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

Should you visit Kingston or Mystic?

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

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

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.

Mystic

Mystic is a popular tourist destination in Connecticut for its many marinas, historic buildings, aquarium, and seaport. It was historically a shipbuilding and maritime town but today it attracts crowds from many nearby states and regions. Sailing trips are a fun activity that get visitors out on the water. The town is also near Foxwoods Casino.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Mystic 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
    Mystic Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Kingston $123
    Mystic $248

The average daily cost (per person) in Kingston is $123, while the average daily cost in Mystic is $248. 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 Mystic in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kingston $62
    Mystic $125
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kingston $124
    Mystic $250
Compare Hotels in Kingston and Mystic

Looking for a hotel in Kingston or Mystic? 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 Mystic


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 Mystic Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kingston $28
    Mystic $56

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Kingston or Mystic?

Prices for flights to both Mystic 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
    Mystic $90

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kingston $12
    Mystic $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

Tours and Activities in Mystic

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

  • Mystic's Ghosts GPS Self Guided Audio Walking Tour w/EMF Reader: $7.80
  • Mystic Moonlit Graveyard Ghost Tour: $30
  • Downtown Mystic Ghost Tour: $30
  • Ghosts of Christmas Past Downtown Walking Tour: $30
  • Mystic Seaport Museum Adventure : $32
  • Guided Graveyard Ghost Tour by Moonlight: $35
  • Guided Ghost Tour of Downtown Mystic at Night: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kingston $11
    Mystic $31

Sample the Local Flavors in Mystic

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Mystic:

  • Paranormal Pub Crawl: Beer Tour: $75
  • Paranormal Pub Crawl: Beer Tour: $75
  • Spirits of Cocktail Pub Crawl: $100
  • Spirits of Cocktail Pub Crawl: $100


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


Which is Bigger, Kingston or Mystic?

Kingston has a larger population, and is about 190 times larger than the population of Mystic. When comparing the sizes of Kingston and Mystic, 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 Mystic?

Mystic 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 Mystic in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Kingston as well as Mystic. Kingston attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Mystic in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Kingston is a little warmer than Mystic. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kingston in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Mystic averages at about 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mystic. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kingston this time of the year. In the summer, Kingston often gets less sunshine than Mystic. Kingston gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mystic receives 293 hours of full sun.

Kingston usually gets less rain in July than Mystic. Kingston gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Mystic receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kingston 29°C (83°F) 
    Mystic 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Kingston or Mystic in the Autumn?

Both Mystic 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, most visitors come to Mystic for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Kingston is generally much warmer than Mystic. Daily temperatures in Kingston average around 28°C (82°F), and Mystic fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Mystic. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kingston. Kingston usually receives more sunshine than Mystic during autumn. Kingston gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Mystic receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Kingston. In October, Kingston usually receives more rain than Mystic. Kingston gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Mystic receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kingston 28°C (82°F) 
    Mystic 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Kingston or Mystic in the Winter?

Both Mystic 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. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Mystic because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Mystic can be very cold. Kingston is much warmer than Mystic in the winter. The daily temperature in Kingston averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Mystic fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

It's quite sunny in Kingston. In the winter, Kingston often gets more sunshine than Mystic. Kingston gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mystic receives 170 hours of full sun.

Kingston usually gets less rain in January than Mystic. Kingston gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Mystic receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kingston 26°C (79°F) 
    Mystic 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Kingston or Mystic in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kingston and Mystic. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kingston year-round. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Mystic this time of year.

In the spring, Kingston is much warmer than Mystic. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kingston in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Mystic averages at about 48°F (9°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mystic this time of the year. In Kingston, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kingston usually receives more sunshine than Mystic during spring. Kingston gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Mystic receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Kingston usually receives less rain than Mystic. Kingston gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Mystic receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kingston 26°C (80°F) 
    Mystic 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Mystic and Kingston

Kingston Mystic
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)