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

Should you visit Kingston or Shenandoah National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Kingston or Shenandoah National Park, 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 Shenandoah National Park?

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.

Shenandoah National Park

One of the most visited destinations in the eastern part of the United States, Shenandoah National Park attracts over a million people each year for its beautiful mountain scenery, abundant wildlife, and vibrant colors in the autumn months. Established in 1935, it is the largest fully protected area in the mid-Appalachian region.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Shenandoah National Park 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
    Shenandoah National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Kingston $125
    Shenandoah National Park $145

The average daily cost (per person) in Kingston is $125, while the average daily cost in Shenandoah National Park is $145. 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 Shenandoah National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kingston $62
    Shenandoah National Park $53
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kingston $124
    Shenandoah National Park $106
Compare Hotels in Kingston and Shenandoah National Park

Looking for a hotel in Kingston or Shenandoah National Park? 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 Shenandoah National Park


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kingston $29
    Shenandoah National Park $70

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
  • Group Private Kingston Airport Transfers (10 - 15 Persons): $251
  • Private Transfer Kingston Airport (KIN) To & From Sandals South Coast: $240
  • Kingston Airport to & From Sandals Ocho Rios Transfer: $200
  • Private Transfer from Kingston hotel to Falmouth Cruise Port: $199
  • Private Transfer Kingston Airport to Hilton Rose Hall: $187
  • Transfer for Kingston Airport to or from Hotels in Falmouth Area: $173
  • Kingston Airport Transfers to Runaway Bay: $167
  • Transfer from Norman Manley Airport (KIN) to Kingston Hotels: $150
  • Airport MBJ Round Trip Transfer to Ocho Rios Airbnb Home, Resorts: $133
  • Private Kingston Airport KIN Transfer for Ocho Rios Hotels: $128

Is it cheaper to fly into Kingston or Shenandoah National Park?

Prices for flights to both Shenandoah National Park 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
    Shenandoah National Park $49

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kingston $12
    Shenandoah National Park $34

Tours and Activities in Kingston

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

  • ATV Adventure of Ocho Rios: $117
  • Art Walk, Bob Marley Museum Kingston City Tour: $130
  • Bamboo Rafting Adventure in Ocho Rios: $62
  • Bamboo Rafting and Boston Jerk Centre Tour in Portland Jamaica: $220
  • Blue Mountain Craighton Estate Coffee Tasting Tour / Devon House: $180
  • Blue Mountain Waterfall and Sightseeing Ecotour: $200
  • 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 Express Tour from Port Royal Cruise Port: $141
  • Bob Marley Museum Tour from Kingston Hotels: $120
  • Bob Marley Museum, Devon House and Downtown Kingston Tour: $125

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kingston $11
    Shenandoah National Park $7.14

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


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



When is the best time to visit Kingston or Shenandoah National Park?

Shenandoah National Park 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 Shenandoah National Park in the Summer?

Both Shenandoah National Park 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, many travelers come to Shenandoah National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Kingston is a little warmer than Shenandoah National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Kingston averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Shenandoah National Park fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

Kingston usually gets less rain in July than Shenandoah National Park. Kingston gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Shenandoah National Park receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kingston 29°C (83°F) 
    Shenandoah National Park 77°F (25°C)

Should I visit Kingston or Shenandoah National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kingston and Shenandoah National Park. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kingston year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Shenandoah National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Kingston is much warmer than Shenandoah National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kingston in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Shenandoah National Park averages at about 56°F (13°C).

Kingston gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Kingston usually receives more rain than Shenandoah National Park. Kingston gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Shenandoah National Park receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kingston 28°C (82°F) 
    Shenandoah National Park 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Kingston or Shenandoah National Park in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kingston as well as Shenandoah National Park. Kingston attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Shenandoah National Park for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Shenandoah National Park can be very cold during winter. In January, Kingston is generally much warmer than Shenandoah National Park. Daily temperatures in Kingston average around 26°C (79°F), and Shenandoah National Park fluctuates around 32°F (-0°C).

Kingston usually gets less rain in January than Shenandoah National Park. Kingston gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Shenandoah National Park receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kingston 26°C (79°F) 
    Shenandoah National Park 32°F (-0°C)

Should I visit Kingston or Shenandoah National Park in the Spring?

Both Shenandoah National Park and Kingston are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kingston throughout the year. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Shenandoah National Park because of the natural beauty.

Kingston is much warmer than Shenandoah National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Kingston averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Shenandoah National Park fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

In April, Kingston usually receives less rain than Shenandoah National Park. Kingston gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Shenandoah National Park receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kingston 26°C (80°F) 
    Shenandoah National Park 54°F (12°C)

Typical Weather for Shenandoah National Park and Kingston

Kingston Shenandoah National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 32°F (-0°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 35°F (1°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Mar 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 54°F (12°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
May 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 63°F (17°C) 4 inches (102 mm)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 77°F (25°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 75°F (24°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 68°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 56°F (13°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 36°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)