Which place is cheaper, Kailua-Kona or Gatlinburg?
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 Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg and Kailua-Kona can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Gatlinburg or Kailua-Kona?
Gatlinburg
Located in eastern Tennessee, Gatlinburg is a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and for many it is a destination in and of itself. It's anything but natural, and most of its entertainment is centered around amusement park rides and gimmicky sights. You'll find no shortage of cheap hotels and restaurant options, many of which are the typical chains you would find in most tourist towns. It is a convenient town to pick up any necessities you may have forgotten before your visit to the nearby national park.
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 San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.
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Gatlinburg Prices
USA PricesKailua-Kona Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGatlinburg $253Kailua-Kona $274
The average daily cost (per person) in Gatlinburg is $253, 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 Gatlinburg and Kailua-Kona in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGatlinburg $80Kailua-Kona $141
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGatlinburg $160Kailua-Kona $282
Compare Hotels in Gatlinburg and Kailua-Kona
Looking for a hotel in Gatlinburg 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: Gatlinburg Hotel Prices and Kailua-Kona Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Gatlinburg $35Kailua-Kona $45
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 Gatlinburg or Kailua-Kona?
Prices for flights to both Kailua-Kona and Gatlinburg 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 dayGatlinburg $148Kailua-Kona $100
Typical Food Prices in Gatlinburg
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Gatlinburg:
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Chinese Food Dinner (for 2)$21
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Gatlinburg
For Gatlinburg, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Taste the Smokies Appalachian Inspired Cooking Classes: $115
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.Gatlinburg $24Kailua-Kona $40
Typical Entertainment Prices in Gatlinburg
For Gatlinburg, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Horseback Riding Photos$22
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Horseback Riding (for 2)$55
Tours and Activities in Gatlinburg
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Gatlinburg.
- Great Smoky Mountains NP Driving Tour smartphone autoplay APP/GPS: $9.75
- Clingmans Dome Self Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
- Cades Cove Sightseeing Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
- Museum of the Cherokee People Admission Ticket: $15
- Gatlinburg Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $15
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour: $16
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour: $17
- Rocky Top Mountain Coaster Admission Ticket in Pigeon Forge: $18
- Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Great Smoky Mountains: $20
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Pigeon Forge by Zombie Scavengers: $20
- Gatlinburg Ghosts of The Smokies Most Haunted Tour: $25
- Great Smoky Mountains & Cades Cove Self-Guided Driving Tours: $25
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 dayGatlinburg $15Kailua-Kona $15
Sample the Local Flavors in Gatlinburg
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Gatlinburg:
- Famous Moonshine & Wine Tour From Pigeon Forge: $85
When comparing the travel costs between Gatlinburg and Kailua-Kona, we can see that Kailua-Kona 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. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Gatlinburg Expensive? and Is Kailua-Kona Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Gatlinburg or Kailua-Kona?
Kailua-Kona has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg or Kailua-Kona?
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 Gatlinburg or Kailua-Kona in the Summer?
Both Kailua-Kona and Gatlinburg during the summer are popular places to visit. The hiking are the main draw to Gatlinburg this time of year.
Gatlinburg is around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona in the summer. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).
It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. In the summer, Gatlinburg often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Gatlinburg gets 294 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 169 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in July than Kailua-Kona. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGatlinburg 81°F (27°C)Kailua-Kona 78°F (25°C)
Should I visit Gatlinburg or Kailua-Kona in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Gatlinburg and Kailua-Kona. Many travelers come to Gatlinburg for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Gatlinburg is much colder than Kailua-Kona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Gatlinburg in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 78°F (26°C).
In Gatlinburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gatlinburg usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during autumn. Gatlinburg gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 138 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Gatlinburg gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGatlinburg 63°F (17°C)Kailua-Kona 78°F (26°C)
Should I visit Gatlinburg or Kailua-Kona in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Gatlinburg as well as Kailua-Kona. Many visitors come to Gatlinburg in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Gatlinburg can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Gatlinburg is generally much colder than Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 40°F (5°C), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).
In the winter, Gatlinburg often gets less sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Gatlinburg gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 158 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Kailua-Kona. Gatlinburg receives a lot of rain in the winter. Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in January than Kailua-Kona. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGatlinburg 40°F (5°C)Kailua-Kona 74°F (23°C)
Should I visit Gatlinburg or Kailua-Kona in the Spring?
Both Kailua-Kona and Gatlinburg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.
Gatlinburg is cooler than Kailua-Kona in the spring. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during spring. Gatlinburg gets 263 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 134 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Gatlinburg gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGatlinburg 62°F (17°C)Kailua-Kona 74°F (24°C)
Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and Gatlinburg
| Gatlinburg | Kailua-Kona | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 40°F (5°C) | 4.7 inches (119 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Feb | 44°F (7°C) | 4.7 inches (120 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Mar | 54°F (12°C) | 4.8 inches (123 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 4.4 inches (111 mm) |
| Apr | 62°F (17°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
| May | 70°F (21°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
| Jun | 78°F (25°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) | 77°F (25°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) |
| Jul | 81°F (27°C) | 4.7 inches (119 mm) | 78°F (25°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Aug | 80°F (27°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Sep | 74°F (24°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 79°F (26°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) |
| Oct | 63°F (17°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.6 inches (41 mm) |
| Nov | 53°F (12°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Dec | 44°F (7°C) | 4.5 inches (114 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.