Is Kingston expensive to visit?
Kingston is a quaint locale that appeals to a variety of visitors, each with different travel styles, spending patterns, and budget needs. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
You can find Kingston to be very expensive if you're not careful, but methods like looking for discounts and coupons can help you save money.
On average, budget travelers spend $54 (J$8,661) per day, mid-range travelers spend $124 (J$19,798) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $237 (J$37,831) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Kingston.
Within the Caribbean Islands, which is known to be an expensive region, Kingston is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in the Caribbean Islands for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Port-au-Prince, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Eagle Beach.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Kingston Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Kingston?
The average Kingston trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Kingston travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Kingston cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
When planning your trip to Kingston, it's important to be realistic about your travel budget. While some people assume they can travel very cheaply, most people aren't comfortable on an extreme shoestring budget. Consider what you enjoy most on vacation and how you like to travel. Do you perfer to stay in resorts, hotels, or hostels? Do you enjoy sightseeing and dining out? These factors will affect your overall budget and travel plans.
What Defines a Budget Traveler?
You may believe you're traveling on a budget, but unless you're ready to give up some conveniences, you'll likely spend much more than the $54 daily average that backpackers get away with.
Younger budget travelers often stick to this low budget by staying in dorms, eating inexpensive meals, taking public transportation, and focusing on free activities and sights.
Luckily, Kingston has plenty of hostels like Ragamuffin Hostel, Dancehall Hostel, and Belleh 23. At these hostels, you can find affordable dorm beds and a vibrant social scene, but amenities tend to be quite limited.
So, are you average?
For couples or families traveling for enjoyment, opting for a mid-range hotel, dining at popular restaurants, and exploring major museums and attractions with entry fees is likely. Most guests in Kingston will want to take in the essential attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Remember, many activities do come with costs. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $124 per person, per day.
In Kingston, you'll find a broad range of hotels and vacation rentals. If traveling with companions, you can share accommodations with a partner, friend, or your children, helping to cut costs. Families will want to look for hotels and restaurants that are kid-friendly. Spanish Court Hotel is a fantastic option for families, and Terra Nova All Suite Hotel is also a great pick. Explore more family and couple-oriented hotels in our hotel guide for Kingston here.
Seeking a Stylish Getaway from the Daily Routine?
If a complete vacation with all amenities and a higher level of service is what you want, expect to allocate around $237 per day. To stay in nicer hotels, dine at award-winning establishments, treat yourself to extravagant excursions, and hire taxis or private drivers to navigate the destination, a luxury budget will be necessary. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Private Transfers To/From Kingston & Airport Across Jamaica - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Kingston
The hotel prices in Kingston might surprise you. Some places charge much more for added luxury and amenities, especially during peak season. In the off-season, a room averages $128, but during peak season, expect to pay around $239. Prices vary from $82 to $420, but hostels are often cheaper. Booking in advance and traveling during the low season can help save you money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Kingston for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $124 (J$19,858). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $62 (J$9,929) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Kingston? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Kingston include:
- Spanish Court Hotel starting at $184
- Terra Nova All Suite Hotel starting at $204
- Hotel Four Seasons Kingston starting at $117
Choosing to travel in the shoulder or low season and avoiding will help you save on lodging costs and escape the tourist rush.
Transportation Budget in Kingston
Unfortunately, Kingston does not have a reliable public transit network.
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $29 (J$4,572) per person, per day, on local transportation in Kingston. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Kingston is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$29
J$4,572
If you're taking a car, verify that your hotel offers convenient parking.
A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Explore Montego Bay Airport Round Trip Transfer to Ocho Rios for $133 details
- Private Transfer From Norman Manley Airport to Kingston one way for $48 details
- Airport Transfer in Kingston for $50 details
How much does it cost to go to Kingston? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Kingston will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Kingston
Tasting the local cuisine is a key reason for travel, so be sure to sample the unique dishes offered in the area.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Kingston can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Kingston is $44 (J$7,092) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$44
J$7,092
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Kingston is around $44 (J$7092) per person, with previous travelers spending from $19 to $85. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Kingston are as follows:
- Breakfast: $4 to $13
- Lunch: $7 to $18
- Dinner: $13 to $31
- Coffee: $4
- Fast Food or Street Food: $7
'Jerk' is a word that you will see on almost every menu in Kingston. It is a common style of cooking in Jamaica. Basically different types of meat (or vegetables) are marinated in a hot mixture of spices before being cooked. It is a must try while in Kingston. There are tons of jerk pans on the street so there is no reason not to try the native flavors of Jamaica!
The national dish of Jamaica is Ackee and Saltfish. Ackee is a type of fruit, and saltfish refers to Codfish. The fish is boiled with the ackee and served with rice and peas.
The Devon House has a famous ice cream shop so make sure to grab a treat while visiting the mansion!
For those of you who don't eat meat, try the Hope Gardens Vegetarian Restaurant located in the middle of the gardens. They have tasty vegetarian dishes and an array of juices. The setting is also very nice, as it is in the botanical gardens.
Of course, if you are trying the native food of Jamaica you must also try the native drinks! Red Stripe is a Jamaican beer that is very refreshing after a long day of exploring around Kingston. Appleton Run is also common in Kingston.
Several hotels include breakfast with your stay, while others charge separately for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly depending on the hotel. Knowing this in advance can guide your budget decisions. It could be worth it for the tasty buffet available at the hotel, or you may wish to find a cheaper option at a local bakery or cafe.
Carry your own water bottle instead of spending on drinks. It's also a positive step for the environment.
If you're considering a tour, double-check which meals are included in the package. There may be instances where you'll have to pay for your own meals, potentially stretching your budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Kingston
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Kingston typically cost an average of $12 (J$1,964) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$12
J$1,964
If you are traveling to Jamaica, it is possible that you have at least some interest in the famous reggae singer Bob Marley. There is a museum dedicated to him in Kingston that is definitely worth visiting. The museum itself is actually the former home of Mr. Marley, as well as one of his recording studios. In it, you will find some of the singer's personal belongings and can even see the bullet holes that are still in the walls of his house from his attempted murder. The tour is about one hour long and the museum is open from 9:30 – 4:00.
Port Royal is another sight to see while visiting Kingston. It is a city located in the Kingston Harbor and is notoriously famous for being a haven for pirates in the 17th century. Unfortunately, an earthquake destroyed a lot of this city in 1692, but some of the original buildings still remain like Saint Peter's Church, Fort Rocky, and Fort Charles.
The Hope Botanical Gardens in Kingston are the largest ones in all of the Caribbean and entry is free. The Devon House is a great place to see as it depicts classic Jamaican architecture. It is a mansion that was built by George Stiebel and the interior has 19th century style. You can have a tour of the mansion for a pretty affordable price, but visiting the garden and shops is free.
You can take a boat from Port Royal out to Lime Cay. It is an island off the coast and has beautiful beaches. During the weekend, this is a great place to go if you are looking to find a party, and during the week it is much quieter. If you do intend on staying for the party scene, you can camp overnight on the island!
Emancipation Park in uptown is a serene park with vast amounts of greenery and sunshine. It is a popular venue for concerts and there are even some free shows during the summer and around Christmas time. You can play mini golf in Kingston at a place called Putt and Play. There are also pool tables here if you are looking for that sort of gaming activity.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Kingston. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Half day Horse Back Riding and Bamboo Rafting Experience from Ocho Rios for $128 details
- Private Konoko Falls and Blue Hole Combo Tour from Ocho Rios for $155 details
- Private Tour - Dunn's River Falls and Ocho Rios Experience from Ocho Rios for $110 details
Kingston, Jamaica
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.