A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Valdosta vs. Kailua-Kona for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Valdosta or Kailua-Kona?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Valdosta 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: Valdosta or Kailua-Kona?

Valdosta

Valdosta is a fast-growing city located in Southern Georgia in the United States. With a humid, subtropical climate, Valdosta is sometimes called the Azalea City, as the blossoms thrive in the area. The city is also home to many museums, galleries, restaurants, and venues for entertainment, as well as Valdosta State University.

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 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Kailua-Kona or Valdosta?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Valdosta Prices
    USA Prices
    Kailua-Kona Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Valdosta $169
    Kailua-Kona $274

The average daily cost (per person) in Valdosta is $169, 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 Valdosta and Kailua-Kona in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Valdosta $70
    Kailua-Kona $141
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Valdosta $140
    Kailua-Kona $282
Compare Hotels in Valdosta and Kailua-Kona

Looking for a hotel in Valdosta 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.

Hotels in Valdosta


Hotels in Kailua-Kona


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: Valdosta Hotel Prices and Kailua-Kona Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Valdosta $34
    Kailua-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 Valdosta or Kailua-Kona?

Prices for flights to both Kailua-Kona and Valdosta 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 day
    Valdosta $77
    Kailua-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.
    Valdosta $19
    Kailua-Kona $40

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 day
    Valdosta $27
    Kailua-Kona $15


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Valdosta and Kailua-Kona, we can see that Kailua-Kona is more expensive. And not only is Valdosta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Valdosta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Valdosta 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 Valdosta.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Valdosta Expensive? and Is Kailua-Kona Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Valdosta or Kailua-Kona?

Valdosta has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Kailua-Kona. When comparing the sizes of Valdosta 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 Valdosta 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 Valdosta or Kailua-Kona in the Summer?

Both Kailua-Kona and Valdosta during the summer are popular places to visit.

In July, Valdosta is generally around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Valdosta average around 82°F (28°C), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Valdosta. Valdosta usually gets more rain in July than Kailua-Kona. Valdosta gets 8.9 inches (227 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Valdosta 82°F (28°C) 
    Kailua-Kona 78°F (25°C)

Should I visit Valdosta or Kailua-Kona in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Valdosta and Kailua-Kona.

Valdosta is cooler than Kailua-Kona in the autumn. The daily temperature in Valdosta averages around 69°F (20°C) in October, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

In October, Valdosta usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Valdosta gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Valdosta 69°F (20°C) 
    Kailua-Kona 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Valdosta or Kailua-Kona in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Valdosta as well as Kailua-Kona.

In the winter, Valdosta is much colder than Kailua-Kona. Typically, the winter temperatures in Valdosta in January average around 51°F (11°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 74°F (23°C).

It's quite rainy in Kailua-Kona. Valdosta usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Kailua-Kona. Valdosta gets 3.7 inches (95 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Valdosta 51°F (11°C) 
    Kailua-Kona 74°F (23°C)

Should I visit Valdosta or Kailua-Kona in the Spring?

Both Kailua-Kona and Valdosta are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In April, Valdosta is generally cooler than Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Valdosta average around 67°F (19°C), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

It's quite rainy in Valdosta. In April, Valdosta usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Valdosta gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Valdosta 67°F (19°C) 
    Kailua-Kona 74°F (24°C)

Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and Valdosta

Valdosta Kailua-Kona
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 74°F (23°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (121 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Mar 60°F (16°C) 5.9 inches (151 mm) 74°F (23°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm)
Apr 67°F (19°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
May 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 76°F (24°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 6.6 inches (168 mm) 77°F (25°C) 1.8 inches (47 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.9 inches (227 mm) 78°F (25°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (175 mm) 78°F (26°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 6.7 inches (169 mm) 79°F (26°C) 1.1 inches (29 mm)
Oct 69°F (20°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 78°F (26°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
Nov 60°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 76°F (25°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Dec 54°F (12°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)