Which place is cheaper, Montego Bay or Amsterdam?
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 Amsterdam or Montego Bay?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Amsterdam 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: Amsterdam or Montego Bay?
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the capital and most popular tourist destination in the Netherlands. Amsterdam is most famous for its canals that cross and weave around the city, but it also has a rich history, interesting culture, and liberal vibe that appeal to all types of travelers. The historical architecture, scenic bridges, and energetic cycling culture help this metropolitan area maintain its small town vibe, despite being the largest city in the country as well as the financial center.
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 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.
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Amsterdam Prices
Netherlands PricesMontego Bay Prices
Jamaica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAmsterdam €211Montego Bay €223
The average daily cost (per person) in Amsterdam is €211, while the average daily cost in Montego Bay is €223. 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 Amsterdam and Montego Bay in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAmsterdam €102Montego Bay €88
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAmsterdam €204Montego Bay €176
Compare Hotels in Amsterdam and Montego Bay
Looking for a hotel in Amsterdam 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: Amsterdam Hotel Prices and Montego Bay Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Amsterdam €20Montego Bay €13
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amsterdam
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amsterdam:
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Ride on Tram€3.20
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Renting a Bike€15
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One Hour Canal Cruise€10
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Single Day Transit Pass€2.60
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Transit Pass to Amsterdam Airport€3.40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amsterdam
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amsterdam:
- 1-Way Train Transfer to/from Haarlem: $7.37
- Train Transfer Amsterdam from/to Leiden: $16
- Madurodam: Train + tram transferring to/from Amsterdam: $22
- Train Transfer Schiphol Airport from/to Eindhoven: $33
- Transfer: Amsterdam City Center to Airport Schiphol (AMS): $40
- Amsterdam Airport Arrival Transfer (Airport to Amsterdam Hotel or Address): $40
- Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) Departure transfer from Amsterdam City: $41
- Amsterdam Airport Transfers, City Transfers and Disposal Services: $47
- Private Amsterdam Local Transfer to/from any Location: $48
- From Keukenhof Ticket, Transfer & Live Guide Option: $59
- Amsterdam Airport & Non-Airport Private Transfer to City Center: $60
- Private departure transfer from Amsterdam to Schiphol Airport (AMS): $68
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:
- A "Private" Airport Transfer to Grand Palladium Resort: $45
- Airport (MBJ) Round Trip Transfer in Montego Bay: $60
- 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 Round Trip Transfer To Hotels in Montego Bay: $19
- Airport Transfer: $80
- Airport Transfer MBJ Montego Bay to Kingston: $150
- Airport Transfer Montego Bay Hotels: $120
- Airport Transfer To Grand Bahia Principe Hotel: $120
- Airport Transfer To Hotels In Ocho Rios (Round-trip): $170
- Airport Transfer To Iberostar Hotel: $70
Is it cheaper to fly into Amsterdam or Montego Bay?
Prices for flights to both Montego Bay and Amsterdam 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 dayAmsterdam €80Montego Bay €122
Typical Food Prices in Amsterdam
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Amsterdam:
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Afternoon Tea€6.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amsterdam
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Amsterdam.
- Food Tour Amsterdam | Taste The Best of Dutch Flavors: $14
- Self Guided Food Tour in De Pijp District of Amsterdam: $59
- Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket & VIP Dinner at Hard Rock Café: $60
- 3-course dinner party at a secret pop-up restaurant: $71
- Amsterdam Food Tour with Full Meal & Drinks by Do Eat Better: $89
- Amsterdam Food Tour: +10 Tastes, Culture and Canals with Sherpa: $89
- Top 10 Tastes of Guided Walking Food Tour: $91
- Small-Group Guided Sunset Canoe Tour in Waterland with Dinner: $95
- 10 Tastes of Food Tour by UNESCO Canals and Jordaan: $105
- Dinner Canal Cruise 4-Courses Including Drinks: $105
- Jordaan Food Tour: Special 10 Year Anniversary Edition: $108
- Private Dutch Pancake Cooking Class in an Amsterdam Canal Home: $109
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
- 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
- Jamaican Seafood Street Food Tour from Montego Bay, Falmouth: $130
- Bar Hopping and Local Food Tour in Jamaica: $130
- Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios Dinner and Nightlife Experience: $150
- Sunset Boat Cruise and Luminous Lagoon with Dinner and Transfer: $150
- Private Beach Day and Street Food Tour from Montego Bay: $170
- Dinner Experience and Celebration on the Beach with Decorations: $175
- Restaurant Transportation for Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Montego Bay: $180
- Authentic Jamaican Food Cooking Experience in the Countryside: $195
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Amsterdam €36Montego Bay €27
Typical Entertainment Prices in Amsterdam
Here are a few typical costs in Amsterdam for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Two tickets to the Houseboat Museum€6.00
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Entry for two to the Anne Frank House€17
Tours and Activities in Amsterdam
Here are a few actual costs in Amsterdam for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Amsterdam: $3.54
- Amsterdam Introductory Walking Tour with a Local: $3.54
- Self-Guided Tours Amsterdam With 100 Captivating Audio Stories: $3.54
- Alternative Tour Amsterdam | Drugs Story, Street Art & More: $3.54
- Amsterdam Highlights Walking Tour: $4.73
- Amsterdam West Specialty Coffee Spots: A Self-Guided Cycling Tour: $5.41
- Amsterdam History Walking Tour: $5.92
- Amsterdam Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
- Amsterdam Center Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $6.47
- Amsterdam (Museum Quarter) Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $6.47
- Discover Amsterdam's city center in this Outside Escape game tour: $6.51
- Self-Guided Audio Tour of The Red Light District: $6.72
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€2.30
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Snorkeling Trip€16
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One Tank Dive€32
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1.5 Hr Horseback Ride€37
Tours and Activities in Montego Bay
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Montego Bay are as follows:
- Montego Bay Beach Day Experience: $20
- Shopping Tour for Whitter Village Mall Private / Charted Air Conditioned Taxi: $20
- Souvenirs and Gift shopping Tour in Montego Bay: $20
- Montego Bay Bamboo Rafting and Hip Strip Private Tour: $22
- Montego Bay Cruise Ship Port to Doctor's Cave Beach and City Tour: $29
- Explore the Beauty of Montego Bay Nature Tour in Jamaica: $30
- Private Tour Souvenir Shopping in Montego Bay: $30
- Great River Bamboo Rafting and Limestone Foot Massage Tour From Montego Bay: $30
- Half-Day Private Guided Ricks Café & Negril Seven Mile Beach Tour: $35
- Montego Bay Walking Tour: $40
- Bamboo Rafting, Limestone Massage and Hip Strip Tour In Jamaica: $40
- Experience horseback ride and swimming Adventure: $40
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAmsterdam €24Montego Bay €11
Sample the Local Flavors in Amsterdam
Also in Amsterdam, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Red Light District Bar Crawl: $24
- Amsterdam Private Pub Crawl in the City Center: $30
- Cheese and Wine tasting in Amsterdam: $32
- Halloween Bar Crawl in Central Amsterdam: $101
- Private Amsterdam Red Light District and Pub Tour including drink: $103
- Dutch Wine Tasting Experience: $140
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 Jamaica Rum Distillery Tour Private Driver: $231
- Montego Bay Pub Crawl To Negril and Rick's Cafe: $255
When comparing the travel costs between Amsterdam and Montego Bay, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Amsterdam is in Europe and Montego Bay is in Caribbean Islands, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Amsterdam Expensive? and Is Montego Bay Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Amsterdam or Montego Bay?
Amsterdam has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the sizes of Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam or Montego Bay?
Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam or Montego Bay in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Amsterdam and Montego Bay. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Amsterdam is much colder than Montego Bay in the summer. The daily temperature in Amsterdam averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Montego Bay fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montego Bay this time of the year. In Amsterdam, it's very sunny this time of the year. Amsterdam usually receives less sunshine than Montego Bay during summer. Amsterdam gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Montego Bay receives 257 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Amsterdam usually receives more rain than Montego Bay. Amsterdam gets 75 mm (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 JulyAmsterdam 17°C (62°F)Montego Bay 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Amsterdam or Montego Bay in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Amsterdam as well as Montego Bay. Many travelers come to Amsterdam for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. The warm climate attracts visitors to Montego Bay throughout the year.
In the autumn, Amsterdam is much colder than Montego Bay. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Amsterdam in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Montego Bay averages at about 27°C (81°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. In the autumn, Amsterdam often gets less sunshine than Montego Bay. Amsterdam gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montego Bay receives 233 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Montego Bay. Amsterdam usually gets less rain in October than Montego Bay. Amsterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 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 OctoberAmsterdam 11°C (51°F)Montego Bay 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Amsterdam or Montego Bay in the Winter?
Both Montego Bay and Amsterdam are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Amsterdam in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Montego Bay because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Amsterdam can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Amsterdam is generally much colder than Montego Bay. Daily temperatures in Amsterdam average around 2°C (36°F), and Montego Bay fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. Amsterdam usually receives less sunshine than Montego Bay during winter. Amsterdam gets 46 hours of sunny skies, while Montego Bay receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Amsterdam usually receives around the same amount of rain as Montego Bay. Amsterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 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 JanuaryAmsterdam 2°C (36°F)Montego Bay 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Amsterdam or Montego Bay in the Spring?
Both Montego Bay and Amsterdam during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Amsterdam for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round.
Amsterdam is much colder than Montego Bay in the spring. The daily temperature in Amsterdam averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Montego Bay fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Amsterdam often gets less sunshine than Montego Bay. Amsterdam gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montego Bay receives 225 hours of full sun.
Amsterdam usually gets less rain in April than Montego Bay. Amsterdam gets 52 mm (2 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 AprilAmsterdam 8°C (46°F)Montego Bay 25°C (77°F)
Typical Weather for Montego Bay and Amsterdam
| Amsterdam | Montego Bay | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 2°C (36°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (37°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 8°C (46°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 17°C (62°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 14°C (57°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Oct | 11°C (51°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (43°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Dec | 3°C (38°F) | 80 mm (3.1 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.