Which place is cheaper, Kailua-Kona or Phoenix?
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 Phoenix or Kailua-Kona?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Phoenix and Kailua-Kona can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Phoenix or Kailua-Kona?
Phoenix
The most populous city in the American Southwest, Phoenix is the capital city of Arizona and busiest hub of activity in the general area. Geographically it is located in the Sonoran Desert, making for long hot summers and mild winters. This climate has ensured a thriving tourism industry with plenty of attractions both in and around Phoenix.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.
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Phoenix Prices
USA PricesKailua-Kona Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPhoenix $276Kailua-Kona $274
The average daily cost (per person) in Phoenix is $276, 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 Phoenix and Kailua-Kona in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPhoenix $144Kailua-Kona $141
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPhoenix $288Kailua-Kona $282
Compare Hotels in Phoenix and Kailua-Kona
Looking for a hotel in Phoenix 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: Phoenix Hotel Prices and Kailua-Kona Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Phoenix $39Kailua-Kona $45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phoenix
Also for Phoenix, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- One Way Airport Transfer Service: $68
- Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) Private Transfer: $80
- Phoenix to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) - Departure Private Transfer: $84
- One-Way Transfer Sky Harbor Airport to Phoenix: $104
- Private Transfer Phoenix Airport PHX to Phoenix Downtown / Hotels: $110
- Private Transfer: Phoenix Airport PHX to Scottsdale by Sedan Car: $125
- Private Transfer: Phoenix Airport PHX to Scottsdale by Luxury SUV: $152
- Departure Private Transfer: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury Van: $154
- Sky Harbor Airport Private Transfer: $195
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 Phoenix or Kailua-Kona?
Prices for flights to both Kailua-Kona and Phoenix 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 dayPhoenix $90Kailua-Kona $100
Typical Food Prices in Phoenix
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Phoenix:
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Nice Lunch (for 2)$36
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Indian Food Dinner (for 2)$32
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phoenix
For Phoenix, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Wine Bar: $75
- Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery in Phoenix: $75
- Secret Food Tours Phoenix: $92
- Phoenix Food Tour on Trendy Roosevelt Row with 7 Food Tastings: $95
- Old Town Scottsdale Food Tour: $95
- Scottsdale Waterfront Food Tour: $95
- Scottsdale Old Town Food Tour of Hidden Gems with 6 Food Tastings: $105
- Sunset at Desert Botanical Garden: Dinner & Walking Tour : $135
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.Phoenix $40Kailua-Kona $40
Tours and Activities in Phoenix
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Phoenix.
- Old Town Scottsdale's Art District: A Self-Guided Tour: $9.99
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Scottsdale by Operation City Quest: $10
- Phoenix Suns Basketball Game Ticket: $10
- Scottsdale Audio Tour Adventure: $15
- SEA LIFE Aquarium Arizona Admission Ticket: $18
- Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting Entry Ticket: $19
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Mesa by Zombie Scavengers: $20
- Historic Walking Tour: $25
- RoRo Street Art Walking Tour: $25
- Wings of Fire & Whispers of the Desert Phoenix Ghost Tours: $27
- Drunk Shakespeare Ticket: Phoenix, AZ: $29
- Ultimate Dead of Night Walking Ghost Tour: $30
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 dayPhoenix $17Kailua-Kona $15
Sample the Local Flavors in Phoenix
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Phoenix:
- Phoenix Bar Crawl: $15
- Pedal Bar Crawl Tour of Downtown Phoenix: $70
- Pedal Bar Crawl of Old Town Scottsdale: $70
- Stretch Limo Party Cart - Custom Bar Crawls, Wine Tastings, Night Clubs & More: $189
- Ultimate Bachelorette Party-Wine Tasting From Scottsdale/Phoenix: $200
When comparing the travel costs between Phoenix and Kailua-Kona, we can see that Phoenix 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 Phoenix Expensive? and Is Kailua-Kona Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Phoenix or Kailua-Kona?
Phoenix has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Kailua-Kona. When comparing the sizes of Phoenix 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 Phoenix or Kailua-Kona?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Phoenix or Kailua-Kona in the Summer?
Both Kailua-Kona and Phoenix during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Phoenix for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
The heat can be very extreme in Phoenix. In the summer, Phoenix is a little warmer than Kailua-Kona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Phoenix in July average around 98°F (36°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 78°F (25°C).
It's quite sunny in Phoenix. In the summer, Phoenix often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Phoenix gets 380 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 169 hours of full sun.
Phoenix usually gets less rain in July than Kailua-Kona. Phoenix gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPhoenix 98°F (36°C)Kailua-Kona 78°F (25°C)
Should I visit Phoenix or Kailua-Kona in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Phoenix and Kailua-Kona. The autumn months attract visitors to Phoenix because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.
In October, Phoenix is generally around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Phoenix average around 79°F (26°C), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).
In Phoenix, it's very sunny this time of the year. Phoenix usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during autumn. Phoenix gets 305 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 138 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Phoenix usually receives less rain than Kailua-Kona. Phoenix gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPhoenix 79°F (26°C)Kailua-Kona 78°F (26°C)
Should I visit Phoenix or Kailua-Kona in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Phoenix as well as Kailua-Kona. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Phoenix this time of year.
Phoenix is much colder than Kailua-Kona in the winter. The daily temperature in Phoenix averages around 58°F (14°C) in January, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phoenix this time of the year. In the winter, Phoenix often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Phoenix gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 158 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Kailua-Kona. Phoenix usually gets less rain in January than Kailua-Kona. Phoenix gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPhoenix 58°F (14°C)Kailua-Kona 74°F (23°C)
Should I visit Phoenix or Kailua-Kona in the Spring?
Both Kailua-Kona and Phoenix are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.
In the spring, Phoenix is around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Phoenix in April average around 74°F (23°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 74°F (24°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phoenix. Phoenix usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during spring. Phoenix gets 355 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 134 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Phoenix usually receives less rain than Kailua-Kona. Phoenix gets 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPhoenix 74°F (23°C)Kailua-Kona 74°F (24°C)
Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and Phoenix
| Phoenix | Kailua-Kona | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 58°F (14°C) | 0.7 inches (17 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Feb | 62°F (17°C) | 0.7 inches (17 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Mar | 66°F (19°C) | 0.9 inches (22 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 4.4 inches (111 mm) |
| Apr | 74°F (23°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
| May | 83°F (28°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
| Jun | 92°F (34°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) | 77°F (25°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) |
| Jul | 98°F (36°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) | 78°F (25°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Aug | 96°F (35°C) | 0.9 inches (24 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Sep | 90°F (32°C) | 0.9 inches (22 mm) | 79°F (26°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) |
| Oct | 79°F (26°C) | 0.7 inches (17 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.6 inches (41 mm) |
| Nov | 66°F (19°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Dec | 58°F (15°C) | 1 inches (25 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.