Which place is cheaper, Destin or Kingston?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Kingston or Destin?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Kingston or Destin, 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 Destin?
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.
Destin
An upscale resort town located on the Florida Panhandle, Destin is best known for its white sand beaches and clear green waters, golfing opportunities, and world renowned fishing. The stretch of beach here (on a peninsula between the Gulf of Mexico and the Choctawhatchee Bay) is nicknamed Florida's Emerald Coast.
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.
-
Kingston Prices
Jamaica PricesDestin Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKingston $125Destin $229
The average daily cost (per person) in Kingston is $125, while the average daily cost in Destin is $229. 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 Destin in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKingston $63Destin $111
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKingston $126Destin $222
Compare Hotels in Kingston and Destin
Looking for a hotel in Kingston or Destin? 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 Destin Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kingston $29Destin $50
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kingston
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kingston:
- From One Way Shared Transfer to Kingston Airport: $19
- Private Transfers To/From Kingston & Airport (KIN) Across Jamaica: $25
- MBJ Airport Transfer to/ from Hotels: $25
- Kingston Airport Transfers Private Taxi Service***: $37
- Airport Transfers from Kingston.: $40
- Private Transfer To & From New Kingston to Norman Manley Airport: $40
- Airport /Hotel Transfer Norman Manley airport and Montego bay: $40
- Kingston Norman Manley Airport (KIN) to Kingston - Arrival Private Transfer: $41
- Airport Transfer from Kingston Airport To Ocho Rios Hotels: $45
- From One Way Shared Transfer to Port Antonio: $47
- Private Transfers To/From Kingston & Airport (KIN) Across Jamaica: $48
- Private Transfers To/From Kingston & Airport Across Jamaica: $49
Is it cheaper to fly into Kingston or Destin?
Prices for flights to both Destin 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
-
Food Meals for one dayKingston $45Destin $89
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Destin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Destin.
- 3 Hour Sunset Dinner Cruise by Solaris Yacht in Miramar Beach: $129
- SanSunset Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $129
- Murder Mystery Dinner Cruise: $133
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kingston $12Destin $17
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
- Bob Marley Museum Entry Ticket: $30
- Bunny Lee Museum and Recording Studio Admission Ticket: $30
- Kingston Creative: Mural Art Walking Tour: $31
- Club Kingston VIP Departure Lounge Experience: $38
- Guided Bar Hopping Tour with VIP Speakeasy Entry: $40
- Rhythmic Walking Music Tour: $40
- Judgement Yard Tour: $50
- Sugar Minott's Youth Promotion Studio Tour: $50
- Kingston Night Market Experience from Kingston: $55
- Devon House Heritage Tour with Ice Cream from Kingston: $63
- Devon House Tour with Ice Cream from Kingston: $64
Typical Entertainment Prices in Destin
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Destin are as follows:
-
1 Day Rental Umbrella and Chairs$40
Tours and Activities in Destin
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Destin are as follows:
- Karaoke Experience on the Water: $21
- SeaQuest Summer Fireworks Cruise in Destin: $25
- Best Destin Fireworks Cruise: $27
- Destin Dolphin Watching and Sunset Cruise: $27
- Destin Dolphin Cruise: $27
- Sunset Cruise and Dolphin Watch: $28
- Sunset Dolphin Cruise at Crab Island in Destin: $28
- Dolphin Watching Cruise: $30
- Guided Sunset and Eco Tour Non Private in Destin, FL: $31
- Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise by Sea Blaster: $33
- Destin Harbor Sunset Eco Dolphin Cruise: $33
- Sandestin Sunset Eco-Dolphin Cruise Aboard Sol y Luna: $33
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayKingston $11Destin $49
Sample the Local Flavors in Kingston
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Kingston:
- Worthy Park Estate Rum Distillery Tour with Tasting: $144
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kingston and Destin, we can see that Destin 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 Destin 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 Destin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Destin 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 Destin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kingston or Destin?
Kingston has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Destin. When comparing the sizes of Kingston and Destin, 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 Destin?
Destin 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 Destin in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kingston and Destin. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kingston year-round. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Destin because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Kingston is around the same temperature as Destin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kingston in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Destin averages at about 82°F (28°C).
Destin receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Kingston usually receives less rain than Destin. Kingston gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Destin receives 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyKingston 29°C (83°F)Destin 82°F (28°C)
Should I visit Kingston or Destin in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Kingston as well as Destin. Kingston attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Destin this time of year.
In October, Kingston is generally a little warmer than Destin. Daily temperatures in Kingston average around 28°C (82°F), and Destin fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).
It's quite rainy in Destin. Kingston receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kingston usually gets more rain in October than Destin. Kingston gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Destin receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKingston 28°C (82°F)Destin 69°F (21°C)
Should I visit Kingston or Destin in the Winter?
Both Destin 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, many travelers come to Destin for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Kingston is much warmer than Destin in the winter. The daily temperature in Kingston averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Destin fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Destin. In January, Kingston usually receives less rain than Destin. Kingston gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Destin receives 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKingston 26°C (79°F)Destin 50°F (10°C)
Should I visit Kingston or Destin in the Spring?
Both Destin 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, many visitors come to Destin in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Kingston is a little warmer than Destin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kingston in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Destin averages at about 68°F (20°C).
Kingston usually gets less rain in April than Destin. Kingston gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Destin receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilKingston 26°C (80°F)Destin 68°F (20°C)
Typical Weather for Destin and Kingston
| Kingston | Destin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 50°F (10°C) | 4.6 inches (117 mm) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 5.4 inches (137 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 60°F (16°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 80°F (27°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 7.4 inches (189 mm) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 7.4 inches (188 mm) |
| Sep | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 79°F (26°C) | 5.3 inches (135 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 69°F (21°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 61°F (16°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 4.3 inches (109 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.