Which place is cheaper, Montego Bay or Aqaba?
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 Aqaba or Montego Bay?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba 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: Aqaba or Montego Bay?
Aqaba
Aqaba is a port city in Jordan, in fact, it is the only port city in the country. This city is located on the Gulf of Aqaba on the Red Sea, which is in the southern part of Jordan. The city is still being developed; many of its facilities and infrastructures are being improved. The population of Aqaba is about 190,000 and the city has been key in developing Jordan's economy via trade and tourism.
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 Luxury Tours to Jordan, and The Best Budget Tours to Jordan.
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Aqaba Prices
Jordan PricesMontego Bay Prices
Jamaica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAqaba $157Montego Bay $255
The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $157, while the average daily cost in Montego Bay is $255. 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 Aqaba and Montego Bay in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAqaba $59Montego Bay $100
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAqaba $118Montego Bay $200
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Montego Bay
Looking for a hotel in Aqaba 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: Aqaba Hotel Prices and Montego Bay Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Aqaba $24Montego Bay $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:
- Transfer From Aqaba Airport to Aqaba City Or TalaBay: $25
- Private Transfer: Aqaba Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $27
- Aqaba to Aqaba Hussein Airport (AQJ) - Departure Private Transfer: $31
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Cruise Port to Petra hotels: $49
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Hotels to Aqaba Cruise Port: $49
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Cruise Port to Aqaba hotels: $49
- Snorkeling in The Red Sea With Equipment And Free Transfer: $51
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Port to King Hussein Airport (AQJ): $56
- Private Transfer from King Hussein Airport (AQJ)to Aqaba Port : $56
- Private Transfer from Aqaba city hotels to Aqaba Cruise Port: $56
- Aqaba or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Wadi Rum: $60
- Transfer From Aqaba Airport to Petra: $60
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:
- Airport Private Round Trip Transfer: $40
- Airport Transfer To Hotels in Negril : $88
- Airport Transfer To Secret Wild orchid/ST James Hotel : $60
- Airport Transfer to Montego Bay Hotels (Round-Trip): $54
- Airport Transfer to Ocho Rios Hotels (Round-Trip): $120
- Airport Transfers to Montego Bay Hotels – The Best in Jamaica!: $20
- MBJ Round Trip Private Airport Transfer to Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort : $36
- Montego Bay Hotels Private Airport Transfer: $20
- Montego Bay Private Transfer with Airport Pickup and Dropoff : $20
- Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios Areas Private Luxury Transfer: $179
- Private Airport Transfer To Jewel Grande Resort : $47
- Private Airport Transfers to/from Hotels in Montego Bay : $20
Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Montego Bay?
Prices for flights to both Montego Bay and Aqaba 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 dayAqaba $73Montego Bay $139
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Aqaba
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Aqaba.
- Sunset Cruise with BBQ Dinner and Drinks: $54
- Overnight in Bedouin Camp. Dinner and breakfast included.: $56
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight + Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $75
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight & Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $111
- Wadi Rum New Year Eve Party (Jeep Tour + Dinner + Music + Fireworks + Overnight): $112
- From Wadi Rum Full-Day Private Jeep Tour with Dinner: $169
- Wadi Rum Private Tour with Jeep Safari and Dinner: $220
- 4 Hours Jeep Tour with Overnight in Bedouin Camp and Dinner: $286
- Petra & Wadi Rum Private Tour with Dinner one day: $425
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 : $40
- Lunch or Dinner Dining Experience in Montego Bay : $40
- Street Food Tour in Montego Bay: $59
- 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
- Cooking Class in Montego Bay with Home Chef: $150
- 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
- PRIVATE Food Tour of Local Jamaican Cuisine Montego Bay & Negril: $190
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Aqaba $54Montego Bay $31
Tours and Activities in Aqaba
Here are a few actual costs in Aqaba for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Sightseeing Bike Rental in Aqaba: $7.00
- Aqaba : All Water Sports Adventure in the Red Sea: $22
- Wadi Rum Jeep Tours - Full Day Jeep Tour: $24
- Private Snorkeling Experience in Aqaba Red Sea: $27
- 4 Hour Jeep Tour Wadi Rum Nature Desert morning or sunset: $30
- Wadi Rum Jeep Tour: $30
- Stargazing Adventure in Jordan: $30
- Glass-Bottom Boat 2-hours Tour and Coral-Reef Viewing from Aqaba: $30
- Private Walking Tour in Aqaba City with Free Meal: $30
- Saraya Aqaba Waterpark entrance tickets: $33
- 2 Hour Jeep Tour (Morning or Sunset) Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
- Wadi Rum 2-Hour Sunset Tour Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
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$2.63
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Snorkeling Trip$18
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One Tank Dive$37
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1.5 Hr Horseback Ride$42
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
- The Ultimate Montego Bay Night Life Experience: $25
- Montego Bay Cruise Ship Port Transportation Service : $26
- Montego Bay Shopping Private Tour: $26
- Skip the Line: Rose Hall Great House and Garden Tour Ticket: $30
- Lethe Rafting And Margaritaville Tour from 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
- Explore the Beauty of Montego Bay Nature Tour in Jamaica: $30
- Montego Bay Sightseeing Tour and Souvenir Shopping: $35
- Rose Hall Great House Haunted Night Tour with Admission: $35
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAqaba $9.07Montego 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:
- Montego Bay Jamaica Rum Distillery Tour Private Driver: $231
- Montego Bay Pub Crawl To Negril and Rick's Cafe: $255
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aqaba and Montego Bay, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. And not only is Aqaba much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Aqaba is in Middle East 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 Aqaba would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Aqaba 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 Aqaba.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aqaba Expensive? and Is Montego Bay Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Montego Bay?
Aqaba has a larger population, and is about 15% larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba 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 Aqaba or Montego Bay?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Aqaba or Montego Bay in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Montego Bay. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Montego Bay. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montego Bay this time of the year. In Aqaba, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Montego Bay during summer. Aqaba gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Montego Bay receives 257 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's very hot in Aqaba this time of the year. Aqaba is a little warmer than Montego Bay in the summer. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Montego Bay fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAqaba 33°C (91°F)Montego Bay 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Montego Bay in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Montego Bay. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Montego Bay throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Montego Bay. Aqaba usually gets less rain in October than Montego Bay. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aqaba this time of the year. In the autumn, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Montego Bay. Aqaba gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montego Bay receives 233 hours of full sun.
In the autumn, Aqaba is around the same temperature as Montego Bay. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Aqaba in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Montego Bay averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAqaba 26°C (79°F)Montego Bay 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Montego Bay in the Winter?
Both Montego Bay and Aqaba are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Montego Bay because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Montego Bay. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aqaba. Aqaba usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Montego Bay during winter. Aqaba gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Montego Bay receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Aqaba is generally much colder than Montego Bay. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 14°C (57°F), and Montego Bay fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAqaba 14°C (57°F)Montego Bay 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Montego Bay in the Spring?
Both Montego Bay and Aqaba during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Aqaba because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round.
Aqaba usually gets less rain in April than Montego Bay. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Aqaba. In the spring, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Montego Bay. Aqaba gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montego Bay receives 225 hours of full sun.
Aqaba is around the same temperature as Montego Bay in the spring. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Montego Bay fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAqaba 24°C (75°F)Montego Bay 25°C (77°F)
Typical Weather for Montego Bay and Aqaba
| Aqaba | Montego Bay | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.