Which place is cheaper, Kailua-Kona or Freeport?
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 Freeport 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 Freeport 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: Freeport or Kailua-Kona?
Freeport
When you picture the Bahamas you likely picture the beaches, resorts and playgrounds of Nassau. Just to the northwest of this tourist paradise is a tropical city founded on industry. Freeport began as mostly swampland and is now the second most populous city in the Bahamas.
This city is less of a tourist attraction - a place where you'll find the true Bahaman culture mixed in with some relaxing spots to help you unwind and get into your island vacation.
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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Bahamas, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Bahamas, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.
-
Freeport Prices
Bahamas PricesKailua-Kona Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFreeport $290Kailua-Kona $274
The average daily cost (per person) in Freeport is $290, 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 Freeport and Kailua-Kona in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFreeport $141Kailua-Kona $141
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFreeport $282Kailua-Kona $282
Compare Hotels in Freeport and Kailua-Kona
Looking for a hotel in Freeport 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: Freeport Hotel Prices and Kailua-Kona Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Freeport $59Kailua-Kona $45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Freeport
Also for Freeport, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Roundtrip Airport Transfers Grand Lucayan Resort Freeport: $30
- Round-Trip Airport Transfer Viva Club Fortuna Freeport: $30
- Round-Trip Airport Transfer Between Freeport Airport and Pelican Bay Resort : $30
- Round-trip Airport Transfers to Castaway Resorts, Freeport: $30
- Private Transfer from Grand Bahama Airport (FPO) to Freeport Port: $68
- Private Transfer from Freeport Port to Grand Bahama Airport (FPO): $68
- Freeport to Grand Bahama Airport (FPO) Departure Private Transfer: $78
- Old Bahama Bay to Grand Bahama Airport (FPO) - Private Transfer: $78
- Grand Bahama Airport (FPO) to Old Bahama Bay - Private Transfer: $78
- Grand Bahama Airport (FPO) to Freeport - Arrival Private Transfer: $78
- Luxury SUV Transfer from Airport, cruise port, Celebration Key : $133
- Shared Round Trip Limousine Transfer : $150
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 Freeport or Kailua-Kona?
Prices for flights to both Kailua-Kona and Freeport 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 dayFreeport $110Kailua-Kona $100
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Freeport
For Freeport, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Around Town/Bahamian Cooking Experience: $175
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.Freeport $40Kailua-Kona $40
Typical Entertainment Prices in Freeport
For Freeport, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
10 Dive Package$299
-
4 Hr. Kayak Tour$70
-
1/2 Day Snorkel Trip$75
Tours and Activities in Freeport
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Freeport.
- Tour of Coral Vita and breach brak at Banana bay beach club: $51
- Swim with the Pigs Freeport @Creative Eco Adventures: $72
- Mamma Gal Celeb-Key Shared Tour: $75
- Mamma Gal Native Experience : $80
- Grand Bahama Catamaran Sunset Cruise with Drinks and Snacks: $89
- Rumbo Tour : $90
- Mamma Gal East End Native Experience : $95
- Go Kart Adventure Caves Pirates Beaches: $109
- Clear Kayak Tour: $120
- Bahamas Sea Scooter Snorkeling Adventure: $120
- CocoNutz Cruisers Electric Bicycle Tour: $123
- Freeport Shore Excursion: Garden of the Groves and City Tour: $126
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 dayFreeport $30Kailua-Kona $15
Sample the Local Flavors in Freeport
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Freeport:
- Brewery & Taste with Beach & Shop at Largest Market on Freeport 4-hrs : $85
When comparing the travel costs between Freeport and Kailua-Kona, we can see that Freeport is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Freeport is in Caribbean Islands and Kailua-Kona is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Freeport Expensive? and Is Kailua-Kona Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Freeport or Kailua-Kona?
Freeport has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Kailua-Kona. When comparing the sizes of Freeport 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.