Which place is cheaper, Kailua-Kona or Flagstaff?
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 Flagstaff or Kailua-Kona?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Flagstaff and Kailua-Kona can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Flagstaff or Kailua-Kona?
Flagstaff
Located in northern Arizona near the San Francisco Peaks mountain range, Flagstaff is a small city surrounded by natural beauty. The city's proximity to a number of popular tourist sights, including Grand Canyon National Park, Oak Creek Canyon, the Arizona Snowbowl, Meteor Crater, and Historic Route 66, make it a common destination for tourists. It lies at an elevation of almost 7,000 feet with nearby areas climbing higher. In large part because of its altitude, the city has a cooler climate than the southern part of Arizona, which is famous for its low lying desert.
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 Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.
-
Flagstaff Prices
USA PricesKailua-Kona Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFlagstaff $207Kailua-Kona $274
The average daily cost (per person) in Flagstaff is $207, 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 Flagstaff and Kailua-Kona in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFlagstaff $86Kailua-Kona $141
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFlagstaff $172Kailua-Kona $282
Compare Hotels in Flagstaff and Kailua-Kona
Looking for a hotel in Flagstaff 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: Flagstaff Hotel Prices and Kailua-Kona Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Flagstaff $37Kailua-Kona $45
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
-
Rental Car for One Day$35
Is it cheaper to fly into Flagstaff or Kailua-Kona?
Prices for flights to both Kailua-Kona and Flagstaff 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 dayFlagstaff $95Kailua-Kona $100
Typical Food Prices in Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of dining costs in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
-
Buffet Breakfast for Two$53
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Flagstaff $28Kailua-Kona $40
Tours and Activities in Flagstaff
Here are a few actual costs in Flagstaff for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Flagstaff's Famous Ghosts Smartphone Guided Walking Tour : $7.75
- Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Flagstaff AZ: $15
- Grand Canyon South Rim Full-Day Self-Guided Tour: $17
- Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour of Sedona: $17
- Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Grand Canyon South Rim: $20
- Forbidden Frights of Flagstaff Ghost Tour: $24
- Flagstaff Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
- Forbidden Frights of Flagstaff Ghost Tour: $26
- Southside Flagstaff Haunted History, True Crime & Ghost Tour: $28
- Downtown Flagstaff Haunted History Tour: $28
- Downtown Flagstaff Haunted History Walking Tour: $28
- Mountain Town of Madness, Adults Only Tour: $28
Typical Entertainment Prices in Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
-
Diving with Manta Rays for Two$162
-
Body Board Rental (1 Day)$12
-
1 Day Kayak Rental$47
-
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
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayFlagstaff $29Kailua-Kona $15
Sample the Local Flavors in Flagstaff
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Flagstaff:
- Spirits With The Spirits, Haunted Pub Crawl: $50
- Spirits With The Spirits, Haunted Pub Crawl Of Downtown Flagstaff: $60
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Flagstaff and Kailua-Kona, we can see that Kailua-Kona is more expensive. And not only is Flagstaff much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Flagstaff would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Flagstaff 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 Flagstaff.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Flagstaff Expensive? and Is Kailua-Kona Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Flagstaff or Kailua-Kona?
Flagstaff has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Kailua-Kona. When comparing the sizes of Flagstaff 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.