Which place is cheaper, Anchorage or Kingston?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Kingston or Anchorage?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Kingston or Anchorage, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Kingston or Anchorage?
Kingston
Kingston is Jamaica's capital city with a population of about 579,000. For being located on an island, Kingston is a very large city with several different zip codes. Not only is Kingston the cultural capital of the country, but also the commercial one as well.
Anchorage
Anchorage, Alaska's largest city, is in the south-central part of the state on the Cook Inlet. It's known for its cultural sites and also as a gateway to nearby wilderness areas and mountains. From the sparkling waters of Cook Inlet to the tallest peaks of the Chugach Mountains, Anchorage encompasses incredible adventures and metropolitan appeals that are larger than life. With 1,500 moose, incredible national parks nearby and 60 glaciers a short drive away, it's a dream destination in Alaska.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKingston $109Anchorage $191
The average daily cost (per person) in Kingston is $109, while the average daily cost in Anchorage is $191. 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 Kingston and Anchorage in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKingston $64Anchorage $117
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKingston $128Anchorage $234
Compare Hotels in Kingston and Anchorage
Looking for a hotel in Kingston or Anchorage? 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: Kingston Hotel Prices and Anchorage Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kingston $30Anchorage $27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kingston
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kingston:
- All Island Private Transfer To/From Kingston Airport (KIN): $22
- MBJ Airport Transfer to/ from Hotels : $25
- Airport Transfer Norman Manley international airport: $30
- Private Transfer to/from Kingston Airport: $42
- Kingston Airport Taxi Transfers Private ***: $47
- Airport Transfer in Kingston: $50
- Kingston International Airport Jamaica - Private Arrival or Depature transfer : $73
- Private Airport Transfer from Kingston Airport: $90
- Private Transfer from Kingston Airport (KIN) to Montego Bay Port: $118
- Private Transfer from Kingston Hotels to Montego Bay Cruise Port: $118
- 10. Norman Manley Intl Kingston Airport Fun-Transfer to/from Montego Bay Resorts: $125
- Kingston Airport Transfers to Runaway Bay: $127
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Anchorage
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Anchorage:
- Anchorage to Seward- Pre-Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer: $219
- Private Arrival Transfer from Anchorage Airport ANC: $62
- Private Departure Transfer - to Anchorage Airport (ANC): $62
- SUV-Private Transfer, Anchorage to Seward Cruise Ship Terminal: $299
- SUV-Private Transfer, Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Ship Terminal: $299
- SUV-Private Transfer, Whittier Cruise ship to Anchorage: $299
- Seward to Anchorage- Post Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer: $197
Is it cheaper to fly into Kingston or Anchorage?
Prices for flights to both Anchorage and Kingston 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 dayKingston $27Anchorage $50
Typical Food Prices in Anchorage
Some typical examples of dining costs in Anchorage are as follows:
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Bread$4.25
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Breakfast for Two$17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Anchorage
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Anchorage.
- City of Anchorage SIGHTSEEING & FOOD Tour: $190
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kingston $13Anchorage $30
Tours and Activities in Kingston
Here are a few actual costs in Kingston for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Walking Tour with Mural Exploration: $26
- Montego Bay: All inclusive tours: $30
- Cannabis Shopping Tour with Lunch: $50
- Ocho Rios Shore Excursion: Bus Tour of Ocho Rios, Fern Gully and Turtle Beach: $62
- Devon House Heritage Tour with Ice Cream from Kingston: $63
- Devon House Tour with Ice Cream from Kingston: $64
- Tour a Jamaican Farm: $70
- Kingston Half Day Community and Art Tour: $70
- Kingston City Tour (starting in Kingston): $72
- Shared Tour: Irie Blue Hole & Secret Falls Adventure Tour from Ocho Rios: $73
- Friday Evening Kingston Harbour Cruise, Sunday Beach Cruise or Charter Our Boats: $75
- Bob Marley Museum Tour from Kingston: $81
Typical Entertainment Prices in Anchorage
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Anchorage are as follows:
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1 Day Bike Rental$33
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1/2 Day Rafting Trip$105
Tours and Activities in Anchorage
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Anchorage are as follows:
- Salmon Express Anchorage's Fish Hatchery Experience: $20
- Anchorage Museum General Admission Ticket: $25
- 1-Hour Trolley Tour: $25
- Anchorage Trolley Tour: $25
- Botanical Garden Walking Tour: $40
- Guided Tour of the Alaska Botanical Garden: $45
- Anchorage Trolley's Deluxe City Tour: $50
- Deluxe Trolley City Tour: $50
- Anchorage City Tour, w/Chocolate Factory Samplings & Much More!: $59
- Last Frontier Anchorage City & Wilderness Tour - Top Winter Value: $65
- Turnagain Arm Tour: "A Must See Destination": $69
- Anchorage City Tour w/ Taste of Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage: $69
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKingston $11Anchorage $20
Sample the Local Flavors in Kingston
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Kingston:
- Ocho Rios Pub Crawl and Sightseeing Tour from Ocho Rios: $185
Sample the Local Flavors in Anchorage
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Anchorage:
- Chocolate and Wine Tasting Tour: $109
- Half-Day Anchorage Craft Brewery Tour and Tastings: $179
- Guided Tour on Matanuska Glacier w/Alaska Honey & Wine Tasting: $285
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kingston and Anchorage, we can see that Anchorage is more expensive. And not only is Kingston much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Kingston is in Caribbean Islands and Anchorage is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Kingston would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kingston 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 Anchorage would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Anchorage than you might in Kingston.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kingston Expensive? and Is Anchorage Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kingston or Anchorage?
Kingston has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Anchorage. When comparing the sizes of Kingston and Anchorage, 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 Kingston or Anchorage?
Anchorage has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Kingston experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Kingston or Anchorage in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kingston and Anchorage. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kingston year-round. Also, many travelers come to Anchorage for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Kingston is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kingston in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Anchorage averages at about 59°F (15°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Anchorage this time of the year. In Kingston, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kingston usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Anchorage during summer. Kingston gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 240 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Kingston usually receives less rain than Anchorage. Kingston gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKingston 29°C (83°F)Anchorage 59°F (15°C)
Should I visit Kingston or Anchorage in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Kingston as well as Anchorage. Kingston attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Anchorage in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Anchorage can get quite cold in the autumn. In October, Kingston is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Kingston average around 28°C (82°F), and Anchorage fluctuates around 35°F (2°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kingston this time of the year. In the autumn, Kingston often gets more sunshine than Anchorage. Kingston gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 118 hours of full sun.
Kingston receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kingston usually gets more rain in October than Anchorage. Kingston gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKingston 28°C (82°F)Anchorage 35°F (2°C)
Should I visit Kingston or Anchorage in the Winter?
Both Anchorage and Kingston are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kingston throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Anchorage for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Anchorage can be very cold during winter. Kingston is much warmer than Anchorage in the winter. The daily temperature in Kingston averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Anchorage fluctuates around 15°F (-9°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kingston. Kingston usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during winter. Kingston gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 80 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Kingston usually receives around the same amount of rain as Anchorage. Kingston gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKingston 26°C (79°F)Anchorage 15°F (-9°C)
Should I visit Kingston or Anchorage in the Spring?
Both Anchorage and Kingston during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kingston because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Anchorage because of the natural beauty.
The weather in Anchorage can be very cold. In the spring, Kingston is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kingston in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Anchorage averages at about 36°F (2°C).
In Anchorage, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Kingston. In the spring, Kingston often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Anchorage. Kingston gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 233 hours of full sun.
Kingston usually gets more rain in April than Anchorage. Kingston gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKingston 26°C (80°F)Anchorage 36°F (2°C)
Typical Weather for Anchorage and Kingston
| Kingston | Anchorage | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 15°F (-9°C) | 0.7 inches (19 mm) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 19°F (-7°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 26°F (-3°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 36°F (2°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 47°F (8°C) | 0.8 inches (20 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.7 inches (44 mm) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.6 inches (67 mm) |
| Sep | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 49°F (9°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 35°F (2°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 22°F (-6°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 17°F (-8°C) | 1.1 inches (28 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.