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

Should you visit Kingston or Pasadena?

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

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

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.

Pasadena

Pasadena, California is adjacent to Los Angeles and is probably most famous as the host for the New Year's Day Rose Parade and Rose Bowl football game. As such, it has become known as the City of Roses. Year around Pasadena is known to have a vibrant night life. It has a great Old Town area that has impressive shopping and many excellent restaurants. It's also home to the California Institute of Technology and has many museums, theaters, and independent films that make it a cultural haven for the area. Also make sure you visit the Huntington Library which has an impressive art collection and over 150 acres of botanical gardens. It's been featured in several Hollywood Films.

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, Pasadena 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
    Pasadena Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Kingston $123
    Pasadena $76

The average daily cost (per person) in Kingston is $123, while the average daily cost in Pasadena is $76. 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 Pasadena in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kingston $62
    Pasadena $25
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kingston $124
    Pasadena $50
Compare Hotels in Kingston and Pasadena

Looking for a hotel in Kingston or Pasadena? 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 Pasadena


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 Pasadena Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kingston $28
    Pasadena $21

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 Pasadena?

Prices for flights to both Pasadena 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
    Pasadena $32

Typical Food Prices in Pasadena

Some typical examples of dining costs in Pasadena are as follows:


  • Casual Dinner Out (family of 4)
    $58

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kingston $12
    Pasadena -

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 Pasadena

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Pasadena are as follows:

  • Los Angeles Chocolate Salon and Festival Entry Ticket: $20
  • Pasadena Ghost Tour: Purgatory Phantoms: $24

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kingston $11
    Pasadena -


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kingston and Pasadena, we can see that Kingston is more expensive. And not only is Pasadena much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Kingston is in Caribbean Islands and Pasadena 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 Pasadena would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pasadena 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 Pasadena.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kingston Expensive? and Is Pasadena Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kingston or Pasadena?

Kingston has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Pasadena. When comparing the sizes of Kingston and Pasadena, 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 Pasadena?

Pasadena 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 Pasadena in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kingston and Pasadena. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kingston year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Pasadena in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Kingston is a little warmer than Pasadena in the summer. The daily temperature in Kingston averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Pasadena fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In July, Kingston usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Kingston gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Kingston or Pasadena in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kingston as well as Pasadena. Kingston attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Pasadena for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Kingston is a little warmer than Pasadena. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kingston in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Pasadena averages at about 68°F (20°C).

Kingston receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kingston usually gets more rain in October than Pasadena. Kingston gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kingston 28°C (82°F) 
    Pasadena 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Kingston or Pasadena in the Winter?

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

In January, Kingston is generally much warmer than Pasadena. Daily temperatures in Kingston average around 26°C (79°F), and Pasadena fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In January, Kingston usually receives less rain than Pasadena. Kingston gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Pasadena receives 2.5 inches (63 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kingston 26°C (79°F) 
    Pasadena 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Kingston or Pasadena in the Spring?

Both Pasadena 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.

Kingston is much warmer than Pasadena in the spring. The daily temperature in Kingston averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Pasadena fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Kingston usually gets more rain in April than Pasadena. Kingston gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kingston 26°C (80°F) 
    Pasadena 62°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for Pasadena and Kingston

Kingston Pasadena
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 56°F (13°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 58°F (14°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm)
Mar 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 59°F (15°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 62°F (17°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
May 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 65°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (4 mm)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 69°F (20°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 73°F (23°C) 0 inches (0 mm)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 74°F (24°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Sep 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 73°F (23°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 68°F (20°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 62°F (16°C) 1.6 inches (42 mm)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 56°F (13°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm)