Which place is cheaper, Kingston or Tokyo?
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 Tokyo or Kingston?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Tokyo or Kingston? 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: Tokyo or Kingston?
Tokyo
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is by far the most populous city in the world with a staggering 37 million people. As a worldwide hub for technology and business, it hosts millions of visitors annually. But Tokyo is not just a place for business trips. With its incredible mixture of historical temples and shrines, remarkably beautiful parks, endless shopping malls, and genuinely wonderful people, Tokyo is a terrific place to visit and to explore.
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 2-Week Tours in Japan, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan.
-
Tokyo Prices
Japan PricesKingston Prices
Jamaica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTokyo $190Kingston $123
The average daily cost (per person) in Tokyo is $190, 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 Tokyo and Kingston in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTokyo $79Kingston $62
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTokyo $158Kingston $124
Compare Hotels in Tokyo and Kingston
Looking for a hotel in Tokyo 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.
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: Tokyo Hotel Prices and Kingston Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tokyo $18Kingston $28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tokyo
Also for Tokyo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Tokyo to Narita Airport: $236
- Airport Transfer: Haneda Airport and Tokyo 23 wards: $135
- Center Tokyo Private One Way Transfer To Narita Airport (License): $146
- DECKS Tokyo Beach & Odaiba 1 Way Door to Door Shared Transfer: $56
- Discount Rate, Airport Shuttle Van Transfer, Haneda ⇔ Narita : $261
- Experience Private Transfer Between Yokohama and Tokyo: $139
- Haneda Airport (HND) Private Transfer to Central Tokyo: $122
- Haneda Airport (HND): Private Transfer to Hakone/Mount Fuji: $157
- Haneda Airport Private Transfer From Tokyo City: $93
- Haneda Airport Private Transfer To Tokyo City: $93
- Haneda Airport to/from Tokyo City: Private One-Way Transfer: $123
- Haneda Airport: 1-Way Shared Shuttle Transfer: $54
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kingston
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kingston:
- Montego Bay: 5-Day Jamaica Tour with Meals and Transfers: $2,200
- From Kingston Airport: One Way Private Transfer to Negril: $749
- Kingston Airport: One Way Private Transfer to Montego Bay: $479
- Tropical Off-Road ATV Tour with Lunch and Transfer: $369
- From Kingston Airport: One Way Private Transfer to Ocho Rios: $319
- Private Transfer from Montego Bay Port to Kingston Airport (KIN): $268
- Runaway Bay Hotels Private Roundtrip Airport Transfer from Kingston Airport(KIN): $261
- Group Private Kingston Airport Transfers (10 - 15 Persons): $251
- Port Antonio Hotel Private Roundtrip Airport Transfer from Kingston Airport(KIN): $235
- Kingston Round Trip Airport Transfers to Ocho Rios : $230
- NMIA & Kingston transfer to Negril: $225
- Airport Group Transfers-Kingston: $180
Is it cheaper to fly into Tokyo or Kingston?
Prices for flights to both Kingston and Tokyo 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 dayTokyo $67Kingston $44
Typical Food Prices in Tokyo
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tokyo:
-
Late Night Noodles$5.41
-
Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack$5.41
-
Meal at Airport$7.05
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tokyo
For Tokyo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hide's Table A Unique Dinner Gathering Every Wednesday Night: $21
- For First Time Visitor：Tsukiji Food Tour with Tokyo Travel Advice: $35
- Guided Tsukiji’s Local Food Tour : $35
- Authentic Homestyle Japanese Cooking Class near Tokyo with Risa: $39
- Ueno Private Walking Tour and Night Food Tour: $42
- Tokyo Bay Yakatabune Dinner/Day Cruise with Japan Show and Drinks: $45
- Tokyo Retro Backstreet Tokyo Tour Option to Add Dinner: $56
- Tokyo Downtown Akihabara Tour And Dinner Party Adults Only: $59
- Japanese cooking class - Bring the flavors of Japan to France: $61
- Tokyo Cute Bento : Kawaii Lunchbox Cooking Class!: $63
- Authentic Japanese Home Cooking Class in Chiba with Miyuki: $66
- [1 Group Only] Explore Tokyo Ginza Food Tour for Family: $70
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tokyo $71Kingston $12
Tours and Activities in Tokyo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tokyo.
- Imperial Palace or Edo Castle Time Trip Learning Walking Tour: $3.48
- Cross Roppongi Karaoke Nightclub Ticket (For Foreign): $6.76
- Tokyo Asakusa & Senso-ji Tour with Audioguide: $8.35
- Tokyo Metro Subway Ticket: $8.85
- Shibuya drinking tour: $10
- Gyoda Oshi Castle Ninja Experience : $11
- Tokyo Subway Ticket : $11
- Water Bus Ticket Odaiba ↔ Asakusa: $12
- A Different Side of Shibuya: A Dogenzaka Self-Guided Walking Tour: $12
- Tokyo Tower Admission Ticket: $12
- Meet Asakusa with an experienced Japanese guide.: $14
- Tokyo SkyTree Admission E-Tickets with options: $14
Tours and Activities in Kingston
Here are a few actual costs in Kingston for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Appleton Estate Rum Tour and Tasting from Ocho Rios: $232
- Bamboo Rafting Adventure in Ocho Rios : $62
- Bamboo Rafting and Boston Jerk Centre Tour in Portland Jamaica: $220
- Blue Mountain Tour: A Half-Day Escape from Kingston: $1,011
- Blue Mountains Coffee Private Tour from Kingston: $180
- Bob Marley Guided City Tour: $95
- Bob Marley Museum Entry Ticket: $30
- Bob Marley Museum Express Tour from Port Royal Cruise Port: $141
- Bob Marley Museum, Devon House and Downtown Kingston Tour: $134
- City Tour of Kingston Including Entry Fees: $105
- Club Kingston VIP Departure Lounge Experience: $38
- Devon House City Tour Combo: $85
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayTokyo $34Kingston $11
Typical Alcohol Prices in Tokyo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:
-
Sake$4.06
Sample the Local Flavors in Tokyo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tokyo:
- Tokyo Pub Crawl: Unique Japanese Drinks in Shimokitazawa: $34
- 3 Hours Pub Crawl Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $35
- Mt. Fuji & Hakushu Distillery Whisky Museum Bus Tour from Tokyo: $94
- Historic Sake Brewery Tour and Culinary Pairing: $125
- Sake Brewery and Spiritual Nature Tour in Okutama Tokyo: $143
- Cultural Sake Brewery Private Tour & Unlimited Tasting Near Tokyo: $172
- From Tokyo：Mt.fuji /Museum/Sake brewery/ 1DAY BUS TOUR: $202
- Private tour: Tokyo's Oldest Sake Brewery and riverside walk.: $243
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tokyo and Kingston, we can see that Tokyo is more expensive. And not only is Kingston much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tokyo is in Asia 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 Tokyo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tokyo 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 Tokyo Expensive? and Is Kingston Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tokyo or Kingston?
Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Kingston. When comparing the sizes of Tokyo 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 Tokyo or Kingston?
Tokyo 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 Tokyo or Kingston in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Tokyo as well as Kingston. Many travelers come to Tokyo for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kingston throughout the year.
Tokyo is cooler than Kingston in the summer. The daily temperature in Tokyo averages around 26°C (78°F) in July, and Kingston fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kingston. In the summer, Tokyo often gets less sunshine than Kingston. Tokyo gets 137 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kingston receives 254 hours of full sun.
Tokyo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tokyo usually gets more rain in July than Kingston. Tokyo gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyTokyo 26°C (78°F)Kingston 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Tokyo or Kingston in the Autumn?
Both Kingston and Tokyo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Tokyo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Plenty of visitors come to Kingston because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the autumn, Tokyo is much colder than Kingston. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tokyo in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Kingston averages at about 28°C (82°F).
It's quite sunny in Kingston. Tokyo usually receives less sunshine than Kingston during autumn. Tokyo gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Kingston receives 229 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kingston. It's quite rainy in Tokyo. In October, Tokyo usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kingston. Tokyo gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberTokyo 18°C (64°F)Kingston 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Tokyo or Kingston in the Winter?
Both Kingston and Tokyo during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Tokyo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kingston year-round.
In January, Tokyo is generally much colder than Kingston. Daily temperatures in Tokyo average around 5°C (42°F), and Kingston fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
In Kingston, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Tokyo often gets less sunshine than Kingston. Tokyo gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kingston receives 257 hours of full sun.
Tokyo usually gets more rain in January than Kingston. Tokyo gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryTokyo 5°C (42°F)Kingston 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Tokyo or Kingston in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tokyo and Kingston. The spring months attract visitors to Tokyo because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Kingston attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Tokyo is much colder than Kingston in the spring. The daily temperature in Tokyo averages around 14°C (58°F) in April, and Kingston fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kingston this time of the year. Tokyo usually receives less sunshine than Kingston during spring. Tokyo gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Kingston receives 251 hours of full sun in the spring.
Tokyo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Tokyo usually receives more rain than Kingston. Tokyo gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilTokyo 14°C (58°F)Kingston 26°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Kingston and Tokyo
| Tokyo | Kingston | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (42°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (47°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (58°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (71°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (78°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 180 mm (7.1 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 8°C (46°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
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.