooking Class: $70
- Ponce City Market 2.5-Hour Weekend Food Tour: $99
- Food Tour of Inman Park and the Atlanta Beltline: $99
Typical Food Prices in Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of dining costs in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
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Buffet Breakfast for Two$53
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Atlanta $56Kailua-Kona $40
Tours and Activities in Atlanta
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Atlanta.
- Civil Rights Self-Guided Audio App Walking Tour: $6.75
- Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $8.50
- Atlanta Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Olympic Park & Pemberton Place: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
- Civil Rights Movement in A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
- Atlanta Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $13
- Atlanta Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $13
- SkyView Ferris Wheel Ticket: $16
- Atlanta Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $18
- World of Coca-Cola Skip-the-Ticket-Line Entry: $23
- Skip the Ticket Line: World of Coca-Cola Admission in Atlanta: $23
- LEGO® Discovery Center Admission Ticket: $28
Typical Entertainment Prices in Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
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Diving with Manta Rays for Two$162
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Body Board Rental (1 Day)$12
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1 Day Kayak Rental$47
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2 Tank Morning Scuba Dive$115
Tours and Activities in Kailua-Kona
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kailua-Kona are as follows:
- From Kona-Volcanoes & waterfall tour in a small group: $295
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAtlanta $17Kailua-Kona $15
Sample the Local Flavors in Atlanta
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Atlanta:
- Drag Queen Guided Pub Crawl and Cabaret Show: $36
- ATLANTA Yes, Queen! Drag Queen Pub Crawl : $40
- Half-Day Wine Tastings in the North Georgia Mountains : $115
- North Georgia Mountains Two Vineyard Wine Tasting Tour: $137
- Bartram Trail Hike plus Wine Tasting: $159
- North Georgia Mountains Three Vineyard Wine Tasting Tour: $165
- North Georgia Mountains Private Three Vineyard Wine Tasting Tour: $180
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Atlanta and Kailua-Kona, we can see that Kailua-Kona is more expensive. And not only is Atlanta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Atlanta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Atlanta 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 Kailua-Kona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kailua-Kona than you might in Atlanta.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Atlanta Expensive? and Is Kailua-Kona Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Atlanta or Kailua-Kona?
Atlanta has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Kailua-Kona. When comparing the sizes of Atlanta and Kailua-Kona, 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 Atlanta or Kailua-Kona?
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 Atlanta or Kailua-Kona in the Summer?
Both Kailua-Kona and Atlanta during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Atlanta because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Atlanta is around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Atlanta in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 78°F (25°C).
It's quite sunny in Atlanta. In the summer, Atlanta often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Atlanta gets 271 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 169 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. Atlanta usually gets more rain in July than Kailua-Kona. Atlanta gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAtlanta 82°F (28°C)Kailua-Kona 78°F (25°C)
Should I visit Atlanta or Kailua-Kona in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlanta and Kailua-Kona. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Atlanta this time of year.
In October, Atlanta is generally cooler than Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Atlanta average around 66°F (19°C), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).
In Atlanta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Atlanta usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during autumn. Atlanta gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 138 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Atlanta gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAtlanta 66°F (19°C)Kailua-Kona 78°F (26°C)
Should I visit Atlanta or Kailua-Kona in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Atlanta as well as Kailua-Kona. Many travelers come to Atlanta for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Atlanta is much colder than Kailua-Kona in the winter. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 45°F (7°C) in January, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).
In the winter, Atlanta often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kailua-Kona. Atlanta gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 158 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Kailua-Kona. Atlanta receives a lot of rain in the winter. Atlanta usually gets more rain in January than Kailua-Kona. Atlanta gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAtlanta 45°F (7°C)Kailua-Kona 74°F (23°C)
Should I visit Atlanta or Kailua-Kona in the Spring?
Both Kailua-Kona and Atlanta are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Atlanta in the spring for the activities around the city.
In the spring, Atlanta is cooler than Kailua-Kona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Atlanta in April average around 65°F (18°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 74°F (24°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. Atlanta usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during spring. Atlanta gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 134 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Atlanta. In April, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Atlanta gets 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAtlanta 65°F (18°C)Kailua-Kona 74°F (24°C)
Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and Atlanta
| Atlanta | Kailua-Kona | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 45°F (7°C) | 4.7 inches (120 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Feb | 49°F (9°C) | 4.8 inches (123 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Mar | 57°F (14°C) | 5.8 inches (147 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 4.4 inches (111 mm) |
| Apr | 65°F (18°C) | 4.1 inches (104 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
| May | 73°F (23°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
| Jun | 80°F (27°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) | 77°F (25°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 5.2 inches (133 mm) | 78°F (25°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Aug | 82°F (28°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Sep | 76°F (25°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) | 79°F (26°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) |
| Oct | 66°F (19°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.6 inches (41 mm) |
| Nov | 57°F (14°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Dec | 48°F (9°C) | 4.4 inches (111 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 3.4 inches (87 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.