Which place is cheaper, Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Kingston or Gatlinburg, 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 Gatlinburg?
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.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.
-
Kingston Prices
Jamaica PricesGatlinburg Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKingston $123Gatlinburg $253
The average daily cost (per person) in Kingston is $123, while the average daily cost in Gatlinburg is $253. 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 Gatlinburg in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKingston $62Gatlinburg $80
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKingston $124Gatlinburg $160
Compare Hotels in Kingston and Gatlinburg
Looking for a hotel in Kingston or Gatlinburg? 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 Gatlinburg Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kingston $28Gatlinburg $35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kingston
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kingston:
- Montego Bay: 5-Day Jamaica Tour with Meals and Transfers: $2,200
- From Kingston Airport: One Way Private Transfer to Negril: $749
- Kingston Airport: One Way Private Transfer to Montego Bay: $479
- Tropical Off-Road ATV Tour with Lunch and Transfer: $369
- From Kingston Airport: One Way Private Transfer to Ocho Rios: $319
- Runaway Bay Hotels Private Roundtrip Airport Transfer from Kingston Airport(KIN): $261
- Group Private Kingston Airport Transfers (10 - 15 Persons): $251
- Port Antonio Hotel Private Roundtrip Airport Transfer from Kingston Airport(KIN): $235
- Kingston Round Trip Airport Transfers to Ocho Rios : $230
- NMIA & Kingston transfer to Negril: $225
- Airport Group Transfers-Kingston: $180
- Transfer for Kingston Airport to and from Hotels in Montego Bay: $173
Is it cheaper to fly into Kingston or Gatlinburg?
Prices for flights to both Gatlinburg 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 $44Gatlinburg $148
Typical Food Prices in Gatlinburg
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Gatlinburg:
-
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
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kingston $12Gatlinburg $24
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Gatlinburg
For Gatlinburg, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Horseback Riding Photos$22
-
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
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayKingston $11Gatlinburg $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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kingston and Gatlinburg, we can see that Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kingston or Gatlinburg?
Kingston has a larger population, and is about 220 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Kingston and Gatlinburg, 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 Gatlinburg?
Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg in the Summer?
Both Gatlinburg and Kingston during the summer 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 summer months attract visitors to Gatlinburg because of the hiking.
In the summer, Kingston is around the same temperature as Gatlinburg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kingston in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Gatlinburg averages at about 81°F (27°C).
In Gatlinburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Kingston. In the summer, Kingston often gets less sunshine than Gatlinburg. Kingston gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 294 hours of full sun.
Gatlinburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Kingston usually gets less rain in July than Gatlinburg. Kingston gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyKingston 29°C (83°F)Gatlinburg 81°F (27°C)
Should I visit Kingston or Gatlinburg in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kingston and Gatlinburg. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kingston year-round. Furthermore, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Gatlinburg this time of year.
In October, Kingston is generally much warmer than Gatlinburg. Daily temperatures in Kingston average around 28°C (82°F), and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gatlinburg this time of the year. In Kingston, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kingston usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gatlinburg during autumn. Kingston gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Kingston gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Kingston usually receives more rain than Gatlinburg. Kingston gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKingston 28°C (82°F)Gatlinburg 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Kingston or Gatlinburg in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Kingston as well as Gatlinburg. Kingston attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Gatlinburg for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Gatlinburg. Kingston is much warmer than Gatlinburg in the winter. The daily temperature in Kingston averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kingston this time of the year. In the winter, Kingston often gets more sunshine than Gatlinburg. Kingston gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 134 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. Kingston usually gets less rain in January than Gatlinburg. Kingston gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKingston 26°C (79°F)Gatlinburg 40°F (5°C)
Should I visit Kingston or Gatlinburg in the Spring?
Both Gatlinburg and Kingston are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kingston throughout the year.
In the spring, Kingston is much warmer than Gatlinburg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kingston in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Gatlinburg averages at about 62°F (17°C).
It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kingston. Kingston usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gatlinburg during spring. Kingston gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 263 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Kingston usually receives less rain than Gatlinburg. Kingston gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilKingston 26°C (80°F)Gatlinburg 62°F (17°C)
Typical Weather for Gatlinburg and Kingston
| Kingston | Gatlinburg | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 40°F (5°C) | 4.7 inches (119 mm) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 44°F (7°C) | 4.7 inches (120 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 4.8 inches (123 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 70°F (21°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 78°F (25°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 4.7 inches (119 mm) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 80°F (27°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Sep | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 53°F (12°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 44°F (7°C) | 4.5 inches (114 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.