Which place is cheaper, Kailua-Kona or Houston?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Houston 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 Houston 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: Houston or Kailua-Kona?
Houston
The largest city in Texas and the fourth largest in the United States, Houston is a sprawling urban center that has grown from its wealth in the oil industry. Visitors today are drawn to its cultural diversity which has additionally made Houston a foodie destination. Other attractions to Houston include its proximity to NASA's Space Center Houston on the Gulf coast, and its Downtown which features a vibrant museum and arts scene, shopping, and dining.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHouston $262Kailua-Kona $231
The average daily cost (per person) in Houston is $262, 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 Houston and Kailua-Kona in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHouston $142Kailua-Kona $141
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHouston $284Kailua-Kona $282
Compare Hotels in Houston and Kailua-Kona
Looking for a hotel in Houston 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: Houston Hotel Prices and Kailua-Kona Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Houston $72Kailua-Kona $45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Houston
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Houston:
- Private Arrival Transfer from Houston William P. Hobby Airport HOU: $48
- Private Arrival Transfer from Houston George Bush Airport (IAH): $51
- Transfer in private vehicle from Houston George Bush Airport to Houston Downtown: $60
- Round-Trip Shuttle Transfer to NASA Space Center: $62
- Private One-way George Bush Airport Transfer To/From Houston: $71
- Houston to Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) - Departure Private Transfer: $81
- Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Houston - Arrival Private Transfer: $81
- Transfer in private minivan from Houston City Center to George Bush Airport: $88
- Transfer in private minivan from Houston George Bush Airport to Houston Downtown: $88
- Departure Private Transfer: Houston to George Bush Airport IAH in Business Car: $106
- Arrival Private Transfer: George Bush Airport IAH to Houston in Business Car: $108
- Departure Private Transfer: Houston to George Bush Airport IAH in Luxury SUV: $109
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 Houston or Kailua-Kona?
Prices for flights to both Kailua-Kona and Houston 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 dayHouston $35Kailua-Kona $58
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Houston
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Houston.
- Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $70
- Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $70
- Downtown Houston Food Tour: $76
- Houston Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $85
- Houston Downtown: Secret Food Tours: $87
- Howdy H-Town EADO Food Tour: $90
- East Downtown Food Tour: $90
- Montrose Food Tour: $97
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.Houston $14Kailua-Kona $40
Tours and Activities in Houston
Here are a few actual costs in Houston for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Sights of Downtown Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $7.30
- Downtown In App Audio Walking Tour: $9.00
- Houston Museum of Natural Sciences: Planetarium Ticket: $9.00
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Houston by Wacky Walks: $10
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Houston by Operation City Quest: $10
- Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern History Tour: $12
- Houston Botanic Garden Entry Ticket: $13
- Sightseeing Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $14
- Austin & Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
- Children's Museum Houston Entry Ticket: $17
- Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Houston with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
- Museum of Natural Science General Admission Ticket: $25
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 dayHouston $13Kailua-Kona $15
Sample the Local Flavors in Houston
Also in Houston, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Brewery Pass with Beer Tastings: $50
- Private Houston Brewery Tour by Cart: $57
- 2-Hour Downtown Brewery Tour by Electric Cart: $70
- Downtown Houston Brewery Bike Tour : $71
When comparing the travel costs between Houston and Kailua-Kona, we can see that Houston 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 Houston Expensive? and Is Kailua-Kona Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Houston or Kailua-Kona?
Houston has a larger population, and is about 210 times larger than the population of Kailua-Kona. When comparing the sizes of Houston 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 Houston 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 Houston or Kailua-Kona in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Houston and Kailua-Kona. Many visitors come to Houston in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Houston is generally a little warmer than Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Houston average around 84°F (29°C), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).
Houston gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Houston usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Houston gets 4.8 inches (122 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 JulyHouston 84°F (29°C)Kailua-Kona 78°F (25°C)
Should I visit Houston or Kailua-Kona in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Houston as well as Kailua-Kona. Most visitors come to Houston for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.
Houston is cooler than Kailua-Kona in the autumn. The daily temperature in Houston averages around 71°F (22°C) in October, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).
Houston receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Houston usually gets more rain in October than Kailua-Kona. Houston gets 4.2 inches (107 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 OctoberHouston 71°F (22°C)Kailua-Kona 78°F (26°C)
Should I visit Houston or Kailua-Kona in the Winter?
Both Kailua-Kona and Houston are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Houston because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Houston is much colder than Kailua-Kona. Typically, the winter temperatures in Houston in January average around 52°F (11°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 74°F (23°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kailua-Kona. In January, Houston usually receives less rain than Kailua-Kona. Houston gets 3.6 inches (91 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 JanuaryHouston 52°F (11°C)Kailua-Kona 74°F (23°C)
Should I visit Houston or Kailua-Kona in the Spring?
Both Kailua-Kona and Houston during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Houston this time of year.
In April, Houston is generally cooler than Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Houston average around 70°F (21°C), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).
Houston usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Kailua-Kona. Houston gets 3.1 inches (78 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 AprilHouston 70°F (21°C)Kailua-Kona 74°F (24°C)
Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and Houston
| Houston | Kailua-Kona | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 52°F (11°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Feb | 55°F (13°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Mar | 63°F (17°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 4.4 inches (111 mm) |
| Apr | 70°F (21°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
| May | 76°F (25°C) | 5.2 inches (132 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
| Jun | 81°F (27°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) | 77°F (25°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) |
| Jul | 84°F (29°C) | 4.8 inches (122 mm) | 78°F (25°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Aug | 83°F (29°C) | 4.4 inches (113 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Sep | 80°F (27°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) | 79°F (26°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) |
| Oct | 71°F (22°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.6 inches (41 mm) |
| Nov | 63°F (17°C) | 4.1 inches (104 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Dec | 55°F (13°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.