Which place is cheaper, Kailua-Kona or Palm Springs?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Palm Springs or Kailua-Kona?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Palm Springs and Kailua-Kona can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Palm Springs or Kailua-Kona?
Palm Springs
Palm Springs is a desert resort town located about two hours east of Los Angeles, most famously known as Hollywood's playground, where stars and starlets could escape for rest and relaxation but still be close enough to return for impromptu work.
It's no wonder that Palm Springs is increasingly popular as a weekend getaway for special occasions, and even for bachelor and bachelorette parties. Closer than the typical Las Vegas weekend for Southern California residents, Palm Springs provides a desert getaway with endless possibilities of activities, whether visitors want to gamble, shop, hike, or wander through an art gallery.
Climate in the high-desert is generally warm with highs in the 100s during the hot and dry summers, and lows in the mid 40s in the winter months, with sparse rainfall. However, if you're visiting during winter, be sure to pack versatile attire and layers as the days may be warm, but the nights in the low desert can get chilly enough to convince you to change into long pants.
Kailua-Kona
Kailua-Kona, often simply called Kona, is a vibrant seaside town located on the west coast of Hawaii’s Big Island. Known for its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and laid-back atmosphere, Kona offers travelers an appealing mix of natural beauty and Hawaiian culture. The town is famous for its historic waterfront, local coffee farms, and as the gateway to many of the island’s unique adventures. Despite its popularity, Kailua-Kona remains more relaxed and less crowded than some of Hawaii’s other tourist hubs. Beach lovers, water sports enthusiasts, history buffs, and foodies will all find plenty to enjoy here. With a mix of affordable accommodations, local eateries, and free or inexpensive attractions, it’s a great destination for budget travelers. The nearby volcanic landscapes, snorkeling spots, and lively marketplaces make it an excellent base for exploring the west side of the Big Island.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.
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Palm Springs Prices
USA PricesKailua-Kona Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPalm Springs $244Kailua-Kona $274
The average daily cost (per person) in Palm Springs is $244, while the average daily cost in Kailua-Kona is $274. 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 Palm Springs and Kailua-Kona in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPalm Springs $120Kailua-Kona $141
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPalm Springs $240Kailua-Kona $282
Compare Hotels in Palm Springs and Kailua-Kona
Looking for a hotel in Palm Springs or Kailua-Kona? 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: Palm Springs Hotel Prices and Kailua-Kona Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Palm Springs $52Kailua-Kona $45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Palm Springs
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Palm Springs:
- Private Transfer from PSP to Vía La Quinta, Indio, CA : $173
- Palm Springs Airport (PSP) to Desert Hot Springs Arrival Transfer: $201
- Desert Hot Springs to Palm Springs Airport PSP Departure Transfer: $201
- Private Airport Transfer in Palm Springs: $214
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
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Rental Car for One Day$35
Is it cheaper to fly into Palm Springs or Kailua-Kona?
Prices for flights to both Kailua-Kona and Palm Springs 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
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Food Meals for one dayPalm Springs $92Kailua-Kona $100
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Palm Springs
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Palm Springs.
- Private Palm Springs Cooking Class with a Fun Local Chef Stephen: $199
Typical Food Prices in Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of dining costs in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
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Buffet Breakfast for Two$53
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Palm Springs $29Kailua-Kona $40
Tours and Activities in Palm Springs
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Palm Springs are as follows:
- Joshua Tree's Hidden Valley Self-Guided Walking Tour: $8.49
- Journey into Joshua Tree Audio Tour and Locals Guide: $15
- Death Valley National Park Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15
- Joshua Tree National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
- Palm Springs Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
- Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour in Joshua Tree National Park: $20
- Palm Springs and Joshua Tree Self-Guided Driving Audio Tours: $22
- Private 1-Hour Archery Experience around Joshua Tree National Park.: $28
- Self-Driving Windmill Tour: $30
- Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Admission Ticket: $33
- Aerial Tramway Round-Trip Ticket: $35
- 10+ Self-Guided Driving Tours from Las Vegas: $45
Typical Entertainment Prices in Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
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Diving with Manta Rays for Two$162
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Body Board Rental (1 Day)$12
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1 Day Kayak Rental$47
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2 Tank Morning Scuba Dive$115
Tours and Activities in Kailua-Kona
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kailua-Kona are as follows:
- From Kona: Volcano & Waterfall Tour, Small Group: $295
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPalm Springs $13Kailua-Kona $15
When comparing the travel costs between Palm Springs and Kailua-Kona, we can see that Kailua-Kona is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Palm Springs Expensive? and Is Kailua-Kona Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Palm Springs or Kailua-Kona?
Palm Springs has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Kailua-Kona. When comparing the sizes of Palm Springs and Kailua-Kona, 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 Palm Springs or Kailua-Kona?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Palm Springs or Kailua-Kona in the Summer?
Both Kailua-Kona and Palm Springs are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Palm Springs this time of year.
Palm Springs is around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona in the summer. The daily temperature in Palm Springs averages around 73°F (23°C) in July, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).
In July, Palm Springs usually receives less rain than Kailua-Kona. Palm Springs gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPalm Springs 73°F (23°C)Kailua-Kona 78°F (25°C)
Should I visit Palm Springs or Kailua-Kona in the Autumn?
Both Kailua-Kona and Palm Springs during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Palm Springs for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Palm Springs is cooler than Kailua-Kona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Palm Springs in October average around 69°F (20°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 78°F (26°C).
Palm Springs usually gets less rain in October than Kailua-Kona. Palm Springs gets 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPalm Springs 69°F (20°C)Kailua-Kona 78°F (26°C)
Should I visit Palm Springs or Kailua-Kona in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Palm Springs and Kailua-Kona. Many visitors come to Palm Springs in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Palm Springs is generally much colder than Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Palm Springs average around 57°F (14°C), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).
Kailua-Kona receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Palm Springs usually receives less rain than Kailua-Kona. Palm Springs gets 2 inches (52 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPalm Springs 57°F (14°C)Kailua-Kona 74°F (23°C)
Should I visit Palm Springs or Kailua-Kona in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Palm Springs as well as Kailua-Kona.
Palm Springs is cooler than Kailua-Kona in the spring. The daily temperature in Palm Springs averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).
Palm Springs usually gets less rain in April than Kailua-Kona. Palm Springs gets 0.9 inches (24 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPalm Springs 62°F (17°C)Kailua-Kona 74°F (24°C)
Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and Palm Springs
| Palm Springs | Kailua-Kona | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 57°F (14°C) | 2 inches (52 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Feb | 58°F (15°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Mar | 59°F (15°C) | 2.2 inches (57 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 4.4 inches (111 mm) |
| Apr | 62°F (17°C) | 0.9 inches (24 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
| May | 65°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
| Jun | 69°F (20°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) | 77°F (25°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) |
| Jul | 73°F (23°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) | 78°F (25°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Aug | 74°F (24°C) | 0.2 inches (4 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Sep | 73°F (23°C) | 0.4 inches (9 mm) | 79°F (26°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) |
| Oct | 69°F (20°C) | 0.3 inches (7 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.6 inches (41 mm) |
| Nov | 62°F (17°C) | 1.5 inches (39 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Dec | 57°F (14°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 3.4 inches (87 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.