Which place is cheaper, Boston or Kingston?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Kingston or Boston?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Kingston or Boston, 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 Boston?
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.
Boston
Boston is one of the oldest and most historic cities in New England. It is also the capital of the state of Massachusetts and the largest city in the region. The city proper covers 48 square miles and has a population of more than 600,000. The Greater Boston area has 4.5 million people and is the tenth largest metropolitan area in the country.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKingston $109Boston $255
The average daily cost (per person) in Kingston is $109, while the average daily cost in Boston is $255. 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 Boston in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKingston $64Boston $166
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKingston $128Boston $332
Compare Hotels in Kingston and Boston
Looking for a hotel in Kingston or Boston? 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 Boston Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kingston $30Boston $37
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Boston
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Boston are as follows:
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Taxi$35
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Subway Daily Pass$9.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Boston
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Boston:
- Boston hotels to Flynn Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $116
- Arrival Private Transfer: Boston Airport BOS to Boston City in Luxury SUV: $130
- Boston Airport (BOS): Transfer to Flynn Cruise Port Boston: $168
- Boston Logan Airport (BOS) to Boston - Arrival Private Transfer: $79
- Boston Logan Airport (BOS) to Boston - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $157
- Boston Logan Airport (BOS): Private Transfer to Boston city: $243
- Boston Logan Airport Transfer Limo & Shuttle Service: $140
- Boston Logan Intl Airport (BOS) to Flynn Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
- Boston’s Logan International Airport to Providence – Arrival Private Transfer : $170
- Luxor Limo Private Transfer and City Tour: $1,195
- Cruiseport Boston to Boston Airport (BOS) - Departure Transfer: $38
- Departure Private Transfer Boston to Boston Airport BOS Business-Luxury Vehicle: $84
Is it cheaper to fly into Kingston or Boston?
Prices for flights to both Boston 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 $27Boston $49
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Boston
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Boston.
- AM Coffee Walks with Salem Food Tours: $34
- Boston's North End Pizza & History Walking Food Tour: $49
- North End Pizza Tour with 3 Slices and Cannoli: $55
- North End Food Experience with Pizza, Meats & Cheese: $68
- Boston Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $70
- Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise on Boston Harbor: $77
- Ultimate Food Tour of North End & Public Market: $79
- Boston's North End Small Group Food Tour : $81
- Ultimate Boston Food Tour: North End & Boston Public Market: $89
- Union Square, Somerville Neighborhood Food Tour: $90
- Boston Harbor: Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $108
- Local Gems of the South End Neighborhood Food Tour: $110
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kingston $13Boston $33
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 Boston
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Boston are as follows:
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Two Tickets to Celtics Game$101
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Duck Tour$32
Tours and Activities in Boston
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Boston are as follows:
- Self Guided Audio Tour 'Hawthorne's Haunts' Haunted Walking Tour Salem: $5.00
- Underground Railroad Audio App Self-Guided Tour: $5.00
- Self-Guided Smartphone Ghost Walking Tour in Boston: $5.95
- Self-Guided Smartphone Ghost Walking Tour in Salem: $5.99
- Self-Guided Freedom Trail Walking Audio Tour w/ App: $5.99
- App Self-guided tours with Audioguide Boston: $6.42
- Boston History and Highlights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Charlestown: Bunker Hill Monument Self-Guide Walking Tour: $7.99
- City History and Highlights Audio App Walking Tour: $7.99
- Harborwalk and Tea Party Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.49
- Civil War and Abolition: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Boston: $8.99
- Ghost-Themed Self-Guided Walking Tour: $9.99
For more ideas for your next trip, check out Free Things to Do in Boston, Must-See Monuments and Memorials In Boston, and The Best Things To Do in Boston with Kids.
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKingston $11Boston $27
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 Boston
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Boston:
- Haunted Pub Crawl of Historic Pubs and Taverns: $30
- Boston Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
- Boston Ghosts Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl : $34
- Salem Booze and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl by US Ghost Adventures: $35
- Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
- History Pub Crawl Tour Along the Freedom Trail: $59
- Boston Small-Group Freedom Trail History Tour Pub Crawl: $60
- Guided Craft Brewery Tour with a Snack: $105
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kingston and Boston, we can see that Boston 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 Boston 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 Boston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boston 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 Boston Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kingston or Boston?
Kingston has a larger population, and is about 59% larger than the population of Boston. When comparing the sizes of Kingston and Boston, 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 Boston?
Boston 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 Boston in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kingston and Boston. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kingston year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Boston in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Kingston is a little warmer than Boston. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kingston in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Boston averages at about 73°F (23°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Boston this time of the year. In Kingston, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kingston usually receives less sunshine than Boston during summer. Kingston gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 304 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Kingston usually receives less rain than Boston. Kingston gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Boston receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKingston 29°C (83°F)Boston 73°F (23°C)
Should I visit Kingston or Boston in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Kingston as well as Boston. Kingston attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Boston for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Kingston is generally much warmer than Boston. Daily temperatures in Kingston average around 28°C (82°F), and Boston fluctuates around 54°F (12°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 Boston. Kingston gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 194 hours of full sun.
Kingston receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kingston usually gets more rain in October than Boston. Kingston gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKingston 28°C (82°F)Boston 54°F (12°C)
Should I visit Kingston or Boston in the Winter?
Both Boston 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, the winter months attract visitors to Boston because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
The weather in Boston can be very cold. Kingston is much warmer than Boston in the winter. The daily temperature in Kingston averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Boston fluctuates around 29°F (-2°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kingston. Kingston usually receives more sunshine than Boston during winter. Kingston gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Kingston usually receives less rain than Boston. Kingston gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKingston 26°C (79°F)Boston 29°F (-2°C)
Should I visit Kingston or Boston in the Spring?
Both Boston 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. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Boston this time of year.
In the spring, Kingston is much warmer than Boston. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kingston in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Boston averages at about 48°F (9°C).
In Boston, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Kingston. In the spring, Kingston often gets more sunshine than Boston. Kingston gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 225 hours of full sun.
Kingston usually gets less rain in April than Boston. Kingston gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKingston 26°C (80°F)Boston 48°F (9°C)
Typical Weather for Boston and Kingston
| Kingston | Boston | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 29°F (-2°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 30°F (-1°C) | 3.7 inches (94 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 38°F (4°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 48°F (9°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 58°F (15°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Sep | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 45°F (7°C) | 4.3 inches (108 mm) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 33°F (1°C) | 3.9 inches (99 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.