Which place is cheaper, Austin or Kingston?
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 Kingston or Austin?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Kingston or Austin, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Kingston or Austin?
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.
Austin
Located in the Texas Hill Country, Austin is the capital city of the state. It is a relatively small city with a compact downtown area and many sprawling suburbs stretching out along the interstate. Austin prides itself on its eclectic culture and alternative vibe which is epitomized by the city's unofficial slogan "Keep Austin Weird." The University of Texas at Austin is also located downtown. The school's large student population helps give the city a youthful feel with a lively nightlife and no shortage of activities on weekends. The city is also the self proclaimed live music capital of the country. As such, it has many music venues and bars, most of which are clustered around the 6th Street area downtown. There are also many free outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.
-
Kingston Prices
Jamaica PricesAustin Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKingston $123Austin $167
The average daily cost (per person) in Kingston is $123, while the average daily cost in Austin is $167. 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 Kingston and Austin in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKingston $62Austin $56
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKingston $124Austin $112
Compare Hotels in Kingston and Austin
Looking for a hotel in Kingston or Austin? 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: Kingston Hotel Prices and Austin Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kingston $28Austin $47
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kingston
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kingston:
- Airport Group Transfers-Kingston: $180
- Airport MBJ Round Trip Transfer to Ocho Rios Airbnb Home, Resorts: $133
- Airport Transfers from Kingston.: $70
- From Kingston Airport: One Way Private Transfer to Negril: $749
- From Kingston Airport: One Way Private Transfer to Ocho Rios: $319
- From Kingston Airport: One Way Shared Transfer to Kingston: $19
- From One Way Shared Transfer to Kingston Airport: $19
- From One Way Shared Transfer to Montego Bay: $69
- From One Way Shared Transfer to Negril: $79
- From One Way Shared Transfer to Port Antonio: $47
- Group Private Kingston Airport Transfers (10 - 15 Persons): $251
- Airport transfers One Way to all hotels - private: $79
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Austin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Austin:
- AUS Airport Private Transfer to Austin(downtown): $70
- Austin City to Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $121
- Austin Texas Airport Transfer Premium Black SUV: $189
- Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) to Austin City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $241
- Private Transfer Between Airport and Hotels: $80
- Private Airport and Hotel Transfer Services in Austin: $115
- Private Transfer Austin Airport AUS to Austin City: $100
- Private Transfer in a Luxury Vehicle to and/or from AUS Airport: $125
Is it cheaper to fly into Kingston or Austin?
Prices for flights to both Austin and Kingston 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 dayKingston $44Austin $60
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Austin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Austin.
- Sushi Making Cooking Class in a Sake Bar in Austin: $75
- Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery in Austin: $75
- Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Tap Room in Austin: $75
- Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Tap Room: $75
- Austin Street Art and Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $85
- Street Art and Street Food Tour: $85
- Austin Food Tour with BBQ Brisket, Breakfast Tacos & 6 Tastings: $99
- Austin South Congress Food Tour with 6 Tastings, Tacos & Sweets: $99
- Austin Taco Tasting Walking Food Tour (Small Group): $99
- Downtown Food Tour with 6+ Tastings of Local Flavors: $104
- South Congress District Food Tour with 6 Tastings: $115
- Austin Small-Group BBQ Walking Food Tour: $129
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kingston $12Austin $28
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Austin
Here are a few typical costs in Austin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Austin Duck Tour$31
Tours and Activities in Austin
Here are a few actual costs in Austin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Austin Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self Guided Tour: $7.77
- Austin's Famous Ghosts Smartphone Guided Audio App Walking Tour : $9.75
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Austin by Wacky Walks: $10
- Ultimate cat experience at Austin's only cat cafe: $16
- Austin Self-Guided Driving & Walking Audio Tour Guide: $17
- 3D Printer Factory Tour plus 2 ft Tall Rocket!: $22
- Downtown Austin Haunted History Tour: $24
- Austin Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
- KuneKune Pig Farm Tour: $25
- Austin City Limits Guided Backstage Tour at The Moody Theater: $25
- Ha Ha Haunted Austin Walking Ghost Tour: $26
- Hauntings, Apparitions & Ashes of Austin Ghost Tour: $27
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayKingston $11Austin $28
Sample the Local Flavors in Austin
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Austin:
- Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt: Sixth Street Spree Austin Bar Crawl: $12
- Austin’s Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
- Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $35
- Austin Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $35
- Lost Legends of Texas Pub Crawl in Austin: $35
- Public Pedal Pub Tour in Austin: $39
- Austin 6th Street Bar Crawl | The Epic Group: $43
- Austin Bar Crawl: Austin's 6th Street Bar Crawl: $43
- Public Party Bike Pub Crawl Tour in Austin: $54
- East Austin Brewery Tour by Pedicab: $65
- Private Austin Brewery Tour by Pedicab with All-Inclusive Beer Flight Option: $70
- At-Home Private Wine or NA Wine Tasting Experience in Austin: $75
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kingston and Austin, we can see that Austin is more expensive. And not only is Kingston much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Kingston is in Caribbean Islands and Austin is in North America, 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 Austin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Austin 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 Kingston Expensive? and Is Austin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kingston or Austin?
Kingston has a larger population, and is about 38% larger than the population of Austin. When comparing the sizes of Kingston and Austin, 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 Kingston or Austin?
Austin 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 Kingston or Austin in the Summer?
Both Austin and Kingston are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kingston throughout the year. Also, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Austin this time of year.
In the summer, Kingston is around the same temperature as Austin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kingston in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Austin averages at about 87°F (30°C).
It's quite sunny in Austin. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kingston. Kingston usually receives less sunshine than Austin during summer. Kingston gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 318 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Kingston usually receives less rain than Austin. Kingston gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyKingston 29°C (83°F)Austin 87°F (30°C)
Should I visit Kingston or Austin in the Autumn?
Both Austin and Kingston during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kingston because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Austin for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Kingston is generally a little warmer than Austin. Daily temperatures in Kingston average around 28°C (82°F), and Austin fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).
In Austin, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Kingston. In the autumn, Kingston often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Austin. Kingston gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 214 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kingston. Kingston usually gets more rain in October than Austin. Kingston gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKingston 28°C (82°F)Austin 73°F (23°C)
Should I visit Kingston or Austin in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kingston and Austin. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kingston year-round. Also, many visitors come to Austin in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Kingston is much warmer than Austin in the winter. The daily temperature in Kingston averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Austin fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).
In Kingston, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kingston usually receives more sunshine than Austin during winter. Kingston gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Kingston usually receives less rain than Austin. Kingston gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKingston 26°C (79°F)Austin 51°F (11°C)
Should I visit Kingston or Austin in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Kingston as well as Austin. Kingston attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Austin for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Kingston is a little warmer than Austin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kingston in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Austin averages at about 71°F (22°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Austin. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kingston this time of the year. In the spring, Kingston often gets more sunshine than Austin. Kingston gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 209 hours of full sun.
Kingston usually gets less rain in April than Austin. Kingston gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilKingston 26°C (80°F)Austin 71°F (22°C)
Typical Weather for Austin and Kingston
| Kingston | Austin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 51°F (11°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 4 inches (101 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 83°F (29°C) | 3.1 inches (80 mm) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 87°F (30°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 87°F (31°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) |
| Sep | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 2 inches (52 mm) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.2 inches (56 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.