Which place is cheaper, Kailua-Kona or Ketchikan?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan and Kailua-Kona can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Ketchikan or Kailua-Kona?
Ketchikan
Ketchikan, Alaska is located at the southern end of the well-known Alaskan inside passage. It is often called the beginning of the last frontier, because of it's location near the southern entrance of Alaska. It is a beautiful and quaint town, that leaves you feeling like you may have gone back in time with its storefront lined streets and natural beauty. Ketchikan has been called some of the most beautifully stunning wilderness area in the world. It is known as the Salmon Capital of the World due to the superior century old fishing industry in the area. The Native Culture in Ketchikan is extremely rich and it is home to the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian tribes. The nearby Tongass rainforest provides red cedar trees for the popular totem poles, which are abundant in the area.
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 dayKetchikan $220Kailua-Kona $231
The average daily cost (per person) in Ketchikan is $220, 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 Ketchikan and Kailua-Kona in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKetchikan $136Kailua-Kona $141
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKetchikan $272Kailua-Kona $282
Compare Hotels in Ketchikan and Kailua-Kona
Looking for a hotel in Ketchikan 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: Kailua-Kona Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ketchikan $39Kailua-Kona $45
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ketchikan
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Ketchikan are as follows:
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Bus Ride$1.00
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 Ketchikan or Kailua-Kona?
Prices for flights to both Kailua-Kona and Ketchikan 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 dayKetchikan $53Kailua-Kona $58
Typical Food Prices in Ketchikan
Some typical examples of dining costs in Ketchikan are as follows:
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Slice of Pie & Drink$5.00
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.Ketchikan $46Kailua-Kona $40
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ketchikan
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Ketchikan are as follows:
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Ticket to Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show$35
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Duck Tour (one person)$38
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Bear Viewing Tour$83
Tours and Activities in Ketchikan
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ketchikan are as follows:
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
- Husky Walking Tour: $49
- City Highlights Totem Parks and Sightseeing: $59
- Saxman Native Village and Ketchikan Highlights Private Tour: $69
- 2.5 Hour Tour in Ketchikan on the Tongass Trolley: $72
- Ketchikan Duck Tour: $75
- Totem Pole, Wildlife & City Trolley Tour: $85
- 2 Hour Alaska Rainforest Walk and Totem Park Small Group Tour: $85
- From Potlatch Totem Park and Herring Cove Tour: $85
- Alaska Native Cultural Immersion Experience and Ketchikan Tour: $89
- Alaska Native Cultural Immersion Experience: $89
- Cruisin' and Boozin' - 90 minute Historical Walking Tour of Sites and Bars: $95
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 dayKetchikan $23Kailua-Kona $15
When comparing the travel costs between Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan Expensive? and Is Kailua-Kona Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ketchikan or Kailua-Kona?
Kailua-Kona has a larger population, and is about 38% larger than the population of Ketchikan. When comparing the sizes of Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan or Kailua-Kona in the Summer?
Both Kailua-Kona and Ketchikan are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ketchikan this time of year.
Ketchikan is much colder than Kailua-Kona in the summer. The daily temperature in Ketchikan averages around 58°F (15°C) in July, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).
It's quite rainy in Ketchikan. In July, Ketchikan usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Ketchikan gets 7.6 inches (193 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 JulyKetchikan 58°F (15°C)Kailua-Kona 78°F (25°C)
Should I visit Ketchikan or Kailua-Kona in the Autumn?
Both Kailua-Kona and Ketchikan during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Ketchikan for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Ketchikan is much colder than Kailua-Kona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ketchikan in October average around 46°F (8°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 78°F (26°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Ketchikan. Ketchikan usually gets more rain in October than Kailua-Kona. Ketchikan gets 22.9 inches (581 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 OctoberKetchikan 46°F (8°C)Kailua-Kona 78°F (26°C)
Should I visit Ketchikan or Kailua-Kona in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ketchikan and Kailua-Kona. Many visitors come to Ketchikan in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Ketchikan can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Ketchikan is generally much colder than Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Ketchikan average around 34°F (1°C), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).
Kailua-Kona receives a lot of rain in the winter. Ketchikan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Ketchikan usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Ketchikan gets 14.9 inches (379 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 JanuaryKetchikan 34°F (1°C)Kailua-Kona 74°F (23°C)
Should I visit Ketchikan or Kailua-Kona in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Ketchikan as well as Kailua-Kona. Most visitors come to Ketchikan for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.
Ketchikan is much colder than Kailua-Kona in the spring. The daily temperature in Ketchikan averages around 44°F (6°C) in April, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).
Ketchikan receives a lot of rain in the spring. Ketchikan usually gets more rain in April than Kailua-Kona. Ketchikan gets 11.3 inches (286 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 AprilKetchikan 44°F (6°C)Kailua-Kona 74°F (24°C)
Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and Ketchikan
| Ketchikan | Kailua-Kona | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 34°F (1°C) | 14.9 inches (379 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Feb | 38°F (3°C) | 13.2 inches (335 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Mar | 39°F (4°C) | 10.6 inches (270 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 4.4 inches (111 mm) |
| Apr | 44°F (6°C) | 11.3 inches (286 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
| May | 49°F (9°C) | 9.3 inches (237 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
| Jun | 54°F (12°C) | 8.2 inches (209 mm) | 77°F (25°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) |
| Jul | 58°F (15°C) | 7.6 inches (193 mm) | 78°F (25°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Aug | 59°F (15°C) | 11.1 inches (281 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Sep | 54°F (12°C) | 13.2 inches (335 mm) | 79°F (26°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) |
| Oct | 46°F (8°C) | 22.9 inches (581 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.6 inches (41 mm) |
| Nov | 40°F (4°C) | 17.3 inches (441 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Dec | 36°F (2°C) | 15.7 inches (398 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.