Which place is cheaper, Kauai or Eugene?
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 Eugene or Kauai?
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 Eugene and Kauai. 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: Eugene or Kauai?
Eugene
At the southern end of the Willamette Valley, Eugene is most recognized as the home of the University of Oregon. It's a smaller city with a liberal population that is generally concerned about environmental issues. A popular experience in Eugene is to go to the Saturday Market, which has been around since 1970 and is the oldest open air market in the United States.
Kauai
Hawaii is certainly a bucket list destination, but what if you want to do it without being surrounded by tourists? You want the adventure of the land of volcanoes and less of the kids in water wings. Then Kaua'i is the island for you.
Kaua'i, or the "garden island," is full of tropical forests, little villages and even more laid back lifestyle – if you can imagine. It's a smaller island at 560 square miles with a population of only 68,000.
With more coastline miles than any other island, Kaua'i is the result of massive erosion forming awe-inspiring sights like the Waimea Canyon and Na Pali Coast. The island experiences more rainfall every year – keeping it lush and green all year.
You'll feel like you've walked into another world in Kaua'i. Because of height restrictions, this island's buildings are no taller than the coconut trees. So if you're looking for an escape from civilization, you'll want to head straight for Kaua'i.
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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Eugene Prices
USA PricesKauai Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayEugene $190Kauai $231
The average daily cost (per person) in Eugene is $190, while the average daily cost in Kauai is $231. 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 Eugene and Kauai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personEugene $97Kauai $113
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomEugene $194Kauai $226
Compare Hotels in Eugene and Kauai
Looking for a hotel in Eugene or Kauai? 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: Eugene Hotel Prices and Kauai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Eugene $37Kauai $34
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kauai
Also for Kauai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private SUV Transfer- Lihue Airport to Lihue/Kapaa : $149
- Private SUV Transfer-LIH Airport to Koloa/Poipu : $179
Is it cheaper to fly into Eugene or Kauai?
Prices for flights to both Kauai and Eugene 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 dayEugene $71Kauai $96
Typical Food Prices in Eugene
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Eugene:
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Sam Bonds Food and Music (for 2)$16
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Morning Glory Cafe Breakfast (for 2)$12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kauai
For Kauai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Allerton Garden and Estate Tour with Sunset Dinner: $106
- Local Tastes Small Group Food Tour: $121
- Walking Food Tour of Hanalei, Kauaʻi : $129
- Local Dishes Cooking Class: $174
- Luau Kalamaku on Kauai with Buffet Dinner and Show: $179
- Luau Ka Hikina Admission Ticket with Dinner and Lei Greeting: $189
- Luau Kalamaku – Elevated Seating, Dinner & Show: $198
- Napali Coast Sunset Sailboat Tour with Dinner: $226
- Napali Sunset Dinner Cruise: $226
- VIP Manor House Dinner & Luau Kalamaku Show: $237
- Luau Kalamaku on Kauai with Manor House 4-Course Dinner & Show: $251
- Leila Na Pali Sunset Dinner Sail: $264
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Eugene -Kauai $17
Tours and Activities in Kauai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kauai.
- Ultimate Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour of Kauai (Na Pali, Waimea), Hawaii: $15
- North Shore Kauai Self-Guided Audio Tour: $20
- Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Kauai: $20
- Kauai Poipu and Koloa Town Self-Guided Audio Tour: $20
- Kauai Wailua Valley & Waterfalls Audio Driving Tour: $20
- Waimea Canyon & Na Pali Driving Tour app: $23
- Allerton Garden Guided Group Walking Tour: $64
- Kauai Cruise Ship Shore Excursion Journey to Waimea Canyon: $97
- Kauai Cruise Ship Excursion: Wailua River & Fern Grotto: $109
- Kalapaki Kai Sunset Catamaran Cruise: $109
- Kauai Adventure: Kayak & Hike to Secret Falls with Expert Guide: $112
- Catamaran Sunset Cruise: $114
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayEugene -Kauai $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Eugene and Kauai, we can see that Kauai is more expensive. And not only is Eugene much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Eugene would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Eugene 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 Kauai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kauai than you might in Eugene.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Eugene Expensive? and Is Kauai Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Eugene or Kauai?
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 Eugene or Kauai in the Summer?
Both Kauai and Eugene during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kauai this time of year.
In the summer, Eugene is cooler than Kauai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Eugene in July average around 68°F (20°C), and Kauai averages at about 78°F (25°C).
Eugene usually gets less rain in July than Kauai. Eugene gets 0.3 inches (8 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 0.6 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyEugene 68°F (20°C)Kauai 78°F (25°C)
Should I visit Eugene or Kauai in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Eugene and Kauai. Also, many travelers come to Kauai for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Eugene is generally much colder than Kauai. Daily temperatures in Eugene average around 55°F (13°C), and Kauai fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).
Eugene gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Eugene usually receives more rain than Kauai. Eugene gets 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberEugene 55°F (13°C)Kauai 78°F (25°C)
Should I visit Eugene or Kauai in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Eugene as well as Kauai. Also, many visitors come to Kauai in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Eugene is much colder than Kauai in the winter. The daily temperature in Eugene averages around 41°F (5°C) in January, and Kauai fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).
Eugene receives a lot of rain in the winter. Eugene usually gets more rain in January than Kauai. Eugene gets 7.1 inches (181 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryEugene 41°F (5°C)Kauai 71°F (22°C)
Should I visit Eugene or Kauai in the Spring?
Both Kauai and Eugene are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Kauai for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Eugene is much colder than Kauai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Eugene in April average around 51°F (11°C), and Kauai averages at about 73°F (23°C).
In April, Eugene usually receives more rain than Kauai. Eugene gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilEugene 51°F (11°C)Kauai 73°F (23°C)
Typical Weather for Kauai and Eugene
| Eugene | Kauai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 41°F (5°C) | 7.1 inches (181 mm) | 71°F (22°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) |
| Feb | 45°F (7°C) | 5.2 inches (133 mm) | 71°F (22°C) | 1.3 inches (32 mm) |
| Mar | 48°F (9°C) | 4.6 inches (118 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 2 inches (52 mm) |
| Apr | 51°F (11°C) | 2.2 inches (57 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
| May | 56°F (13°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 0.4 inches (10 mm) |
| Jun | 63°F (17°C) | 1.3 inches (34 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 0.4 inches (9 mm) |
| Jul | 68°F (20°C) | 0.3 inches (8 mm) | 78°F (25°C) | 0.6 inches (17 mm) |
| Aug | 68°F (20°C) | 0.4 inches (11 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 0.6 inches (16 mm) |
| Sep | 63°F (17°C) | 1.1 inches (28 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 1 inches (26 mm) |
| Oct | 55°F (13°C) | 4.3 inches (109 mm) | 78°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Nov | 47°F (8°C) | 5.9 inches (149 mm) | 75°F (24°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) |
| Dec | 42°F (5°C) | 6.3 inches (161 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 2.5 inches (62 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.