Which place is cheaper, Kailua-Kona or Charlotte?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Charlotte or Kailua-Kona?
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 Charlotte and Kailua-Kona can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Charlotte or Kailua-Kona?
Charlotte
With a population of almost 800,000, Charlotte is the largest city in the state of North Carolina. The city has grown rapidly in recent years and the thriving economy has led to major revitalization efforts in the city's central district. The city is a center for finance, industry, technology, and entertainment within the state. It is the location of the corporate headquarters of Bank of America as well as the east coast operations of Wells Fargo, making it the second largest banking center in the United States. Although Charlotte has never been considered a significant tourist destination, recent efforts to enhance the urban core and develop entertainment venues have begun to appeal to outside visitors.
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 Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCharlotte $191Kailua-Kona $231
The average daily cost (per person) in Charlotte is $191, 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 Charlotte and Kailua-Kona in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCharlotte $118Kailua-Kona $141
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCharlotte $236Kailua-Kona $282
Compare Hotels in Charlotte and Kailua-Kona
Looking for a hotel in Charlotte 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: Charlotte Hotel Prices and Kailua-Kona Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Charlotte $33Kailua-Kona $45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Charlotte
Also for Charlotte, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Departure Transfer to Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT): $54
- Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT): 1-Way Transfer to Charlotte: $99
- Arrival Transfer: Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT to Charlotte in Business Car: $133
- Departure Transfer: Charlotte to Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT in Business Car: $133
- Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT) to Charlotte City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $136
- Charlotte Round Trip Chauffeur Driven Airport Transfer by Sedan: $150
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 Charlotte or Kailua-Kona?
Prices for flights to both Kailua-Kona and Charlotte 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 dayCharlotte $46Kailua-Kona $58
Typical Food Prices in Charlotte
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Charlotte:
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Pizza at Airport$4.03
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Cracker Barrel Lunch (family of 4)$29
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.Charlotte $43Kailua-Kona $40
Tours and Activities in Charlotte
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Charlotte.
- Charlotte Ghost Walking Tour: Smartphone Audio & GPS Tour: $6.50
- Charlotte Ghost Walking Tour - Smartphone guided audio/gps Tour at your own pace: $6.75
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Charlotte by 3Quest Challenge: $10
- Self-Guided City Highlights Audio Tour: $12
- Uptown A Self-Guided Audio Tour to the Heart of Queen City: $12
- Uptown Funk: 1 Hour Guided Walking Tour of Charlotte: $15
- UPTOWN FUNK: 1 Hour Guided Historical Walking Tour in Charlotte: $15
- UPTOWN AT SUNDOWN: 1 Hour Guided Arts Walking Tour in Charlotte: $15
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Charlotte by Zombie Scavengers: $20
- Charlotte Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
- Sea Life Charlotte Concord Aquarium Admission Ticket: $25
- Charlottesville: Ghosts of Court Square Walking Tour: $26
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 dayCharlotte $20Kailua-Kona $15
Sample the Local Flavors in Charlotte
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Charlotte:
- 3-Hour Brewery Crawl on 7 passenger Cart: $48
- Charlotte Brewery Crawl Tour: $48
- Bar Crawl on a Rollin Disco Ball Golf Cart in Charlotte: $240
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Charlotte and Kailua-Kona, we can see that Kailua-Kona is more expensive. And not only is Charlotte much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Charlotte would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Charlotte 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 Charlotte.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Charlotte Expensive? and Is Kailua-Kona Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Charlotte or Kailua-Kona?
Charlotte has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Kailua-Kona. When comparing the sizes of Charlotte 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 Charlotte 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 Charlotte or Kailua-Kona in the Summer?
Both Kailua-Kona and Charlotte during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Charlotte this time of year.
In the summer, Charlotte is around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Charlotte in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 78°F (25°C).
It's quite sunny in Charlotte. In the summer, Charlotte often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Charlotte gets 289 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 Charlotte. Charlotte usually gets more rain in July than Kailua-Kona. Charlotte gets 4.6 inches (116 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 JulyCharlotte 81°F (27°C)Kailua-Kona 78°F (25°C)
Should I visit Charlotte or Kailua-Kona in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Charlotte and Kailua-Kona. Many travelers come to Charlotte for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In October, Charlotte is generally cooler than Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Charlotte average around 63°F (17°C), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).
In Charlotte, it's very sunny this time of the year. Charlotte usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during autumn. Charlotte gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 138 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Charlotte usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Charlotte gets 2.7 inches (68 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 OctoberCharlotte 63°F (17°C)Kailua-Kona 78°F (26°C)
Should I visit Charlotte or Kailua-Kona in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Charlotte as well as Kailua-Kona. Many visitors come to Charlotte in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Charlotte is much colder than Kailua-Kona in the winter. The daily temperature in Charlotte averages around 42°F (6°C) in January, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).
In the winter, Charlotte often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Charlotte gets 173 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 158 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Kailua-Kona. Charlotte usually gets less rain in January than Kailua-Kona. Charlotte gets 3.5 inches (89 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 JanuaryCharlotte 42°F (6°C)Kailua-Kona 74°F (23°C)
Should I visit Charlotte or Kailua-Kona in the Spring?
Both Kailua-Kona and Charlotte are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Charlotte for the activities around the city during these months.
In the spring, Charlotte is cooler than Kailua-Kona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Charlotte in April average around 63°F (17°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 74°F (24°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charlotte. Charlotte usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during spring. Charlotte gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 134 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Charlotte usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Charlotte gets 3.4 inches (86 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 AprilCharlotte 63°F (17°C)Kailua-Kona 74°F (24°C)
Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and Charlotte
| Charlotte | Kailua-Kona | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 42°F (6°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Feb | 46°F (8°C) | 3.8 inches (97 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Mar | 54°F (12°C) | 4.5 inches (115 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 4.4 inches (111 mm) |
| Apr | 63°F (17°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
| May | 71°F (21°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
| Jun | 78°F (25°C) | 3.7 inches (94 mm) | 77°F (25°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) |
| Jul | 81°F (27°C) | 4.6 inches (116 mm) | 78°F (25°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Aug | 80°F (27°C) | 4 inches (101 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Sep | 74°F (24°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) | 79°F (26°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) |
| Oct | 63°F (17°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.6 inches (41 mm) |
| Nov | 54°F (12°C) | 2.8 inches (70 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Dec | 46°F (8°C) | 3.4 inches (87 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.