Which place is cheaper, Kailua-Kona or Fort Lauderdale?
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 Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale 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: Fort Lauderdale or Kailua-Kona?
Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale is located on the Atlantic coast of Florida, not far from Miami, and is famous for its beaches and boating culture. An elaborate system of canals runs through the city, adding to the charm and coastal lifestyle. Plenty of restaurants, shops, watersports, and other things to do can be found here in addition to the beautiful beaches. The city is family-friendly and also caters to older travelers as well as younger generations. While it's not an inexpensive place to visit, the prices are on par with other cities in southeastern Florida. The beach is lined with high-rise condos and hotels that tend to be expensive, while a few blocks back from the shore you'll find plenty of nice houses along with shops, restaurants, and fun activities for all ages. And since Fort Lauderdale is part of the Miami metro area, you can easily get to all of the other beach areas, cities, and activities in the nearby metropolitan areas as well.
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 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.
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Fort Lauderdale Prices
USA PricesKailua-Kona Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFort Lauderdale $218Kailua-Kona $274
The average daily cost (per person) in Fort Lauderdale is $218, 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 Fort Lauderdale and Kailua-Kona in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFort Lauderdale $96Kailua-Kona $141
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFort Lauderdale $192Kailua-Kona $282
Compare Hotels in Fort Lauderdale and Kailua-Kona
Looking for a hotel in Fort Lauderdale 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: Fort Lauderdale Hotel Prices and Kailua-Kona Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Fort Lauderdale $51Kailua-Kona $45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fort Lauderdale
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Fort Lauderdale:
- FLL Airport Private Transfer to City | Port: $26
- Private Transfer from Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL): $43
- Boca Raton Luxury SUV Transfer to/from Fort Lauderdale Airport: $55
- Port Everglades Private Transfer from Weston: $58
- Fort Lauderdale to Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) - Departure Private Transfer: $59
- Private Arrival Transfer from Fort Lauderdale Airport FLL: $67
- Private Departure Transfer to Fort Lauderdale Airport FLL: $67
- Fort Lauderdale Airport: Private Transfer to Hollywood: $69
- Fort Lauderdale Airport: Private Transfer to Fort Lauderdale: $69
- One Way Private Transfer to/from Airport: $75
- Fort Lauderdale Airport Private Transfer (Up To 14 Passengers): $75
- Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Delray Beach - Arrival Private Transfer: $76
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 Fort Lauderdale or Kailua-Kona?
Prices for flights to both Kailua-Kona and Fort Lauderdale 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 dayFort Lauderdale $85Kailua-Kona $100
Typical Food Prices in Fort Lauderdale
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Fort Lauderdale:
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Quick Lunch$12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Fort Lauderdale
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Fort Lauderdale.
- Fort Lauderdale Intracoastal & Dinner Cruise: $64
- Immersive Sushi Cooking Class in Fort Lauderdale: $75
- Intracoastal Cruise with Waterfront Dinner: $80
- All You Can Eat BBQ Dinner and Show at Tropical Isle with Sightseeing Cruise: $80
- Hollywood Florida Walking Food Tour : $109
- Downtown Fort Lauderdale Dinner & Drinks Tour: $109
- Downtown Fort Lauderdale Dinner and Drinks Tour: $114
- Fort Lauderdale Beach Food Tour: $114
- Fort Lauderdale, Las Olas, Around the World Food Tour Experience: $120
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.Fort Lauderdale $15Kailua-Kona $40
Tours and Activities in Fort Lauderdale
Here are a few actual costs in Fort Lauderdale for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Pembroke Pines by Wacky Walks: $10
- Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk Self-guided Audio Walking Tour: $11
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Pompano Beach by Zombie Scavengers: $20
- 1-Hour Family Pirate Adventure Cruise: $22
- Fort Lauderdale Fallen Frights and Fury Ghost Tour: $24
- Private BLU3 Nomad Scuba Demo Experience in Deerfield: $25
- Holiday Mansion Lights Boat Tour: $30
- Florida Everglades Airboat Adventure and Wildlife Encounter: $31
- Jungle Queen Riverboat 90-Minute Narrated Sightseeing Cruise in Fort Lauderdale: $31
- VENICE OF AMERICA TOUR!! Best of Fort Lauderdale over 30 years!!!: $32
- Fort Lauderdale Fallen Frights and Fury Ghost Tour: $32
- Sea Rocket Intracoastal Holiday Lights Cruise in Fort Lauderdale: $33
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 dayFort Lauderdale $33Kailua-Kona $15
Typical Alcohol Prices in Fort Lauderdale
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Fort Lauderdale are as follows:
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Beer$7.30
Sample the Local Flavors in Fort Lauderdale
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Fort Lauderdale:
- Fort Lauderdale Bar Crawl: $15
- Ft. Lauderdale: Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
- Ft Lauderdale Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $36
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fort Lauderdale and Kailua-Kona, we can see that Kailua-Kona is more expensive. And not only is Fort Lauderdale much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Fort Lauderdale would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Fort Lauderdale Expensive? and Is Kailua-Kona Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Fort Lauderdale or Kailua-Kona?
Fort Lauderdale has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Kailua-Kona. When comparing the sizes of Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale or Kailua-Kona?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Kailua-Kona in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Fort Lauderdale and Kailua-Kona. Many visitors come to Fort Lauderdale in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.
Fort Lauderdale is a little warmer than Kailua-Kona in the summer. The daily temperature in Fort Lauderdale averages around 83°F (28°C) in July, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).
In Fort Lauderdale, it's very sunny this time of the year. Fort Lauderdale usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during summer. Fort Lauderdale gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.
Fort Lauderdale gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Fort Lauderdale usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyFort Lauderdale 83°F (28°C)Kailua-Kona 78°F (25°C)
Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Kailua-Kona in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Fort Lauderdale as well as Kailua-Kona. Most visitors come to Fort Lauderdale for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Fort Lauderdale is around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Fort Lauderdale in October average around 78°F (26°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 78°F (26°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fort Lauderdale this time of the year. In the autumn, Fort Lauderdale often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Fort Lauderdale gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 138 hours of full sun.
Fort Lauderdale receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Fort Lauderdale usually gets more rain in October than Kailua-Kona. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFort Lauderdale 78°F (26°C)Kailua-Kona 78°F (26°C)
Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Kailua-Kona in the Winter?
Both Kailua-Kona and Fort Lauderdale are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Fort Lauderdale because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.
In January, Fort Lauderdale is generally cooler than Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 67°F (20°C), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during winter. Fort Lauderdale gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 158 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kailua-Kona. In January, Fort Lauderdale usually receives less rain than Kailua-Kona. Fort Lauderdale gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFort Lauderdale 67°F (20°C)Kailua-Kona 74°F (23°C)
Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Kailua-Kona in the Spring?
Both Kailua-Kona and Fort Lauderdale during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Fort Lauderdale this time of year.
Fort Lauderdale is around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona in the spring. The daily temperature in Fort Lauderdale averages around 75°F (24°C) in April, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).
It's quite sunny in Fort Lauderdale. In the spring, Fort Lauderdale often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Fort Lauderdale gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 134 hours of full sun.
Fort Lauderdale usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Kailua-Kona. Fort Lauderdale gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilFort Lauderdale 75°F (24°C)Kailua-Kona 74°F (24°C)
Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and Fort Lauderdale
| Fort Lauderdale | Kailua-Kona | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 67°F (20°C) | 2.2 inches (55 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Feb | 68°F (20°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Mar | 72°F (22°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 4.4 inches (111 mm) |
| Apr | 75°F (24°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
| May | 79°F (26°C) | 6.4 inches (162 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
| Jun | 81°F (27°C) | 9.4 inches (238 mm) | 77°F (25°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) |
| Jul | 83°F (28°C) | 5.9 inches (149 mm) | 78°F (25°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Aug | 83°F (28°C) | 7.5 inches (191 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Sep | 82°F (28°C) | 7.6 inches (194 mm) | 79°F (26°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) |
| Oct | 78°F (26°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.6 inches (41 mm) |
| Nov | 73°F (23°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Dec | 69°F (21°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.