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

Should you visit Sendai or Kingston?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sendai or Kingston, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Sendai or Kingston?

Sendai

Sendai, Japan is located in the Toohoku region on the main Honshu island. It is often referred to as "Forest City" due to the large amount of green space throughout the city and the tree filled parks and public spaces. Sendai is a very pleasant city to visit; they are in close proximity to both mountains and the sea and have many large universities throughout the city, making it a popular college town.

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 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.


Which place is cheaper, Kingston or Sendai?

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 Sendai is $122, while the average daily cost in Kingston is $125. 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 Sendai and Kingston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sendai $56
    Kingston $63
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sendai $112
    Kingston $126
Compare Hotels in Sendai and Kingston

Looking for a hotel in Sendai 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 Sendai


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: Sendai Hotel Prices and Kingston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sendai $17
    Kingston $29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sendai

Also for Sendai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Odawara to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) -Departure Private Transfer: $100
  • Private Transfer from Sendai Airport to Sendai City: $187
  • Sendai City: Private transfer to/from Sendai Airport: $88

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kingston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kingston:

  • VIP Private Airport Transfer: Norman Manley to Montego Bay Hotels: $123
  • Transfer from Norman Manley Airport (KIN) to Kingston Hotels: $150
  • Transfer for Kingston Airport to or from Hotels in Falmouth Area: $173
  • Roundtrip Private Transfer from Kingston Airport (KIN): $54
  • Private Transfers: Kingston Airport ↔ Montego Bay Area: $215
  • Private Transfers To/From Kingston & Airport Across Jamaica: $49
  • Private Transfers To/From Kingston & Airport (KIN) Across Jamaica: $48
  • Private Transfers To/From Kingston & Airport (KIN) Across Jamaica: $25
  • Private Transfer to and from Kingston International Airport: $73
  • Private Transfer from Montego Bay Cruise Port to Kingston Hotels: $260
  • Private Transfer from Kingston hotel to Falmouth Cruise Port: $196
  • Private Transfer from Kingston Airport (KIN) to Falmouth Port: $196

Is it cheaper to fly into Sendai or Kingston?

Prices for flights to both Kingston and Sendai 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
    Sendai $53
    Kingston $45

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sendai

For Sendai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Local Food Tour in Shiogama, Japan Top Tuna and Sushi Town: $123

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sendai $17
    Kingston $12

Tours and Activities in Sendai

For Sendai, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Catch and Dine A Gourmet Fishing Experience in Miyagi: $22
  • Sendai and Matsushima Private Tour with Licensed Guide: $101
  • Local Foodie Tour, wander around the gourmet town: $120
  • Afternoon Cycling Tour in Naruko: $138

Tours and Activities in Kingston

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

  • ATV Adventure of Ocho Rios: $130
  • Bamboo Rafting and Boston Jerk Centre Tour in Portland Jamaica: $220
  • Black River Safari Tour from Kingston: $272
  • Blue Mountain Bicycle Tour from Kingston: $231
  • Blue Mountain Coffee Tasting & Farm Tour from Kingston: $150
  • Blue Mountain Craighton Estate Coffee Tasting Tour / Devon House: $180
  • Blue Mountain Waterfall and Sightseeing Ecotour: $200
  • Blue Mountains Coffee Private Tour from Kingston: $180
  • Bluehole, Dunn's River Falls and Port Royal all in one tour: $690
  • Bob Marley Guided City Tour: $95
  • Bob Marley Museum Entry Ticket: $30
  • Bob Marley Museum, Devon House and Downtown Kingston Tour: $125

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sendai $10
    Kingston $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Kingston

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Kingston:

  • Worthy Park Estate Rum Distillery Tour with Tasting: $144


When comparing the travel costs between Sendai and Kingston, we can see that Kingston is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Sendai is in Asia and Kingston is in Caribbean Islands, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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


Which is Bigger, Sendai or Kingston?

Sendai has a larger population, and is about 11% larger than the population of Kingston. When comparing the sizes of Sendai 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 Sendai or Kingston?

Sendai has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Kingston experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Sendai or Kingston in the Summer?

Both Kingston and Sendai during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Sendai because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kingston year-round.

In the summer, Sendai is cooler than Kingston. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sendai in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Kingston averages at about 29°C (83°F).

In Kingston, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Sendai often gets less sunshine than Kingston. Sendai gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kingston receives 254 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sendai. Sendai usually gets more rain in July than Kingston. Sendai gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sendai 23°C (73°F) 
    Kingston 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Sendai or Kingston in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sendai and Kingston. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Sendai this time of year. Kingston attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In October, Sendai is generally much colder than Kingston. Daily temperatures in Sendai average around 15°C (59°F), and Kingston fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kingston this time of the year. Sendai usually receives less sunshine than Kingston during autumn. Sendai gets 149 hours of sunny skies, while Kingston receives 229 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Kingston receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Sendai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Sendai usually receives less rain than Kingston. Sendai gets 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sendai 15°C (59°F) 
    Kingston 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Sendai or Kingston in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Sendai as well as Kingston. Many travelers come to Sendai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kingston throughout the year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Sendai. Sendai is much colder than Kingston in the winter. The daily temperature in Sendai averages around 2°C (35°F) in January, and Kingston fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kingston. In the winter, Sendai often gets less sunshine than Kingston. Sendai gets 149 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kingston receives 257 hours of full sun.

Sendai usually gets more rain in January than Kingston. Sendai gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sendai 2°C (35°F) 
    Kingston 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Sendai or Kingston in the Spring?

Both Kingston and Sendai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Sendai in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Plenty of visitors come to Kingston because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the spring, Sendai is much colder than Kingston. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sendai in April average around 10°C (51°F), and Kingston averages at about 26°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Kingston. Sendai usually receives less sunshine than Kingston during spring. Sendai gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Kingston receives 251 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Sendai usually receives more rain than Kingston. Sendai gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sendai 10°C (51°F) 
    Kingston 26°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Kingston and Sendai

Sendai Kingston
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (35°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 2°C (35°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 5°C (40°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Apr 10°C (51°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
May 15°C (60°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 133 mm (5.2 in) 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 165 mm (6.5 in) 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 21°C (69°F) 187 mm (7.4 in) 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Oct 15°C (59°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Nov 9°C (49°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 4°C (40°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)