Which place is cheaper, Kailua-Kona or Sedona?
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 Sedona or Kailua-Kona?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sedona 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: Sedona or Kailua-Kona?
Sedona
Sedona, Arizona is a desert town near Flagstaff. Sedona has many canyons and pine forests, but the most stunningly, beautiful landscape here is the many red rock limestone formations that can be found almost everywhere. The stone formations always have a deep red color, and this color only intensifies in the light of the sun. Sedona has been named one of the most beautiful places in America because of its mesmerizing scenery that changes hourly with the shifting of light. Native Americans have always regarded Sedona as a place of healing and renewal, and that continues to be true as they still value this land as sacred. Sedona is surrounded by 1.8 million acres of national forest land, and no matter where you are in Sedona you are never far from breathtaking scenery.
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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.
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Sedona Prices
USA PricesKailua-Kona Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySedona $200Kailua-Kona $274
The average daily cost (per person) in Sedona is $200, 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 Sedona and Kailua-Kona in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSedona $93Kailua-Kona $141
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSedona $186Kailua-Kona $282
Compare Hotels in Sedona and Kailua-Kona
Looking for a hotel in Sedona 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: Sedona Hotel Prices and Kailua-Kona Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sedona $40Kailua-Kona $45
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 Sedona or Kailua-Kona?
Prices for flights to both Kailua-Kona and Sedona 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 daySedona $83Kailua-Kona $100
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sedona
For Sedona, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- The VIP Experience, Chuck Wagon Dinner and Show Tickets: $135
- Sedona/Flagstaff: Grand Canyon Day Trip with Dinner & Sunset: $252
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.Sedona $19Kailua-Kona $40
Typical Entertainment Prices in Sedona
For Sedona, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Red Rock Fantasy Light Show (for 2)$10
Tours and Activities in Sedona
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sedona.
- Sedona & Red Rock State Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
- Sedona, Arizona Self-Guided Audio Tour: $16
- Grand Canyon and Sedona Self-Guided Driving Tour Bundle: $22
- Jerome Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
- Sedona Boynton Canyon Trolley Tour: $26
- From Boynton Canyon Trolley Tour: $28
- Out of Africa Wildlife Park Admission Ticket: $43
- Cemetery Ghost Adventure Cottonwood, Az: $45
- Hi-Points Van Tour: $50
- Sedona Aura Cleansing Tour: $55
- Sightseeing Highlights Tour of Sedona: $63
- The Magic of Sedona Highlights Tour: $63
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 daySedona $13Kailua-Kona $15
Sample the Local Flavors in Sedona
Also in Sedona, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Bliss - Sedona’s Most Luxurious Wine Tour - Lunch Included!: $115
- Sedona-Jerome Scenic Vortex, Wine Tasting Grand Tour. See It All!: $199
- 4 Hours Private Wine Tour in Sedona: $205
- The Classic Sedona Wine Tour: $219
- Voted Best in Sedona-Private Wine Tour of Vortex, Wine & Shopping: $225
- Private Wine Tour in Sedona, Arizona: $275
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sedona and Kailua-Kona, we can see that Kailua-Kona is more expensive. And not only is Sedona much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sedona would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sedona 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 Sedona.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sedona Expensive? and Is Kailua-Kona Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sedona or Kailua-Kona?
Sedona has a larger population, and is about 3% larger than the population of Kailua-Kona. When comparing the sizes of Sedona 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.
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.