Which place is cheaper, Kailua-Kona or Cocoa Beach?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Cocoa Beach or Kailua-Kona?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Cocoa Beach and Kailua-Kona. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Cocoa Beach or Kailua-Kona?
Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach, Florida has long been a favorite vacation spot for travelers looking for sun, sand, and waves. The location was also made famous as the setting for the 1960's television show, "I Dream of Jeannie". The town of just over 11,000 is located in Brevard County along the Atlantic coast. Many people visit the area because of its excellent surfing. There are many surfing festivals and competitions held here yearly and the famous Ron Jon's surf shop receives about 2 million visitors a year. The city is also home to the East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame.
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 Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.
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Cocoa Beach Prices
USA PricesKailua-Kona Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCocoa Beach $176Kailua-Kona $274
The average daily cost (per person) in Cocoa Beach is $176, 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 Cocoa Beach and Kailua-Kona in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCocoa Beach $85Kailua-Kona $141
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCocoa Beach $170Kailua-Kona $282
Compare Hotels in Cocoa Beach and Kailua-Kona
Looking for a hotel in Cocoa Beach 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: Cocoa Beach Hotel Prices and Kailua-Kona Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cocoa Beach $26Kailua-Kona $45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cocoa Beach
Also for Cocoa Beach, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Melbourne to Port Canaveral: $295
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 Cocoa Beach or Kailua-Kona?
Prices for flights to both Kailua-Kona and Cocoa Beach 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 dayCocoa Beach $75Kailua-Kona $100
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cocoa Beach
For Cocoa Beach, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 3 Hour Indian River Queen Cruise with Dinner: $79
- Village Food Tours Lunch & History Tour: $100
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.Cocoa Beach $16Kailua-Kona $40
Tours and Activities in Cocoa Beach
For Cocoa Beach, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Palm Bay by 3Quest Challenge: $10
- 2 Hr Dolphin & Manatee River Cruise . Melbourne, Cocoa Beach,Fl. : $30
- Brevard County Tours, dolphin and manatee tours in Palm Bay, FL: $40
- 1-Hour Virtual Reality Experience Skull & Books VR - Cocoa Beach: $45
- Cocoa Beach Dolphin and Wildlife Tour: $48
- Cocoa Beach Sunset Tour: $48
- Cocoa Beach Dolphin and Wildlife Tour: $48
- Sunset Cruise: $48
- Dolphin Eco Cruise Nature Adventure in Cocoa Beach: $49
- 2 hour Dolphin Sightseeing Tour in Melbourne Florida : $49
- Guided Kayak Tour with Manatee & Dolphin Sightings: $50
- Manatee and Dolphin Kayak Tour: $50
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: Volcano & Waterfall Tour, Small Group: $295
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCocoa Beach $20Kailua-Kona $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cocoa Beach and Kailua-Kona, we can see that Kailua-Kona is more expensive. And not only is Cocoa Beach much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cocoa Beach would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cocoa Beach Expensive? and Is Kailua-Kona Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cocoa Beach or Kailua-Kona?
Cocoa Beach has a larger population, and is about 26% larger than the population of Kailua-Kona. When comparing the sizes of Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach or Kailua-Kona?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Kailua-Kona in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Cocoa Beach as well as Kailua-Kona. Many visitors come to Cocoa Beach in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Cocoa Beach is around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cocoa Beach in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 78°F (25°C).
Cocoa Beach receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cocoa Beach usually gets more rain in July than Kailua-Kona. Cocoa Beach gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCocoa Beach 81°F (27°C)Kailua-Kona 78°F (25°C)
Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Kailua-Kona in the Autumn?
Both Kailua-Kona and Cocoa Beach are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cocoa Beach for the shopping scene during these months.
In October, Cocoa Beach is generally around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 77°F (25°C), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).
It's quite rainy in Cocoa Beach. In October, Cocoa Beach usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Cocoa Beach gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Cocoa Beach.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCocoa Beach 77°F (25°C)Kailua-Kona 78°F (26°C)
Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Kailua-Kona in the Winter?
Both Kailua-Kona and Cocoa Beach during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Cocoa Beach because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Cocoa Beach is cooler than Kailua-Kona in the winter. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 63°F (17°C) in January, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).
Kailua-Kona gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cocoa Beach usually gets less rain in January than Kailua-Kona. Cocoa Beach gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCocoa Beach 63°F (17°C)Kailua-Kona 74°F (23°C)
Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Kailua-Kona in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cocoa Beach and Kailua-Kona. The beaches are the main draw to Cocoa Beach this time of year.
In the spring, Cocoa Beach is around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cocoa Beach in April average around 73°F (23°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 74°F (24°C).
In April, Cocoa Beach usually receives less rain than Kailua-Kona. Cocoa Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Cocoa Beach is the hurricane season.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCocoa Beach 73°F (23°C)Kailua-Kona 74°F (24°C)
Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and Cocoa Beach
| Cocoa Beach | Kailua-Kona | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 63°F (17°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Feb | 62°F (17°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Mar | 67°F (20°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 4.4 inches (111 mm) |
| Apr | 73°F (23°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
| May | 77°F (25°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
| Jun | 80°F (26°C) | 7.1 inches (181 mm) | 77°F (25°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) |
| Jul | 81°F (27°C) | 8.3 inches (211 mm) | 78°F (25°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Aug | 81°F (27°C) | 6.7 inches (171 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Sep | 81°F (27°C) | 7.2 inches (183 mm) | 79°F (26°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) |
| Oct | 77°F (25°C) | 4.1 inches (103 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.6 inches (41 mm) |
| Nov | 69°F (21°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Dec | 64°F (18°C) | 1.9 inches (48 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.