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

Should you visit Kingston or Seattle?

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

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

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.

Seattle

Situated on the Puget Sound in the state of Washington, Seattle is the largest city in the United States Pacific Northwest. It's a beautiful city surrounded by the water and mountains and filled with evergreen trees. It's also the home of some famous American institutions including Starbucks Coffee, Amazon, and Microsoft. The population of almost 700,000 continues to grow. As of 2014, the city was considered the fastest growing major city in the United States. The entire metropolitan area has about 3.6 million residents, making it the 15th largest metro area in the US. The natural beauty, growing economy, and educational base give Seattle a youthful vibe that keep the city young and energetic.

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.


Which place is cheaper, Seattle 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
    Seattle Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Kingston $125
    Seattle $242

The average daily cost (per person) in Kingston is $125, while the average daily cost in Seattle is $242. 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 Seattle in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kingston $63
    Seattle $120
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kingston $126
    Seattle $240
Compare Hotels in Kingston and Seattle

Looking for a hotel in Kingston or Seattle? 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 Seattle


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 Seattle Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kingston $29
    Seattle $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kingston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kingston:

  • From One Way Shared Transfer to Kingston Airport: $19
  • Private Transfers To/From Kingston & Airport (KIN) Across Jamaica: $25
  • MBJ Airport Transfer to/ from Hotels: $25
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Kingston International Airport (KIN): $34
  • Private Transfer To & From New Kingston to Norman Manley Airport: $40
  • Kingston Norman Manley Airport (KIN) to Kingston - Arrival Private Transfer: $41
  • From One Way Shared Transfer to Port Antonio: $47
  • Private Transfer From Norman Manley Airport to Kingston one way: $48
  • Private Transfers To/From Kingston & Airport Across Jamaica: $49
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Kingston International Airport to Hotel: $53
  • Airport Transfer from NMIA to Hotels in Kingston: $69
  • From One Way Shared Transfer to Montego Bay: $69

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Seattle

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Seattle:


  • Lightrail from Airport (for 2)
    $5.50
  • Roundtrip Ferry to Bainbridge Island (for 2)
    $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seattle

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seattle:

  • Arrival Private Transfer: Seattle Airport SEA to Seattle in Luxury Car: $156
  • Arrival Transfer: Seattle Airport SEA to Seattle by Business Car: $110
  • Departure Private Transfer: Seattle to Seattle Airport SEA in Luxury SUV: $128
  • From Seattle Hotels - Hotel Transfer to Airport: $175
  • From One-Way Seaplane Transfer to Vancouver,BC: $389
  • From Snoqualmie Falls and Wineries Tour w/ Transfer: $145
  • One-Way Seattle Airport Transfer Service: $27
  • One-Way Transfer: Pier 91 to Airport: $40
  • One-Way Transfer: SeaTac Airport to Seattle Piers 66 & 91: $40
  • One-Way Transfer: SeaTac Hotels to Seattle Piers 66 & 91: $40
  • Private Airport Transfer Service to Seattle: $149
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Seattle Tacoma Airport SEA: $93

Is it cheaper to fly into Kingston or Seattle?

Prices for flights to both Seattle 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
    Seattle $88

Typical Food Prices in Seattle

Some typical examples of dining costs in Seattle are as follows:


  • Expresso & cookie at Pier 70
    $7.00
  • Cashews at Pike Place Market
    $6.00
  • 6 Mini Donuts at Pike Place Market
    $3.25
  • Chinese Lunch in International District (for 2)
    $21
  • Breakfast at Lowel's in Pike Place Market (for 2)
    $32
  • Breakfast at French Cafe (for 2)
    $37

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seattle

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Seattle.

  • Plant-Based in Pike Place Food Tour: $50
  • Seattle Holiday Food Tour: Delicious Donuts & Holiday Treats: $70
  • Pike Place Market Food Tour with 9+ Tastings: $73
  • Seattle : Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $73
  • Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market: $75
  • Pike Place Market Chef-Guided Food Tour: $75
  • Japanese Ramen Cooking Class With Local Chef: $75
  • Fun Taco Cooking Class With a Local Chef in Seattle: $75
  • Seattle Buffet Dinner Cruise: $95
  • Pike Place Market: Original Food Tour - Tips Included!: $112
  • Seafood Tour with Market Visit: $119
  • Japanese Sushi Cooking Class in Seattle (Includes 4-Course Meal): $123

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kingston $12
    Seattle $16

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
  • Bob Marley Museum Entry Ticket: $30
  • Kingston Creative: Mural Art Walking Tour: $31
  • Club Kingston VIP Departure Lounge Experience: $38
  • Rhythmic Walking Music Tour: $40
  • Guided Bar Hopping Tour with VIP Speakeasy Entry: $40
  • Sugar Minott's Youth Promotion Studio Tour: $50
  • Judgement Yard Tour: $50
  • Bamboo Rafting Adventure in Ocho Rios: $62
  • Devon House Heritage Tour with Ice Cream from Kingston: $63
  • Devon House Tour with Ice Cream from Kingston: $64
  • Cultural Walking Tour of Kingston: $65

Tours and Activities in Seattle

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Seattle are as follows:

  • Discover A Self-Guided Tour: $1.15
  • Pike Place Market Personalized Self-Guided App Tour: $5.00
  • Experience Mining For Genuine Montana Sapphires in SODO, Seattle: $10
  • Seattle Downtown Pioneers to Starbucks Self Guided Walking Tour: $12
  • An Epic Audio Tour : Seattle on Capital Hill Adventure: $15
  • Downtown Seattle Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $15
  • Car Collection Guided Tour in SODO: $15
  • Seattle Gay History Tour Queers Queens and Everything in Between: $20
  • Smith Tower Observatory Admission Ticket: $22
  • National Nordic Museum Entry Ticket: $24
  • Seattle Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Smith Tower Observatory Access Ticket: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kingston $11
    Seattle $16

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 Seattle

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

  • Astonishing Bar Crawl in Seattle Belltown Bar Blitz: $15
  • Seattle Terrors Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Seattle Pioneer Square Ghost Tour and Pub Crawl: $35
  • Personalized Wine Tasting Experience in Seattle: $60
  • Seattle Beer Wander - Ballard Brewery District: $65
  • Woodinville's Downtown Wine Tasting Pass: $65
  • Small Group Wine Tasting: Explore Diverse Wines and PNW Cuisine: $75
  • Fun Pasta Making Class at a Trendy Brewery in Seattle: $75
  • Diverse Wine Tasting Experience with Bites: $75
  • Pike Place Market Tour with Wine Tasting: $77
  • Chauffeured Self Guided Wine Tour in SODO: $102
  • Woodinville Guided Wine Tour with Optional Tastings: $109


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


Which is Bigger, Kingston or Seattle?

Kingston has a larger population, and is about 65% larger than the population of Seattle. When comparing the sizes of Kingston and Seattle, 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 Seattle?

Seattle 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 Seattle in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kingston and Seattle. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kingston year-round. Furthermore, the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Seattle this time of year.

Kingston is a little warmer than Seattle in the summer. The daily temperature in Kingston averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Seattle fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seattle this time of the year. In Kingston, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kingston usually receives less sunshine than Seattle during summer. Kingston gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Kingston usually receives more rain than Seattle. Kingston gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kingston 29°C (83°F) 
    Seattle 67°F (19°C)

Should I visit Kingston or Seattle in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kingston as well as Seattle. Kingston attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Seattle for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Kingston is much warmer than Seattle. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kingston in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Seattle averages at about 54°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kingston this time of the year. In the autumn, Kingston often gets more sunshine than Seattle. Kingston gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 143 hours of full sun.

Kingston receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kingston usually gets more rain in October than Seattle. Kingston gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kingston 28°C (82°F) 
    Seattle 54°F (12°C)

Should I visit Kingston or Seattle in the Winter?

Both Seattle 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 visitors come to Seattle in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

In January, Kingston is generally much warmer than Seattle. Daily temperatures in Kingston average around 26°C (79°F), and Seattle fluctuates around 42°F (5°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kingston. Kingston usually receives more sunshine than Seattle during winter. Kingston gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 67 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Seattle. In January, Kingston usually receives less rain than Seattle. Kingston gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kingston 26°C (79°F) 
    Seattle 42°F (5°C)

Should I visit Kingston or Seattle in the Spring?

Both Seattle 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, most visitors come to Seattle for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

Kingston is much warmer than Seattle in the spring. The daily temperature in Kingston averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Seattle fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In Seattle, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Kingston. In the spring, Kingston often gets more sunshine than Seattle. Kingston gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 212 hours of full sun.

Kingston usually gets less rain in April than Seattle. Kingston gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kingston 26°C (80°F) 
    Seattle 51°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Seattle and Kingston

Kingston Seattle
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 42°F (5°C) 5.4 inches (136 mm)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 45°F (7°C) 4 inches (102 mm)
Mar 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 47°F (9°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 51°F (11°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm)
May 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 57°F (14°C) 1.9 inches (47 mm)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 62°F (17°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 67°F (19°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 67°F (19°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
Sep 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 62°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 54°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 47°F (8°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 42°F (6°C) 6 inches (152 mm)