Which place is cheaper, Montego Bay or Ayutthaya?
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 Ayutthaya or Montego Bay?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Ayutthaya 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: Ayutthaya or Montego Bay?
Ayutthaya
Once the largest city in the world, Ayutthaya, is the example of an ancient capital within a modern city. Located in the central plains of Thailand, this spot is ideally located between China, India and the Malay Archipelago creating the perfect place for trade in Asia. Eighteenth century maps from Holland and France show golden palaces, large ceremony spots and trading vessels from all over the world. Suddenly, in 1767, Ayutthaya experienced a tragic fall from grace with a Burmese invasion burning much of the city to the ground.
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 Cultural Tours in Thailand, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Thailand.
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Ayutthaya Prices
Thailand PricesMontego Bay Prices
Jamaica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAyutthaya $86Montego Bay $255
The average daily cost (per person) in Ayutthaya is $86, 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 Ayutthaya and Montego Bay in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAyutthaya $24Montego Bay $100
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAyutthaya $48Montego Bay $200
Compare Hotels in Ayutthaya and Montego Bay
Looking for a hotel in Ayutthaya 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: Ayutthaya Hotel Prices and Montego Bay Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ayutthaya $29Montego Bay $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ayutthaya
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Ayutthaya are as follows:
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River Ferry Crossing$0.63
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:
- Private Airport transfer Montego Bay: $12
- Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Montego Bay and Falmouth Hotels : $16
- Montego Bay Jamaica Airport/ Port Transfers to Montego Bay Hotels: $16
- Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Hotels in Montego Bay or Falmouth: $16
- Private Montego Bay Jamaica Airport Transfer to Montego Bay Hotel: $16
- Sangster Airport Montego Bay Transfer to Montego Bay or Falmouth: $16
- Private Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Montego Bay Hotels: $16
- Private airport transfer to negril resorts arrival/departure: $17
- Private Airport Transfer Montego Bay: $20
- Private Airport Transfer to Hotels in Montego Bay: $20
- Montego Bay Airport Transfer: $20
- Private Montego Bay Airport transfer to Falmouth Trelawny : $20
Is it cheaper to fly into Ayutthaya or Montego Bay?
Prices for flights to both Montego Bay and Ayutthaya 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 dayAyutthaya $39Montego Bay $139
Typical Food Prices in Ayutthaya
Some typical examples of dining costs in Ayutthaya are as follows:
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Lunch for 2$4.40
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Ice Cream$0.94
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Breakfast for 2$4.40
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Breakfast for 2$11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montego Bay
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Montego Bay.
- Club2727 Nightlife Experience With Optional Dinner In Montego Bay: $10
- 3 to 5 Hour Private Herbal Tour Shopping and Dinner at Ricks Cafe: $120
- Bar Hopping and Local Food Tour in Jamaica : $130
- Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios Dinner and Nightlife Experience: $150
- Dinner Experience and Celebration on the Beach with Decorations : $158
- PRIVATE Food Tour of Local Jamaican Cuisine Montego Bay & Negril: $190
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ayutthaya $31Montego Bay $31
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ayutthaya
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Ayutthaya are as follows:
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Temple Entrances (2)$6.28
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Wat Entrance$1.57
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:
- Explore the Beauty of Montego Bay Nature Tour in Jamaica: $30
- Luminous Lagoon Admission Tickets: $40
- Jet Car Experience/ clear kayak photo shoot in Montego Bay: $40
- Jamaica Bamboo Rafting Experience with Lime Stone Massage: $50
- 7 Mile Beach & Ricks Cafe with free Shopping experience: $50
- Montego Bay Sight Seeing with Tour Guide : $50
- Luminous Lagoon Night Tour from Montego Bay: $54
- Bamboo Rafting Adventure with Limestone Massage from Montego Bay: $55
- Montego Bay & Falmouth Hotels, Souvenir Shopping and sightseeing: $60
- Private Tour in Dunns River Falls: $60
- Luminous Lagoon Glow in the Dark Boat Tour from Montego Bay: $65
- Private Montego Bay Customized Tour with Pickup and Guide: $65
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAyutthaya $21Montego 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 Ayutthaya and Montego Bay, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. And not only is Ayutthaya much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ayutthaya is in Asia 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 Ayutthaya would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ayutthaya 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 Ayutthaya.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ayutthaya Expensive? and Is Montego Bay Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ayutthaya or Montego Bay?
Montego Bay has a larger population, and is about 1% larger than the population of Ayutthaya. When comparing the sizes of Ayutthaya 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 Ayutthaya 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 Ayutthaya or Montego Bay in the Summer?
Both Montego Bay and Ayutthaya are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ayutthaya throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Montego Bay because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Ayutthaya. In July, Ayutthaya usually receives more rain than Montego Bay. Ayutthaya gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. Ayutthaya usually receives less sunshine than Montego Bay during summer. Ayutthaya gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Montego Bay receives 257 hours of full sun in the summer.
In the summer, Ayutthaya is around the same temperature as Montego Bay. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ayutthaya in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Montego Bay averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAyutthaya 29°C (84°F)Montego Bay 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Ayutthaya or Montego Bay in the Autumn?
Both Montego Bay and Ayutthaya during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Ayutthaya because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round.
October to April is the dry season in Ayutthaya. May to October is the rainy season in Ayutthaya. Montego Bay gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya usually gets more rain in October than Montego Bay. Ayutthaya gets 180 mm (7.1 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 130 mm (5.1 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 Ayutthaya. In the autumn, Ayutthaya often gets less sunshine than Montego Bay. Ayutthaya gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montego Bay receives 233 hours of full sun.
In October, Ayutthaya is generally around the same temperature as Montego Bay. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 28°C (82°F), and Montego Bay fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAyutthaya 28°C (82°F)Montego Bay 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Ayutthaya or Montego Bay in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ayutthaya and Montego Bay. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ayutthaya year-round. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Ayutthaya usually receives less rain than Montego Bay. Ayutthaya gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montego Bay this time of the year. In Ayutthaya, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ayutthaya usually receives more sunshine than Montego Bay during winter. Ayutthaya gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Montego Bay receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.
Ayutthaya is around the same temperature as Montego Bay in the winter. The daily temperature in Ayutthaya averages around 25°C (78°F) in January, and Montego Bay fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAyutthaya 25°C (78°F)Montego Bay 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Ayutthaya or Montego Bay in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Ayutthaya as well as Montego Bay. Ayutthaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Montego Bay throughout the year.
Also, October to April in Ayutthaya is the dry season. May to October in Ayutthaya is the rainy season. Ayutthaya usually gets more rain in April than Montego Bay. Ayutthaya gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 60 mm (2.4 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 Ayutthaya this time of the year. In the spring, Ayutthaya often gets more sunshine than Montego Bay. Ayutthaya gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montego Bay receives 225 hours of full sun.
The heat can be very extreme in Ayutthaya. In the spring, Ayutthaya is a little warmer than Montego Bay. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ayutthaya in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Montego Bay averages at about 25°C (77°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAyutthaya 31°C (88°F)Montego Bay 25°C (77°F)
Typical Weather for Montego Bay and Ayutthaya
| Ayutthaya | Montego Bay | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (78°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | 30°C (85°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (85°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 292 mm (11.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 180 mm (7.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 13 mm (0.5 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.