Which place is cheaper, Guayaquil or Kingston?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Kingston or Guayaquil?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Kingston or Guayaquil, 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 Guayaquil?
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.
Guayaquil
Guayaquil is Ecuador's largest city and seaport. From a tourist perspective, the city acts primarily as a transportation gateway to the country and the Galapagos Islands. While the city can be skipped altogether, should you have a free day to spend here, there are a few noteworthy things to do, as well as some terrific dining and nightlife options. Guayaquil’s main tourist attraction is Las Penas, a hill with old, colorfully painted buildings at the north end of the Malecon, where you can walk the 400 steps to the lighthouse at the top for good views of the city. The neighborhood is filled with cafes, bars, restaurants, and art galleries and is relatively safe. Other important sights include the Malecon 2000, a massive urban development project that has brought new life to the riverside in the city center and the Parque Seminario, filled with fountains, trees and iguanas, located at 10 de Agosto Ave and Chile Ave.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ecuador.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKingston $109Guayaquil $95
The average daily cost (per person) in Kingston is $109, while the average daily cost in Guayaquil is $95. 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 Guayaquil in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKingston $64Guayaquil $32
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKingston $128Guayaquil $64
Compare Hotels in Kingston and Guayaquil
Looking for a hotel in Kingston or Guayaquil? 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 Guayaquil Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kingston $30Guayaquil $15
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guayaquil
Also for Guayaquil, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Guayaquil Airport (GYE) to Guayaquil hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $52
- Guayaquil Airport (GYE): Transfer to Guayaquil hotels: $129
- Guayaquil Airport GYE to Guayaquil city -Arrival Private Transfer: $30
- Guayaquil Airport Private Transfer Service: $80
- Guayaquil Airport(GYE) to Guayaquil - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $59
- Guayaquil PRIVATE Arrival Transfer from the Airport to Hotels: $18
- Guayaquil PRIVATE Arrival Transfer from the Airport to Hotels: $17
- Guayaquil PRIVATE Departure Transfer from Hotels to the Airport.: $17
- Private Airport Transfer from Guayaquil Airport to Hotel: $20
- Private Transfer In From Guayaquil Airport to Hotel: $25
- Private Transfer Out From Hotel to Guayaquil Airport: $25
- Private Transfer from Guayaquil Airport(GYE) to Manta Cruise Port: $89
Is it cheaper to fly into Kingston or Guayaquil?
Prices for flights to both Guayaquil 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 $27Guayaquil $29
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guayaquil
For Guayaquil, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Half Day Guayaquil Culinary Adventure, Cacao Cooking Class: $185
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kingston $13Guayaquil $21
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
- Authentic Jamaican Food Experience: $140
- 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: $370
- Bob Marley Museum and Devon House Kingston Day Tour: $320
- Bob Marley Museum and Kingston Sightseeing from Port Royal Cruise Port: $205
Tours and Activities in Guayaquil
For Guayaquil, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Private Guayaquil City Tour: $18
- 1-hour Pacari Wine and Chocolate Tasting Experience: $20
- Shared Walking Tour in Guayaquil City: $35
- City Tour Guayaquil: $40
- Guayaquil City Tour: $40
- Self-guided walking tour of Guayaquil's landmarks.: $45
- Private Experience of Flavors and Wine Pairing in Guayaquil: $52
- From Montañita: Paragliding Experience: $55
- City Tour with Hotel Pickup and Drop-off: $63
- Guayaquil to Cuenca one-way tour with Cajas Park and a Cacao Farm visit: $74
- City Tour around Guayaquil: $75
- Private Guayaquil City Tour and Parque Historico: $80
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKingston $11Guayaquil $17
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 Guayaquil
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Guayaquil:
- Wine Tasting Experience with Tasting Menu: $55
When comparing the travel costs between Kingston and Guayaquil, we can see that Kingston 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. Even though Kingston is in Caribbean Islands and Guayaquil is in South America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kingston Expensive? and Is Guayaquil Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kingston or Guayaquil?
Guayaquil has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Kingston. When comparing the sizes of Kingston and Guayaquil, 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 Guayaquil?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Kingston or Guayaquil in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Kingston as well as Guayaquil. Kingston attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Guayaquil throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Guayaquil. Kingston usually gets less rain in July than Guayaquil. Kingston gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
Kingston is a little warmer than Guayaquil in the summer. The daily temperature in Kingston averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Guayaquil fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKingston 29°C (83°F)Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Kingston or Guayaquil in the Autumn?
Both Guayaquil and Kingston are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kingston throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Guayaquil because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Kingston. In October, Kingston usually receives more rain than Guayaquil. Kingston gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In the autumn, Kingston is a little warmer than Guayaquil. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kingston in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Guayaquil averages at about 23°C (73°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKingston 28°C (82°F)Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Kingston or Guayaquil in the Winter?
Both Guayaquil 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Guayaquil year-round.
Guayaquil gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Kingston usually gets less rain in January than Guayaquil. Kingston gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
In January, Kingston is generally around the same temperature as Guayaquil. Daily temperatures in Kingston average around 26°C (79°F), and Guayaquil fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKingston 26°C (79°F)Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Kingston or Guayaquil in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kingston and Guayaquil. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kingston year-round. Guayaquil attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Guayaquil receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Kingston usually receives less rain than Guayaquil. Kingston gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Kingston is around the same temperature as Guayaquil in the spring. The daily temperature in Kingston averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Guayaquil fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKingston 26°C (80°F)Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Guayaquil and Kingston
| Kingston | Guayaquil | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 220 mm (8.7 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
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.