Which place is cheaper, Jacksonville or Kingston?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Kingston or Jacksonville?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Kingston or Jacksonville, 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 Jacksonville?
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.
Jacksonville
As the sky above you darkens, the city around you glows with a vividness of a thousand colors as you hear the soft swell of waves upon the shore. Such an urban paradise is none other than Jacksonville, Florida. Located on the northeastern side of the sunshine state, Jacksonville stands where the St. John's River meets the Atlantic Ocean. Estimated to be the 12th most populous city in the United States, Jacksonville works as the cultural, commercial and financial hive of north Florida. The large city is known for its exquisite beaches, interactive museums, and golf course areas. Surf, shop, and socialize in one of Florida's most popular metropolitan areas.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKingston $109Jacksonville $220
The average daily cost (per person) in Kingston is $109, while the average daily cost in Jacksonville is $220. 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 Jacksonville in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKingston $64Jacksonville $92
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKingston $128Jacksonville $184
Compare Hotels in Kingston and Jacksonville
Looking for a hotel in Kingston or Jacksonville? 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 Jacksonville Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kingston $30Jacksonville $53
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 Jacksonville
Also for Jacksonville, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Carnival Cruise Port Transfer to Jacksonville: $336
- Carnival Cruise Port to Jacksonville Airport (JAX) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
- JAX Airport Transfer to Amelia Island: $195
- JAX Airport Transfer to Hyatt Place/ St. Johns Town Center: $164
- Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville City - Arrival Private Transfer: $61
- Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $123
- Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville Cruise Port -Arrival Private Transfer: $55
Is it cheaper to fly into Kingston or Jacksonville?
Prices for flights to both Jacksonville 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 $27Jacksonville $96
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jacksonville
For Jacksonville, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 1 Hour of Chocolate Pizza Making Class in Jacksonville: $18
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kingston $13Jacksonville $20
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 Jacksonville
For Jacksonville, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 20 Minutes Chocolate & Candy Factory Tour in Jacksonville: $6.00
- Murray Hill Walking Mural Tour: $25
- Downtown Fernandina Historical Walking Tour: $30
- Jacksonville Ghosts and Ghouls Tour By US Ghost Adventures: $30
- Amelia Island Area Kayak Rental on Lofton Creek with Adventures Up The Creek: $36
- 1-Hour Escape Room Adventure: $41
- Self-Guided Kayaking: Real Florida Adventure: $45
- Self Guided Family Friendly Kayak Rental Experience Old Florida : $48
- Eight Flags Road Tour: $50
- Electric Bike Tour with Free Application for Navigation: $50
- Guided Kayak Eco Tour: Real Florida Adventure: $55
- Amelia Island Guided Kayak Tour of Lofton Creek : $60
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKingston $11Jacksonville $20
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 Jacksonville
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Jacksonville:
- Jax Brewery Tour (Drinks Included): $135
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kingston and Jacksonville, we can see that Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kingston or Jacksonville?
Kingston has a larger population, and is about 18% larger than the population of Jacksonville. When comparing the sizes of Kingston and Jacksonville, 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 Jacksonville?
Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Kingston as well as Jacksonville. Kingston attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Jacksonville in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
Kingston is around the same temperature as Jacksonville in the summer. The daily temperature in Kingston averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Jacksonville fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jacksonville. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kingston this time of the year. In the summer, Kingston often gets less sunshine than Jacksonville. Kingston gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jacksonville receives 286 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Jacksonville. Kingston usually gets less rain in July than Jacksonville. Kingston gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Jacksonville receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKingston 29°C (83°F)Jacksonville 82°F (28°C)
Should I visit Kingston or Jacksonville in the Autumn?
Both Jacksonville 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, most visitors come to Jacksonville for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
In the autumn, Kingston is a little warmer than Jacksonville. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kingston in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Jacksonville averages at about 70°F (21°C).
It's quite sunny in Jacksonville. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kingston. Kingston usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Jacksonville during autumn. Kingston gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Jacksonville receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Kingston. In October, Kingston usually receives more rain than Jacksonville. Kingston gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Jacksonville receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Jacksonville is the hurricane season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKingston 28°C (82°F)Jacksonville 70°F (21°C)
Should I visit Kingston or Jacksonville in the Winter?
Both Jacksonville 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. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Jacksonville because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Kingston is generally much warmer than Jacksonville. Daily temperatures in Kingston average around 26°C (79°F), and Jacksonville fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).
It's quite sunny in Kingston. In the winter, Kingston often gets more sunshine than Jacksonville. Kingston gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jacksonville receives 191 hours of full sun.
Kingston usually gets less rain in January than Jacksonville. Kingston gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Jacksonville receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKingston 26°C (79°F)Jacksonville 53°F (12°C)
Should I visit Kingston or Jacksonville in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kingston and Jacksonville. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kingston year-round. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Jacksonville this time of year.
Kingston is a little warmer than Jacksonville in the spring. The daily temperature in Kingston averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Jacksonville fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jacksonville this time of the year. In Kingston, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kingston usually receives less sunshine than Jacksonville during spring. Kingston gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Jacksonville receives 285 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Kingston usually receives less rain than Jacksonville. Kingston gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Jacksonville receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Jacksonville is June to November.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKingston 26°C (80°F)Jacksonville 68°F (20°C)
Typical Weather for Jacksonville and Kingston
| Kingston | Jacksonville | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 53°F (12°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 80°F (27°C) | 5.7 inches (146 mm) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 5.4 inches (137 mm) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 7.8 inches (199 mm) |
| Sep | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 79°F (26°C) | 7.1 inches (180 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 70°F (21°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 2.2 inches (55 mm) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 2.7 inches (69 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.