A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Petra vs. Kingston for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Petra or Kingston?

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 Petra and Kingston can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Petra or Kingston?

Petra

Whether you're checking off the Seven Wonders of the World, or you're just a huge Indiana Jones fan, the city of Petra must be on your bucket list. The "rose red city, half as old as time," was the capital of the Nabataean kingdom in the 6th century BC. It was the center for trade and commerce until an earthquake took out buildings and destroyed their water management system. After this destruction, the city of Petra seemed to be lost to western civilization.

Kingston

Kingston is Jamaica's capital city with a population of about 579,000. For being located on an island, Kingston is a very large city with several different zip codes. Not only is Kingston the cultural capital of the country, but also the commercial one as well.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Jordan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Jordan.


Which place is cheaper, Kingston or Petra?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Petra is $153, while the average daily cost in Kingston is $123. 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 Petra and Kingston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Petra $59
    Kingston $62
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Petra $118
    Kingston $124
Compare Hotels in Petra and Kingston

Looking for a hotel in Petra or Kingston? 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.

Hotels in Petra


Hotels in Kingston


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: Petra Hotel Prices and Kingston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Petra $23
    Kingston $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Petra

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Petra:

  • Airport Transfer to and from Petra: $92
  • Comfortable and Reliable Private Transfer: Petra to Wadi Rum: $100
  • From Eilat: Petra Full-Day Guided Tour with Transfers: $219
  • Petra Private Transfer To Multiple Destinations: $115
  • Private Departure Transfer: Petra Hotels to Amman Airport: $93
  • Private Transfer Amman Airport to Petra or vice versa via the King's Highway: $120
  • Private Transfer From Petra to Amman or Airport With Optional : $99
  • Private Transfer from Ma'in Hotel to Aqaba Airport: $120
  • Private transfer Petra to/from Wadi Rum: $140

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kingston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kingston:

  • From Kingston Airport: One Way Shared Transfer to Kingston: $19
  • From One Way Shared Transfer to Kingston Airport: $19
  • Private Transfers To/From Kingston & Airport (KIN) Across Jamaica: $24
  • Private Transfer from Kingston's Airport: $32
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Kingston International Airport (KIN): $34
  • Kingston Airport Transfers Private Taxi Service***: $37
  • Private Transfer To & From New Kingston to Norman Manley Airport: $40
  • Kingston Norman Manley Airport (KIN) to Kingston - Arrival Private Transfer: $42
  • From One Way Shared Transfer to Port Antonio: $47
  • Private Transfers To/From Kingston & Airport Across Jamaica: $49
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Kingston International Airport to Hotel: $53
  • From One Way Shared Transfer to Montego Bay: $69

Is it cheaper to fly into Petra or Kingston?

Prices for flights to both Kingston and Petra 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 day
    Petra $66
    Kingston $44
Typical Food Prices in Petra

Some typical examples of dining costs in Petra are as follows:


  • Dinner for Two
    $12
  • Juice
    $1.76

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Petra

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Petra.

  • Cooking outside in little Petra between the Mountains. : $50
  • Private Outdoor bedouin Dinner in Petra: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Petra $47
    Kingston $12
Typical Entertainment Prices in Petra

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Petra are as follows:


  • Entry to Petra for One
    $71

Tours and Activities in Petra

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Petra are as follows:

  • Hike Tour of Petra: $10
  • 3-Hour Private Petra Tour: Exclusive Classical Guided Experience: $55
  • Private Guided Tour in Petra with licensed guide: $70
  • 3-hour Private Guided Tour In Petra with hotel pick up.: $75
  • Amman: Petra by Night Tour with Optional Day Visit: $99
  • Private Indiana-Jones Archeological Trail Tour: $100
  • Petra Highlight Tour with Private Guide Sami Nawafleh | 2.5 Hours: $120
  • Private Half-Day Tour of Petra with Lunch: $120
  • 6 Hours Private Tour in Petra: $125
  • Wadi Rum Day Tour from Petra ending in Aqaba: $138
  • Private Petra Back Entrance Tour with Guide .: $140
  • From Petra Wadi Rum Private 8 hours roundtrip tour : $140

Tours and Activities in Kingston

Here are a few actual costs in Kingston for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Art Walk Sunday Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $9.78
  • Walking Tour with Mural Exploration: $26
  • Bob Marley Museum Entry Ticket: $30
  • Kingston Creative: Mural Art Walking Tour: $31
  • Club Kingston VIP Departure Lounge Experience: $38
  • Mural Tours in the Downtown Kingston Art District, Jamaica: $40
  • Reggae Legend - Bob Marley Museum Tour Tickets: $41
  • Bamboo Rafting Adventure in Ocho Rios : $62
  • Devon House Heritage Tour with Ice Cream from Kingston: $63
  • Devon House Tour with Ice Cream from Kingston: $64
  • Private Bob Marley Tour Experience: $65
  • Kingston City Guided Tour - Classic: $69

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Petra $15
    Kingston $11


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Petra and Kingston, we can see that Petra is more expensive. And not only is Kingston much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Petra is in Middle East and Kingston is in Caribbean Islands, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Kingston would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kingston 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 Petra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Petra than you might in Kingston.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Petra Expensive? and Is Kingston Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Petra or Kingston?

Kingston has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Petra. When comparing the sizes of Petra and Kingston, 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 Petra or Kingston?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Petra or Kingston in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Petra and Kingston. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Petra year-round. Kingston attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In July, Petra usually receives less rain than Kingston. Petra gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kingston this time of the year. In Petra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Kingston during summer. Petra gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Kingston receives 254 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's very hot in Petra this time of the year. Petra is a little warmer than Kingston in the summer. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Kingston fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Petra 33°C (91°F) 
    Kingston 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Petra or Kingston in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Petra as well as Kingston. Petra attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kingston throughout the year.

It's quite rainy in Kingston. Petra usually gets less rain in October than Kingston. Petra gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kingston. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Petra this time of the year. In the autumn, Petra often gets more sunshine than Kingston. Petra gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kingston receives 229 hours of full sun.

In the autumn, Petra is around the same temperature as Kingston. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Petra in October average around 27°C (80°F), and Kingston averages at about 28°C (82°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Petra 27°C (80°F) 
    Kingston 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Petra or Kingston in the Winter?

Both Kingston and Petra are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Petra throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Kingston because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In January, Petra usually receives more rain than Kingston. Petra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

It's quite sunny in Kingston. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Petra. Petra usually receives less sunshine than Kingston during winter. Petra gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Kingston receives 257 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Petra is generally much colder than Kingston. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 15°C (59°F), and Kingston fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Petra 15°C (59°F) 
    Kingston 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Petra or Kingston in the Spring?

Both Kingston and Petra during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Petra because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kingston year-round.

Petra usually gets less rain in April than Kingston. Petra gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Kingston, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Petra. In the spring, Petra often gets more sunshine than Kingston. Petra gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kingston receives 251 hours of full sun.

Petra is around the same temperature as Kingston in the spring. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 25°C (76°F) in April, and Kingston fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Petra 25°C (76°F) 
    Kingston 26°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Kingston and Petra

Petra Kingston
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 15°C (59°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 17°C (62°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Apr 25°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 32°C (90°F) 0 mm (0 in) 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 30°C (87°F) 0 mm (0 in) 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 16°C (62°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)