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

Should you visit Belfast or Kingston?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Belfast or Kingston, 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: Belfast or Kingston?

Belfast

Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland and the second largest city on the island of Ireland after Dublin. It has a population of about 270,000 and almost 500,000 in the metropolitan area. It's located on the mouth of the River Lagan and is set between many low hills that rise up around it.

One of the most famous, and tragic times in Belfast's history is referred to as "The Troubles." During this time, between 1969 and 1997, there were many bomb and gun attacks throughout the city. This left many areas as essentially no-go zones. Neighborhoods became completely lawless do to the lack of security and the damage is still visible today in some areas. In 1998 the Good Friday Agreement was signed and much of the politically motivated violence ended. The city actually received praise recently as the safest city in the UK based on crime rate. Tourism is growing and many visitors enjoy seeing this less popular travel destination. The city has a lot of character and will give you an interesting take on Irish and British history.

Belfast has a temperate climate and temperature and precipitation have little variation throughout the year. The climate is influenced by the warming effects of the Gulf Stream, making it warmer than many cities that are found at the same latitude. Rain is common with precipitation falling an average of 157 days a year. Snow is much less common, although it does happen about ten days a year. The warmest days during the summer may reach a temperature around 25 degrees Celsius and the coldest days have lows that drop just below freezing.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Kingston or Belfast?

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

  • Belfast Prices
    UK Prices
    Kingston Prices
    Jamaica Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Belfast £170
    Kingston £82

The average daily cost (per person) in Belfast is £170, while the average daily cost in Kingston is £82. 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 Belfast and Kingston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Belfast £68
    Kingston £48
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Belfast £136
    Kingston £96
Compare Hotels in Belfast and Kingston

Looking for a hotel in Belfast or Kingston? 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 Belfast


Hotels in Kingston


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: Belfast Hotel Prices and Kingston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Belfast £14
    Kingston £22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Belfast

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Belfast:

  • Belfast Airport (BFS) to Belfast City - Arrival Private Transfer: $28
  • Belfast Airport (BFS) to Holywood City - Arrival Private Transfer: $31
  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Belfast Accommodation - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $111
  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Lisburn Accommodation - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $55
  • Belfast City to Belfast International Airport (BFS) - Departure Private Transfer: $28
  • Donegal Private Transfers: $511
  • Game of Thrones Studio Tour Admission and Transfer from Belfast : $53
  • Private Belfast Arrival transfer-Belfast International Airport to Belfast Hotel: $72
  • Private One-way Transfer From Belfast Int. Airport to Belfast: $48
  • Private One-way Transfer from Belfast to Belfast Int. Airport: $48
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Annalong: $145
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Ardboe: $149

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kingston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kingston:

  • Private Transfers To/From Kingston & Airport (KIN) Across Jamaica: $22
  • MBJ Airport Transfer to/ from Hotels : $25
  • Airport Transfer Norman Manley international airport: $30
  • Private Transfers To/From Kingston & Airport Across Jamaica: $43
  • Private Transfer From Norman Manley Airport to Kingston one way: $48
  • Airport Transfer in Kingston: $50
  • Private Airport Transfer of Norman Manley and Kingston Hotels : $50
  • First Class Airport Transfers: $52
  • Private Transfer from Kingston's Airport: $65
  • Private Transfer from Kingston Airport (KIN) to Falmouth Port: $72
  • Kingston International Airport Jamaica - Private Arrival or Depature transfer : $73
  • Private Kingston Airport Transfers: $79

Is it cheaper to fly into Belfast or Kingston?

Prices for flights to both Kingston and Belfast 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
    Belfast £88
    Kingston £20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Belfast

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

  • Guided Craft Beer and Street Food Tour: $97
  • Taste & Tour: Craft Beer and Food Tour of Belfast: $99
  • Belfast Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $112
  • The Original Belfast Food Tour™ with Drinks: $116

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Belfast £18
    Kingston £9.56
Typical Entertainment Prices in Belfast

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Belfast are as follows:


  • Movie Tickets
    £8.00

Tours and Activities in Belfast

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Belfast are as follows:

  • Belfast’s Titanic Quarter: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.00
  • Museum Ticket: $7.17
  • Hillsborough Castle Gardens Entrance Ticket: $13
  • Ulster Folk Museum Entry Ticket: $15
  • Crumlin Road Gaol Experience: $19
  • Hop-On Hop-Off Belfast Open Top Bus Tour: $19
  • If Buildings Could Talk Tour Belfast: $19
  • 2.5-Hour Street Murals Tour in Spanish: $19
  • Belfast Murals Political Tour in Spanish: $20
  • Belfast Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $20
  • The Story of walking tour with a local guide: $21
  • Luxury Pink Hen Party Bike Tour of Belfast: $22

Tours and Activities in Kingston

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

  • Walking Tour with Mural Exploration: $26
  • Montego Bay: All inclusive tours: $30
  • Kingston Creative: Mural Art Walking Tour: $31
  • Mural Art & National Gallery Walking Tour: $36
  • Club Kingston VIP Departure Lounge Experience: $38
  • Bob Marley Museum Tour Skip the Line Tickets: $45
  • Cannabis Shopping Tour with Lunch: $50
  • Ocho Rios Shore Excursion: Bus Tour of Ocho Rios, Fern Gully and Turtle Beach: $62
  • Devon House Heritage Tour with Ice Cream from Kingston: $63
  • Tour a Jamaican Farm: $70
  • Kingston City Guided Tour - Classic: $72
  • Bamboo Rafting Adventure in Ocho Rios : $73

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Belfast £7.86
    Kingston £8.35

Sample the Local Flavors in Belfast

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Belfast:

  • Pub Crawl and Bar Walking Tour with Two Drinks: $21
  • McConnell's Distillery Guided Tour with Tasting: $26
  • Belfast Giant's Causeway and Titanic Distillery Whiskey Tour: $71
  • Titanic Museum and Whiskey Distillery Exploration with Tasting: $125
  • Historic Pub Tour: $194


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Belfast and Kingston, we can see that Belfast is more expensive. And not only is Kingston much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Belfast is in Europe and Kingston is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Belfast would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Belfast 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 Belfast Expensive? and Is Kingston Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Belfast or Kingston?

Kingston has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Belfast. When comparing the sizes of Belfast and Kingston, 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 Belfast or Kingston?

Belfast 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 Belfast or Kingston in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Belfast and Kingston. The summer months attract visitors to Belfast because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Kingston attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In July, Belfast is generally much colder than Kingston. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 15°C (59°F), and Kingston fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kingston this time of the year. Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Kingston during summer. Belfast gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Kingston receives 254 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Belfast usually receives more rain than Kingston. Belfast gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Belfast 15°C (59°F) 
    Kingston 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Belfast or Kingston in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Belfast as well as Kingston. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Belfast this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kingston throughout the year.

Belfast is much colder than Kingston in the autumn. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 9°C (48°F) in October, and Kingston fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kingston. In the autumn, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Kingston. Belfast gets 92 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kingston receives 229 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kingston. Belfast usually gets less rain in October than Kingston. Belfast gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Belfast 9°C (48°F) 
    Kingston 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Belfast or Kingston in the Winter?

Both Kingston and Belfast are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Belfast for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Kingston because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Belfast. In the winter, Belfast is much colder than Kingston. Typically, the winter temperatures in Belfast in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Kingston averages at about 26°C (79°F).

It's quite sunny in Kingston. Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Kingston during winter. Belfast gets 50 hours of sunny skies, while Kingston receives 257 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Belfast usually receives more rain than Kingston. Belfast gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Belfast 4°C (39°F) 
    Kingston 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Belfast or Kingston in the Spring?

Both Kingston and Belfast during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Belfast in the spring for the activities around the city. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kingston year-round.

In April, Belfast is generally much colder than Kingston. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 8°C (46°F), and Kingston fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In Kingston, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Kingston. Belfast gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kingston receives 251 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets more rain in April than Kingston. Belfast gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Belfast 8°C (46°F) 
    Kingston 26°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Kingston and Belfast

Belfast Kingston
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in) 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (2 in) 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 15°C (59°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Oct 9°C (48°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)