Which place is cheaper, Montego Bay or Chiang Mai?
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 Chiang Mai or Montego Bay?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Chiang Mai and Montego Bay. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Chiang Mai or Montego Bay?
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is both the cultural center of northern Thailand and a launching point for trips into the rural areas, small towns, and lush jungles of the country's northern regions. Known for great food, historic temples, arts and crafts, and a lively night market, Chiang Mai is a very popular destination for travelers. In some areas, tourists and ex-pats dominate, but it's quite easy to get away from the tourist scene and into the real culture of Thailand, as Chiang Mai (and the surrounding countryside) is quite large.
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 G Adventures Tours to Thailand, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket.
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Chiang Mai Prices
Thailand PricesMontego Bay Prices
Jamaica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChiang Mai $61Montego Bay $255
The average daily cost (per person) in Chiang Mai is $61, 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 Chiang Mai and Montego Bay in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChiang Mai $30Montego Bay $100
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChiang Mai $60Montego Bay $200
Compare Hotels in Chiang Mai and Montego Bay
Looking for a hotel in Chiang Mai 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: Chiang Mai Hotel Prices and Montego Bay Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chiang Mai $4.18Montego Bay $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Chiang Mai are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$1.26
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Moped Rental$5.65
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chiang Mai
Also for Chiang Mai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Chiang Mai Airport Private Transfer – Hotel or Airport: $7.96
- Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) Private Transfer: $8.00
- Private Airport Transfer in Chiang Mai to/from Chiangmai Town: $10
- Chiang Mai Airport Departure – Private Transfer from Hotel to Airport: $14
- Chiang Mai Airport Arrival – Private Transfer from Airport to Hotel: $14
- Chiang Mai International Airport Arrival Shared Transfer: $15
- Chiang Mai International Airport Departure Shared Transfer: $15
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service Chiang Mai HTL-APT(CNX): $15
- Chiang Mai Private Car :Airport To Hotel transfer (one way) : $15
- Private Airport Transfer in Chiang Mai to/from Mae Rim Hotel: $17
- Private Arrival Transfer : Chiang Mai International Airport (SHA Plus): $17
- Private Arrival Transfer - Chiang Mai Airport to Chiang Mai City Hotel(SHA Plus): $18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:
- Kingston: One Way Private Transfer to Montego Bay Airport: $319
- Private Airport Transfers To and From Kingston (KIN) Airport: $200
- Horseback Ride/Swim and Blue Hole Falls Daytrip with Transfers: $190
- Green Grato Caves and Dunns River Falls with Private Transfer : $180
- Riu Resorts Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Roundtrip): $169
- Private Martha Brae Bamboo Rafting Tour with Private Transfer: $135
- Club Mobay VIP Lounge Access and Round-Trip Airport Transfer: $113
- Private Transfer to Dunns River Blue Hole Tubing from Montego Bay: $110
- Private Transfer to Dunn's River Falls and Blue Hole: $110
- Experience Jamaica Private Tour with Airport Transfer: $100
- Airport Transfer Service In Montego bay: $95
- Sandals South Coast Airport Transfer: $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Chiang Mai or Montego Bay?
Prices for flights to both Montego Bay and Chiang Mai 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 dayChiang Mai $21Montego Bay $139
Typical Food Prices in Chiang Mai
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Chiang Mai:
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Sit Down Dinner (for One)$6.12
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Roti Snack (Bread)$0.75
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Casual Breakfast$1.26
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$6.28
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Mangoes$0.94
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Coffee$1.57
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking Evening Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market: $10
- Cooking Morning Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market : $10
- Chiang Mai Khantoke Dinner and Cultural Show Experience: $22
- Traditional Khantoke Dinner and Show from Chiang Mai: $22
- Chiang Mai Khantoke Dinner and Cultural Show Experience: $22
- Half-day Thai Cooking Class from scratch by an Expert Chef: $27
- Morning Thai cooking class : $29
- Evening Thai cooking class : $29
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai: $29
- The Rice Barn Thai Cooking Farm Chiangmai : $29
- Cooking class in organic garden and local market tour ThaiCottage: $29
- Traditional Khantoke Dinner & Cultural Show Tour in Chiang Mai: $31
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.Chiang Mai $14Montego Bay $31
Typical Entertainment Prices in Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Thai Cooking Class$41
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Doi Suthep Entrance Ticket$1.88
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Kratong Lessons$3.14
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Pedicure$4.71
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Chiang Mai Museum (for Two)$5.65
Tours and Activities in Chiang Mai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chiang Mai.
- Doi Suthep Temple Tour by Local Red Car 3 Hour Adventure: $13
- Doi Suthep Temple Tour by Local Red Car – 3 Hours Experience: $13
- Old Town History and Culture Walking Tour at Chiang Mai: $15
- Art in Paradise: Chiang Mai 3D Art Museum Experience: $16
- Chiang Mai Old City & Temples Guided Walking Tour - 3 Hrs: $16
- Skip the Line: Chiang Mai Art in Paradise Admission Ticket: $16
- Chiang Mai Farm Life & Khao Soy Tasting on a Half-Day Boat Tour: $17
- Chiangmai Temple And City Walking Tour with ex monk Part 1: $18
- Bua Thong Waterfalls Adventure Experience : $18
- Chiang Mai Old City & Temples 3 hour Twilight Walking Tour : $18
- Muay Thai Ticket Thapae Boxing Stadium Chiang Mai Live Fight: $19
- Chiang Mai Temples Visit Walking Tour with Ex-Monk Guide Part 2: $19
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:
- Black River Day Adventure Tour: $92
- Dunn’s River Secret falls with Horse-back&Bamboo Raft Experience: $125
- Falmouth Mystic from Montego Bay Luminous Lagoon Night Tour: $90
- Luminous Lagoon Glow in the Dark Boat Tour from Montego Bay: $65
- Luminous Lagoon Night Tour from Montego Bay: $118
- Private Dolphin Cove Adventure : $250
- 1 Hour Horse Back Riding & Dunn's River Falls Tour Combo: $240
- 3 Hours Private Highlights Tour & Shopping in Montego Bay Jamaica: $100
- 3 Hours Private Tour in Montego Bay From Falmouth: $75
- 7 Mile Beach & Ricks Cafe with free Shopping experience: $50
- ATV Adventure and Rick's Cafe Tour with Transportation: $238
- ATV Jungle Safari Tour from Montego Bay: $125
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChiang Mai $7.78Montego Bay $13
Typical Alcohol Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Chiang Mai are as follows:
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Wine$3.14
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 Chiang Mai and Montego Bay, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. And not only is Chiang Mai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chiang Mai Expensive? and Is Montego Bay Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Montego Bay?
Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai or Montego Bay?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Montego Bay in the Summer?
Both Montego Bay and Chiang Mai during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Chiang Mai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round.
June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai. It rains a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in July than Montego Bay. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 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. In the summer, Chiang Mai often gets less sunshine than Montego Bay. Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montego Bay receives 257 hours of full sun.
In the summer, Chiang Mai is around the same temperature as Montego Bay. Typically, the summer temperatures in Chiang Mai in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Montego Bay averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyChiang Mai 30°C (86°F)Montego Bay 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Montego Bay in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Montego Bay. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season. Montego Bay receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Chiang Mai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Chiang Mai usually receives around the same amount of rain as Montego Bay. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montego Bay this time of the year. In Chiang Mai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chiang Mai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Montego Bay during autumn. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Montego Bay receives 233 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Chiang Mai is generally around the same temperature as Montego Bay. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 29°C (83°F), and Montego Bay fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberChiang Mai 29°C (83°F)Montego Bay 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Montego Bay in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Montego Bay. Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai is the dry season. Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in January than Montego Bay. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 70 mm (2.8 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 Chiang Mai this time of the year. In the winter, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Montego Bay. Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montego Bay receives 226 hours of full sun.
Chiang Mai is around the same temperature as Montego Bay in the winter. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 23°C (74°F) in January, and Montego Bay fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryChiang Mai 23°C (74°F)Montego Bay 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Montego Bay in the Spring?
Both Montego Bay and Chiang Mai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Montego Bay because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The rainy season in Chiang Mai is June to September. In April, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Montego Bay. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Montego Bay during spring. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Montego Bay receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.
The heat can be very extreme in Chiang Mai. In the spring, Chiang Mai is a little warmer than Montego Bay. Typically, the spring temperatures in Chiang Mai 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 AprilChiang Mai 31°C (88°F)Montego Bay 25°C (77°F)
Typical Weather for Montego Bay and Chiang Mai
| Chiang Mai | Montego Bay | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (74°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (83°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 31°C (87°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (85°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (83°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 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.