Which place is cheaper, Kailua-Kona or El Paso?
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 El Paso or Kailua-Kona?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between El Paso and Kailua-Kona can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: El Paso or Kailua-Kona?
El Paso
El Paso is a city in west Texas, along the waters of the Rio Grande. Outside the city, Franklin Mountains State Park is home to cacti and desert wildlife like coyotes and golden eagles. The park's Wyler Aerial Tramway ascends to Ranger Peak for views of the city and over to Mexico. El Paso is coming up in the world and starting to make a name for itself. A sleek new hotel has opened downtown, luring locals back to the city’s core for socializing and dining. The new Montecillo entertainment and residential district to the west is booming. The city even has a new baseball team, the El Paso Chihuahuas. And the city’s first microbrewery opened in 2015. Outdoorsy types also have it made here: there’s cycling and hiking in the largest urban park in the US, and the nearby Hueco Tanks State Park is ideal for wintertime rock climbing. Best of all is the hospitality of the locals, which makes this city of nearly 700,000 feel a whole lot smaller.
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 Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America.
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El Paso Prices
USA PricesKailua-Kona Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayEl Paso $200Kailua-Kona $274
The average daily cost (per person) in El Paso is $200, 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 El Paso and Kailua-Kona in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personEl Paso $81Kailua-Kona $141
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomEl Paso $162Kailua-Kona $282
Compare Hotels in El Paso and Kailua-Kona
Looking for a hotel in El Paso 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: El Paso Hotel Prices and Kailua-Kona Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.El Paso $37Kailua-Kona $45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in El Paso
Also for El Paso, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- El Paso International Airport (ELP) to El Paso - Arrival Private Transfer : $67
- El Paso to El Paso International Airport (ELP) - Departure Private Transfer: $67
- El Paso International Airport (ELP) to El Paso - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $134
- El Paso Airport (ELP) to Truth or Consequences Arrival Transfer: $293
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 El Paso or Kailua-Kona?
Prices for flights to both Kailua-Kona and El Paso 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 dayEl Paso $93Kailua-Kona $100
Typical Food Prices in El Paso
For El Paso, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Rudy's BBQ (family of 4)$40
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.El Paso $27Kailua-Kona $40
Tours and Activities in El Paso
For El Paso, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Wraiths of the West Texas Wind: El Paso Ghost Tour: $24
- Wraiths of the West Texas Wind: El Paso Ghost Tour: $26
- Texas and New Mexico Bundle 4 day Self Guided National Park Tours: $40
- El Paso Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate: $102
- Private Downtown City Sightseeing Tour of Juarez Mexico: $120
- Colorado Springs: Pikes Peak Jeep Tour: $130
- Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods Jeep Tour: $190
- UTV Adventure Tour / Rental: $275
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 dayEl Paso $27Kailua-Kona $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between El Paso and Kailua-Kona, we can see that Kailua-Kona is more expensive. And not only is El Paso much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to El Paso would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in El Paso 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 El Paso.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is El Paso Expensive? and Is Kailua-Kona Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, El Paso or Kailua-Kona?
El Paso has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Kailua-Kona. When comparing the sizes of El Paso 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.
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.