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

Should you visit Kingston or Lancaster?

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

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

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.

Lancaster

The largest city in Pennsylvania's Dutch Country, Lancaster is surrounded by scenic landscape and a unique culture. The area is predominately agricultural in nature and you will find lush farms growing crops and produce most seasons. The Amish communities are spread throughout the area and although they remain relatively isolated, they are acknowledged by fellow community members and their customs are respected. The Amish community prides themselves on minimalist living. They do not use electricity and travel around in horse and buggy, a sight which you will grow accustomed to while you're in the area. They are excellent farmers and craftsmen and you can find shops that proudly sell Amish made goods. Their close are old fashion in nature. Women generally wear long dresses and bonnets while men wear black suits and hats. The Amish community has their own churches and their own schools. There are a handful of places where you can learn more about the Amish community in the area. The Amish Experience F/X Theater offers shows and the People's Place Quilt Museum shows some handicrafts. It is possible to take an Amish Country tour or visit the Mennonite Information Center for more information.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Lancaster 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
    Lancaster Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Kingston $123
    Lancaster $221

The average daily cost (per person) in Kingston is $123, while the average daily cost in Lancaster is $221. 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 Lancaster in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kingston $62
    Lancaster $91
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kingston $124
    Lancaster $182
Compare Hotels in Kingston and Lancaster

Looking for a hotel in Kingston or Lancaster? 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 Lancaster


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 Lancaster Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kingston $28
    Lancaster $69

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
  • Private Transfer from Montego Bay Port to Kingston Airport (KIN): $268
  • 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

Is it cheaper to fly into Kingston or Lancaster?

Prices for flights to both Lancaster 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
    Lancaster $91

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lancaster

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

  • International Food Tour Lancaster, PA: $62
  • Red Rose Walking Food Tour in Lancaster: $69
  • 3 Hour Retro Music Variety Show Dinner Theater: $75
  • Outdoor Cooking Class Activity with Customizable Recipes: $80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kingston $12
    Lancaster $19

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 Lancaster

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lancaster.

  • Guided Tour of the Lititz 1792 Johannes Mueller House: $10
  • 45-Minute Private Guided Historic Walking Tour in Lititz: $12
  • Guided Ghost Tour of Lititz: $12
  • Passport to Spain - Interactive Culinary Experience: $23
  • Ghost Tour of Lancaster: $25
  • Lititz Whiskey and History Tour : $25
  • Amish Farmlands Tour: $27
  • Amish Experience SuperSaver Package: $35
  • Lancaster Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Premium Amish Country Tour including Amish Farm and House: $38
  • Amish Experience Visit-In-Person Tour: $56
  • Lancaster History and Breakfast Walking Tour: $60

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kingston $11
    Lancaster $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Lancaster

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lancaster:

  • Guided Brewery Walking Tour in Lancaster City: $79


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


Which is Bigger, Kingston or Lancaster?

Kingston has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Lancaster. When comparing the sizes of Kingston and Lancaster, 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 Lancaster?

Lancaster 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 Lancaster in the Summer?

Both Lancaster 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. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lancaster this time of year.

Kingston is a little warmer than Lancaster in the summer. The daily temperature in Kingston averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Lancaster fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

In Lancaster, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Kingston. In the summer, Kingston often gets less sunshine than Lancaster. Kingston gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 310 hours of full sun.

Kingston usually gets less rain in July than Lancaster. Kingston gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kingston 29°C (83°F) 
    Lancaster 77°F (25°C)

Should I visit Kingston or Lancaster in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kingston and Lancaster. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kingston year-round. Also, many travelers come to Lancaster for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Kingston is much warmer than Lancaster. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kingston in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Lancaster averages at about 56°F (13°C).

In Kingston, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kingston usually receives more sunshine than Lancaster during autumn. Kingston gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 194 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 Lancaster. Kingston gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kingston 28°C (82°F) 
    Lancaster 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Kingston or Lancaster in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kingston as well as Lancaster. Kingston attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Lancaster in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Lancaster can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Kingston is generally much warmer than Lancaster. Daily temperatures in Kingston average around 26°C (79°F), and Lancaster fluctuates around 30°F (-1°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 Lancaster. Kingston gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 153 hours of full sun.

Kingston usually gets less rain in January than Lancaster. Kingston gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kingston 26°C (79°F) 
    Lancaster 30°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Kingston or Lancaster in the Spring?

Both Lancaster and Kingston are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kingston throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Lancaster for the natural beauty during these months.

Kingston is much warmer than Lancaster in the spring. The daily temperature in Kingston averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Lancaster fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Lancaster. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kingston. Kingston usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lancaster during spring. Kingston gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 237 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Kingston usually receives less rain than Lancaster. Kingston gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kingston 26°C (80°F) 
    Lancaster 53°F (12°C)

Typical Weather for Lancaster and Kingston

Kingston Lancaster
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 30°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 33°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Mar 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 42°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 53°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
May 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 63°F (17°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 77°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Sep 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 68°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 56°F (13°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 46°F (8°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 35°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)