Which place is cheaper, Kailua-Kona or New York City?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit New York City 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 New York City 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: New York City or Kailua-Kona?
New York City
The most populated city in the United States, New York City, sits at the mouth of the Hudson River and encompasses both the island of Manhattan as well as the surrounding land on Long Island, most of which is known as Brooklyn. It's a cultural, culinary, theatrical, and art center that has much to offer domestic and international travelers alike. The city covers an area of 305 square miles and has a population of about 8.2 million people in the city proper with 18.7 million in the metropolitan area.
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 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.
-
New York City Prices
USA PricesKailua-Kona Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNew York City $363Kailua-Kona $274
The average daily cost (per person) in New York City is $363, 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 New York City and Kailua-Kona in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNew York City $175Kailua-Kona $141
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNew York City $350Kailua-Kona $282
Compare Hotels in New York City and Kailua-Kona
Looking for a hotel in New York City 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: New York City Hotel Prices and Kailua-Kona Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.New York City $49Kailua-Kona $45
Typical Local Transportation Prices in New York City
Some typical examples of transportation costs in New York City are as follows:
-
Subway$4.50
-
Taxi Ride$8.00
-
Subway$2.50
Hired Cars and Shuttles in New York City
Also for New York City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- JFK to Manhattan: One Way Shared Arrival Transfer : $35
- Manhattan to LGA: One Way Shared Departure Transfer: $35
- Manhattan to JFK: One Way Shared Departure Transfer : $35
- Private Transfer from Manhattan to NYC Airports (JFK/EWR/LGA): $38
- Manhattan to EWR: One Way Shared Departure Transfer: $39
- Private Departure Transfer Brooklyn to NYC Airports (JFK) (LGA) (EWR): $43
- Private New York City Airport-to-Airport Transfer (JFK/LGA/EWR): $43
- Private Transfer from Cape Liberty Cruise Port to New York City: $44
- Private Transfer from Manhattan Port to New York Airport (LGA): $44
- Private Transfer from Newark Airport (EWR) to Cape Liberty Port: $44
- Private Transfer from New York to Cape Liberty Cruise Port: $44
- LaGuardia Airport (LGA) to Cape Cruise Port - Arrival Transfer: $44
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 New York City or Kailua-Kona?
Prices for flights to both Kailua-Kona and New York City 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 dayNew York City $87Kailua-Kona $100
Typical Food Prices in New York City
For New York City, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Gelato$7.50
-
Snacks for Two at Yankees Game$34
-
Coffee$6.53
-
Smoothie$6.95
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in New York City
For New York City, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- East Village Noho Food Tour: $32
- The Lower East Side Food Tour: $35
- The Chinatown, Little Italy, Food Tour: $35
- Sweets and Slices Greenwich Village Walking Food Tour: $49
- New York City's Best Pizza tour: $59
- Made in Brooklyn Food Tour: $65
- East Village Pizza Walk: $75
- Brooklyn Pizza Walk: $75
- New York's Classic Eats West Village Food Tour: $75
- Greenwich Village Pizza Walk: $75
- Chinatown Food Tour with a Chef in Manhattan: $75
- Union Square Donut Adventure and Walking Food Tour: $75
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.New York City $180Kailua-Kona $40
Typical Entertainment Prices in New York City
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for New York City's activities, tours, and tickets:
-
Comedy Show Tickets$56
-
City Map$8.00
-
Broadway Musical$111
-
Broadway Show Program$10
-
Magazine$6.99
Tours and Activities in New York City
For New York City, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- New York's Hidden Gems: Self-Guided City Tour: $3.56
- Central Park Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $4.75
- Self Guided Central Park Bike or Walking Tour Application: $5.00
- Broadway: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of the World's Iconic Theatre District: $5.39
- Brooklyn, NY Street Art Puzzle Quest: Self-Guided Tour: $5.94
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in New York: $5.94
- New York City Audio Tour: $6.41
- Self Guided "Central Park Movie Tour" Solo Walking Tour in New York City: $6.75
- Private Haunted and Historic Audio Tour in Greenwich Village: $6.95
- Luxury Horse and Carriage Tours in Central Park: $6.99
- Central Park Outdoor Escape Adventure: $7.00
- Movie Magic in Central Park: Self-Guided Puzzle Adventure: $7.09
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: Volcano & Waterfall Tour, Small Group: $295
For more ideas for your next trip, check out The Best Things to do in New York City with Kids, Things to Do in Central Park in NYC, and The Best Museums in New York City.
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayNew York City $29Kailua-Kona $15
Sample the Local Flavors in New York City
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in New York City:
- Brooklyn Distillery Tour : $22
- NYC Pub Crawl Experience: $24
- Distillery Tour and Tasting: $25
- NYC Pub Crawl Tour: $30
- NYC Pub Crawl with Rooftop Clubbing Experience: $33
- Top Shelf Distillery Tour: $33
- New York Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $36
- Cheers to Chinatown Tour and Bar Crawl: $40
- Brooklyn Literary Pub Crawl: $49
- Greenwich Village Piano Bar Crawl: $50
- East Village Gangster Ghost Pub Crawl: $64
- Broadway Prohibition Pub Crawl: $64
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between New York City and Kailua-Kona, we can see that New York City is more expensive. And not only is Kailua-Kona much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kailua-Kona would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kailua-Kona 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 New York City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in New York City than you might in Kailua-Kona.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is New York City Expensive? and Is Kailua-Kona Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, New York City or Kailua-Kona?
New York City has a larger population, and is about 810 times larger than the population of Kailua-Kona. When comparing the sizes of New York City 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 New York City 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 New York City or Kailua-Kona in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to New York City as well as Kailua-Kona. Many visitors come to New York City in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
New York City is around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona in the summer. The daily temperature in New York City averages around 77°F (25°C) in July, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).
New York City receives a lot of rain in the summer. New York City usually gets more rain in July than Kailua-Kona. New York City gets 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyNew York City 77°F (25°C)Kailua-Kona 78°F (25°C)
Should I visit New York City or Kailua-Kona in the Autumn?
Both Kailua-Kona and New York City are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to New York City for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, New York City is much colder than Kailua-Kona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in New York City in October average around 57°F (14°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 78°F (26°C).
In October, New York City usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. New York City gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNew York City 57°F (14°C)Kailua-Kona 78°F (26°C)
Should I visit New York City or Kailua-Kona in the Winter?
Both Kailua-Kona and New York City during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to New York City because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
The weather in New York City can be very cold. In January, New York City is generally much colder than Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in New York City average around 31°F (-1°C), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).
Kailua-Kona gets a good bit of rain this time of year. New York City usually gets less rain in January than Kailua-Kona. New York City gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNew York City 31°F (-1°C)Kailua-Kona 74°F (23°C)
Should I visit New York City or Kailua-Kona in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both New York City and Kailua-Kona. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to New York City this time of year.
New York City is much colder than Kailua-Kona in the spring. The daily temperature in New York City averages around 52°F (11°C) in April, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).
In April, New York City usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. New York City gets 3.8 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilNew York City 52°F (11°C)Kailua-Kona 74°F (24°C)
Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and New York City
| New York City | Kailua-Kona | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 31°F (-1°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Feb | 33°F (1°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Mar | 42°F (6°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 4.4 inches (111 mm) |
| Apr | 52°F (11°C) | 3.8 inches (98 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
| May | 63°F (17°C) | 4.1 inches (105 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
| Jun | 72°F (22°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 77°F (25°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) |
| Jul | 77°F (25°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) | 78°F (25°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Aug | 76°F (24°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Sep | 68°F (20°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 79°F (26°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) |
| Oct | 57°F (14°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.6 inches (41 mm) |
| Nov | 47°F (8°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Dec | 36°F (2°C) | 3.4 inches (88 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.