Which place is cheaper, Kailua-Kona or Daytona Beach?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Daytona Beach or Kailua-Kona?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Daytona Beach or Kailua-Kona? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Daytona Beach or Kailua-Kona?
Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach, Florida, located on the Atlantic coast, is a wildly popular tourist destination for people from all over the world due to great beaches, spring break fun, and NASCAR races. Tourists come to enjoy the warm Florida weather, the beautiful beaches, the activities, the boardwalk, the nightlife, and many other things the city has to offer. The beaches around Daytona are famous for their hard-packed sand, which makes them easy for cars to drive on. For this reason, Daytona has a history of automobile racing, and is home to dozens of races that take place throughout the year, the most famous of which is the Daytona 500. Naturally, Daytona is also home to NASCAR headquarters. But it's so much more than just a race destination, as it's also a fun and family-friendly destination that attractions a wide range of 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 Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDaytona Beach $211Kailua-Kona $231
The average daily cost (per person) in Daytona Beach is $211, 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 Daytona Beach and Kailua-Kona in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDaytona Beach $84Kailua-Kona $141
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDaytona Beach $168Kailua-Kona $282
Compare Hotels in Daytona Beach and Kailua-Kona
Looking for a hotel in Daytona Beach 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: Daytona Beach Hotel Prices and Kailua-Kona Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Daytona Beach $53Kailua-Kona $45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Daytona Beach
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Daytona Beach:
- Private Transfer from New Smyrna Beach to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $185
- Private Transfer from Daytona to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $200
- Private Transfer from New Smyrna Beach to Port Canaveral: $239
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 Daytona Beach or Kailua-Kona?
Prices for flights to both Kailua-Kona and Daytona Beach 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 dayDaytona Beach $80Kailua-Kona $58
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Daytona Beach
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Daytona Beach.
- Polynesian Fire and Dinner Show Ticket in Daytona Beach: $53
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.Daytona Beach $28Kailua-Kona $40
Tours and Activities in Daytona Beach
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Daytona Beach are as follows:
- St. Johns River Nature Cruise at Blue Spring State Park : $28
- Wildlife Tour of Indian River Lagoon with Experienced Captain: $32
- The Great Daytona Wine Bar Tour: $40
- Guided Wildlife Eco Kayak Tour in New Smyrna Beach: $45
- Zipline Adventure through Tuscawilla Park: $59
- New Smyrna Dolphin and Manatee Kayak and SUP Adventure Tour: $65
- Dolphin and Manatee Stand Up Paddleboard Tour in Daytona Beach: $65
- Orlando Manatee and Natural Spring Adventure Tour at Blue Springs: $65
- Dolphin and Manatee Kayak Tour of Daytona Beach: $65
- Ormond Beach Manatee and Nature Tour Kayaking or Paddle Boarding: $65
- Guided Kayaking or Standup Paddling Tour: $65
- 2 Hour Coastal Discovery Cruise: $75
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 dayDaytona Beach $43Kailua-Kona $15
Sample the Local Flavors in Daytona Beach
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Daytona Beach:
- Dive Bar Bus Crawl: $38
- Dive Bar Bus Crawl from Daytona Beach: $40
When comparing the travel costs between Daytona Beach and Kailua-Kona, we can see that Kailua-Kona is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Daytona Beach Expensive? and Is Kailua-Kona Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Daytona Beach or Kailua-Kona?
Daytona Beach has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Kailua-Kona. When comparing the sizes of Daytona Beach 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 Daytona Beach 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 Daytona Beach or Kailua-Kona in the Summer?
Both Kailua-Kona and Daytona Beach are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Daytona Beach for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Daytona Beach is around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Daytona Beach in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 78°F (25°C).
It's quite rainy in Daytona Beach. In July, Daytona Beach usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Daytona Beach gets 5.4 inches (137 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 JulyDaytona Beach 81°F (27°C)Kailua-Kona 78°F (25°C)
Should I visit Daytona Beach or Kailua-Kona in the Autumn?
Both Kailua-Kona and Daytona Beach during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Daytona Beach in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.
In October, Daytona Beach is generally cooler than Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Daytona Beach average around 74°F (23°C), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Daytona Beach. Daytona Beach usually gets more rain in October than Kailua-Kona. Daytona Beach gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDaytona Beach 74°F (23°C)Kailua-Kona 78°F (26°C)
Should I visit Daytona Beach or Kailua-Kona in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Daytona Beach and Kailua-Kona. Most visitors come to Daytona Beach for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.
Daytona Beach is much colder than Kailua-Kona in the winter. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 58°F (14°C) in January, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).
Kailua-Kona receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Daytona Beach usually receives less rain than Kailua-Kona. Daytona Beach gets 2.8 inches (70 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 JanuaryDaytona Beach 58°F (14°C)Kailua-Kona 74°F (23°C)
Should I visit Daytona Beach or Kailua-Kona in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Daytona Beach as well as Kailua-Kona. The spring months attract visitors to Daytona Beach because of the beaches and the activities around the city.
In the spring, Daytona Beach is cooler than Kailua-Kona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Daytona Beach in April average around 69°F (21°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 74°F (24°C).
Daytona Beach usually gets less rain in April than Kailua-Kona. Daytona Beach gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDaytona Beach 69°F (21°C)Kailua-Kona 74°F (24°C)
Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and Daytona Beach
| Daytona Beach | Kailua-Kona | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 58°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (70 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Feb | 59°F (15°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Mar | 65°F (18°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 4.4 inches (111 mm) |
| Apr | 69°F (21°C) | 2.2 inches (57 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
| May | 75°F (24°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
| Jun | 80°F (26°C) | 6 inches (152 mm) | 77°F (25°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) |
| Jul | 81°F (27°C) | 5.4 inches (137 mm) | 78°F (25°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Aug | 81°F (27°C) | 6.2 inches (157 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Sep | 80°F (26°C) | 6.3 inches (161 mm) | 79°F (26°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) |
| Oct | 74°F (23°C) | 4.1 inches (105 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.6 inches (41 mm) |
| Nov | 66°F (19°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Dec | 60°F (16°C) | 2.6 inches (66 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.