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

Should you visit Bergen or Montego Bay?

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

Should I visit Bergen 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: Bergen or Montego Bay?

Bergen

Bergen is the second largest city in Norway, and a major tourist destination due to its proximity and easy access to the fjords in West Norway. The nature that surrounds the city is stunning, and you can easily hop into the nearby countryside for some incredible hikes and outdoor adventures. The city itself is well known for its music and art scenes, making it a cultural haven in the country. There are many reasons to visit Bergen, not the least of which is the people that live there. Bergen is the most hilly city within Norway. It is surrounded by the Seven Mountains, which restrict development and keep the city contained. Situated in the far west of Norway, Bergen can be reached by a very scenic seven hour train ride from Oslo.

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 in Norway, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Montego Bay or Bergen?

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 Bergen is $146, 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 Bergen and Montego Bay in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bergen $75
    Montego Bay $102
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bergen $150
    Montego Bay $204
Compare Hotels in Bergen and Montego Bay

Looking for a hotel in Bergen 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 Bergen


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: Bergen Hotel Prices and Montego Bay Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bergen $11
    Montego Bay $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bergen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bergen:

  • Departure Private Transfer from Bergen City to Bergen Cruise Port by luxury van: $122
  • Private Airport Transfer From Bergen Airport or Hotels in Bergen: $125
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Cruise Port to Bergen City by Minibus: $141
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Airport BGO to Bergen by Car: $154
  • TRANSFER, LUXURY CAR 1-3 PAX: Bergen city transfer: $162
  • TRANSFER, LUXURY VAN 1-7 PAX: Bergen city transfer: $203
  • TRANSFER, LUXURY CAR 1-3 PAX: Bergen airport transfer: $208

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 Bergen or Montego Bay?

Prices for flights to both Montego Bay and Bergen 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
    Bergen $59
    Montego Bay $142

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bergen

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bergen.

  • Bergen Food Tour: $180
  • A Taste of Bergen Food Tour with Floibanen Funicular: $224

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.
    Bergen $18
    Montego Bay $31

Tours and Activities in Bergen

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

  • Tip-Based Walking Tour of Bergen: $3.48
  • Bergen's University District: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Off the Beaten Track in A Private Self-Guided Tour: $6.99
  • Walk with a Witch in 16th Century A Self-Guided Fictional Tour: $8.99
  • Pocket Bergen A Self-guided Tour to the Unesco Site of Bryggen: $9.99
  • Walking Tour in Bergen of the Past and Present: $37
  • Bergen walking tour with official local guide.Hidden corners.: $41
  • Bergen Beyond Respectability: Sinners, Saints and Scandals Tour: $59
  • Mostraumen Fjord Cruise – Operated & Guided by Locals: $90
  • Bergen Mostraumen Fjord Cruise with Live Guide: $90
  • Half-day fjord cruise from Bergen to Mostraumen: $95
  • Bergen Fjord Experience Aboard Viking-style Ship: $96

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
    Bergen $7.68
    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 Bergen and Montego Bay, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. And not only is Bergen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bergen 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 Bergen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bergen 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 Bergen.

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


Which is Bigger, Bergen or Montego Bay?

Bergen has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the sizes of Bergen 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 Bergen or Montego Bay?

Bergen 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 Bergen or Montego Bay in the Summer?

Both Montego Bay and Bergen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Bergen in the summer for the small town charm 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 July, Bergen is generally much colder than Montego Bay. Daily temperatures in Bergen average around 15°C (58°F), and Montego Bay fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. In July, Bergen usually receives more rain than Montego Bay. Bergen gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bergen 15°C (58°F) 
    Montego Bay 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Bergen or Montego Bay in the Autumn?

Both Montego Bay and Bergen during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Bergen for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round.

Bergen is much colder than Montego Bay in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bergen averages around 9°C (48°F) in October, 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 Bergen. Bergen usually gets more rain in October than Montego Bay. Bergen gets 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Bergen or Montego Bay in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bergen and Montego Bay. The winter months attract visitors to Bergen 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 Bergen can be very cold. In the winter, Bergen is much colder than Montego Bay. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bergen in January average around 2°C (35°F), and Montego Bay averages at about 24°C (75°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Bergen usually receives more rain than Montego Bay. Bergen gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bergen 2°C (35°F) 
    Montego Bay 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Bergen or Montego Bay in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bergen as well as Montego Bay. The small town charm are the main draw to Bergen this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Montego Bay throughout the year.

In April, Bergen is generally much colder than Montego Bay. Daily temperatures in Bergen average around 6°C (43°F), and Montego Bay fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the spring. Bergen usually gets more rain in April than Montego Bay. Bergen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bergen 6°C (43°F) 
    Montego Bay 25°C (77°F)

Typical Weather for Montego Bay and Bergen

Bergen Montego Bay
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (35°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 24°C (75°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 2°C (35°F) 152 mm (6 in) 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Mar 4°C (38°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 6°C (43°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
May 11°C (51°F) 106 mm (4.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 14°C (56°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 15°C (58°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 15°C (58°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 12°C (53°F) 283 mm (11.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Oct 9°C (48°F) 271 mm (10.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Nov 5°C (41°F) 259 mm (10.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Dec 3°C (37°F) 235 mm (9.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)