Which place is cheaper, Montego Bay or Bangkok?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Bangkok or Montego Bay?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bangkok and Montego Bay can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Bangkok or Montego Bay?
Bangkok
Bangkok: a name synonymous with all things exotic. The vibrant and exciting capital of Thailand is not just a hub for Southeast Asia, but also a destination into itself. Known for an active nightlife and party scene, as well as great food, historic temples, and busy markets, Bangkok offers a diversity to entertain even the most experienced travelers.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, and The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand.
-
Bangkok Prices
Thailand PricesMontego Bay Prices
Jamaica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBangkok $102Montego Bay $259
The average daily cost (per person) in Bangkok is $102, while the average daily cost in Montego Bay is $259. 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 Bangkok and Montego Bay in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBangkok $49Montego Bay $102
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBangkok $98Montego Bay $204
Compare Hotels in Bangkok and Montego Bay
Looking for a hotel in Bangkok 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: Bangkok Hotel Prices and Montego Bay Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bangkok $6.36Montego Bay $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bangkok
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Bangkok are as follows:
-
Tuk Tuk to bus station$2.43
-
Skytrain Ticket$4.86
-
Chao Phraya River Express Ticket$0.97
-
Ferry Ride$0.79
-
Taxi From Airport$7.60
-
Short Taxi Ride$2.74
-
Boat Taxi$1.52
-
Trains to airport$4.86
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangkok
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bangkok:
- Gems Gallery Phuket with Round Trip Hotel Transfers: $1.85
- Erawan Museum Admission Ticket with Transfer: $13
- Suvarnabhumi BKK Airport Private Transfer to City Center: $15
- Suvarnabhumi BKK Airport Private Transfer to/from Bangkok/Pattaya: $15
- Arrival Transfer from BKK Airport to Bangkok Hotel: $15
- Bangkok Ancient City Admission Ticket With Optional Transfers: $15
- Private Transfer from/to Suvarnabhumi Airport(BKK): $15
- Private transfer from Hotel in Bangkok to BKK Airport: $17
- Shared Airport Transfer: Suvarnabhumi (BKK) to Bangkok Hotel: $19
- Transfer Suvarnabhumi Airport(BKK) to Bangkok City Center: $19
- Transfer Bangkok City Center to Suvarnabhumi Airport(BKK): $19
- Bangkok Airport & Intercity Transfers by Spacious Private Vehicle: $20
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 Transfers from Montego Bay to Hilton Rose Hall: $21
- Airport Round Trip Transfer To Hotels in Montego Bay: $19
- Airport Transfer From Kingston: $200
- Airport Transfer MBJ Montego Bay to Kingston: $150
- Airport Transfer Montego Bay Hotels: $120
- Airport Transfer To Dreams Rose Hall: $60
Is it cheaper to fly into Bangkok or Montego Bay?
Prices for flights to both Montego Bay and Bangkok 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 dayBangkok $35Montego Bay $142
Typical Food Prices in Bangkok
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Bangkok:
-
Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe (for Two)$27
-
Casual Lunch of Prawns (for Two)$6.08
-
2 Rotis (Bread)$1.37
-
Mango & Sticky Rice$0.91
-
Lunch at KFC (for Two)$6.08
-
Pad Thai$2.13
-
Airport Lunch for 2$17
-
Lunch for 2$23
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bangkok
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bangkok.
- Baiyoke Sky Observation Deck Ticket with Buffet Lunch or Dinner: $24
- Meridian Sunset Cruise Dinner Buffet from Bangkok: $25
- Chao Phraya Princess Bangkok Sunset Dinner Cruise: $26
- Chao Phraya Princess Sunset and Dinner Cruise: $26
- Alangka Bangkok Sunset Dinner Cruise: $26
- Thai Cooking Class in Bangkok's Old Town with Market Tour: $29
- Smile Riverside Cruise Luxury Buffet Dinner from Bangkok: $31
- Alangka Dinner Cruise from Bangkok on Chao Phraya River ICONSIAM: $31
- River Star Princess Dinner Cruise Tour from Bangkok: $32
- Authentic Thai Cooking with the Largest market visit &TukTuk ride: $32
- Royal Princess Dinner Cruise: Bangkok Chao Phraya River: $32
- Chao Phraya Cruise +Indian Buffet Dinner: $34
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montego Bay
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Montego Bay.
- 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
- Bar Hopping and Local Food Tour in Jamaica: $117
- 3 to 5 Hour Private Herbal Tour Shopping and Dinner at Ricks Cafe: $120
- 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 Cooking Experience in the Mountain from mobay: $210
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bangkok $17Montego Bay $31
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bangkok
Here are a few typical costs in Bangkok for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Movie Ticket$4.86
-
Grand Palace Entrance Ticket$11
-
Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) Ticket$1.52
-
Dusit Zoo Entrance Fee (for Two)$6.08
-
Club Cover Charge$11
-
Thai Boxing Tickets (for Two)$73
-
Fish Pedicure$4.56
-
Wat Pho entrance ticket$3.04
-
Siriraj Museum (2)$12
Tours and Activities in Bangkok
Here are a few actual costs in Bangkok for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Bangkok Chinatown Eats: A Self-guided Audio Tour: $5.13
- Chao Phraya Tourist Hop-On-Hop-Off Sightseeing Boat from Bangkok: $6.17
- Bangkok Walking Tour 2h40 and 22 audio reviews: $6.63
- Wat Pho Reclining Buddha Self-Guided Audio Tour (entry not incl.): $6.99
- Chinatown & Golden Buddha Self-Guided Audio Tour (entry not incl): $6.99
- Bangkok's Old Town: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Bangkok's Wireless Road: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Bangkok Art and Culture Hidden Gems Self Guided Audio Tour: $8.63
- Ancient City Bangkok and Erawan Museum Tickets: $9.68
- Bangkok Erawan Museum Ticket (NON-THAI): $9.87
- Erawan Museum & Ancient City Admission Ticket - Bangkok: $9.87
- Erawan Museum Ticket (NON THAI): $9.87
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$2.68
-
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:
- Bamboo Rafting Adventure with Limestone Massage from Montego Bay: $16
- Souvenirs and Gift shopping Tour in Montego Bay: $20
- Cinnamon Hill Great House Tour: Home of Johnny Cash: $23
- Night Life Tour in Montego Bay with complimentary section: $25
- Jamaica Bamboo Rafting Experience with Lime Stone Massage: $25
- Montego Bay Cruise Ship Port to Doctor's Cave Beach and City Tour: $29
- Private Tour Souvenir Shopping in Montego Bay: $30
- Doctors Cave Beach Roundtrip Tour in Montego Bay: $30
- Adventure and Activity Based Music and Nightlife and Nature: $30
- VR Experience 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
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayBangkok $5.55Montego Bay $13
Typical Alcohol Prices in Bangkok
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Bangkok are as follows:
-
Beer$1.22
Sample the Local Flavors in Bangkok
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bangkok:
- Sunset Rooftop, TukTuk Ride, Night Market & Bar Crawl: $21
- GoGo Bar Crawl With Party Vehicle and Party Guide: $62
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bangkok and Montego Bay, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. And not only is Bangkok much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bangkok 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 Bangkok would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bangkok 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 Bangkok.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bangkok Expensive? and Is Montego Bay Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bangkok or Montego Bay?
Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the sizes of Bangkok 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 Bangkok 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 Bangkok or Montego Bay in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bangkok and Montego Bay. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bangkok year-round. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Bangkok gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Bangkok usually receives more rain than Montego Bay. Bangkok gets 155 mm (6.1 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. Bangkok usually receives less sunshine than Montego Bay during summer. Bangkok gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Montego Bay receives 257 hours of full sun in the summer.
In the summer, Bangkok is around the same temperature as Montego Bay. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bangkok in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Montego Bay averages at about 28°C (82°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyBangkok 29°C (84°F)Montego Bay 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Bangkok or Montego Bay in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Bangkok as well as Montego Bay. Bangkok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Montego Bay throughout the year.
Also, November to February in Bangkok is the dry season. May to October in Bangkok is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Montego Bay. Bangkok receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Bangkok usually gets more rain in October than Montego Bay. Bangkok gets 242 mm (9.5 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 Bangkok this time of the year. In the autumn, Bangkok often gets less sunshine than Montego Bay. Bangkok gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montego Bay receives 233 hours of full sun.
In October, Bangkok is generally around the same temperature as Montego Bay. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 28°C (83°F), and Montego Bay fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBangkok 28°C (83°F)Montego Bay 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Bangkok or Montego Bay in the Winter?
Both Montego Bay and Bangkok are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bangkok throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Montego Bay because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Bangkok is November to February. In January, Bangkok usually receives less rain than Montego Bay. Bangkok gets 9 mm (0.4 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 Bangkok. Bangkok usually receives more sunshine than Montego Bay during winter. Bangkok gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Montego Bay receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.
Bangkok is around the same temperature as Montego Bay in the winter. The daily temperature in Bangkok averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Montego Bay fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBangkok 27°C (80°F)Montego Bay 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Bangkok or Montego Bay in the Spring?
Both Montego Bay and Bangkok during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bangkok because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round.
May to October is the rainy season in Bangkok. Bangkok usually gets more rain in April than Montego Bay. Bangkok gets 65 mm (2.6 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 Bangkok. In the spring, Bangkok often gets more sunshine than Montego Bay. Bangkok gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montego Bay receives 225 hours of full sun.
In the spring, Bangkok is a little warmer than Montego Bay. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bangkok in April average around 31°C (87°F), and Montego Bay averages at about 25°C (77°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilBangkok 31°C (87°F)Montego Bay 25°C (77°F)
Typical Weather for Montego Bay and Bangkok
| Bangkok | Montego Bay | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (87°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 220 mm (8.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (85°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 155 mm (6.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 344 mm (13.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 242 mm (9.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 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.