Which place is cheaper, Kailua-Kona or Monterey?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Monterey 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 Monterey 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: Monterey or Kailua-Kona?
Monterey
When it comes to California, Monterey may not be mentioned half as much as you hear about Los Angeles or San Francisco, but it is a beautiful city to visit, with a diverse expanse of exciting and relaxing things to do, whether you're looking for adventure, a quiet getaway, or romance.
Located on California's central coast, the city of Monterey was the first State Capital of California. It was also home to many artists, athletes, and musicians, such as John Steinbeck, Clint Eastwood, and Ron Johnson.
Monterey has mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm, dry summers. Cold season runs from December to April and warm season, from July until October. The peak travel seasons are during summer, from July to September. If you want to avoid crowds, the months of April and October are ideal times to visit for fewer crowds and comfortable weather.
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 Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMonterey $170Kailua-Kona $231
The average daily cost (per person) in Monterey is $170, 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 Monterey and Kailua-Kona in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMonterey $90Kailua-Kona $141
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMonterey $180Kailua-Kona $282
Compare Hotels in Monterey and Kailua-Kona
Looking for a hotel in Monterey 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: Monterey Hotel Prices and Kailua-Kona Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Monterey $32Kailua-Kona $45
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
-
Rental Car for One Day$35
Is it cheaper to fly into Monterey or Kailua-Kona?
Prices for flights to both Kailua-Kona and Monterey 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 dayMonterey $56Kailua-Kona $58
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Monterey
For Monterey, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Guided Walking Food Tour with Tastings: $150
Typical Food Prices in Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of dining costs in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
-
Buffet Breakfast for Two$53
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Monterey $27Kailua-Kona $40
Tours and Activities in Monterey
For Monterey, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- San Fran Pacific Coast Self-Driving Tour App: $7.30
- Self-Guided John Steinbeck Walking Tour with Audio: $7.99
- Monterey Peninsula Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
- 17-Mile Drive Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Scenic 17-Mile Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
- California: Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle: $40
- Monterey Fisherman's Wharf & Presidio Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $49
- Monterey Cannery Row: Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $49
- Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour: $60
- Catamaran Sailing Cruise: $65
- Cannery Row Kayak Tour: $65
- Whale Watching Cruise: $70
Typical Entertainment Prices in Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
-
Diving with Manta Rays for Two$162
-
Body Board Rental (1 Day)$12
-
1 Day Kayak Rental$47
-
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
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayMonterey $21Kailua-Kona $15
Sample the Local Flavors in Monterey
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Monterey:
- Carmel Valley Wine Tasting Tour: $150
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Monterey and Kailua-Kona, we can see that Kailua-Kona is more expensive. And not only is Monterey much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Monterey would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Monterey 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 Kailua-Kona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kailua-Kona than you might in Monterey.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Monterey Expensive? and Is Kailua-Kona Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Monterey or Kailua-Kona?
Monterey has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Kailua-Kona. When comparing the sizes of Monterey 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 Monterey 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 Monterey or Kailua-Kona in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Monterey as well as Kailua-Kona. Many visitors come to Monterey in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Monterey is cooler than Kailua-Kona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Monterey in July average around 63°F (17°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 78°F (25°C).
Monterey usually gets less rain in July than Kailua-Kona. Monterey gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyMonterey 63°F (17°C)Kailua-Kona 78°F (25°C)
Should I visit Monterey or Kailua-Kona in the Autumn?
Both Kailua-Kona and Monterey are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Monterey for the shopping scene during these months.
In October, Monterey is generally much colder than Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Monterey average around 62°F (17°C), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).
In October, Monterey usually receives less rain than Kailua-Kona. Monterey gets 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMonterey 62°F (17°C)Kailua-Kona 78°F (26°C)
Should I visit Monterey or Kailua-Kona in the Winter?
Both Kailua-Kona and Monterey during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Monterey because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Monterey is much colder than Kailua-Kona in the winter. The daily temperature in Monterey averages around 51°F (11°C) in January, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).
Kailua-Kona gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Monterey usually gets less rain in January than Kailua-Kona. Monterey gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMonterey 51°F (11°C)Kailua-Kona 74°F (23°C)
Should I visit Monterey or Kailua-Kona in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Monterey and Kailua-Kona. The beaches are the main draw to Monterey this time of year.
In the spring, Monterey is much colder than Kailua-Kona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Monterey in April average around 56°F (13°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 74°F (24°C).
In April, Monterey usually receives less rain than Kailua-Kona. Monterey gets 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilMonterey 56°F (13°C)Kailua-Kona 74°F (24°C)
Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and Monterey
| Monterey | Kailua-Kona | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 51°F (11°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Feb | 53°F (12°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Mar | 54°F (12°C) | 2.1 inches (55 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 4.4 inches (111 mm) |
| Apr | 56°F (13°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
| May | 59°F (15°C) | 0.2 inches (4 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
| Jun | 62°F (16°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) | 77°F (25°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) |
| Jul | 63°F (17°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) | 78°F (25°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Aug | 64°F (18°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Sep | 64°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) | 79°F (26°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) |
| Oct | 62°F (17°C) | 0.6 inches (14 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.6 inches (41 mm) |
| Nov | 56°F (13°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Dec | 51°F (10°C) | 2 inches (51 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.