Which place is cheaper, Kailua-Kona or Raleigh?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Raleigh or Kailua-Kona?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Raleigh or Kailua-Kona? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Raleigh or Kailua-Kona?
Raleigh
Raleigh is the capital city of the state of North Carolina. The city has a population of about 450,000 and is home to many colleges and university including North Carolina State University, Shaw University, Saint Augustine's College, Meredith College and Peace University. The city has a wide range of museums, restaurants, theaters, and parks. There's also an extensive greenway system that is great for biking or running.
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 from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRaleigh $189Kailua-Kona $231
The average daily cost (per person) in Raleigh is $189, 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 Raleigh and Kailua-Kona in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRaleigh $104Kailua-Kona $141
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRaleigh $208Kailua-Kona $282
Compare Hotels in Raleigh and Kailua-Kona
Looking for a hotel in Raleigh 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: Raleigh Hotel Prices and Kailua-Kona Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Raleigh $37Kailua-Kona $45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Raleigh
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Raleigh:
- Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) to Raleigh Arrival Private Transfer: $59
- Raleigh to Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) - Departure Private Transfer: $59
- Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) to Durham - Arrival Private Transfer: $62
- Durham to Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) - Departure Private Transfer: $62
- Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) to Raleigh - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $118
- Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) to Durham - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $124
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 Raleigh or Kailua-Kona?
Prices for flights to both Kailua-Kona and Raleigh 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 dayRaleigh $57Kailua-Kona $58
Typical Food Prices in Raleigh
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Raleigh:
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The Pit Authentic BBQ (for 3)$84
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Raleigh
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Raleigh.
- Private Cooking Class in Durham with an Expert Home Cook: $104
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.Raleigh $37Kailua-Kona $40
Tours and Activities in Raleigh
Here are a few actual costs in Raleigh for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Durham by Wacky Walks: $10
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game: $10
- Murder Mystery Detective Experience Chapel Hill, NC: $15
- Raleigh Historian-Guided Downtown Walking Tour: $16
- Guided Walking Historian Tour in Downtown Durham: $16
- Raleigh Downtown: Historic Walking Tours: $16
- Raleigh Ghost and Urban Legend Tour: $16
- Raleigh African American History Tour: $16
- True Crime History Guided Walking Tour: $16
- Ghosts and Ghouls Hauntings Walking Tour: $26
- Raleigh Ghosts and Ghouls Hauntings Tour: $33
- Raleigh Puzzling Adventure: $35
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 dayRaleigh $27Kailua-Kona $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Raleigh and Kailua-Kona, we can see that Kailua-Kona is more expensive. And not only is Raleigh much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Raleigh would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Raleigh 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 Raleigh.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Raleigh Expensive? and Is Kailua-Kona Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Raleigh or Kailua-Kona?
Raleigh has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Kailua-Kona. When comparing the sizes of Raleigh 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 Raleigh 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 Raleigh or Kailua-Kona in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Raleigh and Kailua-Kona. Many travelers come to Raleigh for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Raleigh is around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Raleigh in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 78°F (25°C).
In Raleigh, it's very sunny this time of the year. Raleigh usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during summer. Raleigh gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.
Raleigh gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Raleigh usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Raleigh gets 5.1 inches (129 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 JulyRaleigh 79°F (26°C)Kailua-Kona 78°F (25°C)
Should I visit Raleigh or Kailua-Kona in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Raleigh as well as Kailua-Kona. Many visitors come to Raleigh in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions.
In October, Raleigh is generally much colder than Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Raleigh average around 61°F (16°C), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Raleigh this time of the year. In the autumn, Raleigh often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Raleigh gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 138 hours of full sun.
Raleigh usually gets more rain in October than Kailua-Kona. Raleigh gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberRaleigh 61°F (16°C)Kailua-Kona 78°F (26°C)
Should I visit Raleigh or Kailua-Kona in the Winter?
Both Kailua-Kona and Raleigh are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Raleigh for the museums and the cuisine during these months.
Raleigh can be very cold during winter. Raleigh is much colder than Kailua-Kona in the winter. The daily temperature in Raleigh averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).
Raleigh usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kailua-Kona during winter. Raleigh gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 158 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kailua-Kona. In January, Raleigh usually receives less rain than Kailua-Kona. Raleigh gets 3.2 inches (82 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 JanuaryRaleigh 40°F (5°C)Kailua-Kona 74°F (23°C)
Should I visit Raleigh or Kailua-Kona in the Spring?
Both Kailua-Kona and Raleigh during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Raleigh because of the activities around the city.
In the spring, Raleigh is cooler than Kailua-Kona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Raleigh in April average around 60°F (16°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 74°F (24°C).
It's quite sunny in Raleigh. In the spring, Raleigh often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Raleigh gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 134 hours of full sun.
Raleigh usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Kailua-Kona. Raleigh gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilRaleigh 60°F (16°C)Kailua-Kona 74°F (24°C)
Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and Raleigh
| Raleigh | Kailua-Kona | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 40°F (5°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Feb | 43°F (6°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Mar | 52°F (11°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 4.4 inches (111 mm) |
| Apr | 60°F (16°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
| May | 68°F (20°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
| Jun | 76°F (24°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 77°F (25°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) |
| Jul | 79°F (26°C) | 5.1 inches (129 mm) | 78°F (25°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Aug | 78°F (26°C) | 4.9 inches (125 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Sep | 73°F (23°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) | 79°F (26°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) |
| Oct | 61°F (16°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.6 inches (41 mm) |
| Nov | 53°F (11°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Dec | 44°F (7°C) | 3.1 inches (78 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.