Which place is cheaper, Washington or Kingston?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Kingston or Washington?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Kingston or Washington, 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 Washington?
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.
Washington
Washington, DC is the capital city of the United States of America. It is also a city rich in history and culture. The city dates back to 1791 when the states of Maryland and Virginia donated the land to create the capital. In 1846, Congress returned the land that was ceded by Virginia and in 1871 it created a single municipal government with the remaining area. Today, Washington, DC has a population of over 600,000 people. The metropolitan area includes suburbs in Maryland and Virginia and has a population of about 5.8 million.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.
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Kingston Prices
Jamaica PricesWashington Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKingston $125Washington $226
The average daily cost (per person) in Kingston is $125, while the average daily cost in Washington is $226. 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 Washington in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKingston $63Washington $113
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKingston $126Washington $226
Compare Hotels in Kingston and Washington
Looking for a hotel in Kingston or Washington? 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 Washington Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kingston $29Washington $47
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Washington
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Washington are as follows:
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Metro Day Pass$9.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Washington
Also for Washington, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer DCA to/from Washington DC Downtown Area only: $147
- Arrival Private Transfer: National Airport DCA to Washington in Luxury Van: $182
- Arrival Transfer Dulles Airport IAD to Washington DC by Sedan: $176
- Arrival Transfer from Dulles Airport IAD to Washington DC by SUV: $198
- Baltimore Airport (BWI) to Washington Round-Trip Private Transfer: $299
- Departure Private Transfer: Washington to Baltimore Airport BWI in Luxury Van: $201
- Departure Private Transfer: Washington to Dulles Airport IAD in Luxury Van: $168
- Departure Transfer: Washington to Airport IAD by Luxury Car: $225
- Departure Transfer: Washington to Dulles Airport IAD by Sedan Car: $139
- Luxury SUV Airport Transfer: Reagan National DCA to Washington DC: $95
- Nation’s Capital Guided Tours and Airport Transfers: $280
- Private Airport Transfer: Reagan National (DCA) to DC: $95
Is it cheaper to fly into Kingston or Washington?
Prices for flights to both Washington 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 $45Washington $66
Typical Food Prices in Washington
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Washington:
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Water$2.00
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Snacks on Monuments Tour$6.15
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Washington
For Washington, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- DC: City Cruises Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise: $59
- Donuts, Lights & History: DC’s Holiday Walking Food Tour: $70
- DC: City Cruises Gourmet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise: $73
- Cobblestones & Croissants: A Morning Food Tour in Georgetown, DC: $89
- Washington D.C : Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $93
- Washington D.C: Acquired Taste Food Tour in Georgetown: $95
- Washington D.C Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $96
- Washington DC: Food Tour with 6+ Locals Favorites Bites: $99
- Washington's Hidden Gems Food Tour with 6+ Tasty Bites: $100
- City Cruises Washington DC: Buffet Dinner Cruise: $116
- Washington, DC: Downtown DC Food Tour: $125
- Washington D.C.: Taste of Georgetown Walking Food Tour: $129
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kingston $12Washington $23
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 Washington
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Washington.
- Discover A Self-Guided Tour: $2.30
- Private Dupont Circle Walking: Personalized Self-Guided App Tour: $5.00
- The Assassination of President Garfield: A Washington DC Tour: $7.99
- Capitol Hill Self Guided Walking Tour: $7.99
- National Mall Washington DC Self Guided Audio Walking Tour: $7.99
- Form Follows Function: An Audio Tour of D.C.'s Federal Buildings: $9.99
- Bureaucracy: Pillars of Policy in D.C Self-Guided Walking tour: $9.99
- Explore Washington DC: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- An Epic Audio Tour: Washington, D.C. Adventure: $15
- DC - Historical: At your leisure and your pace. Downloadable audiovisual tour.: $15
- Washington, D.C: History and Culture Walking Tour With Guide: $15
- Washington DC Monuments Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $15
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKingston $11Washington $19
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 Washington
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Washington:
- Astounding Bar Crawl: Wildin' Out Washington DC: $15
- DC Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl By US Ghost Adventures: $29
- Washington DC: Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
- Haunted DC Pub Crawl Spirits and Scandals in the Capital: $35
- Washington, DC: History Tour Pub Crawl: $49
- Small-Group History Tour Pub Crawl of Washington, D.C.: $53
- DC: Guided Craft Brewery Tours with a Snack: $105
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kingston and Washington, we can see that Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Washington 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 Washington Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kingston or Washington?
Kingston has a larger population, and is about 70% larger than the population of Washington. When comparing the sizes of Kingston and Washington, 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 Washington?
Washington 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 Washington in the Summer?
Both Washington 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, the summer months attract visitors to Washington because of the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Kingston is around the same temperature as Washington. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kingston in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Washington averages at about 79°F (26°C).
In Washington, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Kingston. In the summer, Kingston often gets less sunshine than Washington. Kingston gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Washington receives 278 hours of full sun.
Kingston usually gets less rain in July than Washington. Kingston gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Washington receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKingston 29°C (83°F)Washington 79°F (26°C)
Should I visit Kingston or Washington in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kingston and Washington. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kingston year-round. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Washington this time of year.
In October, Kingston is generally much warmer than Washington. Daily temperatures in Kingston average around 28°C (82°F), and Washington fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).
In Kingston, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kingston usually receives more sunshine than Washington during autumn. Kingston gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Washington receives 197 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 Washington. Kingston gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKingston 28°C (82°F)Washington 60°F (15°C)
Should I visit Kingston or Washington in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Kingston as well as Washington. Kingston attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Washington for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Washington. Kingston is much warmer than Washington in the winter. The daily temperature in Kingston averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Washington fluctuates around 35°F (1°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 Washington. Kingston gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Washington receives 139 hours of full sun.
Kingston usually gets less rain in January than Washington. Kingston gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKingston 26°C (79°F)Washington 35°F (1°C)
Should I visit Kingston or Washington in the Spring?
Both Washington 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, many visitors come to Washington in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Kingston is much warmer than Washington. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kingston in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Washington averages at about 56°F (14°C).
It's quite sunny in Washington. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kingston. Kingston usually receives more sunshine than Washington during spring. Kingston gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Washington receives 228 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Kingston usually receives less rain than Washington. Kingston gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKingston 26°C (80°F)Washington 56°F (14°C)
Typical Weather for Washington and Kingston
| Kingston | Washington | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 35°F (1°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 37°F (3°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 47°F (8°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 56°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 66°F (19°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 75°F (24°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 79°F (26°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
| Sep | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 60°F (15°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 50°F (10°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 39°F (4°C) | 3.2 inches (82 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.