Which place is cheaper, Kailua-Kona or Minneapolis?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Minneapolis or Kailua-Kona?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Minneapolis or Kailua-Kona, 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: Minneapolis or Kailua-Kona?
Minneapolis
Known as one of the Twin Cities with its neighbor, Saint Paul, the Minneapolis area is the second largest economic center in the Midwest, behind Chicago. Originally a city of lumber and flour milling, the city has grown to prosper in commerce, rail and trucking, health care, industry, education, publishing, milling, and food processing amongst others. In addition to housing the headquarters for five Fortune 500 Companies, Minneapolis is a city of thriving culture. From visual arts, music, and theater to sporting events and award-winning restaurants, the entertainment is never lacking.
Kailua-Kona
Kailua Kona, or Kona, as it is commonly referred, is the largest city on the western side of the Big Island of Hawaii. It's a popular destination for sport fishing, snorkeling, and its beautiful sunsets. Kona is protected by the mountains so it receives very little rain annually and has about 300 days of sunshine every year. The closest airport is Kona International Airport at Keahole, which receives flights from the mainland United States, Canada, as well as Honolulu and other islands. Once in town, you can walk around Kona, but if you hope to explore anywhere else on the Big Island you will need a car. To take full advantage of your Hawaiian vacation it really is recommended that you rent a car for at least a few days while you're on the island.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMinneapolis $206Kailua-Kona $231
The average daily cost (per person) in Minneapolis is $206, while the average daily cost in Kailua-Kona is $231. 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 Minneapolis and Kailua-Kona in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMinneapolis $110Kailua-Kona $141
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMinneapolis $220Kailua-Kona $282
Compare Hotels in Minneapolis and Kailua-Kona
Looking for a hotel in Minneapolis 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: Minneapolis Hotel Prices and Kailua-Kona Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Minneapolis $43Kailua-Kona $45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Minneapolis
Also for Minneapolis, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Minneapolis Airport (MSP) to Minneapolis - Arrival Private Transfer: $69
- Private Departure Transfer to Minneapolis Airport MSP: $88
- Private Arrival Transfer from Minneapolis Airport MSP: $88
- Minneapolis Airport (MSP) to Minneapolis - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $138
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 Minneapolis or Kailua-Kona?
Prices for flights to both Kailua-Kona and Minneapolis 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 dayMinneapolis $40Kailua-Kona $58
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Minneapolis
For Minneapolis, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Minneapolis Food Tour - Walking: $115
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.Minneapolis $27Kailua-Kona $40
Tours and Activities in Minneapolis
For Minneapolis, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- In the Footsteps of Prince: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Downtown Minneapolis: $7.99
- Mighty Mississippi Self Guided Minneapolis Riverside Tour: $7.99
- Minnehaha Falls: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Minneapolis: $7.99
- Minnehaha Falls: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Minneapolis: $7.99
- Mighty Mississippi: A Self-Guided Riverside Walking Tour: $7.99
- In the Footsteps of Prince: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Saint Paul by Operation City Quest: $10
- A Self-Guided Audio Tour of the Riverfront: $11
- Minnesota Twins Baseball Game Ticket at Target Field: $14
- St. Paul Historic Cave Tour: $15
- Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Minneapolis with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
- Lost Souls Tour: $20
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-Volcanoes & waterfall tour in a small group: $295
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMinneapolis $24Kailua-Kona $15
Sample the Local Flavors in Minneapolis
Also in Minneapolis, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- History and 4-Bar Crawl Guided Walking Tour: $69
- All-Inclusive Minneapolis Craft Brewery Tour: $85
- 3-Hour Craft Brewery Tour: $100
When comparing the travel costs between Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis Expensive? and Is Kailua-Kona Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Minneapolis or Kailua-Kona?
Minneapolis has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Kailua-Kona. When comparing the sizes of Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis or Kailua-Kona in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Minneapolis as well as Kailua-Kona. The summer months attract visitors to Minneapolis because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Minneapolis is generally around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Minneapolis average around 76°F (25°C), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Minneapolis this time of the year. In the summer, Minneapolis often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Minneapolis gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 169 hours of full sun.
Minneapolis usually gets more rain in July than Kailua-Kona. Minneapolis gets 3.4 inches (86 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 JulyMinneapolis 76°F (25°C)Kailua-Kona 78°F (25°C)
Should I visit Minneapolis or Kailua-Kona in the Autumn?
Both Kailua-Kona and Minneapolis are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Minneapolis this time of year.
Minneapolis is much colder than Kailua-Kona in the autumn. The daily temperature in Minneapolis averages around 52°F (11°C) in October, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).
Minneapolis usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during autumn. Minneapolis gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 138 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Minneapolis usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Minneapolis gets 1.8 inches (45 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 OctoberMinneapolis 52°F (11°C)Kailua-Kona 78°F (26°C)
Should I visit Minneapolis or Kailua-Kona in the Winter?
Both Kailua-Kona and Minneapolis during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Minneapolis for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Minneapolis. In the winter, Minneapolis is much colder than Kailua-Kona. Typically, the winter temperatures in Minneapolis in January average around 15°F (-10°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 74°F (23°C).
In the winter, Minneapolis often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kailua-Kona. Minneapolis gets 157 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 158 hours of full sun.
Kailua-Kona gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Minneapolis usually gets less rain in January than Kailua-Kona. Minneapolis gets 0.9 inches (22 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 JanuaryMinneapolis 15°F (-10°C)Kailua-Kona 74°F (23°C)
Should I visit Minneapolis or Kailua-Kona in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Minneapolis and Kailua-Kona. Many visitors come to Minneapolis in the spring for the activities around the city.
In April, Minneapolis is generally much colder than Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Minneapolis average around 49°F (10°C), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).
In Minneapolis, it's very sunny this time of the year. Minneapolis usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during spring. Minneapolis gets 244 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 134 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Minneapolis usually receives less rain than Kailua-Kona. Minneapolis gets 2.1 inches (53 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 AprilMinneapolis 49°F (10°C)Kailua-Kona 74°F (24°C)
Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and Minneapolis
| Minneapolis | Kailua-Kona | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 15°F (-10°C) | 0.9 inches (22 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Feb | 21°F (-6°C) | 0.7 inches (19 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Mar | 34°F (1°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 4.4 inches (111 mm) |
| Apr | 49°F (10°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
| May | 62°F (16°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
| Jun | 71°F (22°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 77°F (25°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) |
| Jul | 76°F (25°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) | 78°F (25°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Aug | 73°F (23°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Sep | 64°F (18°C) | 2.2 inches (57 mm) | 79°F (26°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) |
| Oct | 52°F (11°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.6 inches (41 mm) |
| Nov | 36°F (2°C) | 1.3 inches (33 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Dec | 21°F (-6°C) | 0.9 inches (22 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.