Which place is cheaper, Kailua-Kona or Los Angeles?
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 Los Angeles or Kailua-Kona?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Los Angeles and Kailua-Kona. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Los Angeles or Kailua-Kona?
Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California is probably one of the most well known cities in the United States. It is the second most populated metro area in the country with more than 17 million people. The city's diversity is wide reaching, giving it a character that is unique from any other place in the country. LA has many world famous sights and neighborhoods including Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, and Santa Monica, but there is really so much more to this city.
Kailua-Kona
Kailua-Kona, often simply called Kona, is a vibrant seaside town located on the west coast of Hawaii’s Big Island. Known for its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and laid-back atmosphere, Kona offers travelers an appealing mix of natural beauty and Hawaiian culture. The town is famous for its historic waterfront, local coffee farms, and as the gateway to many of the island’s unique adventures. Despite its popularity, Kailua-Kona remains more relaxed and less crowded than some of Hawaii’s other tourist hubs. Beach lovers, water sports enthusiasts, history buffs, and foodies will all find plenty to enjoy here. With a mix of affordable accommodations, local eateries, and free or inexpensive attractions, it’s a great destination for budget travelers. The nearby volcanic landscapes, snorkeling spots, and lively marketplaces make it an excellent base for exploring the west side of the Big Island.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.
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Los Angeles Prices
USA PricesKailua-Kona Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLos Angeles $300Kailua-Kona $274
The average daily cost (per person) in Los Angeles is $300, while the average daily cost in Kailua-Kona is $274. 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 Los Angeles and Kailua-Kona in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLos Angeles $138Kailua-Kona $141
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLos Angeles $276Kailua-Kona $282
Compare Hotels in Los Angeles and Kailua-Kona
Looking for a hotel in Los Angeles or Kailua-Kona? 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: Los Angeles Hotel Prices and Kailua-Kona Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Los Angeles $40Kailua-Kona $45
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Los Angeles
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Los Angeles:
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Hotel Parking for a Day$22
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Taxi to Airport$55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Los Angeles
Also for Los Angeles, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Los Angeles Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Los Angeles: $32
- Los Angeles Airport LAX Transfer to Long Beach Hollywood Irvine: $33
- Los Angeles:Private Airport Transfers to/from LA or Disney: $36
- LAX Private Airport Transfer: $41
- Los Angeles to Los Angeles Airport (LAX) - Departure Private Transfer: $41
- Los Angeles Airport (LAX) to Anaheim - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
- Los Angeles Airport (LAX) to Long Beach - Arrival Private Transfer: $60
- Los Angeles Private Transfer to or from Hollywood.: $63
- Garden Groove to John Wayne Airport (SNA) - Departure Private Transfer: $64
- John Wayne Airport (SNA) to Garden Groove - Arrival Private Transfer: $64
- Private Transfer from Los Angeles Airport (LAX): $66
- Shared Airport Arrival Transfer: LAX International Airport to Anaheim, Buena Park or Garden Grove: $68
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
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Rental Car for One Day$35
Is it cheaper to fly into Los Angeles or Kailua-Kona?
Prices for flights to both Kailua-Kona and Los Angeles 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 dayLos Angeles $104Kailua-Kona $100
Typical Food Prices in Los Angeles
For Los Angeles, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Mexican Dinner (family of 4)$32
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Burritos for Two$15
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Coffee and Danish$7.70
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Los Angeles
For Los Angeles, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Silver Lake Food Tour with Comedian Foodie Guide!: $59
- West LA Donut Adventure and Walking Food Tour with Tastings: $65
- Santa Monica Delicious Donut Adventure and Walking Food Tour: $70
- Downtown Food Tour: $89
- Downtown Los Angeles Food Tour: $89
- The Immigrant & Historic Businesses of Silver Lake Food Tour: $89
- 3-Hour Secret Food Tour of Venice Beach: $94
- Marina Del Rey: Romantic Cruise, Dinner Charcuterie or Sushi: $99
- Venice Beach Food Tour: $99
- Venice Beach LA Food Tour: $99
- Marina Del Rey: Christmas Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $101
- Hollywood Night Tour with Dinner & Comedy Show: $105
Typical Food Prices in Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of dining costs in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
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Buffet Breakfast for Two$53
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Los Angeles $84Kailua-Kona $40
Typical Entertainment Prices in Los Angeles
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Los Angeles's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Santa Monica Pier Rides (family of 4)$37
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Bowling$13
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Hollywood Tour for Two$30
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Six Flags for 2$96
Tours and Activities in Los Angeles
For Los Angeles, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Self-Guided Walking Tour in Los Angeles' Best-Kept Secrets: $3.59
- Santa Monica: Self-guided Bike Tour App - Audio + Written: $5.00
- Hollywood Boulevard’s Haunting History and Hidden Gems: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Los Angeles Downtown Scavenger Hunt Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $7.20
- Pasadena Puzzle Adventure: Stop the Bomb!: $7.20
- LA Little Tokyo to Olvera St Smartphone (App/GPS) Walking Tour: $7.50
- Pasadena Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $7.74
- Secrets of Venice Boardwalk: Self-Guided Puzzle Adventure in LA: $8.42
- Beverly Hills on Foot Self Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
- Lost Souls of Hollywood Blvd: a Smartphone Audio Ghost Tour: $9.99
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Pasadena by Wacky Walks: $10
- Scavenger Hunt Experience in Fontana by Operation City Quest: $10
Typical Entertainment Prices in Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
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Diving with Manta Rays for Two$162
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Body Board Rental (1 Day)$12
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1 Day Kayak Rental$47
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2 Tank Morning Scuba Dive$115
Tours and Activities in Kailua-Kona
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kailua-Kona are as follows:
- From Kona: Volcano & Waterfall Tour, Small Group: $295
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLos Angeles $15Kailua-Kona $15
Sample the Local Flavors in Los Angeles
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Los Angeles:
- LA Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
- LA Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $36
- Drag Bar Crawl with Drink in Los Angeles : $39
- LA : Drag Highlights - Bar Crawl & Show – Drinks Included!: $50
- 2 Hours Party Bike Pub Crawl Tour in Glendale California: $55
- Malibu: Vintage VW Sightseeing Tour and Wine Tasting: $195
- Wine Tour at Fess Parker Winery by Helicopter: $4,299
When comparing the travel costs between Los Angeles and Kailua-Kona, we can see that Los Angeles is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Los Angeles Expensive? and Is Kailua-Kona Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Los Angeles or Kailua-Kona?
Los Angeles has a larger population, and is about 370 times larger than the population of Kailua-Kona. When comparing the sizes of Los Angeles and Kailua-Kona, 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 Los Angeles or Kailua-Kona?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Los Angeles or Kailua-Kona in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Los Angeles as well as Kailua-Kona. Many visitors come to Los Angeles in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Los Angeles is cooler than Kailua-Kona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Los Angeles in July average around 72°F (22°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 78°F (25°C).
Los Angeles usually gets less rain in July than Kailua-Kona. Los Angeles gets 0 inches (0 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLos Angeles 72°F (22°C)Kailua-Kona 78°F (25°C)
Should I visit Los Angeles or Kailua-Kona in the Autumn?
Both Kailua-Kona and Los Angeles are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Los Angeles for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.
In October, Los Angeles is generally cooler than Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Los Angeles average around 64°F (18°C), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).
In October, Los Angeles usually receives less rain than Kailua-Kona. Los Angeles gets 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLos Angeles 64°F (18°C)Kailua-Kona 78°F (26°C)
Should I visit Los Angeles or Kailua-Kona in the Winter?
Both Kailua-Kona and Los Angeles during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Los Angeles because of the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
Los Angeles is much colder than Kailua-Kona in the winter. The daily temperature in Los Angeles averages around 55°F (13°C) in January, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).
Kailua-Kona gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Los Angeles usually gets less rain in January than Kailua-Kona. Los Angeles gets 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLos Angeles 55°F (13°C)Kailua-Kona 74°F (23°C)
Should I visit Los Angeles or Kailua-Kona in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Los Angeles and Kailua-Kona. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Los Angeles this time of year.
In the spring, Los Angeles is cooler than Kailua-Kona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Los Angeles in April average around 61°F (16°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 74°F (24°C).
In April, Los Angeles usually receives less rain than Kailua-Kona. Los Angeles gets 1 inches (25 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLos Angeles 61°F (16°C)Kailua-Kona 74°F (24°C)
Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and Los Angeles
| Los Angeles | Kailua-Kona | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 55°F (13°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Feb | 55°F (13°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Mar | 57°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 4.4 inches (111 mm) |
| Apr | 61°F (16°C) | 1 inches (25 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
| May | 63°F (17°C) | 0.4 inches (10 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
| Jun | 66°F (19°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) | 77°F (25°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) |
| Jul | 72°F (22°C) | 0 inches (0 mm) | 78°F (25°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Aug | 72°F (22°C) | 0 inches (0 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Sep | 70°F (21°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) | 79°F (26°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) |
| Oct | 64°F (18°C) | 0.6 inches (15 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.6 inches (41 mm) |
| Nov | 63°F (17°C) | 1.2 inches (31 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Dec | 57°F (14°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 3.4 inches (87 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.