Which place is cheaper, Kailua-Kona or Pensacola?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Pensacola 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 Pensacola and Kailua-Kona can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Pensacola or Kailua-Kona?
Pensacola
With sands as white as sugar grain and a sky devoid of grey clouds and innumerable downpours, Pensacola is known by many as the "Western Gate to the Sunshine State." Located in northern Florida, Pensacola is a waterfront city known for its pristine beaches and rich Floridian history. As one of the earliest European settlements in the U.S., Pensacola is riddled with museums and landmarks that commemorate the state's history, making the city quite appetizing for history buffs and students alike. However, if you are simply looking to get the most out of the all-around good weather of Florida, Pensacola's protected beaches complemented with high-class restaurants and stores make this a vacation capital for many.
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 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPensacola $198Kailua-Kona $231
The average daily cost (per person) in Pensacola is $198, 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 Pensacola and Kailua-Kona in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPensacola $115Kailua-Kona $141
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPensacola $230Kailua-Kona $282
Compare Hotels in Pensacola and Kailua-Kona
Looking for a hotel in Pensacola 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: Pensacola Hotel Prices and Kailua-Kona Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pensacola $64Kailua-Kona $45
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Pensacola
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Pensacola:
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Boca Grande Causeway Toll$5.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pensacola
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pensacola:
- Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Pensacola - Arrival Private Transfer: $55
- Pensacola to Pensacola International Airport (PNS) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
- Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Destin, FL - Arrival Private Transfer: $71
- Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Pensacola - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $109
- Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Destin, FL - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $142
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 Pensacola or Kailua-Kona?
Prices for flights to both Kailua-Kona and Pensacola 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 dayPensacola $48Kailua-Kona $58
Typical Food Prices in Pensacola
Some typical examples of dining costs in Pensacola are as follows:
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Two Ice Creams$6.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pensacola
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Pensacola.
- Seville Stroll Food Tour: $72
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.Pensacola $13Kailua-Kona $40
Typical Entertainment Prices in Pensacola
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Pensacola are as follows:
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Bike Rental$16
Tours and Activities in Pensacola
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Pensacola are as follows:
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Pensacola by Wacky Walks: $10
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Pensacola by Zombie Scavengers: $20
- Public Dolphin & Scenic Bay Sightseeing Cruise, Pensacola FL: $30
- Penscola Most Haunted: Ghost Tour and Scavenger Hunt: $30
- Ghosts and Graveyard Tour of Pensacola: $34
- Hop-on Hop-off Tour in Pensacola : $35
- Frisky Mermaid Public Dolphin + Sightseeing Cruise Up to 49 Pax: $37
- Pensacola Beach Jolly Dolphin Cruise and Scenic Bay Tour: $39
- Pensacola Shared Trolley Ghost and Mystery Tour: $45
- Seville Haunted Luncheon and Ghost Tour: $50
- Land Paddle Tour in Pensacola: $50
- Seville Quarter Haunted Ghost Tour, Investigation, and Luncheon: $50
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 dayPensacola $44Kailua-Kona $15
Sample the Local Flavors in Pensacola
Also in Pensacola, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Walking Pub Tour : $21
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pensacola and Kailua-Kona, we can see that Kailua-Kona is more expensive. And not only is Pensacola much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pensacola would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pensacola 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 Pensacola.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Pensacola Expensive? and Is Kailua-Kona Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Pensacola or Kailua-Kona?
Pensacola has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Kailua-Kona. When comparing the sizes of Pensacola 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 Pensacola 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 Pensacola or Kailua-Kona in the Summer?
Both Kailua-Kona and Pensacola are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pensacola this time of year.
In July, Pensacola is generally around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Pensacola average around 82°F (28°C), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).
It's quite rainy in Pensacola. In July, Pensacola usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Pensacola gets 7.4 inches (189 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 JulyPensacola 82°F (28°C)Kailua-Kona 78°F (25°C)
Should I visit Pensacola or Kailua-Kona in the Autumn?
Both Kailua-Kona and Pensacola during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Pensacola for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.
Pensacola is cooler than Kailua-Kona in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pensacola averages around 69°F (21°C) in October, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Pensacola. Pensacola usually gets more rain in October than Kailua-Kona. Pensacola gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Pensacola.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPensacola 69°F (21°C)Kailua-Kona 78°F (26°C)
Should I visit Pensacola or Kailua-Kona in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Pensacola and Kailua-Kona. Many visitors come to Pensacola in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Pensacola is much colder than Kailua-Kona. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pensacola in January average around 51°F (10°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 74°F (23°C).
Kailua-Kona receives a lot of rain in the winter. Pensacola gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Pensacola usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Pensacola gets 4.6 inches (117 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 JanuaryPensacola 51°F (10°C)Kailua-Kona 74°F (23°C)
Should I visit Pensacola or Kailua-Kona in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Pensacola as well as Kailua-Kona. Most visitors come to Pensacola for the beaches during these months.
In April, Pensacola is generally cooler than Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Pensacola average around 67°F (20°C), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).
Pensacola usually gets more rain in April than Kailua-Kona. Pensacola gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Pensacola is the hurricane season.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPensacola 67°F (20°C)Kailua-Kona 74°F (24°C)
Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and Pensacola
| Pensacola | Kailua-Kona | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 51°F (10°C) | 4.6 inches (117 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Feb | 54°F (12°C) | 5.4 inches (137 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Mar | 60°F (16°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 4.4 inches (111 mm) |
| Apr | 67°F (20°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
| May | 74°F (24°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
| Jun | 80°F (27°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) | 77°F (25°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 7.4 inches (189 mm) | 78°F (25°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Aug | 82°F (28°C) | 7.4 inches (188 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Sep | 78°F (26°C) | 5.3 inches (135 mm) | 79°F (26°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) |
| Oct | 69°F (21°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.6 inches (41 mm) |
| Nov | 61°F (16°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Dec | 54°F (12°C) | 4.3 inches (109 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.