Which place is cheaper, Hilo or Kingston?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Kingston or Hilo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Kingston or Hilo, 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 Hilo?
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.
Hilo
Hilo is a town on the Big Island of Hawaii. It is also the county seat and largest city in Hawaii County, so many people use it as the starting point to explore the eastern half of the island. The town has a population of just over 40,000 people. It looks out over Hilo Bay and most of the town's development is between Hilo Bay and Waiakea-Uka near the active volcano of Mauna Loa. Hilo is where you will find the University of Hawaii at Hilo, Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii, the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corportation and Hilo International Airport.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKingston $109Hilo $171
The average daily cost (per person) in Kingston is $109, while the average daily cost in Hilo is $171. 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 Hilo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKingston $64Hilo $71
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKingston $128Hilo $142
Compare Hotels in Kingston and Hilo
Looking for a hotel in Kingston or Hilo? 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 Hilo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kingston $30Hilo $25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kingston
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kingston:
- From Montego Bay Airport (MBJ): Private Transfer to Kingston: $388
- Tropical Off-Road ATV Tour with Lunch and Transfer: $280
- Port Antonio Hotel Private Roundtrip Airport Transfer from Kingston Airport(KIN): $235
- Private Airport Transfer Sangster Airport to Kingston: $229
- NMIA & Kingston transfer to Negril: $225
- Kingston Airport Private Transfer to Riu Ocho Rios: $200
- Private Transfer Kingston Airport to Jewel Grande Montego Bay: $187
- Kingston Private Airport Transfer to Accommodation in Montego Bay: $170
- Kingston : Private Airport Transfer to Montego Bay: $169
- Kingston Private Airport Transfer : $161
- Private Airport Round Trip Transfer from Montego Bay Airport to Ocho Rios : $133
- Kingston Airport Transfers to Runaway Bay: $127
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hilo
Also for Hilo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Arrival Transfer: Kona International Airport (KOA) to Hotels - Big Island: $15
- Departure Transfer from Hotels to Kona International Airport: $15
- Kailua-Kona to Kona Airport at Keahole Private Departure Transfer: $58
- Kona International Airport (KOA) to Kailua-Kona - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $116
- Kona Intl Airport (KOA) to Waikoloa beach hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $151
- Kona Intl. Airport (KOA) to Waikoloa beach hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $75
- Luxury Private Airport Transfer : $75
- Private Arrival Transfer: Kona International Airport to Big Island Hotels: $169
- Private Departure Transfer: Big Island Hotels to Kona International Airport: $169
- Private Transfer From Hotels in Kailua-Kona to Kona International Airport: $70
- Private Transfer From Hotels in Waikoloa & Waimea to Kona International Airport: $85
- Private Transfer From Kona International Airport to Hotels in Kailua-Kona: $75
Is it cheaper to fly into Kingston or Hilo?
Prices for flights to both Hilo 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 $27Hilo $70
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hilo
For Hilo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Farm to Table Cooking Class at Kulaniapia Falls: $169
- French Hawaiian Fusion Cooking Class: $175
- Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay: $183
- Farm-to-Table Chef's Dinner at Kulaniapia Falls: $199
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kingston $13Hilo $32
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
Tours and Activities in Hilo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hilo.
- Baumkuchen Farm Tour: $5.00
- History and Legends Walking Tour with a Smartphone App: $6.50
- Big Island - Kohala Coast & Backcountry Driving Tour: $9.99
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
- Big Island Hawaii Self-Guided Driving Tour: $17
- Big Island - North Island Jungle Driving Tour: $20
- Big Island - South Island Coastal Loop Driving Tour: $20
- Big Island - Kona Big Kahuna GPS Driving Tour: $20
- Hawaiian Rainforest Banana Cultivation Experience: $20
- Abalone Farm Tour: $25
- Big Island Farms Tour in Hawaii: $30
- Experience Our Honey Farm And Beekeeping Tour: $30
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKingston $11Hilo $10
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 Hilo, we can see that Hilo 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 Hilo 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 Hilo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hilo 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 Hilo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kingston or Hilo?
Kingston has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Hilo. When comparing the sizes of Kingston and Hilo, 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 Hilo?
Hilo 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 Hilo in the Summer?
Both Hilo and Kingston during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kingston because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Hilo for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Kingston is a little warmer than Hilo in the summer. The daily temperature in Kingston averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).
It's quite sunny in Kingston. In the summer, Kingston often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Kingston gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 169 hours of full sun.
Hilo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Kingston usually gets less rain in July than Hilo. Kingston gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKingston 29°C (83°F)Hilo 76°F (24°C)
Should I visit Kingston or Hilo in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kingston and Hilo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kingston year-round. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Hilo because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Kingston is a little warmer than Hilo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kingston in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Hilo averages at about 76°F (24°C).
In Kingston, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kingston usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during autumn. Kingston gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 138 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Hilo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kingston gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Kingston usually receives less rain than Hilo. Kingston gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKingston 28°C (82°F)Hilo 76°F (24°C)
Should I visit Kingston or Hilo in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Kingston as well as Hilo. Kingston attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.
In January, Kingston is generally a little warmer than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Kingston average around 26°C (79°F), and Hilo fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kingston this time of the year. In the winter, Kingston often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Kingston gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 158 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Hilo. Kingston usually gets less rain in January than Hilo. Kingston gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKingston 26°C (79°F)Hilo 72°F (22°C)
Should I visit Kingston or Hilo in the Spring?
Both Hilo and Kingston are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kingston throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Hilo for the beaches and the natural beauty.
Kingston is a little warmer than Hilo in the spring. The daily temperature in Kingston averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Hilo fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kingston. Kingston usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during spring. Kingston gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 134 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilo. In April, Kingston usually receives less rain than Hilo. Kingston gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKingston 26°C (80°F)Hilo 73°F (23°C)
Typical Weather for Hilo and Kingston
| Kingston | Hilo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 8.7 inches (221 mm) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 10.8 inches (274 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 13.6 inches (345 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 15.6 inches (395 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 10.7 inches (272 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 75°F (24°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 9.7 inches (247 mm) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 76°F (25°C) | 9.7 inches (247 mm) |
| Sep | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 76°F (25°C) | 8.5 inches (215 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 9.8 inches (248 mm) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 14.8 inches (375 mm) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 12.6 inches (321 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.