A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ghent vs. Kingston for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Ghent or Kingston?

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 Ghent and Kingston. 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: Ghent or Kingston?

Ghent

Ghent is a large city in the northern part of Belgium (the Flanders region) with a population of about 250,000. This city was one of the most powerful cities in Europe during the Middle Ages, which is portrayed today, mostly through architecture. There is a large university in Ghent with over 60,000 students, and a large portion of the population are young students. However, among the natives and students, there are also many foreigners and artists that you will find walking the streets of the city. Ghent is also Belgium's second largest port city.

Kingston

Kingston is Jamaica's capital city with a population of about 579,000. For being located on an island, Kingston is a very large city with several different zip codes. Not only is Kingston the cultural capital of the country, but also the commercial one as well.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Budget Tours to Belgium.


Which place is cheaper, Kingston or Ghent?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Ghent is €144, while the average daily cost in Kingston is €105. 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 Ghent and Kingston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ghent 72
    Kingston 53
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ghent 144
    Kingston 106
Compare Hotels in Ghent and Kingston

Looking for a hotel in Ghent or Kingston? 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.

Hotels in Ghent


Hotels in Kingston


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: Ghent Hotel Prices and Kingston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ghent 19
    Kingston 24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kingston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kingston:

  • From One Way Shared Transfer to Kingston Airport: $19
  • From Kingston Airport: One Way Shared Transfer to Kingston: $19
  • Private Transfers To/From Kingston & Airport (KIN) Across Jamaica: $24
  • MBJ Airport Transfer to/ from Hotels : $25
  • Private Transfer from Kingston's Airport: $32
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Kingston International Airport (KIN): $34
  • Kingston Airport Transfers Private Taxi Service***: $37
  • Private Transfer To & From New Kingston to Norman Manley Airport: $40
  • Kingston Norman Manley Airport (KIN) to Kingston - Arrival Private Transfer: $42
  • Private Airport transfer from MBJ to & from Hotel's in Ochi Rios : $46
  • From One Way Shared Transfer to Port Antonio: $47
  • Private Transfers To/From Kingston & Airport Across Jamaica: $49

Is it cheaper to fly into Ghent or Kingston?

Prices for flights to both Kingston and Ghent 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 day
    Ghent 60
    Kingston 38

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ghent

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ghent.

  • Walking Food Tour in Ghent: $93
  • Walking food tour: Introduction to Ghent through food: $109
  • Small-Group Food Tour in Ghent by Bike: $178

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ghent 8.64
    Kingston 10

Tours and Activities in Ghent

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ghent are as follows:

  • Gastronomic Walking Tour of Gent - Tasters included: $3.57
  • Historical Walking Tour: Legends of Gent: $3.57
  • Evening Tour of the Dark Side of Gent: $3.57
  • Ghent Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $7.75
  • Ghent Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone: $8.34
  • Pub Trail an adventure full of surprises: $13
  • Hidden A Self-Guided Audio Tour Of The Flemish City: $15
  • Escape Tour Gent -selfguided citygame- and find the secret exit!: $24
  • Discover Ghent with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $30
  • TV like Ultimate Quiz Experience in Ghent: $30
  • Ghent Beer Guided Walking Tour: $54
  • Bicycle tour in historic Ghent: $54

Tours and Activities in Kingston

Here are a few actual costs in Kingston for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Art Walk Sunday Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $9.78
  • Walking Tour with Mural Exploration: $26
  • Bob Marley Museum Entry Ticket: $30
  • Kingston Creative: Mural Art Walking Tour: $31
  • Club Kingston VIP Departure Lounge Experience: $38
  • Mural Tours in the Downtown Kingston Art District, Jamaica: $40
  • Reggae Legend - Bob Marley Museum Tour Tickets: $41
  • Bamboo Rafting Adventure in Ocho Rios : $62
  • Devon House Heritage Tour with Ice Cream from Kingston: $63
  • Devon House Tour with Ice Cream from Kingston: $64
  • Private Bob Marley Tour Experience: $65
  • Kingston City Guided Tour - Classic: $69

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ghent 18
    Kingston 9.09


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ghent and Kingston, we can see that Ghent is more expensive. And not only is Kingston much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ghent is in Europe and Kingston is in Caribbean Islands, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Kingston would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kingston 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 Ghent would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ghent than you might in Kingston.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ghent Expensive? and Is Kingston Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Ghent or Kingston?

Kingston has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Ghent. When comparing the sizes of Ghent and Kingston, 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 Ghent or Kingston?

Ghent has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Kingston experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Ghent or Kingston in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ghent and Kingston. Many visitors come to Ghent in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Kingston attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In July, Ghent is generally much colder than Kingston. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 17°C (63°F), and Kingston fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kingston this time of the year. In Ghent, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ghent usually receives less sunshine than Kingston during summer. Ghent gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Kingston receives 254 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ghent usually receives more rain than Kingston. Ghent gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ghent 17°C (63°F) 
    Kingston 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Ghent or Kingston in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ghent as well as Kingston. Most visitors come to Ghent for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kingston throughout the year.

Ghent is much colder than Kingston in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ghent averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Kingston fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kingston. In the autumn, Ghent often gets less sunshine than Kingston. Ghent gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kingston receives 229 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kingston. Ghent usually gets less rain in October than Kingston. Ghent gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ghent 12°C (54°F) 
    Kingston 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Ghent or Kingston in the Winter?

Both Kingston and Ghent are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Ghent because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Kingston because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The weather in Ghent can be very cold. In the winter, Ghent is much colder than Kingston. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ghent in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Kingston averages at about 26°C (79°F).

It's quite sunny in Kingston. Ghent usually receives less sunshine than Kingston during winter. Ghent gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Kingston receives 257 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Ghent usually receives more rain than Kingston. Ghent gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ghent 3°C (38°F) 
    Kingston 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Ghent or Kingston in the Spring?

Both Kingston and Ghent during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Ghent this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kingston year-round.

In April, Ghent is generally much colder than Kingston. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 8°C (47°F), and Kingston fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In Kingston, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Ghent often gets less sunshine than Kingston. Ghent gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kingston receives 251 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets more rain in April than Kingston. Ghent gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ghent 8°C (47°F) 
    Kingston 26°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Kingston and Ghent

Ghent Kingston
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Apr 8°C (47°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 75 mm (2.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)