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.
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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.
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Cairo Prices
Egypt PricesMontego Bay Prices
Jamaica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCairo $32Montego Bay $259
The average daily cost (per person) in Cairo is $32, 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
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCairo $11Montego Bay $102
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCairo $22Montego 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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cairo $3.62Montego Bay $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cairo
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cairo are as follows:
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Metro Ride$0.08
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Taxi Ride$0.30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cairo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cairo:
- Private Airport or City Transfer to Cairo and Giza hotels: $2.70
- Arrival transfer from Cairo airport: $5.00
- Private Transfer: Cairo Airport Arrival Any Hotel in Cairo Giza: $7.00
- Cairo airport or Sphinx airport transfer: $10
- Cairo Airport Transfer Service with Private Driver: $10
- Private Transfer: Cairo Airport (CAI) to Hotel in Cairo/Giza: $11
- VIP Meet and assist with transfer from Cairo and SPX Airport: $12
- Private Pickup transfer from InterContinental Cairo Citystars to Cairo airport: $12
- Private transfer from Cairo Airport to Windsor Hotel Cairo: $12
- Private transfer from Cairo Airport to Golden Hotel in Cairo: $12
- Private transfer from Sonesta Hotel, Tower& Casino Cairo to Cairo airport: $12
- Private Pickup transfer from Hotel Longchamps to Cairo airport: $12
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 Grand Palladium Resort: $45
- A "Private" Airport Transfer to any Resort in Montego Bay: $14
- 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 Round Trip Transfer: $30
- Airport Private Transfers from Montego Bay to Hilton Rose Hall: $21
- Airport Transfer: $80
- Airport Transfer From Kingston: $200
- Airport Transfer MBJ Montego Bay to Kingston: $150
- Airport Transfer Negril Hotels: $130
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
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Food Meals for one dayCairo $17Montego Bay $142
Typical Food Prices in Cairo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cairo:
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Juice$0.04
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cairo
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cairo.
- Dinner Nile cruise with belly dancer show on Nile river: $4.00
- Dinner Cruise in Nile River with Belly Dancer show From Cairo: $4.00
- Cairo Food Tour with Nile Felucca Ride: $6.30
- 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
- Giza Pyramids,Sphinx,Camel Ride,ATV Bike,Shopping, Dinner cruise: $7.00
- Cairo Food Tour – Discover Hidden Downtown Gems: $7.20
- Private Nile Cruise with Dinner and Folk Show from Cairo: $7.50
- Private Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Quad Bike, Camel Ride, Nile Dinner Cruise: $8.00
- Cairo Dinner Cruise in Nile River With Belly Dancer & Tanora show: $8.00
- 5 Star Dinner Nile Cruise in Cairo Night Tour: $8.00
- night-tour Nile dinner cruise with open buffet and belly dancer: $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 Dining Experience in Montego Bay: $40
- Dinner or Lunch with Pickup from Montego Bay: $50
- Montego Bay Jerk Tour and Rum Punch Mixology/Food Tour: $50
- Street Food Tour in Montego Bay: $59
- Mystic Lagoon Sunset Cruise with Dinner and Lagoon Swim: $95
- Bar Hopping and Local Food Tour in Jamaica: $117
- Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios Dinner and Nightlife Experience: $135
- 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
- Dinner Experience and Celebration on the Beach with Decorations: $175
- Restaurant Transportation for Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Montego Bay: $180
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cairo $8.65Montego 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:
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Entry to Camel Market for Two$0.80
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Egyptian Museum Entry for Two$6.16
Tours and Activities in Cairo
Here are a few actual costs in Cairo for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Full experience Tour Giza Pyramids,Sphinx, inside pyramids &tombs: $2.00
- Giza Pyramids Tour, Sphinx, Camel Ride and Shopping: $3.00
- Private Day tour in Khan Elkhalele Market with Shopping and Lunch: $3.00
- VIP Pyramid Tour Inside the 3rd Pyramid with Lunch and Camel Ride: $4.00
- VIP All-Inclusive Grand Egyptian Museum,Pyramids & Quad Bike Tour: $4.00
- Private Shopping Customizable Tour from Cairo and Giza with lunch: $4.00
- Limited-Time Offer: Giza Pyramids Tour: $4.00
- Giza Pyramids ,Sphinx & Mummies Museum Private Guided Tour: $4.00
- Giza pyramids Tour with horse drawn carriage or camel ride: $4.00
- Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx Day Tour: $4.00
- Egyptian Spicy Shop Shopping Private Tour: $4.00
- ViP Private Tour Giza Pyramids,camel ride , inside 3rd Pyramid: $4.48
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$2.68
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Snorkeling Trip$19
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One Tank Dive$37
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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:
- Lethe Rafting And Margaritaville Tour from Montego Bay: $20
- Montego Bay Beach Day Experience: $20
- Souvenirs and Gift shopping Tour in Montego Bay: $20
- Montego Bay Bamboo Rafting and Hip Strip Private Tour: $22
- Cinnamon Hill Great House Tour: Home of Johnny Cash: $23
- Night Life Tour in Montego Bay with complimentary section: $25
- Montego Bay Cruise Ship Port to Doctor's Cave Beach and City Tour: $29
- Private Tour Souvenir Shopping in Montego Bay: $30
- Explore the Beauty of Montego Bay Nature Tour in Jamaica: $30
- Great River Bamboo Rafting and Limestone Foot Massage Tour From Montego Bay: $30
- Bob Marley 9 Mile Tour Admission: $35
- Half-Day Private Guided Ricks Café & Negril Seven Mile Beach Tour: $35
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCairo $1.41Montego 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: $70
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 Pub Crawl To Negril and Rick's Cafe: $255
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).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCairo 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).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCairo 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).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCairo 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).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCairo 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) |
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.