A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kingston vs. Nags Head for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Kingston or Nags Head?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Kingston or Nags Head, 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 Nags Head?

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.

Nags Head

Nags Head is a popular tourist destination in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The town, with a population of almost 3,000, has many nice beaches and is also where you'll find Jockey's Ridge, which has the tallest active sand dune system in the eastern United States. It's also the most visited park within the North Carolina park system.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.


Which place is cheaper, Nags Head or Kingston?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Kingston Prices
    Jamaica Prices
    Nags Head Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Kingston $125
    Nags Head $179

The average daily cost (per person) in Kingston is $125, while the average daily cost in Nags Head is $179. 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 Nags Head in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kingston $63
    Nags Head $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kingston $126
    Nags Head $160
Compare Hotels in Kingston and Nags Head

Looking for a hotel in Kingston or Nags Head? 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.

Hotels in Kingston


Hotels in Nags Head


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 Nags Head Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kingston $29
    Nags Head $40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kingston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kingston:

  • Montego Bay: 5-Day Jamaica Tour with Meals and Transfers: $2,200
  • From Kingston Airport: One Way Private Transfer to Ocho Rios: $319
  • Private Transfer from Montego Bay Cruise Port to Kingston Hotels: $261
  • Private Transfer from Kingston Airport (KIN) to Montego Bay Port: $261
  • Norman Manley Airport Private Round-trip Transfer to Kingston: $259
  • Group Private Kingston Airport Transfers (10 - 15 Persons): $251
  • Port Antonio Hotel Private Roundtrip Airport Transfer from Kingston Airport(KIN): $235
  • Kingston Airport Private Transfer to Moon Palace Jamaica Grande: $200
  • Kingston Airport to & From Sandals Ocho Rios Transfer: $200
  • Private Transfer Kingston Airport to Jewel Grande Montego Bay: $187
  • Private Transfer Kingston Airport to Hilton Rose Hall: $187
  • Airport Group Transfers-Kingston: $180

Is it cheaper to fly into Kingston or Nags Head?

Prices for flights to both Nags Head 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 day
    Kingston $45
    Nags Head $71

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kingston $12
    Nags Head $14

Tours and Activities in Kingston

Here are a few actual costs in Kingston for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • ATV Outback Adventure from Kingston: $288
  • Art Walk, Bob Marley Museum Kingston City Tour: $130
  • Bamboo Rafting and Boston Jerk Centre Tour in Portland Jamaica: $220
  • Blue Mountain Bicycle Tour from Kingston: $231
  • Blue Mountain Coffee Tasting & Farm Tour from Kingston: $150
  • Blue Mountain Craighton Estate Coffee Tasting Tour / Devon House: $180
  • Blue Mountain Waterfall and Sightseeing Ecotour: $200
  • Blue Mountains Coffee Private Tour from Kingston: $180
  • Bluehole, Dunn's River Falls and Port Royal all in one tour: $690
  • Bob Marley Guided City Tour: $95
  • Bob Marley Museum Entry Ticket: $30
  • Bob Marley Museum Tour from Kingston Hotels: $120

Tours and Activities in Nags Head

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nags Head.

  • Cape Hatteras National Seashore Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $13
  • Wright Brothers Carolina Dunes Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $13
  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Outer Banks: $17
  • Outer Banks Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $22
  • OBX Ghost Tours- The Original Ghost Tour of the Outer Banks: $25
  • OBX Ghost Tours: Lighthouse Wraiths & Dune Shadows: $26
  • Wild Dolphin Tours and Sunset Cruises in Outer Banks, NC: $31
  • Manteo Historic Walking Tour: $31
  • Kitty Hawk Woods Kayak Tour: $49
  • Nags Head Kayak Tour: $55
  • Corolla Kayak Adventure: $59
  • Alligator River Kayak Adventure: $59

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kingston $11
    Nags Head $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Kingston

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Kingston:

  • Worthy Park Estate Rum Distillery Tour with Tasting: $144

Sample the Local Flavors in Nags Head

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nags Head:

  • Wine Tasting And Boat Ride: $109


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kingston and Nags Head, we can see that Nags Head 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 Nags Head 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 Nags Head would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nags Head 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 Nags Head Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kingston or Nags Head?

Kingston has a larger population, and is about 290 times larger than the population of Nags Head. When comparing the sizes of Kingston and Nags Head, 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 Nags Head?

Nags Head 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 Nags Head in the Summer?

Both Nags Head 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Nags Head for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Kingston is a little warmer than Nags Head. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kingston in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Nags Head averages at about 78°F (26°C).

In Nags Head, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Kingston. In the summer, Kingston often gets less sunshine than Nags Head. Kingston gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nags Head receives 274 hours of full sun.

Nags Head gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Kingston usually gets less rain in July than Nags Head. Kingston gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Nags Head receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kingston 29°C (83°F) 
    Nags Head 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Kingston or Nags Head in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kingston and Nags Head. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kingston year-round.

In October, Kingston is generally much warmer than Nags Head. Daily temperatures in Kingston average around 28°C (82°F), and Nags Head fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nags Head this time of the year. In Kingston, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kingston usually receives more sunshine than Nags Head during autumn. Kingston gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Nags Head receives 205 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Kingston gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Kingston usually receives more rain than Nags Head. Kingston gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Nags Head receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kingston 28°C (82°F) 
    Nags Head 62°F (16°C)

Should I visit Kingston or Nags Head in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kingston as well as Nags Head. Kingston attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the cuisine are the main draw to Nags Head this time of year.

It's quite cold in Nags Head in the winter. Kingston is much warmer than Nags Head in the winter. The daily temperature in Kingston averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Nags Head fluctuates around 41°F (5°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 Nags Head. Kingston gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nags Head receives 147 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nags Head. Kingston usually gets less rain in January than Nags Head. Kingston gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Nags Head receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kingston 26°C (79°F) 
    Nags Head 41°F (5°C)

Should I visit Kingston or Nags Head in the Spring?

Both Nags Head and Kingston are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kingston throughout the year.

In the spring, Kingston is much warmer than Nags Head. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kingston in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Nags Head averages at about 59°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in Nags Head. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kingston. Kingston usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nags Head during spring. Kingston gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Nags Head receives 262 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Kingston usually receives less rain than Nags Head. Kingston gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Nags Head receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kingston 26°C (80°F) 
    Nags Head 59°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Nags Head and Kingston

Kingston Nags Head
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 41°F (5°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 42°F (6°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Mar 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 50°F (10°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
May 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 67°F (19°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 78°F (26°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 78°F (25°C) 5 inches (127 mm)
Sep 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 72°F (22°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 62°F (16°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 53°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 45°F (7°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)