Which place is cheaper, Ketchikan or Kingston?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Kingston or Ketchikan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Kingston or Ketchikan, 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 Ketchikan?
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.
Ketchikan
Ketchikan, Alaska is located at the southern end of the well-known Alaskan inside passage. It is often called the beginning of the last frontier, because of it's location near the southern entrance of Alaska. It is a beautiful and quaint town, that leaves you feeling like you may have gone back in time with its storefront lined streets and natural beauty. Ketchikan has been called some of the most beautifully stunning wilderness area in the world. It is known as the Salmon Capital of the World due to the superior century old fishing industry in the area. The Native Culture in Ketchikan is extremely rich and it is home to the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian tribes. The nearby Tongass rainforest provides red cedar trees for the popular totem poles, which are abundant in the area.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKingston $109Ketchikan $220
The average daily cost (per person) in Kingston is $109, while the average daily cost in Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKingston $64Ketchikan $136
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKingston $128Ketchikan $272
Compare Hotels in Kingston and Ketchikan
Looking for a hotel in Kingston or Ketchikan? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kingston $30Ketchikan $39
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kingston
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kingston:
- All Island Private Transfer To/From Kingston Airport (KIN): $22
- MBJ Airport Transfer to/ from Hotels : $25
- Airport Transfer Norman Manley international airport: $30
- Private Transfer to/from Kingston Airport: $42
- Kingston Airport Taxi Transfers Private ***: $47
- Airport Transfer in Kingston: $50
- Kingston International Airport Jamaica - Private Arrival or Depature transfer : $73
- Private Airport Transfer from Kingston Airport: $90
- Private Transfer from Kingston Airport (KIN) to Montego Bay Port: $118
- Private Transfer from Kingston Hotels to Montego Bay Cruise Port: $118
- 10. Norman Manley Intl Kingston Airport Fun-Transfer to/from Montego Bay Resorts: $125
- Kingston Airport Transfers to Runaway Bay: $127
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ketchikan
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Ketchikan are as follows:
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Bus Ride$1.00
Is it cheaper to fly into Kingston or Ketchikan?
Prices for flights to both Ketchikan 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 $27Ketchikan $53
Typical Food Prices in Ketchikan
Some typical examples of dining costs in Ketchikan are as follows:
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Slice of Pie & Drink$5.00
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kingston $13Ketchikan $46
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: $26
- Montego Bay: All inclusive tours: $30
- 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
- Tour a Jamaican Farm: $70
- Kingston Half Day Community and Art Tour: $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
- Bob Marley Museum Tour from Kingston: $81
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ketchikan
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Ketchikan are as follows:
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Ticket to Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show$35
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Duck Tour (one person)$38
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Bear Viewing Tour$83
Tours and Activities in Ketchikan
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ketchikan are as follows:
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
- Husky Walking Tour: $49
- City Highlights Totem Parks and Sightseeing: $59
- Saxman Native Village and Ketchikan Highlights Private Tour: $69
- 2.5 Hour Tour in Ketchikan on the Tongass Trolley: $72
- Ketchikan Duck Tour: $75
- Totem Pole, Wildlife & City Trolley Tour: $85
- 2 Hour Alaska Rainforest Walk and Totem Park Small Group Tour: $85
- From Potlatch Totem Park and Herring Cove Tour: $85
- Alaska Native Cultural Immersion Experience and Ketchikan Tour: $89
- Alaska Native Cultural Immersion Experience: $89
- Cruisin' and Boozin' - 90 minute Historical Walking Tour of Sites and Bars: $95
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKingston $11Ketchikan $23
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 Ketchikan, we can see that Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kingston or Ketchikan?
Kingston has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Ketchikan. When comparing the sizes of Kingston and Ketchikan, 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 Ketchikan?
Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kingston and Ketchikan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kingston year-round. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Ketchikan because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Kingston is much warmer than Ketchikan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kingston in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Ketchikan averages at about 58°F (15°C).
Ketchikan receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Kingston usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Kingston gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 7.6 inches (193 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKingston 29°C (83°F)Ketchikan 58°F (15°C)
Should I visit Kingston or Ketchikan in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Kingston as well as Ketchikan. Kingston attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Ketchikan this time of year.
In October, Kingston is generally much warmer than Ketchikan. Daily temperatures in Kingston average around 28°C (82°F), and Ketchikan fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).
It's quite rainy in Ketchikan. Kingston receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kingston usually gets less rain in October than Ketchikan. Kingston gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 22.9 inches (581 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKingston 28°C (82°F)Ketchikan 46°F (8°C)
Should I visit Kingston or Ketchikan in the Winter?
Both Ketchikan and Kingston are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kingston throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Ketchikan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Ketchikan. Kingston is much warmer than Ketchikan in the winter. The daily temperature in Kingston averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Ketchikan fluctuates around 34°F (1°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Ketchikan. In January, Kingston usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Kingston gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 14.9 inches (379 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKingston 26°C (79°F)Ketchikan 34°F (1°C)
Should I visit Kingston or Ketchikan in the Spring?
Both Ketchikan and Kingston during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kingston because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Ketchikan in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Kingston is much warmer than Ketchikan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kingston in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Ketchikan averages at about 44°F (6°C).
Ketchikan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Kingston usually gets less rain in April than Ketchikan. Kingston gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 11.3 inches (286 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKingston 26°C (80°F)Ketchikan 44°F (6°C)
Typical Weather for Ketchikan and Kingston
| Kingston | Ketchikan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 34°F (1°C) | 14.9 inches (379 mm) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 38°F (3°C) | 13.2 inches (335 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 39°F (4°C) | 10.6 inches (270 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 44°F (6°C) | 11.3 inches (286 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 49°F (9°C) | 9.3 inches (237 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 8.2 inches (209 mm) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 58°F (15°C) | 7.6 inches (193 mm) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 11.1 inches (281 mm) |
| Sep | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 13.2 inches (335 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 46°F (8°C) | 22.9 inches (581 mm) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 40°F (4°C) | 17.3 inches (441 mm) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 36°F (2°C) | 15.7 inches (398 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.