A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Alesund vs. Montego Bay for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Alesund or Montego Bay?

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

Should I visit Alesund or Montego Bay? 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: Alesund or Montego Bay?

Alesund

Alesund is a port town on the west coast of Norway, at the entrance to the Geirangerfjord. It could be the backdrop for a Nordic fairytale – with a modern plot twist. It's known for the art nouveau architectural style in which most of the town was rebuilt after a fire in 1904, as documented at the Jugendstilsenteret museum. And it's no coincidence that Alesund and the surrounding areas are among the most visited sites for tourists in Norway. Many use The Art Nouveau town as a starting point to explore the renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Geirangerfjord, the bird sanctuary island of Runde, or the spectacular snow-capped summits of the Hjorundfjord and the Sunnmorsalpene. There are panoramic views of Alesund's architecture, the surrounding archipelago and fjords from the Mount Aksla lookout. The town of Alesund has a beautiful setting across several islands stretching out into the Atlantic Ocean and you find unspoilt and beautiful nature the whole year round.

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 Tours for Seniors to Norway, and The Best Contiki Tours to Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Montego Bay or Alesund?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Alesund is $135, while the average daily cost in Montego Bay is $258. 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 Alesund and Montego Bay in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Alesund $59
    Montego Bay $102
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Alesund $118
    Montego Bay $204
Compare Hotels in Alesund and Montego Bay

Looking for a hotel in Alesund 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.

Hotels in Alesund


Hotels in Montego Bay


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: Montego Bay Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Alesund $28
    Montego Bay $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alesund

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alesund:

  • Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Alesund - Arrival Private Transfer: $51

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:

  • Private Airport Transfers from Montego Bay: $8.70
  • Sangster International Airport Private Transfer to Montego Bay: $10
  • Private Airport transfer Montego Bay: $12
  • Private Transfer to Royal Decameron Cornwall Beach/Montego Beach: $13
  • Sandals Royal Caribbean Hotel Private Airport Transfer: $13
  • El Greco Resort Private Airport Transfer: $13
  • A "Private" Airport Transfer to any Resort in Montego Bay: $14
  • RIU Palace reggae and RIU Montego Bay private airport transfers: $14
  • Riu reggae, palace & montego Bay Hotels Private Airport Transfer: $14
  • Private Transfer From Montego Bay Airport to Hotel in Montego Bay: $14
  • Private Airport Transfer To Riu Montego Bay, Palace & Reggae: $14
  • RIU Reggae Palace and RIU Montego Bay Private Airport Transfer: $14

Is it cheaper to fly into Alesund or Montego Bay?

Prices for flights to both Montego Bay and Alesund 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
    Alesund $58
    Montego 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.

  • Lunch or Dinner Dining Experience in Montego Bay: $40
  • Montego Bay Jerk Tour and Rum Punch Mixology/Food Tour: $50
  • Dinner or Lunch with Pickup from Montego Bay: $50
  • Sunset Dinner at Bamboo Beach Club: $99
  • Bar Hopping and Local Food Tour in Jamaica: $117
  • Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios Dinner and Nightlife Experience: $135
  • Dinner or lunch at pier one Montego bay Food Tour: $144
  • Jamaican Seafood Street Food Tour from Montego Bay, Falmouth: $150
  • Sunset Boat Cruise and Luminous Lagoon with Dinner and Transfer: $150
  • Private Beach Day and Street Food Tour from Montego Bay: $170
  • Restaurant Transportation for Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Montego Bay: $180
  • Authentic Jamaican Food Cooking Experience in the Countryside: $195

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Alesund $18
    Montego Bay $31

Tours and Activities in Alesund

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Alesund are as follows:

  • The Essence of Ålesund Self-Guided Walking Tour: $15
  • Geiranger Fjord Tour (Hellesylt-Geiranger one way): $43
  • Ålesund Two Hour Walking City Tour: $48
  • Alesund Walking Tour Art Nouveau and Postcard Views: $74
  • Hellesylt Panorama Tour in Ljoen Viewpoint and Oye Village: $75
  • Molde and Atlantic Ocean Road Audio Tour: $84
  • Hellesylt Sightseeing Boat Geirangerfjord: $96
  • Hjørundfjord Fjord Tour Roundtrip from Ålesund: $118
  • Guided Adventure on Fjord Kayaking in Hellesylt, Norway: $128
  • Fjord paddle in Hellesylt - the perfect fjord adventure: $133
  • Alnes Lighthouse, Sunnmøre Museum, Aksla and City Sightseeing: $138
  • Alesund Shore Excursion The Ultimate Sightseeing Tour: $138

Typical Entertainment Prices in Montego Bay

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Montego Bay are as follows:


  • Admission to Doctor's Cave Beach
    $2.67
  • Snorkeling Trip
    $19
  • One Tank Dive
    $37
  • 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:

  • Jamaica Bamboo Rafting Experience with Lime Stone Massage: $20
  • Montego Bay Beach Day Experience: $20
  • Souvenirs and Gift shopping Tour in Montego Bay: $20
  • Lethe Rafting And Margaritaville Tour from Montego Bay: $20
  • Cinnamon Hill Great House Tour: Home of Johnny Cash: $23
  • Private Tour Souvenir Shopping in Montego Bay: $30
  • Great River Bamboo Rafting and Limestone Foot Massage Tour From Montego Bay: $30
  • Doctors Cave Beach Roundtrip Tour in Montego Bay: $30
  • Adventure and Activity Based Music and Nightlife and Nature: $30
  • Experience horseback ride and swimming Adventure: $34
  • Luminous Lagoon Night Boat Tour in Jamaica: $35
  • Montego Bay Sightseeing Tour and Souvenir Shopping: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Alesund $14
    Montego 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


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Alesund Expensive? and Is Montego Bay Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Alesund or Montego Bay?

Montego Bay has a larger population, and is about 88% larger than the population of Alesund. When comparing the sizes of Alesund 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 Alesund or Montego Bay?

Alesund 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 Alesund or Montego Bay in the Summer?

Both Montego Bay and Alesund are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Alesund in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Montego Bay because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the summer, Alesund is much colder than Montego Bay. Typically, the summer temperatures in Alesund in July average around 12°C (54°F), and Montego Bay averages at about 28°C (82°F).

In July, Alesund usually receives more rain than Montego Bay. Alesund gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Alesund 12°C (54°F) 
    Montego Bay 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Alesund or Montego Bay in the Autumn?

Both Montego Bay and Alesund during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Alesund for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round.

In October, Alesund is generally much colder than Montego Bay. Daily temperatures in Alesund average around 9°C (48°F), and Montego Bay fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Montego Bay gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Alesund. Alesund usually gets more rain in October than Montego Bay. Alesund gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Alesund 9°C (48°F) 
    Montego Bay 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Alesund or Montego Bay in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Alesund and Montego Bay. The winter months attract visitors to Alesund because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

The weather in Alesund can be very cold. Alesund is much colder than Montego Bay in the winter. The daily temperature in Alesund averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Montego Bay fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

Alesund gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Alesund usually receives more rain than Montego Bay. Alesund gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Alesund 3°C (37°F) 
    Montego Bay 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Alesund or Montego Bay in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Alesund as well as Montego Bay. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Alesund this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Montego Bay throughout the year.

It's quite cold in Alesund in the spring. In the spring, Alesund is much colder than Montego Bay. Typically, the spring temperatures in Alesund in April average around 5°C (40°F), and Montego Bay averages at about 25°C (77°F).

Alesund usually gets more rain in April than Montego Bay. Alesund gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Alesund 5°C (40°F) 
    Montego Bay 25°C (77°F)

Typical Weather for Montego Bay and Alesund

Alesund Montego Bay
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Mar 3°C (38°F) 108 mm (4.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 5°C (40°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
May 8°C (46°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 11°C (51°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 12°C (54°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Oct 9°C (48°F) 188 mm (7.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 187 mm (7.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Dec 4°C (38°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)