Which place is cheaper, Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Kingston or Portland, Maine, 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 Portland, Maine?
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.
Portland, Maine
The largest city in the U.S. state of Maine, Portland has much to offer with its most visited areas being the historic Old Port and the Arts District. They are a mix of the old and new, with a historic feel of the waterfront port versus the contemporary culture of the local art scene. In addition to these popular locations, the Portland area is marked with historical landmarks and museums, places to shop, award-winning restaurants, and activities in areas just outside the city as well.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.
-
Kingston Prices
Jamaica PricesPortland, Maine Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKingston $123Portland, Maine $227
The average daily cost (per person) in Kingston is $123, while the average daily cost in Portland, Maine is $227. 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 Portland, Maine in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKingston $62Portland, Maine $115
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKingston $124Portland, Maine $230
Compare Hotels in Kingston and Portland, Maine
Looking for a hotel in Kingston or Portland, Maine? 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 Portland, Maine Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kingston $28Portland, Maine $34
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kingston
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kingston:
- Airport Group Transfers-Kingston: $180
- Airport MBJ Round Trip Transfer to Ocho Rios Airbnb Home, Resorts: $133
- Airport Transfers from Kingston.: $70
- From Kingston Airport: One Way Private Transfer to Negril: $749
- From Kingston Airport: One Way Private Transfer to Ocho Rios: $319
- From Kingston Airport: One Way Shared Transfer to Kingston: $19
- From One Way Shared Transfer to Kingston Airport: $19
- From One Way Shared Transfer to Montego Bay: $69
- From One Way Shared Transfer to Negril: $79
- From One Way Shared Transfer to Port Antonio: $47
- Group Private Kingston Airport Transfers (10 - 15 Persons): $251
- Airport transfers One Way to all hotels - private: $79
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portland, Maine
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portland, Maine:
- Private Transfer from Portland Cruise Port to Portland city: $75
- Private Transfer from Portland Port to Portland Jetport (PWM): $136
- Private Transfer from Portland city to Portland Cruise Port: $75
Is it cheaper to fly into Kingston or Portland, Maine?
Prices for flights to both Portland, Maine 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 $44Portland, Maine $84
Typical Food Prices in Portland, Maine
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Portland, Maine:
-
Breakfast for 2$17
-
Dinner for 2$30
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Portland, Maine
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Portland, Maine.
- Portland: Walking Food Tour – Warm Donuts & History: $57
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kingston $12Portland, Maine $39
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 Portland, Maine
Here are a few actual costs in Portland, Maine for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Audio Guided Walking Tour from Old Port of Portland, Maine: $7.75
- Historical Walking Tour of Portland’s Old Port District: $7.99
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Portland by Crazy Dash: $10
- Portland Maine Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $12
- Ultimate Portland Self-Guided Driving GPS Audio Tour: $15
- Portland Maine Self-Guided Driving & Walking Audio Tour Bundle: $20
- 2-Hour Portland Old Port Ghost Walking Tour: $29
- Port City Lights Cruise: $39
- Portland: Sightseeing Cruise to Portland Head Light: $41
- Vintage Fire Truck Sightseeing Tour of Portland Maine: $42
- Tour in Vintage Fire Engine: $43
- Portland: Land and Sea Tour Duck Tour with a Guide: $47
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayKingston $11Portland, Maine $24
Sample the Local Flavors in Portland, Maine
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Portland, Maine:
- Portland Old Port Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $99
- Local Brewery & Spirits Bus Tour: $99
- Old Port Brewery & Pub Walking Tour: $99
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kingston and Portland, Maine, we can see that Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kingston or Portland, Maine?
Kingston has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Portland, Maine. When comparing the sizes of Kingston and Portland, Maine, 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 Portland, Maine?
Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine in the Summer?
Both Portland, Maine and Kingston are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kingston throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Portland, Maine for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Kingston is a little warmer than Portland, Maine in the summer. The daily temperature in Kingston averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).
It's quite sunny in Portland, Maine. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kingston. Kingston usually receives less sunshine than Portland, Maine during summer. Kingston gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 282 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Kingston usually receives less rain than Portland, Maine. Kingston gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyKingston 29°C (83°F)Portland, Maine 69°F (20°C)
Should I visit Kingston or Portland, Maine in the Autumn?
Both Portland, Maine and Kingston during the autumn 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 autumn months attract visitors to Portland, Maine because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Kingston is much warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kingston in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Portland, Maine averages at about 49°F (9°C).
It's quite sunny in Kingston. In the autumn, Kingston often gets more sunshine than Portland, Maine. Kingston gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 196 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kingston. Kingston usually gets more rain in October than Portland, Maine. Kingston gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKingston 28°C (82°F)Portland, Maine 49°F (9°C)
Should I visit Kingston or Portland, Maine in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kingston and Portland, Maine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kingston year-round. Furthermore, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Portland, Maine this time of year.
It's quite cold in Portland, Maine in the winter. In January, Kingston is generally much warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Kingston average around 26°C (79°F), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).
In Kingston, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kingston usually receives more sunshine than Portland, Maine during winter. Kingston gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Kingston usually receives less rain than Portland, Maine. Kingston gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKingston 26°C (79°F)Portland, Maine 21°F (-6°C)
Should I visit Kingston or Portland, Maine in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Kingston as well as Portland, Maine. Kingston attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Portland, Maine for the beaches and the natural beauty.
Kingston is much warmer than Portland, Maine in the spring. The daily temperature in Kingston averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Portland, Maine. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kingston this time of the year. In the spring, Kingston often gets more sunshine than Portland, Maine. Kingston gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 212 hours of full sun.
Kingston usually gets less rain in April than Portland, Maine. Kingston gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilKingston 26°C (80°F)Portland, Maine 43°F (6°C)
Typical Weather for Portland, Maine and Kingston
| Kingston | Portland, Maine | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 21°F (-6°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 24°F (-5°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 33°F (1°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 43°F (6°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 53°F (12°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 69°F (20°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 67°F (20°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) |
| Sep | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 49°F (9°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 39°F (4°C) | 4.8 inches (123 mm) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 27°F (-3°C) | 4.1 inches (103 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.