Which place is cheaper, Lima or Kingston?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Kingston or Lima?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Kingston or Lima, 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 Lima?
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.
Lima
Lima, the capital city of Peru, is likely to be your point of entry for the country. Lima was founded in 1535 and was the seat of the Spanish rule for 300 years. It's a surprisingly modern city despite its rich history, but many beautiful churches and colonial architecture remain today. There are also large slum areas that highlight the poverty that exists in the city. The city and its surrounding metropolitan area have a population of about 8.5 million people, many of whom came from the Andes Mountains in search of work. Unfortunately the work opportunities are limited and the poverty is obvious as you arrive in Lima.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Peru, and The Best Adventure Tours to Peru.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKingston $109Lima $77
The average daily cost (per person) in Kingston is $109, while the average daily cost in Lima is $77. 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 Lima in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKingston $64Lima $49
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKingston $128Lima $98
Compare Hotels in Kingston and Lima
Looking for a hotel in Kingston or Lima? 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 Lima Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kingston $30Lima $5.73
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 Hotels to Montego Bay Cruise Port: $118
- Private Transfer from Kingston Airport (KIN) to Montego Bay 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 Lima
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:
-
Taxi Ride$5.43
-
Taxi Ride$5.43
-
Short Taxi Ride$4.07
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:
- Airport Transfer Service in Lima: $95
- Assistance /Transfer Hotel - Airport Lima Airport : $40
- From The Larco Museum Complete Tour with transfers: $52
- J.Chavez Airport to Miraflores City Hotels- Round Trip Transfer: $41
- Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Lima - Arrival Private Transfer : $31
- Jorge Chavez International Airport: Private Transfer: $25
- Lima : Private transfer between airport to your destination: $29
- Lima Airport Arrival Transfer for small groups: $79
- Lima Airport Transfers: Jorge Chavez Airport LIM to Lima City in Standard Van: $31
- Lima Airport Transfers: Lima City to Jorge Chavez Airport LIM in Standard Van: $31
- Lima Airport: BUS Transfer to/from Lima city center: $6.00
- Lima Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Miraflores: $5.63
Is it cheaper to fly into Kingston or Lima?
Prices for flights to both Lima 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 dayKingston $27Lima $18
Typical Food Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:
-
Lunch for Two$4.34
-
Ice cream$3.53
-
Coffee$2.99
-
Donut$0.95
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lima.
- Lima Market Food Tour: $33
- Lima Market Food Tour: $34
- Lima Street Food Tour: $40
- Lima Food Tour: $45
- Cooking Workshop and Water Circuit Tour: $45
- Lima Street Food Tour: $45
- Street Food Tour in Miraflores District: $45
- Barranco Tour with Dinner: $47
- Bohemian tour of Barranco with Dinner: $47
- Private Cooking Class With a Local Family in Lima: $48
- Lima Night Food Tour: $48
- Lima Market Food Tour: $52
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kingston $13Lima $8.66
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 Lima
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lima are as follows:
-
Entrance to Museo Larco (for 2)$16
-
Movie Tickets$2.31
Tours and Activities in Lima
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:
- Free Walking Tour of Lima: $2.00
- Customize your trip to Peru with Lima Experience: $12
- Skip the Line: Larco Museum Admission Ticket: $13
- Skip the Line: Peruvian Regional Dances Ticket: $14
- Barranco Street Art Tour: $17
- Party tour Fridays Barranco / Saturdays Miraflores: $18
- Private Tour with guide in Museo de Arte de Lima - MALI: $20
- Guided and Private Bike Tour of Lima: $20
- Guided Walking Tour in Barranco: $20
- Lima Downtown Tour from Miraflores in 3 hrs: $21
- Historic Center Walking Tour with Pisco Sour Tasting: $25
- Costa Verde Express Tour: $25
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayKingston $11Lima $5.63
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 Lima
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Lima are as follows:
-
Bottle of Wine$7.30
-
Beer$4.07
-
Cocktail$3.26
Sample the Local Flavors in Lima
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:
- Gin and Rum Distillery Tour: $12
- Exclusive Pub Crawl with 10+ benefits: $18
- Party Tour in Miraflores with Bar Crawl and Drinks: $18
- Party tour in Miraflores with Bar Crawl Lima: $20
- Pub Crawl in Lima: $25
- Local Wine Tour: $50
- Ballestas Islands + Huacachina Oasis + Wine Tour !! The best price: $226
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kingston and Lima, we can see that Kingston is more expensive. And not only is Lima much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Kingston is in Caribbean Islands and Lima is in South 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 Lima would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lima 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 Lima.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kingston Expensive? and Is Lima Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kingston or Lima?
Lima has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Kingston. When comparing the sizes of Kingston and Lima, 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 Lima?
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 Lima in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kingston and Lima. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kingston year-round. Lima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Kingston usually receives more rain than Lima. Kingston gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Lima receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In Kingston, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kingston usually receives more sunshine than Lima during summer. Kingston gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 36 hours of full sun in the summer.
In the summer, Kingston is much warmer than Lima. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kingston in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Lima averages at about 18°C (64°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyKingston 29°C (83°F)Lima 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Kingston or Lima in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Kingston as well as Lima. Kingston attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lima throughout the year.
Kingston receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kingston usually gets more rain in October than Lima. Kingston gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Lima receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kingston this time of the year. In the autumn, Kingston often gets more sunshine than Lima. Kingston gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 60 hours of full sun.
In October, Kingston is generally a little warmer than Lima. Daily temperatures in Kingston average around 28°C (82°F), and Lima fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKingston 28°C (82°F)Lima 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Kingston or Lima in the Winter?
Both Lima and Kingston are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kingston throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Lima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Kingston usually receives more rain than Lima. Kingston gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Lima receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kingston. Kingston usually receives more sunshine than Lima during winter. Kingston gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 185 hours of full sun in the winter.
Kingston is a little warmer than Lima in the winter. The daily temperature in Kingston averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Lima fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKingston 26°C (79°F)Lima 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Kingston or Lima in the Spring?
Both Lima 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lima year-round.
Kingston usually gets more rain in April than Lima. Kingston gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Lima receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Kingston. In the spring, Kingston often gets more sunshine than Lima. Kingston gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 182 hours of full sun.
In the spring, Kingston is a little warmer than Lima. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kingston in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Lima averages at about 22°C (72°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilKingston 26°C (80°F)Lima 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Lima and Kingston
| Kingston | Lima | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
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.