Which place is cheaper, Kailua-Kona or Clearwater?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Clearwater or Kailua-Kona?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Clearwater and Kailua-Kona. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Clearwater or Kailua-Kona?
Clearwater
Clearwater is a city in Florida's Tampa Bay area known for its sunny weather and gulf coast beaches. Its most famous beach (Clearwater Beach) is located on a barrier island with white sands and crystal waters - a perfect setting for activities such as fishing, sailing, kayaking, jet skiing, dolphin and sunset tours, parasailing, and more.
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 Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayClearwater $309Kailua-Kona $231
The average daily cost (per person) in Clearwater is $309, 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 Clearwater and Kailua-Kona in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personClearwater $141Kailua-Kona $141
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomClearwater $282Kailua-Kona $282
Compare Hotels in Clearwater and Kailua-Kona
Looking for a hotel in Clearwater 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: Clearwater Hotel Prices and Kailua-Kona Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Clearwater $221Kailua-Kona $45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Clearwater
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Clearwater:
- St. Petersburg to St. Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) - Departure Private Transfer: $63
- St. Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) to St. Petersburg - Arrival Private Transfer : $63
- Private Transfer from St Petersburg Clearwater Airport to St Pete Beach: $75
- Clearwater Beach to Tampa Airport (TPA) - Departure Private Transfer: $87
- Clearwater Beach to St.Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) -Departure Private Transfer: $102
- St. Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) to Clearwater Beach - Arrival Private Transfer: $102
- Private Airport Transfer to St. Petersburg or Clearwater Beach : $104
- Private Transfer from Clearwater to Tampa Airport: $120
- St. Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) to St. Petersburg - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $127
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 Clearwater or Kailua-Kona?
Prices for flights to both Kailua-Kona and Clearwater 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 dayClearwater $46Kailua-Kona $58
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.Clearwater -Kailua-Kona $40
Tours and Activities in Clearwater
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Clearwater are as follows:
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Clearwater by Operation City Quest: $10
- St. Petersburg Jungle Prada Site History Tour: $14
- Clearwater; Aspirations Winery Tour and Tasting Experience: $21
- Daytime Yacht Sightseeing Cruise with Optional Dining : $27
- Clearwater Daytime Yacht Sightseeing Cruise with Optional Dining : $27
- Clearwater Beach: Dolphins and Donuts Morning Cruise: $28
- Mega Bite Dolphin Tour Boat in Clearwater Beach: $28
- 1-hour Dolphin Sightseeing Adventure Cruise from Madeira Beach: $28
- Shark Teeth and Shells, Dolphin and Shelling Tour Boat Clearwater Beach : $28
- Clearwater Beach: Dolphin and Sandbar Boat Cruise: $28
- Sunset and Harbor Lights Cruise: $28
- Tour with Dolphins and Sight Seeing: $29
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 dayClearwater -Kailua-Kona $15
Sample the Local Flavors in Clearwater
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Clearwater:
- The Tour and Wine Tasting Experience at Aspirations Winery: $20
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Clearwater and Kailua-Kona, we can see that Clearwater is more expensive. And not only is Kailua-Kona much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kailua-Kona would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kailua-Kona 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 Clearwater would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Clearwater than you might in Kailua-Kona.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Clearwater Expensive? and Is Kailua-Kona Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Clearwater or Kailua-Kona?
Clearwater has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Kailua-Kona. When comparing the sizes of Clearwater 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 Clearwater or Kailua-Kona?
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 Clearwater or Kailua-Kona in the Summer?
Both Kailua-Kona and Clearwater are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Clearwater in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.
Clearwater is around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona in the summer. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Clearwater. Clearwater usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during summer. Clearwater gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Clearwater. In July, Clearwater usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Clearwater gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyClearwater 82°F (28°C)Kailua-Kona 78°F (25°C)
Should I visit Clearwater or Kailua-Kona in the Autumn?
Both Kailua-Kona and Clearwater during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Clearwater for the shopping scene during these months.
In the autumn, Clearwater is around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Clearwater in October average around 75°F (24°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 78°F (26°C).
It's quite sunny in Clearwater. In the autumn, Clearwater often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Clearwater gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 138 hours of full sun.
Clearwater usually gets more rain in October than Kailua-Kona. Clearwater gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Clearwater is June to November.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberClearwater 75°F (24°C)Kailua-Kona 78°F (26°C)
Should I visit Clearwater or Kailua-Kona in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Clearwater and Kailua-Kona. The winter months attract visitors to Clearwater because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Clearwater is generally much colder than Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 60°F (15°C), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).
In Clearwater, it's very sunny this time of the year. Clearwater usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during winter. Clearwater gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 158 hours of full sun in the winter.
Kailua-Kona receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Clearwater usually receives less rain than Kailua-Kona. Clearwater gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryClearwater 60°F (15°C)Kailua-Kona 74°F (23°C)
Should I visit Clearwater or Kailua-Kona in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Clearwater as well as Kailua-Kona. The beaches are the main draw to Clearwater this time of year.
Clearwater is around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona in the spring. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 71°F (22°C) in April, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Clearwater this time of the year. In the spring, Clearwater often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Clearwater gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 134 hours of full sun.
Clearwater usually gets less rain in April than Kailua-Kona. Clearwater gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Clearwater.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilClearwater 71°F (22°C)Kailua-Kona 74°F (24°C)
Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and Clearwater
| Clearwater | Kailua-Kona | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 60°F (15°C) | 2.3 inches (59 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Feb | 61°F (16°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Mar | 67°F (19°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 4.4 inches (111 mm) |
| Apr | 71°F (22°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
| May | 77°F (25°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
| Jun | 81°F (27°C) | 6.5 inches (165 mm) | 77°F (25°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 8.4 inches (214 mm) | 78°F (25°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Aug | 82°F (28°C) | 8 inches (203 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Sep | 81°F (27°C) | 6.3 inches (161 mm) | 79°F (26°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) |
| Oct | 75°F (24°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.6 inches (41 mm) |
| Nov | 68°F (20°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Dec | 62°F (17°C) | 2.2 inches (56 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.