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

Should you visit Kingston or Detroit?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Kingston or Detroit, 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 Detroit?

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.

Detroit

Detroit is the largest city in the Midwestern state of Michigan. Near Downtown, the neoclassical Detroit Institute of Arts is famed for the Detroit Industry Murals painted by Diego Rivera, and inspired by the city's ties to the auto industry, giving it the nickname "Motor City." Detroit is also the birthplace of Motown Records, whose chart-topping history is on display at their original headquarters, Hitsville U.S.A.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Detroit or Kingston?

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

  • Kingston Prices
    Jamaica Prices
    Detroit Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Kingston $123
    Detroit $165

The average daily cost (per person) in Kingston is $123, while the average daily cost in Detroit is $165. 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 Detroit in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kingston $62
    Detroit $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kingston $124
    Detroit $128
Compare Hotels in Kingston and Detroit

Looking for a hotel in Kingston or Detroit? 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 Kingston


Hotels in Detroit


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 Detroit Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kingston $28
    Detroit $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kingston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kingston:

  • Transfer for Kingston Airport to and from Hotels in Montego Bay: $173
  • Runaway Bay Hotels Private Roundtrip Airport Transfer from Kingston Airport(KIN): $261
  • Private Transfers To/From Kingston & Airport Across Jamaica: $49
  • Private Transfers To/From Kingston & Airport (KIN) Across Jamaica: $24
  • Private Transfer To & From New Kingston to Norman Manley Airport: $40
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Kingston International Airport (KIN): $34
  • Private Arrivals or Departures Transfer: Norman Manley Airport to Kingston : $136
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Kingston International Airport to Hotel: $53
  • Port Antonio Hotel Private Roundtrip Airport Transfer from Kingston Airport(KIN): $235
  • NMIA & Kingston transfer to Negril: $225
  • Montego Bay: 5-Day Jamaica Tour with Meals and Transfers: $2,200
  • Tropical Off-Road ATV Tour with Lunch and Transfer: $369

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Detroit

Also for Detroit, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Departure Private Transfer: Detroit to Detroit Airport DTW in Business Car: $108
  • Departure Private Transfer: Detroit to Detroit Airport DTW in Luxury SUV: $142
  • Detroit Airport (DTW) to Detroit City - Arrival Private Transfer: $92
  • Detroit Airport (DTW) to Detroit City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $183
  • Detroit City to Detroit Airport (DTW) - Departure Private Transfer: $92
  • Private Departure Transfer - to Detroit Airport (DTW) by SUV: $90
  • Private Departure Transfer to Detroit Airport DTW: $61
  • Private Transfer from Detroit (DTW) Airport to Detroit City: $155
  • Private Transfer from Detroit City to Detroit (DTW) Airport: $155

Is it cheaper to fly into Kingston or Detroit?

Prices for flights to both Detroit 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 day
    Kingston $44
    Detroit $76

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Detroit

For Detroit, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Secret Food Tour with Tastings: $80
  • Detroit Downtown Food Tour: 6+ Iconic Tastings in Motor City: $95
  • Detroit Flavors Food Tour: $150
  • Delicious in Detroit Food Tour: $159

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kingston $12
    Detroit $21

Tours and Activities in Kingston

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

  • Appleton Estate Rum Tour and Tasting from Ocho Rios: $232
  • Bamboo Rafting Adventure in Ocho Rios : $62
  • Bamboo Rafting and Boston Jerk Centre Tour in Portland Jamaica: $220
  • Blue Mountain Tour: A Half-Day Escape from Kingston: $1,011
  • Blue Mountains Coffee Private Tour from Kingston: $180
  • Bob Marley Guided City Tour: $95
  • Bob Marley Museum Entry Ticket: $30
  • Bob Marley Museum Express Tour from Port Royal Cruise Port: $141
  • Bob Marley Museum, Devon House and Downtown Kingston Tour: $134
  • City Tour of Kingston Including Entry Fees: $105
  • Club Kingston VIP Departure Lounge Experience: $38
  • Devon House City Tour Combo: $85

Tours and Activities in Detroit

For Detroit, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Self Guided Detroit's Spirit and History Solo Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Ann Arbor by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Windsor by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Detroit Red Wings Ice Hockey Game Ticket at Little Caesars Arena: $11
  • Self-Guided Ann Arbor Scavenger Hunt: Ann Arbor Adventure: $12
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Ann Arbor MI: $15
  • SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium Admission Ticket: $20
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Ann Arbor with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • French History Tour of Detroit A Self-Guided Audio Tour App: $20
  • LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Michigan Admission Ticket: $22
  • Detroit Pistons Basketball Game Ticket at Little Caesars Arena: $23
  • Macabre, Murder, & Mayhem in Motor City: Detroit Ghost Tour: $24

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kingston $11
    Detroit $20


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kingston and Detroit, we can see that Detroit 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 Detroit 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 Detroit would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Detroit 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 Detroit Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kingston or Detroit?

Detroit has a larger population, and is about 1% larger than the population of Kingston. When comparing the sizes of Kingston and Detroit, 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 Detroit?

Detroit 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 Detroit in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Kingston as well as Detroit. Kingston attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Detroit this time of year.

In July, Kingston is generally a little warmer than Detroit. Daily temperatures in Kingston average around 29°C (83°F), and Detroit fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Detroit. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kingston this time of the year. In the summer, Kingston often gets less sunshine than Detroit. Kingston gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 319 hours of full sun.

Kingston usually gets less rain in July than Detroit. Kingston gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kingston 29°C (83°F) 
    Detroit 74°F (24°C)

Should I visit Kingston or Detroit in the Autumn?

Both Detroit and Kingston are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kingston throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Detroit for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kingston. Kingston usually receives more sunshine than Detroit during autumn. Kingston gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 172 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Kingston. In October, Kingston usually receives more rain than Detroit. Kingston gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Detroit receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Kingston or Detroit in the Winter?

Both Detroit and Kingston during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kingston because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many visitors come to Detroit in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Detroit can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Kingston is much warmer than Detroit. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kingston in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Detroit averages at about 25°F (-4°C).

It's quite sunny in Kingston. In the winter, Kingston often gets more sunshine than Detroit. Kingston gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 120 hours of full sun.

Kingston usually gets less rain in January than Detroit. Kingston gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Detroit receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kingston 26°C (79°F) 
    Detroit 25°F (-4°C)

Should I visit Kingston or Detroit in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kingston and Detroit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kingston year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Detroit for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Kingston is generally much warmer than Detroit. Daily temperatures in Kingston average around 26°C (80°F), and Detroit fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Detroit this time of the year. In Kingston, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kingston usually receives more sunshine than Detroit during spring. Kingston gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 223 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Kingston usually receives less rain than Detroit. Kingston gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.2 inches (80 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kingston 26°C (80°F) 
    Detroit 49°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Detroit and Kingston

Kingston Detroit
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 25°F (-4°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 27°F (-3°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm)
Mar 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 37°F (3°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 49°F (9°C) 3.2 inches (80 mm)
May 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 60°F (16°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 70°F (21°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 74°F (24°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 73°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Sep 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 65°F (19°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 54°F (12°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 43°F (6°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 31°F (-1°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)