Which place is cheaper, Kailua-Kona or Santa Barbara?
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 Santa Barbara or Kailua-Kona?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Santa Barbara or Kailua-Kona? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Santa Barbara or Kailua-Kona?
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is located in California, less than 100 miles from Los Angeles. It sits between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, giving it a stunning backdrop. The town has a population of just 90,000 but it still offers visitors many cultural, culinary, and shopping experiences that surpass many large cities. There are wide beaches along a beautiful coastline, impressive wineries, and many top rated restaurants. Many people see Santa Barbara as a hangout for the rich and famous, but with a university and diverse population, the city is much more relatable than you might expect, although travel prices here are still somewhat high.
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 Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.
-
Santa Barbara Prices
USA PricesKailua-Kona Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySanta Barbara $196Kailua-Kona $274
The average daily cost (per person) in Santa Barbara is $196, 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 Santa Barbara and Kailua-Kona in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSanta Barbara $88Kailua-Kona $141
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSanta Barbara $176Kailua-Kona $282
Compare Hotels in Santa Barbara and Kailua-Kona
Looking for a hotel in Santa Barbara 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: Santa Barbara Hotel Prices and Kailua-Kona Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Santa Barbara $42Kailua-Kona $45
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
-
Rental Car for One Day$35
Is it cheaper to fly into Santa Barbara or Kailua-Kona?
Prices for flights to both Kailua-Kona and Santa Barbara 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 daySanta Barbara $80Kailua-Kona $100
Typical Food Prices in Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of dining costs in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
-
Buffet Breakfast for Two$53
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Santa Barbara $27Kailua-Kona $40
Tours and Activities in Santa Barbara
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santa Barbara are as follows:
- Santa Barbara Downtown Self Guided Walking Tour: $9.75
- Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Goleta Isla Vista CA: $15
- Santa Barbara Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
- Santa Barbara Trolley Tour: $28
- Sanctum Sacrifice of Santa Barbara Ghost Tours: $32
- Santa Barbara Puzzling Adventure: $35
- Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara: $40
- Santa Barbara Narrated Coastal Yacht Experience: $42
- Santa Barbara Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
- High Ropes Adventure Course near Santa Barbara: $45
- Santa Barbara Ghost Tours "Dead of the Night" History, Mystery!: $55
- Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours): $55
Typical Entertainment Prices in Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
-
Diving with Manta Rays for Two$162
-
Body Board Rental (1 Day)$12
-
1 Day Kayak Rental$47
-
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
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySanta Barbara $12Kailua-Kona $15
Typical Alcohol Prices in Santa Barbara
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Santa Barbara:
-
Camping$20
Sample the Local Flavors in Santa Barbara
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Santa Barbara:
- Santa Barbara Craft Brewery and History Crawl: $140
- Private Vineyard Tour and Wine Tasting: $150
- Santa Ynez Valley Biking and Wine Tasting Tour: $175
- Solvang Santa Ynez Valley Small Group All-Inclusive Wine Tour : $180
- Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour of Santa Barbara Wine Country: $235
- Santa Barbara Small-Group Wine Tour to Private Estates & Wineries: $235
- Small-Group Wine Tour to Private Locations in Santa Barbara : $235
- Santa Ynez Wine Tour (All-Inclusive): $239
- Santa Ynez Cupcake & Wine Tour (All-Inclusive): $259
- Santa Barbara Wine Tour Experience - Authentic and Boutique : $265
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Santa Barbara and Kailua-Kona, we can see that Kailua-Kona is more expensive. And not only is Santa Barbara much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Santa Barbara would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santa Barbara 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 Kailua-Kona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kailua-Kona than you might in Santa Barbara.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Santa Barbara Expensive? and Is Kailua-Kona Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Santa Barbara or Kailua-Kona?
Santa Barbara has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Kailua-Kona. When comparing the sizes of Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara or Kailua-Kona in the Summer?
Both Kailua-Kona and Santa Barbara are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Santa Barbara for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Santa Barbara is cooler than Kailua-Kona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Santa Barbara in July average around 65°F (19°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 78°F (25°C).
In July, Santa Barbara usually receives less rain than Kailua-Kona. Santa Barbara gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulySanta Barbara 65°F (19°C)Kailua-Kona 78°F (25°C)
Should I visit Santa Barbara or Kailua-Kona in the Autumn?
Both Kailua-Kona and Santa Barbara during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Santa Barbara in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Santa Barbara is generally much colder than Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Santa Barbara average around 62°F (17°C), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).
Santa Barbara usually gets less rain in October than Kailua-Kona. Santa Barbara gets 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSanta Barbara 62°F (17°C)Kailua-Kona 78°F (26°C)
Should I visit Santa Barbara or Kailua-Kona in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Santa Barbara and Kailua-Kona. Most visitors come to Santa Barbara for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Santa Barbara is much colder than Kailua-Kona in the winter. The daily temperature in Santa Barbara averages around 52°F (11°C) in January, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).
Kailua-Kona receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Santa Barbara usually receives less rain than Kailua-Kona. Santa Barbara gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySanta Barbara 52°F (11°C)Kailua-Kona 74°F (23°C)
Should I visit Santa Barbara or Kailua-Kona in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Santa Barbara as well as Kailua-Kona. The spring months attract visitors to Santa Barbara because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Santa Barbara is much colder than Kailua-Kona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Santa Barbara in April average around 57°F (14°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 74°F (24°C).
Santa Barbara usually gets less rain in April than Kailua-Kona. Santa Barbara gets 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilSanta Barbara 57°F (14°C)Kailua-Kona 74°F (24°C)
Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and Santa Barbara
| Santa Barbara | Kailua-Kona | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 52°F (11°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Feb | 54°F (12°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Mar | 55°F (13°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 4.4 inches (111 mm) |
| Apr | 57°F (14°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
| May | 59°F (15°C) | 0.2 inches (4 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
| Jun | 62°F (17°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) | 77°F (25°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) |
| Jul | 65°F (19°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) | 78°F (25°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Aug | 67°F (19°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Sep | 66°F (19°C) | 0.5 inches (12 mm) | 79°F (26°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) |
| Oct | 62°F (17°C) | 0.5 inches (13 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.6 inches (41 mm) |
| Nov | 57°F (14°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Dec | 52°F (11°C) | 2.2 inches (56 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.