Which place is cheaper, Kailua-Kona or Miami?
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 Miami or Kailua-Kona?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Miami and Kailua-Kona can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Miami or Kailua-Kona?
Miami
Miami is a popular tourist destination and a modern city in South Florida. It has beautiful white beaches, crystal blue waters, cosmopolitan neighborhoods, impressive shopping, and excellent dining opportunities. It is also a gateway to the Florida Keys, which is another popular destination in South Florida.
Miami is the second most populated city in Florida and the metropolitan area is the most populated in the state with more than 5.4 million people. It's also the 7th largest metro area in the country. The city sits between the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Everglades to the west. It covers 110 miles north to south but is a narrow 20 miles east to west.
Miami sits at a low latitude, giving it a subtropical savannah climate. There are two seasons; the warm and dry season between November and April and the hot and wet season between May and October. The coldest months are between December and March when highs are in the upper 70 or low 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The summer months have highs in the upper 80s or 90s and lows in the mid 70s with high humidity.
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 Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.
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Miami Prices
USA PricesKailua-Kona Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMiami $258Kailua-Kona $274
The average daily cost (per person) in Miami is $258, 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 Miami and Kailua-Kona in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMiami $154Kailua-Kona $141
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMiami $308Kailua-Kona $282
Compare Hotels in Miami and Kailua-Kona
Looking for a hotel in Miami 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: Miami Hotel Prices and Kailua-Kona Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Miami $38Kailua-Kona $45
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Miami
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Miami are as follows:
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Car Rental for a Day$18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Miami
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Miami:
- MIA Airport One-Way Private Transfer to Miami Port: $22
- MIA Airport Private Transfer to Miami or Miami Beach: $22
- Miami Private Transfers: Airport, Cruise, Point-to-Point.: $33
- Private Transfer From Miami Airport (MIA): $36
- Privat Transfer from Miami Airport (MIA) to Cruise Port of Miami: $37
- Private Airport Transfer to/from Airport & Hotel: $39
- From Everglades Wildlife Show, Airboat & Bus Transfer: $40
- MIA Airport RoundTrip Transfer to Miami City/Beach: $44
- Private Cruise Port Transfer from MIA Airport or Any Miami Hotel: $50
- Everglades Airboat, Gator Encounter & Bus Transfer: $50
- Private Airport Transfer: $60
- From Everglades Airboat, Wildlife Show & Bus Transfer: $60
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 Miami or Kailua-Kona?
Prices for flights to both Kailua-Kona and Miami 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 dayMiami $72Kailua-Kona $100
Typical Food Prices in Miami
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Miami:
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Lunch with Drinks (for 2)$45
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David's Cafe Lunch (for 1)$16
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Miami
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Miami.
- The Ultimate Little Havana Food Tour: $67
- Little Havana Street Food Tour with Enthusiastic Guide: $69
- South Beach Food Tour: $70
- Taste of Little Havana Food Tour in Miami with Cuban Street Food: $75
- Miami Mosaic Signature Food Tour: $75
- Guided Small Group Little Havana Food Tour: $91
- Mango's Tropical Cafe Dinner & Show: $98
- Miami Dinner Party w/ Night Club Experience: $100
- Ukrainian cooking class in Miami: $150
- Traditional Cuban Cooking Class in Miami: $155
- Food Tour in Little Havana, Miami: $216
- Miami : Small Group Cuban Cooking Class: $620
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.Miami $31Kailua-Kona $40
Tours and Activities in Miami
Here are a few actual costs in Miami for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Bus & Boat Ultimate Sightseeing Combo Tour: $6.16
- Little Havana Smartphone guided Audio App Solo Walking Tour: $6.75
- Wynwood Art Walk Self-Guided Tour of Murals & Creativity: $7.99
- Private and Exclusive Jet Car Experience: $8.25
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Miami by Wacky Walks: $10
- Tubing Ride Experience: $11
- Jet Ski Miami : Experience the Ultimate Water Fun !: $11
- Miami Biscayne Bay: Sunset Boat Cruise & Millionaire Homes: $12
- Wynwood Walls Skip-the-Line Ticket: $13
- Miami Marlins Baseball Game Ticket at LoanDepot Park: $14
- Skyline Boat Cruise, Millionaire homes & Miami Beach: $14
- Miami Millionaire Cruise & City Tour 5 stops & Cuban Coffee: $14
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 dayMiami $22Kailua-Kona $15
Typical Alcohol Prices in Miami
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Miami are as follows:
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Evening at a Bar$32
Sample the Local Flavors in Miami
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Miami:
- Miami Florida Bar Crawl: $15
- Guided Pub Crawl Miami and Club Entry Wynwood: $15
- Miami Pub Crawl + Clubbing Experience: $21
- Miami Bar Crawl: $29
- Guided Bar Crawl with Drinks Discounts and Club Entry: $29
- Pub Crawl Miami: $30
- Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
- Miami Bachelorette Bar Crawl: $40
- Pedal Pub Art District Party Bike Pub Crawl: $41
- Miami Pedal Pub: Arts District Party Bike Pub Crawl: $58
- Small-Group Brewery Golf Cart Tour of Wynwood with a Local Guide: $59
- Wynwood Graffiti Brewery Golf Cart Tour: $63
When comparing the travel costs between Miami and Kailua-Kona, we can see that Kailua-Kona 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 Miami Expensive? and Is Kailua-Kona Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Miami or Kailua-Kona?
Miami has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Kailua-Kona. When comparing the sizes of Miami 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 Miami or Kailua-Kona?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Miami or Kailua-Kona in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Miami and Kailua-Kona. The beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Miami this time of year.
Miami is a little warmer than Kailua-Kona in the summer. The daily temperature in Miami averages around 83°F (28°C) in July, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).
In Miami, it's very sunny this time of the year. Miami usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during summer. Miami gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.
Miami gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Miami usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Miami gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMiami 83°F (28°C)Kailua-Kona 78°F (25°C)
Should I visit Miami or Kailua-Kona in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Miami as well as Kailua-Kona. Many travelers come to Miami for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.
In the autumn, Miami is around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Miami in October average around 78°F (26°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 78°F (26°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Miami this time of the year. In the autumn, Miami often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Miami gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 138 hours of full sun.
Miami receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Miami usually gets more rain in October than Kailua-Kona. Miami gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMiami 78°F (26°C)Kailua-Kona 78°F (26°C)
Should I visit Miami or Kailua-Kona in the Winter?
Both Kailua-Kona and Miami are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Miami in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
In January, Miami is generally cooler than Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Miami average around 67°F (20°C), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Miami. Miami usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during winter. Miami gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 158 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kailua-Kona. In January, Miami usually receives less rain than Kailua-Kona. Miami gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMiami 67°F (20°C)Kailua-Kona 74°F (23°C)
Should I visit Miami or Kailua-Kona in the Spring?
Both Kailua-Kona and Miami during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Miami for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.
Miami is around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona in the spring. The daily temperature in Miami averages around 75°F (24°C) in April, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).
It's quite sunny in Miami. In the spring, Miami often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Miami gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 134 hours of full sun.
Miami usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Kailua-Kona. Miami gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMiami 75°F (24°C)Kailua-Kona 74°F (24°C)
Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and Miami
| Miami | Kailua-Kona | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 67°F (20°C) | 2.2 inches (55 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Feb | 68°F (20°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Mar | 72°F (22°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 4.4 inches (111 mm) |
| Apr | 75°F (24°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
| May | 79°F (26°C) | 6.4 inches (162 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
| Jun | 81°F (27°C) | 9.4 inches (238 mm) | 77°F (25°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) |
| Jul | 83°F (28°C) | 5.9 inches (149 mm) | 78°F (25°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Aug | 83°F (28°C) | 7.5 inches (191 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Sep | 82°F (28°C) | 7.6 inches (194 mm) | 79°F (26°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) |
| Oct | 78°F (26°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.6 inches (41 mm) |
| Nov | 73°F (23°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Dec | 69°F (21°C) | 1.9 inches (48 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.