Which place is cheaper, Montego Bay or Akureyri?
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 Akureyri or Montego Bay?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Akureyri or Montego Bay, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Akureyri or Montego Bay?
Akureyri
Akureyri is the largest town in the northern region of Iceland, and is often considered the unofficial capital of the north. The town is a popular fishing port and is often used as a basecamp for visiting the more rural surrounding area. Akureyri is known for their great art scene, beautiful architecture, and stunning natural scenery.
Montego Bay
As with most places around the tropical oasis of Jamaica, Montego Bay (or "MoBay") is an ideal place to visit for a Caribbean getaway. It is Jamaica's second largest city and the capital of St. James parish on the northern coast. Montego Bay is considered to be the tourist capital of the country and is where the largest airport is located, bringing in many international travelers.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland.
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Akureyri Prices
Iceland PricesMontego Bay Prices
Jamaica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAkureyri $189Montego Bay $260
The average daily cost (per person) in Akureyri is $189, while the average daily cost in Montego Bay is $260. 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 Akureyri and Montego Bay in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAkureyri $102Montego Bay $102
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAkureyri $204Montego Bay $204
Compare Hotels in Akureyri and Montego Bay
Looking for a hotel in Akureyri or Montego Bay? 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: Akureyri Hotel Prices and Montego Bay Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Akureyri $23Montego Bay $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Akureyri
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Akureyri:
- Transfer from Accommodation to Akureyri Airport: $29
- Akureyri Airport (AEY): Transfer to/from Akureyri City: $32
- Seamless Transfer from Akureyri Airport to Your Stay: $32
- Transfer to Akureyri Airport from your Stay: $32
- Whale Watching from Akureyri with Roundtrip Transfer: $117
- From Godafoss Waterfall Guided Trip with Transfers: $129
- Whale Watching Tour with Transfer from Port: $141
- Whale and Puffin Watching in Hauganes from Akureyri with Transfer: $164
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:
- 2727lounge/Magarativille/Pier1 & taboo nightlife private transfer: $45
- A "Private" Airport Transfer to any Resort in Montego Bay: $14
- Ahhh Ras Natango Gallery and Garden Private Transfer: $97
- Airport (MBJ) Round Trip Transfer in Montego Bay: $60
- Airport - Ocho Rios Hotels Transfers and Returns: $260
- Airport MBJ Round Trip Transfers, to Montego Bay Airbnb & Resorts: $53
- Airport Private Round Trip Transfer: $30
- Airport Private Transfers from Montego Bay to Hilton Rose Hall: $21
- Airport Transfer: $80
- Airport Transfer MBJ Montego Bay to Kingston: $150
- Airport Transfer To Dreams Rose Hall: $60
- Airport Transfer To Grand Bahia Principe Hotel: $120
Is it cheaper to fly into Akureyri or Montego Bay?
Prices for flights to both Montego Bay and Akureyri 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 dayAkureyri $70Montego Bay $142
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montego Bay
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Montego Bay.
- Montego Bay Jerk Tour and Rum Punch Mixology/Food Tour: $50
- Dinner or Lunch with Pickup from Montego Bay: $50
- Club2727 Nightlife Experience With Optional Dinner In Montego Bay: $60
- Mystic Lagoon Sunset Cruise with Dinner and Lagoon Swim: $95
- 3 to 5 Hour Private Herbal Tour Shopping and Dinner at Ricks Cafe: $120
- Bar Hopping and Local Food Tour in Jamaica: $130
- Dinner or lunch at pier one Montego bay Food Tour: $144
- Jamaican Seafood Street Food Tour from Montego Bay, Falmouth: $150
- Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios Dinner and Nightlife Experience: $150
- Private Beach Day and Street Food Tour from Montego Bay: $170
- Dinner Experience and Celebration on the Beach with Decorations: $175
- Authentic Jamaican Cooking Experience in the Mountain from mobay: $210
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Akureyri $18Montego Bay $32
Tours and Activities in Akureyri
Here are a few actual costs in Akureyri for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Icelandic Aviation Museum Admission Ticket: $15
- War and Peace Museum - Tour: $24
- Godafoss Waterfall Short Day Tour from Akureyri: $69
- From Akureyri Port: Godafoss Waterfall Tour for Cruise Ships (V): $77
- Akureyri Port: Godafoss Waterfall Classic Tour & Viewpoint: $81
- Forest Lagoon Admission Ticket with Towel and One Drink included: $85
- Whale Watching Tour from Akureyri City Central: $90
- Zipline Tour: $95
- Zipline Adventure Through Glerárgil River Canyon in Akureyri Town: $95
- Boat Tours from Siglufjörður: $100
- Húsavík: Family-Run Whale Watching Tour: $100
- 3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour by Ship: $108
Typical Entertainment Prices in Montego Bay
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Montego Bay are as follows:
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Admission to Doctor's Cave Beach$2.69
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Snorkeling Trip$19
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One Tank Dive$38
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1.5 Hr Horseback Ride$43
Tours and Activities in Montego Bay
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Montego Bay are as follows:
- Souvenirs and Gift shopping Tour in Montego Bay: $20
- Montego Bay Beach Day Experience: $20
- Margaritaville Hip-Strip and Great River Rafting Private Tour: $20
- Montego Bay Bamboo Rafting and Hip Strip Private Tour: $22
- Doctor Cave Beach and Hip Strip Shopping from Cruise Ship: $30
- Rose Hall Great House and Garden Tour Ticket: $30
- Adventure and Activity Based Music and Nightlife and Nature: $30
- Private Tour Souvenir Shopping in Montego Bay: $30
- Great River Bamboo Rafting and Limestone Foot Massage Tour From Montego Bay: $30
- Private Shopping Tour in Montego Bay with Hotel Pickup: $35
- Ricks Cafe and Negril Seven Miles Beach Irie Tour: $35
- Half-Day Private Guided Ricks Café & Negril Seven Mile Beach Tour: $35
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAkureyri $15Montego Bay $13
Sample the Local Flavors in Montego Bay
Also in Montego Bay, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Appleton Estate Admission Ticket & Distillery Tour with Tastings: $39
- Montego Bay Pub Crawl To Negril and Rick's Cafe: $255
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Akureyri and Montego Bay, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. And not only is Akureyri much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Akureyri is in Europe and Montego Bay is in Caribbean Islands, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Akureyri would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Akureyri 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 Montego Bay would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Montego Bay than you might in Akureyri.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Akureyri Expensive? and Is Montego Bay Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Akureyri or Montego Bay?
Montego Bay has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Akureyri and Montego Bay, 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 Akureyri or Montego Bay?
Akureyri has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Montego Bay experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Akureyri or Montego Bay in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Akureyri and Montego Bay. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the summer, Akureyri is much colder than Montego Bay. Typically, the summer temperatures in Akureyri in July average around 11°C (52°F), and Montego Bay averages at about 28°C (82°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montego Bay this time of the year. Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Montego Bay during summer. Akureyri gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Montego Bay receives 257 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Montego Bay. Akureyri gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAkureyri 11°C (52°F)Montego Bay 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Montego Bay in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Akureyri as well as Montego Bay. The warm climate attracts visitors to Montego Bay throughout the year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Akureyri. In October, Akureyri is generally much colder than Montego Bay. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 3°C (38°F), and Montego Bay fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. In the autumn, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Montego Bay. Akureyri gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montego Bay receives 233 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Montego Bay. Akureyri usually gets less rain in October than Montego Bay. Akureyri gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAkureyri 3°C (38°F)Montego Bay 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Montego Bay in the Winter?
Both Montego Bay and Akureyri are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Montego Bay because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Akureyri can get quite cold in the winter. Akureyri is much colder than Montego Bay in the winter. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around -2°C (28°F) in January, and Montego Bay fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Montego Bay during winter. Akureyri gets 7 hours of sunny skies, while Montego Bay receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Montego Bay. Akureyri gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAkureyri -2°C (28°F)Montego Bay 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Montego Bay in the Spring?
Both Montego Bay and Akureyri during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round.
Akureyri can be very cold during spring. In the spring, Akureyri is much colder than Montego Bay. Typically, the spring temperatures in Akureyri in April average around 2°C (36°F), and Montego Bay averages at about 25°C (77°F).
In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Montego Bay. Akureyri gets 130 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montego Bay receives 225 hours of full sun.
Akureyri usually gets less rain in April than Montego Bay. Akureyri gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAkureyri 2°C (36°F)Montego Bay 25°C (77°F)
Typical Weather for Montego Bay and Akureyri
| Akureyri | Montego Bay | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -2°C (28°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | -1°C (30°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | -1°C (31°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 2°C (36°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 6°C (43°F) | 19 mm (0.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jun | 10°C (50°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (51°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 7°C (44°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Oct | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Nov | -0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Dec | -2°C (29°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
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.