Which place is cheaper, Fairbanks or Kingston?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Kingston or Fairbanks?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Kingston or Fairbanks, 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 Fairbanks?
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.
Fairbanks
Fairbanks is the only 'city' in the interior region of Alaska, and the largest settlement for hundreds of miles, but it has many characteristics of a small town where everyone seems to know everyone. Because the city sits at the nexus of some truly epic routes - north to the Arctic, east to Canada and south to Denali - you'll almost inevitably end up spending time here, and that time is rarely boring. The residential streets of compact downtown are pretty as a picture, and during winter, this is ground zero for viewing the aurora borealis.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKingston $109Fairbanks $272
The average daily cost (per person) in Kingston is $109, while the average daily cost in Fairbanks is $272. 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 Fairbanks in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKingston $64Fairbanks $154
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKingston $128Fairbanks $308
Compare Hotels in Kingston and Fairbanks
Looking for a hotel in Kingston or Fairbanks? 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 Fairbanks Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kingston $30Fairbanks $66
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kingston
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kingston:
- Private Transfer to/from Kingston Airport: $42
- Private Transfer from Kingston Hotels to Montego Bay Cruise Port: $118
- Private Transfer from Kingston Airport (KIN) to Montego Bay Port: $118
- Private Transfer Kingston Airport to Jewel Grande Montego Bay: $187
- Private Airport Transfer from Kingston Airport: $90
- Private Airport Transfer Sangster Airport to Kingston: $229
- Private Airport Round Trip Transfer from Montego Bay Airport to Ocho Rios : $133
- Port Antonio Hotel Private Roundtrip Airport Transfer from Kingston Airport(KIN): $235
- NMIA & Kingston transfer to Negril: $225
- MBJ Airport Transfer to/ from Hotels : $25
- Tropical Off-Road ATV Tour with Lunch and Transfer: $280
- Kingston Private Airport Transfer to Accommodation in Montego Bay: $170
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Fairbanks
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Fairbanks:
-
Full Tank of Gas$90
Is it cheaper to fly into Kingston or Fairbanks?
Prices for flights to both Fairbanks 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 $27Fairbanks $63
Typical Food Prices in Fairbanks
For Fairbanks, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Lunch for Two at Pike's Landing$63
-
Totem Inn Breakfast for Two$46
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Fairbanks
For Fairbanks, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Best Northern Lights Aurora Adventure FREE Portraits & Hot Pizza : $300
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kingston $13Fairbanks $65
Tours and Activities in Kingston
Here are a few actual costs in Kingston for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Dunn's River Falls Party Cruise, Blue Hole with Snorkeling, free beverages: $174
- 4x4 Jeep Safari & Blue Hole Adventure from Ocho Rios: $158
- Appleton Estate Rum Tour and Tasting from Ocho Rios: $232
- Blue Hole and Sightseeing Tour from Ocho Rios: $99
- Blue Mountain Bicycle Tour from Kingston: $231
- Blue Mountain Bicycle Tour from Runaway Bay: $142
- Blue Mountains Coffee Private Tour from Kingston: $180
- Bob Marley Museum Tour from Kingston: $83
- Bob Marley Museum Tour from Runaway Bay: $258
- Bob Marley Museum and Devon House Kingston Day Tour: $320
- Bob Marley Museum and Devon House Kingston Day Tour: $370
- Bob Marley Museum and Kingston Sightseeing from Port Royal Cruise Port: $205
Typical Entertainment Prices in Fairbanks
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Fairbanks's activities, tours, and tickets:
-
The Riverboat Discovery Trip$55
-
1 Day Mountain Bike Rental$27
-
Canoe Rental with Pickup$56
Tours and Activities in Fairbanks
For Fairbanks, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Fairbanks, AK: Murder Mystery Detective Experience: $15
- Gold Dredge 8 Historic Train Tour: $58
- Riverboat Cruise and Local Village Tour: $95
- Dog Sledding and Mushing Experience in North Pole: $99
- Summer Mushing Cart Ride & Kennel Tour: $100
- Dog Sledding and Mushing Experience: $105
- From Northern Lights & Murphy Dome Tour: $120
- Aurora Chaser Tour: $125
- Budget Aurora Borealis tour, Fairbanks, Alaska : $125
- 3 Hour Ice Fishing Experience: $135
- Fairbanks Heritage Sightseeing Tour: $140
- Fairbanks Autumn/Winter City Tour: $140
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayKingston $11Fairbanks $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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kingston and Fairbanks, we can see that Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kingston or Fairbanks?
Kingston has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Fairbanks. When comparing the sizes of Kingston and Fairbanks, 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 Fairbanks?
Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Kingston as well as Fairbanks. Kingston attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Fairbanks for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Kingston is much warmer than Fairbanks in the summer. The daily temperature in Kingston averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Fairbanks fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).
Kingston usually gets less rain in July than Fairbanks. Kingston gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 2 inches (51 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyKingston 29°C (83°F)Fairbanks 64°F (18°C)
Should I visit Kingston or Fairbanks in the Autumn?
Both Fairbanks and Kingston are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kingston throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Fairbanks because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
The weather in Fairbanks can be very cold. In the autumn, Kingston is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kingston in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Fairbanks averages at about 27°F (-3°C).
It's quite rainy in Kingston. In October, Kingston usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Kingston gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKingston 28°C (82°F)Fairbanks 27°F (-3°C)
Should I visit Kingston or Fairbanks in the Winter?
Both Fairbanks and Kingston during the winter 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 skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Fairbanks this time of year.
It's quite cold in Fairbanks in the winter. In January, Kingston is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Kingston average around 26°C (79°F), and Fairbanks fluctuates around -9°F (-23°C).
Kingston usually gets more rain in January than Fairbanks. Kingston gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKingston 26°C (79°F)Fairbanks -9°F (-23°C)
Should I visit Kingston or Fairbanks in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kingston and Fairbanks. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kingston year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Fairbanks for the natural beauty.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Fairbanks. Kingston is much warmer than Fairbanks in the spring. The daily temperature in Kingston averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Fairbanks fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).
In April, Kingston usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Kingston gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilKingston 26°C (80°F)Fairbanks 32°F (0°C)
Typical Weather for Fairbanks and Kingston
| Kingston | Fairbanks | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | -9°F (-23°C) | 0.5 inches (13 mm) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | -2°F (-19°C) | 0.4 inches (11 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 13°F (-11°C) | 0.5 inches (12 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 32°F (0°C) | 0.4 inches (9 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 50°F (10°C) | 0.6 inches (16 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 62°F (16°C) | 1.4 inches (36 mm) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 2 inches (51 mm) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 58°F (15°C) | 2.2 inches (57 mm) |
| Sep | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 47°F (8°C) | 0.9 inches (24 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 27°F (-3°C) | 0.9 inches (22 mm) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 4°F (-15°C) | 0.9 inches (22 mm) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | -5°F (-21°C) | 0.9 inches (23 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.