Which place is cheaper, Kailua-Kona or Santa Cruz?
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 Santa Cruz or Kailua-Kona?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Santa Cruz 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: Santa Cruz or Kailua-Kona?
Santa Cruz
On the central coast of California in between Monterey Bay and San Jose lies Santa Cruz, California, a laid-back coastal college town with a reputation of locals open to liberal views and accepting of alternative lifestyles. Among its residents are University of California, Santa Cruz students, a large artist colony, and professional surfers.
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 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.
-
Santa Cruz Prices
USA PricesKailua-Kona Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySanta Cruz $156Kailua-Kona $274
The average daily cost (per person) in Santa Cruz is $156, 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 Santa Cruz and Kailua-Kona in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSanta Cruz $61Kailua-Kona $141
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSanta Cruz $122Kailua-Kona $282
Compare Hotels in Santa Cruz and Kailua-Kona
Looking for a hotel in Santa Cruz 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: Santa Cruz Hotel Prices and Kailua-Kona Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Santa Cruz $40Kailua-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 Santa Cruz or Kailua-Kona?
Prices for flights to both Kailua-Kona and Santa Cruz 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 daySanta Cruz $70Kailua-Kona $100
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santa Cruz
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Santa Cruz.
- Capitola Friday Night Food Tour: $129
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.Santa Cruz $18Kailua-Kona $40
Tours and Activities in Santa Cruz
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santa Cruz are as follows:
- Self Guided UC Santa Cruz Walking Tour: Unlock Secret Stories : $20
- Capitola Private 2-Hour Walking Tour: $30
- Half Day Private Beach Tour in Santa Cruz: $35
- Santa Cruz Guided eBike Ride & Most Fun Bike e-Bike Tour : $110
- Santa Cruz 2Hour Guided eBike Tour for Small E-Bike Groups: $110
- Santa Cruz Family Friendly Guided Electric Bike Tour (eBike): $110
- Guided eBike Tour: $120
- Mermaid Experience & Photoshoot: $220
- Capitola Watercolor Journaling Experience: $297
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
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySanta Cruz $8.57Kailua-Kona $15
Sample the Local Flavors in Santa Cruz
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Santa Cruz:
- Wine Tasting Experience: $25
- Private Brewery Tour: $500
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Santa Cruz and Kailua-Kona, we can see that Kailua-Kona is more expensive. And not only is Santa Cruz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Santa Cruz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Santa Cruz Expensive? and Is Kailua-Kona Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Santa Cruz or Kailua-Kona?
Santa Cruz has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Kailua-Kona. When comparing the sizes of Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz or Kailua-Kona in the Summer?
Both Kailua-Kona and Santa Cruz are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Santa Cruz for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
Santa Cruz is cooler than Kailua-Kona in the summer. The daily temperature in Santa Cruz averages around 67°F (19°C) in July, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).
In July, Santa Cruz usually receives less rain than Kailua-Kona. Santa Cruz gets 0.1 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulySanta Cruz 67°F (19°C)Kailua-Kona 78°F (25°C)
Should I visit Santa Cruz or Kailua-Kona in the Autumn?
Both Kailua-Kona and Santa Cruz during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Santa Cruz in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Santa Cruz is cooler than Kailua-Kona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Santa Cruz in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 78°F (26°C).
Santa Cruz usually gets less rain in October than Kailua-Kona. Santa Cruz gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSanta Cruz 63°F (17°C)Kailua-Kona 78°F (26°C)
Should I visit Santa Cruz or Kailua-Kona in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Santa Cruz and Kailua-Kona. Most visitors come to Santa Cruz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In January, Santa Cruz is generally much colder than Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Santa Cruz average around 51°F (10°C), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).
Kailua-Kona receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Santa Cruz usually receives less rain than Kailua-Kona. Santa Cruz gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySanta Cruz 51°F (10°C)Kailua-Kona 74°F (23°C)
Should I visit Santa Cruz or Kailua-Kona in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Santa Cruz as well as Kailua-Kona. The spring months attract visitors to Santa Cruz because of the beaches.
Santa Cruz is much colder than Kailua-Kona in the spring. The daily temperature in Santa Cruz averages around 58°F (14°C) in April, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).
Santa Cruz usually gets less rain in April than Kailua-Kona. Santa Cruz gets 1 inches (26 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilSanta Cruz 58°F (14°C)Kailua-Kona 74°F (24°C)
Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and Santa Cruz
| Santa Cruz | Kailua-Kona | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 51°F (10°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Feb | 54°F (12°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Mar | 55°F (13°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 4.4 inches (111 mm) |
| Apr | 58°F (14°C) | 1 inches (26 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
| May | 62°F (16°C) | 0.3 inches (7 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
| Jun | 65°F (19°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) | 77°F (25°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) |
| Jul | 67°F (19°C) | 0.1 inches (1 mm) | 78°F (25°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Aug | 67°F (20°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Sep | 67°F (19°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) | 79°F (26°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) |
| Oct | 63°F (17°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.6 inches (41 mm) |
| Nov | 56°F (13°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Dec | 51°F (10°C) | 2.1 inches (53 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.