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

Should you visit Cairo 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 Cairo 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: Cairo or Montego Bay?

Cairo

Cairo is the chaotic capital city of Egypt. With a population of more than 16 million, it is one of the largest cities in both Africa and the Middle East. As a traveler, you're likely to arrive and leave from here and you'll get your first orientation to the area during the chaotic and congestion filled taxi ride from the airport.

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 Egypt, and The Best Historical Tours in Egypt.


Which place is cheaper, Montego Bay or Cairo?

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 Cairo is $30, 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 Cairo and Montego Bay in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cairo $10
    Montego Bay $102
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cairo $20
    Montego Bay $204
Compare Hotels in Cairo and Montego Bay

Looking for a hotel in Cairo 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 Cairo


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: Cairo Hotel Prices and Montego Bay Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cairo $3.46
    Montego Bay $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cairo

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cairo are as follows:


  • Metro Ride
    $0.08
  • Taxi Ride
    $0.29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cairo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cairo:

  • VIP Meet and assist with transfer from Cairo and SPX Airport: $7.50
  • Private Arrival Transfer From Cairo Airport: $8.80
  • Cairo CAI Airport Private Transfer to/from Cairo/El Omraniya: $8.82
  • Cairo Airport (CAI) Private Transfer From or To All Cairo Hotells: $9.16
  • Private Transfer To/From Cairo Airport: $10
  • Private Transfer from Cairo Airport to Hotel in Cairo& Giza: $10
  • Private Transfer from Cairo Airport to Hotel Vise Versa: $10
  • Private Cairo Airport Transfer to City Center: $11
  • Private Transfer from Cairo Airport: $12
  • VIP Private Cairo Airport Transfer To Or From Cairo , Giza Hotels: $12
  • Private Pickup transfer from Osiris Hotel to Cairo airport: $12
  • Private Pickup transfer from InterContinental Cairo Citystars to Cairo airport: $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:

  • A "Private" Airport Transfer to Grand & Luxury Bahia Principe: $80
  • A "Private" Airport Transfer to RIU PALACE AQUARELLE: $50
  • ATV and Bamboo Rafting with Limestone Foot Massage and Transfers: $120
  • Airport Round transfer Excellence,Coral Springs,Paladium, Royaltan Blue Waters: $110
  • Airport Transfer: $80
  • Airport Transfer From Kingston: $200
  • Airport Transfer Montego Bay Hotels: $120
  • Airport Transfer Montego Bay and Grand Palladium(Private): $18
  • Airport Transfer To Hotel in Montego Bay: $34
  • Airport Transfer To Iberostar Hotel: $70
  • Airport Transfer To Iberoster star Hotel: $61
  • Airport Transfer To Montego Bay Hotels: $55

Is it cheaper to fly into Cairo or Montego Bay?

Prices for flights to both Montego Bay and Cairo 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
    Cairo $16
    Montego Bay $142
Typical Food Prices in Cairo

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cairo:


  • Juice
    $0.04

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cairo

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

  • Giza Pyramids Sphinx , ATV, camel ride Plus Nile Dinner Cruise: $3.00
  • Explore Giza Pyramids with Camel, ATV, Dinner Cruise, & Shopping: $5.00
  • 2 Hour Cairo Dinner Cruise on Nile river with live band: $7.00
  • Night Dinner Nile cruise with belly dancer and folklore show: $7.00
  • Cairo Dinner Nile Cruise with Belly Dancer Show on Nile River: $7.00
  • Quad Bike ATV ,Camel Ride ,Nile Dinner Cruise Belly dancer show: $7.00
  • Private Nile Cruise with Dinner and Folk Show from Cairo: $7.50
  • Giza pyramids, sphinx &ATV +Nile Dinner cruise: $8.00
  • 2-hours night dinner cruise show : Eat , Dance and Sing: $8.00
  • Cairo Nile Dinner Cruise Belly Dancer Tanora Show Dinner Buffet: $8.00
  • Cairo (Dance, Sing and Eat ) Nile Dinner Cruise Show &Open Buffet: $8.00
  • Private Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Quad Bike, Camel Ride, Nile Dinner Cruise: $8.00

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 with Pickup from Montego Bay: $45
  • Montego Bay City and Food Tour All Inclusive Experience: $48
  • Montego Bay Jerk Tour and Rum Punch Mixology/Food Tour: $50
  • Street Food Tour in Montego Bay: $59
  • Club2727 Nightlife Experience With Optional Dinner In Montego Bay: $60
  • Mystic Lagoon Sunset Cruise with Dinner and Lagoon Swim: $95
  • Sunset Dinner at Bamboo Beach Club: $99
  • 3 to 5 Hour Private Herbal Tour Shopping and Dinner at Ricks Cafe: $120
  • Bar Hopping & Local Food Tour-From Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios: $130
  • Jamaican Seafood Street Food Tour from Montego Bay, Falmouth: $150
  • Dinner and Nightlife -From Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios: $150
  • Sunset Boat Cruise and Luminous Lagoon with Dinner and Transfer: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cairo $8.29
    Montego Bay $31
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cairo

Here are a few typical costs in Cairo for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Entry to Camel Market for Two
    $0.77
  • Egyptian Museum Entry for Two
    $5.90

Tours and Activities in Cairo

Here are a few actual costs in Cairo for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Top Day 5 Hours Day Tour Pyramid Saqqar Pyramid Memphis City: $2.00
  • Private VIP Giza Tour+ New Musuem + Market: $3.59
  • Shopping Tour to all the Egyptian governments shops handmade: $4.00
  • Best-Selling Giza Pyramids Tour: Camel Ride, Lunch &Private Guide: $4.00
  • Half Day Tour Giza Pyramids,Sphinx,Lunch with Private Tour Guide: $5.00
  • ViP Private Tour Giza Pyramids,camel ride , inside 3rd Pyramid: $5.00
  • Shopping tour In Governmental Bazaars include guide's advisor: $5.00
  • All Inclusive Tour Pyramids of Giza , Sphinx and Lunch: $5.00
  • Private Giza Pyramids Sphinx and Grand Egyptian Museum Tour: $5.00
  • Cairo shopping advisor tour papyrus ,perfume ,golden cartouche , Egyptian cotton: $5.00
  • Cairo Shopping Tour from Cairo airport or Cairo Giza hotel: $5.00
  • Luxury Private Pyramids half day tour: $5.00

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:

  • Shopping Tour for Whitter Village Mall Private / Charted Air Conditioned Taxi: $20
  • Montego Bay Beach Day Experience: $20
  • Montego Bay City highlight And Souvenir Shopping Group Tour: $20
  • Montego Bay Bamboo Rafting and Hip Strip Private Tour: $22
  • Montego Bay Shopping Private Tour: $26
  • Explore the Beauty of Montego Bay Nature Tour in Jamaica: $30
  • Doctors Cave Beach Roundtrip Tour in Montego Bay: $30
  • Rose Hall Great House and Garden Tour Ticket: $30
  • Pruvate Transter to Ocho Rios + Catamaran Cruise: $30
  • VR Experience in Montego Bay: $30
  • Montego Bay Private Shopping Tour with Hotel Pickup: $30
  • Bamboo Rafting Experience in Jamaica: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cairo $1.35
    Montego Bay $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Cairo

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cairo:

  • Pub Crawl and Speakeasy Bar Tour with 2 Free Drinks: $69
  • Cairo Autumn Downtown Food & Bar Crawl with Drinks: $109

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: $250


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cairo and Montego Bay, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. And not only is Cairo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cairo is in Africa 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 Cairo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cairo 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 Cairo.

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


Which is Bigger, Cairo or Montego Bay?

Cairo has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the sizes of Cairo 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 Cairo 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 Cairo or Montego Bay in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cairo and Montego Bay. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cairo year-round. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In July, Cairo usually receives less rain than Montego Bay. Cairo gets 1 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 Cairo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cairo usually receives more sunshine than Montego Bay during summer. Cairo gets 350 hours of sunny skies, while Montego Bay receives 257 hours of full sun in the summer.

In the summer, Cairo is around the same temperature as Montego Bay. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cairo in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Montego Bay averages at about 28°C (82°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cairo 28°C (82°F) 
    Montego Bay 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Cairo or Montego Bay in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cairo as well as Montego Bay. Cairo 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. Cairo usually gets less rain in October than Montego Bay. Cairo gets 5 mm (0.2 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 Cairo this time of the year. In the autumn, Cairo often gets more sunshine than Montego Bay. Cairo gets 290 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montego Bay receives 233 hours of full sun.

In October, Cairo is generally cooler than Montego Bay. Daily temperatures in Cairo average around 23°C (73°F), and Montego Bay fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cairo 23°C (73°F) 
    Montego Bay 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Cairo or Montego Bay in the Winter?

Both Montego Bay and Cairo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cairo throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Montego Bay because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In January, Cairo usually receives less rain than Montego Bay. Cairo gets 15 mm (0.6 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 Cairo. Cairo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Montego Bay during winter. Cairo gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Montego Bay receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.

Cairo is much colder than Montego Bay in the winter. The daily temperature in Cairo averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Montego Bay fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cairo 14°C (57°F) 
    Montego Bay 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Cairo or Montego Bay in the Spring?

Both Montego Bay and Cairo during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Cairo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round.

Cairo usually gets less rain in April than Montego Bay. Cairo gets 7 mm (0.3 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 Cairo. In the spring, Cairo often gets more sunshine than Montego Bay. Cairo gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montego Bay receives 225 hours of full sun.

In the spring, Cairo is cooler than Montego Bay. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cairo in April average around 21°C (70°F), and Montego Bay averages at about 25°C (77°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cairo 21°C (70°F) 
    Montego Bay 25°C (77°F)

Typical Weather for Montego Bay and Cairo

Cairo Montego Bay
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 24°C (75°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 14°C (57°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Mar 17°C (63°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 21°C (70°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
May 25°C (77°F) 0 mm (0 in) 26°C (79°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 0 mm (0 in) 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 1 mm (0 in) 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 0 mm (0 in) 28°C (82°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 26°C (79°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 1 mm (0 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)