Which place is cheaper, Carmel-by-the-Sea or Kingston?
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 Kingston or Carmel-by-the-Sea?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Kingston or Carmel-by-the-Sea, 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?
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.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
A small, beach town on the Monterey Peninsula, Carmel-by-the-Sea is known for its idyllic natural scenery and artistic history. Carmel's village, just one square mile in size, is unlike any other in California with its picturesque views, European style and unusual laws.
Clint Eastwood served as mayor of Carmel from 1986-88. Without a single fast food or chain restaurants, visitors can easily feel that Carmel still preserves its slow and easy lifestyle, with all private-owned restaurants, coffee shops and pubs. This town is undoubtedly charming, even with its anti-high heel laws (though they aren't strictly enforced and permits are free at the City Hall), lack of street addresses and has been named the top destination for dog-friendly towns in the country. Grab your furry friends, leave your heels at home and get ready to explore this quaint and lovely town by the sea.
If you want to avoid the heat, Carmel is the perfect place to go, with year-round mild temperatures. Even during the summer seasons, you may not feel the heat through the fog and cool coastal weather. Peak seasons for travel are during summer months in August and September, (especially popular for weddings) and even then, the highs are still in the low 70s. Winter season lows dip only down to low 50s, with the Pacific Oceans maintaining moderate temperatures.
If you're driving to the city, keep in mind that the businesses do not have numbers in their addresses. To get directions or arrange a meeting, be sure to remember the name of the business and grab a map from the Carmel Chamber of Commerce.
Some famous artists who have resided in Carmel are Upton Sinclair, Jack London and Mary Austin. Carmel is known to be particularly dog-friendly, as almost all hotels allow guests to bring their dogs.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.
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Kingston Prices
Jamaica PricesCarmel-by-the-Sea Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKingston $123Carmel-by-the-Sea $0.00
The average daily cost (per person) in Kingston is $123, while the average daily cost in Carmel-by-the-Sea is $0.00. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKingston $62Carmel-by-the-Sea -
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKingston $124Carmel-by-the-Sea $0.00
Compare Hotels in Kingston and Carmel-by-the-Sea
Looking for a hotel in Kingston or Carmel-by-the-Sea? 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kingston $28Carmel-by-the-Sea $125
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 Kingston or Carmel-by-the-Sea?
Prices for flights to both Carmel-by-the-Sea 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
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Food Meals for one dayKingston $44Carmel-by-the-Sea $264
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
- Old Monterey Walking Food Tour: $164
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kingston $12Carmel-by-the-Sea -
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
Tours and Activities in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Carmel-by-the-Sea are as follows:
- Carmel-by-the-Sea's Fairytale Houses: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $7.99
- Carmel Point: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
- Carmel-by-the-Sea Mission Areas: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
- Downtown A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
- Carmel on Foot Audio Tour: Courtyards, Artists & Ocean Views: $9.99
- Off the Beaten Path in A Self-Guided Tour: $9.99
- Scenic Path A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
- Smartphone Audio Driving Tour between San Francisco & Monterey: $12
- Self Guided Driving Audio Tour of 17 Mile Drive Monterey: $14
- Driving the California Coast: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- 17-Mile Drive Self-Guided Audio Tour from Monterey & Carmel: $15
- Point Lobos - A Private Charming Ocean Tour: $15
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKingston $11Carmel-by-the-Sea -
Sample the Local Flavors in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Carmel-by-the-Sea:
- Carmel Valley Village: Wine Tasting Tours in a 1970 VW bus.: $139
- Wine Tasting Tours in a Vintage VW Bus: $139
- Wine Tasting and Walking Tour of Carmel-by-the-Sea: $159
- Wine Tasting and Walking Tour of Carmel-by-the-Sea: $159
- Morning Half Day Carmel Valley Wine Tasting Tour : $236
- Carmel Valley Wine Tour's Premium Package: $245
- Afternoon Half-day Carmel Valley Wine Tasting Tour: $249
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kingston and Carmel-by-the-Sea, we can see that Kingston is more expensive. And not only is Carmel-by-the-Sea much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Kingston is in Caribbean Islands and Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Kingston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kingston than you might in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kingston Expensive? and Is Carmel-by-the-Sea Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kingston or Carmel-by-the-Sea?
Kingston has a larger population, and is about 230 times larger than the population of Carmel-by-the-Sea. When comparing the sizes of Kingston and Carmel-by-the-Sea, 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?
Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kingston and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kingston year-round. Also, many travelers come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
Kingston is much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea in the summer. The daily temperature in Kingston averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).
In July, Kingston usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Kingston gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKingston 29°C (83°F)Carmel-by-the-Sea 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Kingston or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Kingston as well as Carmel-by-the-Sea. Kingston attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Kingston is much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kingston in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Carmel-by-the-Sea averages at about 62°F (17°C).
Kingston receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kingston usually gets more rain in October than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Kingston gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKingston 28°C (82°F)Carmel-by-the-Sea 62°F (17°C)
Should I visit Kingston or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Winter?
Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Kingston are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kingston throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In January, Kingston is generally much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Daily temperatures in Kingston average around 26°C (79°F), and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).
In January, Kingston usually receives less rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Kingston gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKingston 26°C (79°F)Carmel-by-the-Sea 51°F (11°C)
Should I visit Kingston or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Spring?
Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Kingston during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kingston because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Carmel-by-the-Sea because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.
Kingston is much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea in the spring. The daily temperature in Kingston averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).
Kingston usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Carmel-by-the-Sea. Kingston gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKingston 26°C (80°F)Carmel-by-the-Sea 56°F (13°C)
Typical Weather for Carmel-by-the-Sea and Kingston
| Kingston | Carmel-by-the-Sea | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 51°F (11°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 53°F (12°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.1 inches (55 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 0.2 inches (4 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 62°F (16°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Sep | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.6 inches (14 mm) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 51°F (10°C) | 2 inches (51 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.