Which place is cheaper, Montego Bay or Dubrovnik?
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 Dubrovnik or Montego Bay?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Dubrovnik 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: Dubrovnik or Montego Bay?
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic", is a beautiful walled city in southern Croatia that sits on the edge of the Adriatic Sea. It's a small city, with only about 40,000 residents, but it's become one of the most significant tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The city was historically built on maritime trade, which is not surprising given its location near major Italian and Greek ports such as Venice, Bari, Corfu, and Trieste. It was a center of language and literature and was the home of many important poets, playwrights, painters, and scientists during the 15th and 16th centuries. Today its economy is dependent on tourism and it is one of the most popular destinations in the region. People visit the city for its impressive history, beautiful setting, great weather, and interesting architecture.
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 2-Week Tours from Split, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia.
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Dubrovnik Prices
Croatia PricesMontego Bay Prices
Jamaica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDubrovnik €121Montego Bay €217
The average daily cost (per person) in Dubrovnik is €121, while the average daily cost in Montego Bay is €217. 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 Dubrovnik and Montego Bay in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDubrovnik €50Montego Bay €85
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDubrovnik €100Montego Bay €170
Compare Hotels in Dubrovnik and Montego Bay
Looking for a hotel in Dubrovnik 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: Dubrovnik Hotel Prices and Montego Bay Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dubrovnik €12Montego Bay €12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dubrovnik
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubrovnik:
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Bus Around Town€1.43
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubrovnik
Also for Dubrovnik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Shared Airport Transfer to/from City Center: $18
- Lokrum Island Transfer with Panoramic Cruise from Dubrovnik: $18
- Lopud Island Boat Transfer: $23
- Sveti Jakov Beach Boat Transfer: $23
- Koločep Island Boat Transfer: $23
- Private transfer from Dubrovnik airport to Dubrovnik city: $24
- Dubrovnik to Koločep Island Ferry: Scenic Transfer: $24
- Dubrovnik to Lopud Island Ferry: Scenic Transfer: $24
- Return transfer to Dubrovnik airport: $27
- Convenient Bus Transfer from/to Split: $29
- Private return transfer to Dubrovnik airport: $30
- From Dubrovnik Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Dubrovnik: $30
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 Dubrovnik or Montego Bay?
Prices for flights to both Montego Bay and Dubrovnik 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 dayDubrovnik €57Montego Bay €119
Typical Food Prices in Dubrovnik
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubrovnik:
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Seafood Dinner (for 2)€29
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubrovnik
For Dubrovnik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Sunset Dinner Cruise around the Old Town: $82
- Gastro Cruise | Dinner and Boat ride around Dubrovnik Old Town: $93
- Dinner in the Sky Dubrovnik - Dine 50m above ground: $101
- Dinner in the Sky Dubrovnik: $114
- Secret Food Tours in Dubrovnik: $118
- Secrets of traditional Dalmatian cuisine with a cooking class: $140
- Croatian Traditional Cuisine: Peka Cooking Lesson: $143
- Old Town Food Tour: $157
- Dubrovnik Old Town Food Tour: Small-Group Experience: $168
- Eat Like A Local On A Food Tour: $180
- Authentic Garden to Table Cooking Class in Dubrovnik Countryside : $208
- Konavle Wine& History&food Tour: $226
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.Dubrovnik €19Montego Bay €26
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dubrovnik
For Dubrovnik, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Boat to Lokrum Island (for 2)€13
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Dubrovnik City Wall Tour (for 2)€53
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Dubrovnik Cable Car (for 2)€45
Tours and Activities in Dubrovnik
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dubrovnik.
- Selfguide® Secrets Tour Dubrovnik with Game of Thrones Spots: $3.57
- Self Guided Private Tour of Dubrovnik's Best Kept Secrets: $3.58
- Time Traveler’s Trail: Self-Guided Puzzle Adventure in Dubrovnik: $5.99
- Dubrovnik Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $6.67
- Dubrovnik Old Town Walking Tour with Audioguide: $8.34
- Old Town Highlights Tour with Audio Guide: $9.36
- Love Stories Museum Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket: $11
- Red History Museum Regular Ticket: $11
- Skip the Line: Love Stories Museum Admission Ticket: $11
- Museum of Selfies & Illusions Dubrovnik Ticket: $11
- A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Dubrovnik's Old Town: $12
- Discover Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
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€2.24
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Snorkeling Trip€16
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One Tank Dive€31
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1.5 Hr Horseback Ride€36
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 dayDubrovnik €14Montego Bay €11
Sample the Local Flavors in Dubrovnik
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dubrovnik:
- Dubrovnik Sunset Tour with Wine Tasting : $42
- Panoramic Dubrovnik Tour Golden Hour Sunset and Wine Tasting: $46
- Sunset and Wine / Dubrovnik Sunset Tour and Premium Wine Tasting : $54
- Brewery Tour with Food included: $66
- Columbo Pub Crawl Dubrovnik: $70
- Columbo Pub Crawl Dubrovnik: $72
- Sunset Wine Tasting At Panorama Point: $74
- Pub Crawl Nightlife Xperience: $80
- Ston and Korcula Island Day Trip from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $83
- Day Tour of Korcula Island from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $83
- Luxury Sunset Tour with Wine Tasting: $84
- Wine Tour - Get to know local grapes: $84
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 Dubrovnik and Montego Bay, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. And not only is Dubrovnik much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dubrovnik Expensive? and Is Montego Bay Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dubrovnik or Montego Bay?
Montego Bay has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Dubrovnik. When comparing the sizes of Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik or Montego Bay?
Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik or Montego Bay in the Summer?
Both Montego Bay and Dubrovnik during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Dubrovnik in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round.
In July, Dubrovnik is generally cooler than Montego Bay. Daily temperatures in Dubrovnik average around 25°C (77°F), and Montego Bay fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
Dubrovnik usually gets less rain in July than Montego Bay. Dubrovnik gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDubrovnik 25°C (77°F)Montego Bay 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Dubrovnik or Montego Bay in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubrovnik and Montego Bay. Most visitors come to Dubrovnik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Dubrovnik is cooler than Montego Bay in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dubrovnik averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Montego Bay fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
Montego Bay receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Dubrovnik gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Dubrovnik usually receives more rain than Montego Bay. Dubrovnik gets 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDubrovnik 18°C (64°F)Montego Bay 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Dubrovnik or Montego Bay in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Dubrovnik as well as Montego Bay. The winter months attract visitors to Dubrovnik because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Montego Bay throughout the year.
In the winter, Dubrovnik is much colder than Montego Bay. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dubrovnik in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Montego Bay averages at about 24°C (75°F).
Dubrovnik receives a lot of rain in the winter. Dubrovnik usually gets more rain in January than Montego Bay. Dubrovnik gets 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDubrovnik 9°C (48°F)Montego Bay 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Dubrovnik or Montego Bay in the Spring?
Both Montego Bay and Dubrovnik are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Dubrovnik this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Montego Bay because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Dubrovnik is generally much colder than Montego Bay. Daily temperatures in Dubrovnik average around 14°C (57°F), and Montego Bay fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
It's quite rainy in Dubrovnik. In April, Dubrovnik usually receives more rain than Montego Bay. Dubrovnik gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDubrovnik 14°C (57°F)Montego Bay 25°C (77°F)
Typical Weather for Montego Bay and Dubrovnik
| Dubrovnik | Montego Bay | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 9°C (48°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | 11°C (52°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (57°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (77°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (57°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (52°F) | 178 mm (7 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.