A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mandeville vs. Destin for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Mandeville or Destin?

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

Should I visit Mandeville or Destin? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Mandeville or Destin?

Mandeville

Mandeville is a small, quiet town in the mountains of Jamaica with a population of about 50,000. The town is situated on a plateau west of Kingston. It is the largest town in the parish of Manchester and the fifth largest urban center in the country.

Destin

An upscale resort town located on the Florida Panhandle, Destin is best known for its white sand beaches and clear green waters, golfing opportunities, and world renowned fishing. The stretch of beach here (on a peninsula between the Gulf of Mexico and the Choctawhatchee Bay) is nicknamed Florida's Emerald Coast.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Destin or Mandeville?

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

  • Mandeville Prices
    Jamaica Prices
    Destin Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Mandeville $96
    Destin $229

The average daily cost (per person) in Mandeville is $96, while the average daily cost in Destin is $229. 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 Mandeville and Destin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mandeville $38
    Destin $111
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mandeville $76
    Destin $222
Compare Hotels in Mandeville and Destin

Looking for a hotel in Mandeville or Destin? 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 Mandeville


Hotels in Destin


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: Mandeville Hotel Prices and Destin Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mandeville $31
    Destin $50

Is it cheaper to fly into Mandeville or Destin?

Prices for flights to both Destin and Mandeville 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
    Mandeville $41
    Destin $89

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Destin

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

  • 3 Hour Sunset Dinner Cruise by Solaris Yacht in Miramar Beach: $129
  • SanSunset Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $129
  • Murder Mystery Dinner Cruise: $133

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mandeville $8.15
    Destin $17

Typical Entertainment Prices in Destin

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Destin are as follows:


  • 1 Day Rental Umbrella and Chairs
    $40

Tours and Activities in Destin

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

  • 1.5 HR Soundside Island Cruise: $50
  • 2 Hour Private Captained Crab Island Dolphin Tour in Destin: $400
  • 2 Hour Private Captained Crab Island Dolphin Tour in Destin: $180
  • 2 Passenger Jet Ski Dolphin Tour from Gilligan’s Watersports: $180
  • 2-Stop Snorkeling and Dolphin Cruise from Destin: $50
  • 3 Hour Crab Island Adventure Tour in Destin: $57
  • 3 Hour Crab Island Tour from Destin Non-Private with Floats: $65
  • 3-hour Crab Island Boat Tour in Destin: $60
  • 4 Hour Crab Island Adventure Tour in Destin: $67
  • 5-Hour Deep Sea Family Fishing Adventure: $118
  • 90 Minutes Sunset Cruise FWB: $60
  • A Night Cruise Fireworks in Destin: $40

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mandeville $6.38
    Destin $49


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mandeville and Destin, we can see that Destin is more expensive. And not only is Mandeville much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Mandeville is in Caribbean Islands and Destin 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 Mandeville would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mandeville 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 Destin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Destin than you might in Mandeville.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mandeville Expensive? and Is Destin Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Mandeville or Destin?

Mandeville has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Destin. When comparing the sizes of Mandeville and Destin, 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 Mandeville or Destin?

Destin has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Mandeville experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Mandeville or Destin in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Mandeville as well as Destin. Mandeville attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Destin for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Mandeville is generally around the same temperature as Destin. Daily temperatures in Mandeville average around 29°C (83°F), and Destin fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

It's quite rainy in Destin. Mandeville usually gets less rain in July than Destin. Mandeville gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Destin receives 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Mandeville 29°C (83°F) 
    Destin 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Mandeville or Destin in the Autumn?

Both Destin and Mandeville are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mandeville throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Destin in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Mandeville is a little warmer than Destin in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mandeville averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Destin fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Destin. It's quite rainy in Mandeville. In October, Mandeville usually receives more rain than Destin. Mandeville gets 160 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Destin receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Mandeville 28°C (82°F) 
    Destin 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit Mandeville or Destin in the Winter?

Both Destin and Mandeville during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Mandeville because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to Destin for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Mandeville is much warmer than Destin. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mandeville in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Destin averages at about 50°F (10°C).

Destin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Mandeville usually gets less rain in January than Destin. Mandeville gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Destin receives 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Mandeville 26°C (79°F) 
    Destin 50°F (10°C)

Should I visit Mandeville or Destin in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Mandeville and Destin. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mandeville year-round. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Destin because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Mandeville is generally a little warmer than Destin. Daily temperatures in Mandeville average around 26°C (80°F), and Destin fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

In April, Mandeville usually receives less rain than Destin. Mandeville gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Destin receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Mandeville 26°C (80°F) 
    Destin 68°F (20°C)

Typical Weather for Destin and Mandeville

Mandeville Destin
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 50°F (10°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 54°F (12°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Mar 26°C (80°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 60°F (16°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 68°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
May 28°C (82°F) 101 mm (4 in) 74°F (23°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 80°F (27°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 82°F (28°C) 7.4 inches (189 mm)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 82°F (28°C) 7.4 inches (188 mm)
Sep 29°C (83°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 79°F (26°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 160 mm (6.3 in) 69°F (21°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 61°F (16°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 54°F (12°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm)