A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kingston vs. Havana for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Kingston or Havana?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Kingston or Havana, 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 Havana?

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.

Havana

The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).

This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.

Which place is cheaper, Havana or Kingston?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Kingston is $109, while the average daily cost in Havana is $65. 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 Havana in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kingston $64
    Havana $40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kingston $128
    Havana $80
Compare Hotels in Kingston and Havana

Looking for a hotel in Kingston or Havana? 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.

Hotels in Kingston


Hotels in Havana


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kingston $30
    Havana $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kingston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kingston:

  • Kingston Airport Private Transfer to Riu Ocho Rios: $200
  • 10. Norman Manley Intl Kingston Airport Fun-Transfer to/from Montego Bay Resorts: $125
  • Airport Transfer Norman Manley international airport: $30
  • Airport Transfer in Kingston: $50
  • All Island Private Transfer To/From Kingston Airport (KIN): $22
  • From Montego Bay Airport (MBJ): Private Transfer to Kingston: $388
  • Kingston : Private Airport Transfer to Montego Bay: $169
  • Kingston Airport Taxi Transfers Private ***: $47
  • Kingston Airport Transfers to Runaway Bay: $127
  • Kingston Airport to & From Sandals Ocho Rios Transfer: $200
  • Kingston International Airport Jamaica - Private Arrival or Depature transfer : $73
  • Kingston Private Airport Transfer : $161

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Havana

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Havana:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $0.68

Is it cheaper to fly into Kingston or Havana?

Prices for flights to both Havana 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 day
    Kingston $27
    Havana $10

Typical Food Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Havana:


  • Pizza
    $0.03

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kingston $13
    Havana $11

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: $25
  • Montego Bay: All inclusive tours: $30
  • Bob Marley Museum Tour Skip the Line Tickets: $45
  • 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
  • Kingston Half Day Community and Art Tour: $70
  • Tour a Jamaican Farm: $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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kingston $11
    Havana $5.76

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

Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Havana:


  • Mojito
    $0.15


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kingston and Havana, we can see that Kingston is more expensive. And not only is Havana much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Havana would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Havana 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 Kingston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kingston than you might in Havana.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kingston Expensive? and Is Havana Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kingston or Havana?

Havana has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Kingston. When comparing the sizes of Kingston and Havana, 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 Havana?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Kingston or Havana in the Summer?

Both Havana and Kingston are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kingston throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Havana because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In July, Kingston usually receives less rain than Havana. Kingston gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Havana receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Kingston is around the same temperature as Havana in the summer. The daily temperature in Kingston averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Havana fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kingston 29°C (83°F) 
    Havana 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Kingston or Havana in the Autumn?

Both Havana and Kingston during the autumn 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 Havana year-round.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kingston. Kingston usually gets more rain in October than Havana. Kingston gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Havana receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the autumn, Kingston is a little warmer than Havana. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kingston in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Havana averages at about 25°C (77°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kingston 28°C (82°F) 
    Havana 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Kingston or Havana in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kingston and Havana. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kingston year-round. Havana attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In January, Kingston usually receives less rain than Havana. Kingston gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Havana receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

In January, Kingston is generally a little warmer than Havana. Daily temperatures in Kingston average around 26°C (79°F), and Havana fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kingston 26°C (79°F) 
    Havana 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Kingston or Havana in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kingston as well as Havana. Kingston attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Havana throughout the year.

Kingston usually gets less rain in April than Havana. Kingston gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Havana receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Kingston is around the same temperature as Havana in the spring. The daily temperature in Kingston averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Havana fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kingston 26°C (80°F) 
    Havana 24°C (75°F)

Typical Weather for Havana and Kingston

Kingston Havana
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)