Which place is cheaper, Key West or Kingston?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Kingston or Key West?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Kingston or Key West, 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 Key West?
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.
Key West
Key West is both a city and an island as well as the southern most Florida Key. It is also the southern most city in the continental United States. The island is only about four miles long and one mile wide. The total land mass covers just 4.2 square miles. The most famous street in town is Duval Street, which runs just 1.1 miles from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. There are 14 blocks. The size of the island doubled during the 1950s when many of the salt ponds along the eastern side of the island were filled in.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKingston $109Key West $551
The average daily cost (per person) in Kingston is $109, while the average daily cost in Key West is $551. 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 Key West in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKingston $64Key West $132
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKingston $128Key West $264
Compare Hotels in Kingston and Key West
Looking for a hotel in Kingston or Key West? 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 Key West Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kingston $30Key West $51
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 Departure Transfer: Hotel to Kingston International Airport (KIN): $34
- Private Transfer to/from Kingston Airport: $42
- Kingston Airport Taxi Transfers Private ***: $47
- Airport Transfer in Kingston: $50
- Private Transfer from Kingston Airport (KIN) to Falmouth Port: $71
- Private Airport Transfer from Kingston Airport: $90
- 10. Norman Manley Intl Kingston Airport Fun-Transfer to/from Montego Bay Resorts: $125
- Kingston Airport Transfers to Runaway Bay: $127
- Kingston Private Airport Transfer : $161
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Key West
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Key West:
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Rental Car for One Day$38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Key West
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Key West:
- Key West Airport (EYW) to Key West - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $129
- Key West Int Airport (EYW) to Key West - Arrival Private Transfer: $64
- Key West Int Airport (EYW) to Key West hotels Round-Trip Transfer: $129
- Key West hotels to Key West Int Airport (EYW) Departure Transfer: $64
- Key West to Key West Airport (EYW) - Departure Private Transfer: $64
- Marathon/ Key Largo to Fort Lauderdale Airport(FLL) - Departure Private Transfer: $109
- Private Arrival Transfer from Key West Airport EYW: $144
- Private Transfer from Key West Cruise Port to Key West hotels: $38
- Private Transfer from Key West Int Airport to Key West Port: $38
Is it cheaper to fly into Kingston or Key West?
Prices for flights to both Key West 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 $27Key West $385
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Key West
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Key West.
- Sunset Dinner Cruise with Open Bar & Live Music: $81
- Key West Sunset Cruise: Dinner and Drinks Included: $93
- Southernmost Food & Cultural Walking Tour by Key West Food Tours: $93
- Historic Seaport Food & Walking Tour by Key West Food Tours: $93
- Old Town Secret Food Tour: $107
- Sunset Sail Full Bar, Live Music & Dinner & Early Morning Snorkeling: $160
- Snorkeling, Sunset Dinner Cruise & Open Bar: $200
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kingston $13Key West $33
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
- 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
- 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
Tours and Activities in Key West
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Key West are as follows:
- Self-guided old town treasures walking tour: $6.99
- Key West's Self Guided Ghost Walking Tours Smartphone Navigated on WalknTours: $7.75
- Florida Keys: Self-Guided Walking Tour: $8.49
- Audio Tours to Walk, Bike, or Drive in Key West: $9.99
- Cruise Through Key West's Black History Audio Tour: $11
- Easy Stroll (or Bike) Through Downtown Key West Audio Tour: $11
- Key West’s Old Town Treasures: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Florida: Key West Overseas Highway Self-Driving Tour: $15
- Mel Fisher Maritime Museum Admission Ticket: $18
- Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum Tickets: $19
- Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum Admission Ticket: $19
- Key West Aquarium Admission Ticket: $23
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKingston $11Key West $16
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 Key West
Also in Key West, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
- Key West Haunted Pub Crawl and Ghost Tour with Free T-Shirt: $32
- Bone Island Haunted Pub Crawl: $32
- 2.5-Hour Duval Street Pub Crawl: $43
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kingston and Key West, we can see that Key West 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 Key West 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 Key West would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Key West 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 Key West Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kingston or Key West?
Kingston has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Key West. When comparing the sizes of Kingston and Key West, 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 Key West?
Key West 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 Key West in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kingston and Key West. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kingston year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Key West for the beaches, snorkeling, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Kingston is generally around the same temperature as Key West. Daily temperatures in Kingston average around 29°C (83°F), and Key West fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key West this time of the year. In Kingston, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kingston usually receives less sunshine than Key West during summer. Kingston gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Key West receives 328 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Kingston usually receives less rain than Key West. Kingston gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Key West receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKingston 29°C (83°F)Key West 84°F (29°C)
Should I visit Kingston or Key West in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Kingston as well as Key West. Kingston attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Key West because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
Kingston is around the same temperature as Key West in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kingston averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Key West fluctuates around 80°F (27°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key West. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kingston this time of the year. In the autumn, Kingston often gets less sunshine than Key West. Kingston gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Key West receives 258 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Key West. Kingston receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kingston usually gets more rain in October than Key West. Kingston gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Key West receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Key West.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKingston 28°C (82°F)Key West 80°F (27°C)
Should I visit Kingston or Key West in the Winter?
Both Key West 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, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Key West this time of year.
In the winter, Kingston is a little warmer than Key West. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kingston in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Key West averages at about 70°F (21°C).
It's quite sunny in Key West. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kingston. Kingston usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Key West during winter. Kingston gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Key West receives 252 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Kingston usually receives less rain than Key West. Kingston gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Key West receives 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKingston 26°C (79°F)Key West 70°F (21°C)
Should I visit Kingston or Key West in the Spring?
Both Key West 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 travelers come to Key West for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.
In April, Kingston is generally around the same temperature as Key West. Daily temperatures in Kingston average around 26°C (80°F), and Key West fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).
In Key West, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Kingston. In the spring, Kingston often gets less sunshine than Key West. Kingston gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Key West receives 326 hours of full sun.
Kingston usually gets more rain in April than Key West. Kingston gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Key West receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Key West is the hurricane season.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKingston 26°C (80°F)Key West 77°F (25°C)
Typical Weather for Key West and Kingston
| Kingston | Key West | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 70°F (21°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 71°F (21°C) | 1.4 inches (36 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 83°F (28°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 84°F (29°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 84°F (29°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
| Sep | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 83°F (29°C) | 5.7 inches (144 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 80°F (27°C) | 5.1 inches (129 mm) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 1.4 inches (35 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.