Which place is cheaper, Montego Bay or Fortaleza?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza 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: Fortaleza or Montego Bay?
Fortaleza
A major city on Brazil's northeastern coast and the capital city of Ceara state, Fortaleza is best characterized by its city landscape lined with beaches and palm trees. It also features some great seafood as well as long-standing folk traditions in culture and dance.
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 Luxury Tours to Brazil, and The Best Budget Tours to Brazil.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFortaleza $69Montego Bay $203
The average daily cost (per person) in Fortaleza is $69, while the average daily cost in Montego Bay is $203. 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 Fortaleza and Montego Bay in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFortaleza $30Montego Bay $104
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFortaleza $60Montego Bay $208
Compare Hotels in Fortaleza and Montego Bay
Looking for a hotel in Fortaleza 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: Fortaleza Hotel Prices and Montego Bay Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Fortaleza $21Montego Bay $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fortaleza
Also for Fortaleza, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer leaving from the Fortaleza waterfront to Beach Park: $8.97
- Shared Airport Transfer to Fortaleza Hotels: $9.58
- Transfer to Beach Park: $12
- Beach Park Round-Trip Transfer: $13
- Fortaleza to Pinto Martins Airport (FOR) - Departure Transfer: $16
- Pinto Martins Airport (FOR) to Fortaleza-Arrival Private Transfer: $16
- Beach Park Transfer from Fortaleza: $16
- Fortaleza Airport (FOR) to Fortaleza - Arrival Private Transfer: $16
- Roundtrip transfer from Pinto Martins Airport to Hotels in Fortaleza: $18
- Private Transfer from Fortaleza (FOR) Airport to Fortaleza City: $25
- Private transfer: Fortaleza International Airport (FOR) to Fortaleza: $26
- Transfer from Fortaleza to Jericoacoara: $29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:
- Private Airport OneWay Transfer to Hotel in Montego Bay : $300
- Private Transfer from Montego Bay Airport To Ocho Rios: $267
- Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Kingston Hotels: $245
- Private Transfer to Island Gully Falls: $240
- Black River and YS Falls Adventure with Transfer: $235
- Private Transfer to Kingston: $215
- Kingston Airport Transfer (Montego bay,Negril,Ocho rio): $214
- Negril Hotels / Resort - Airport Transfers: $213
- Iberostar Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Roundtrip): $200
- Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Kingston Hotels: $195
- Jewel Resort Transfer: $192
- Luxury Suburban Private Airport Transfer with Chauffeur : $192
Is it cheaper to fly into Fortaleza or Montego Bay?
Prices for flights to both Montego Bay and Fortaleza 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 dayFortaleza $24Montego Bay $84
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montego Bay
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Montego Bay.
- Private Transportation to DINNER or NIGHT CLUBS: $55
- Lunch or Dinner with Pickup from Montego Bay : $81
- Night cruise and swim the Falmouth Mystic Lagoon, Dinner and Rum Punch Inclusive: $85
- Rick’s Cafe Cliff Diving, Sunset & Dinner Tour with Transportation : $130
- Sunset Boat Ride in the Falmouth Luminous Lagoon swim and Dinner : $165
- Sunset Boat Cruise in Falmouth Luminous Lagoon, Swim and Dinner : $170
- Restaurant Transportation for Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Montego Bay: $180
- Houseboat Restaurant and Grill for Dinner Private Transportation : $180
- Private Sea-Food Tour & Floyds Pelican Bar from Montego Bay or ..: $185
- [PRIVATE] Premium Jamaican Food Tour of Local Cuisine: $190
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Fortaleza $15Montego Bay $32
Tours and Activities in Fortaleza
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Fortaleza.
- Full Day Tour to Cumbuco From Fortaleza: $11
- Cumbuco Beach Tour: $12
- 3 Beaches in 1 Day Tour Leaving Fortaleza: $13
- Lagoinha Beach Tour: $14
- Águas Belas Tour: $15
- Cumbuco Beach with City Tour from Fortaleza: $16
- Lagoinha Beach Tour: $17
- Tour 3 beaches in 1 day: $18
- One Day Bus Tour of Fortaleza and Cumbuco Beach: $18
- Canoe Quebrada Full Day Tour - Departure from Fortaleza by Vitorino Turismo: $19
- Canoa Quebrada Beach Tour with Nettour: $20
- The colorful sands of Morro Branco beach - Full Day Tour: $22
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$2.74
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Snorkeling Trip$19
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One Tank Dive$38
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1.5 Hr Horseback Ride$44
Tours and Activities in Montego Bay
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Montego Bay are as follows:
- ATV Adventure to Seven Mile Beach and Ricks Cafe: $220
- ATV, Bamboo Rafting, and Horseback Ride Tour From Montego Bay: $173
- Appleton Estate Rum Tour and Pelican Bar Customize Tour: $120
- Bioluminescence Lagoon tour from Montego Bay with Pick Up: $105
- Black River Day Adventure Tour: $92
- Blue Hole Adventure Tour : $120
- Dirt Adventure ATV from Montego Bay: $160
- Floyds Pelican Bar Private Tour : $155
- Green Grotto Cave Private Tour: $115
- Horseback Riding and Tour from Montego Bay : $230
- Jetski Experience: $245
- Luminous Lagoon Night Tour from Montego Bay: $118
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFortaleza $9.97Montego 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
- Montego Bay Jamaica Rum Distillery Tour Private Driver: $215
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fortaleza and Montego Bay, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. And not only is Fortaleza much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Fortaleza is in South America 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 Fortaleza would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Fortaleza Expensive? and Is Montego Bay Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Fortaleza or Montego Bay?
Fortaleza has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the sizes of Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza or Montego Bay?
Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza or Montego Bay in the Summer?
Both Montego Bay and Fortaleza during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round.
Fortaleza is around the same temperature as Montego Bay in the summer. The daily temperature in Fortaleza averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Montego Bay fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in July.
In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Fortaleza. In the summer, Fortaleza often gets less sunshine than Montego Bayin July. Fortaleza gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montego Bay receives 257 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Fortaleza. Fortaleza usually gets more rain in January than Montego Bayin July. Fortaleza gets 119 mm (4.7 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 January and JulyFortaleza 28°C (82°F)Montego Bay 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Fortaleza or Montego Bay in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Fortaleza and Montego Bay. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the autumn, Fortaleza is around the same temperature as Montego Bay. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Fortaleza in April average around 27°C (80°F), and Montego Bay averages at about 27°C (81°F)in October.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montego Bay this time of the year. Fortaleza usually receives less sunshine than Montego Bay during autumn. Fortaleza gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Montego Bay receives 233 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Montego Bay receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Fortaleza gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Fortaleza usually receives more rain than Montego Bayin October. Fortaleza gets 356 mm (14 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 April and OctoberFortaleza 27°C (80°F)Montego Bay 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Fortaleza or Montego Bay in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Fortaleza as well as Montego Bay. The warm climate attracts visitors to Montego Bay throughout the year.
In July, Fortaleza is generally around the same temperature as Montego Bayin January. Daily temperatures in Fortaleza average around 26°C (79°F), and Montego Bay fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fortaleza this time of the year. In the winter, Fortaleza often gets more sunshine than Montego Bayin January. Fortaleza gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montego Bay receives 226 hours of full sun.
Fortaleza usually gets more rain in July than Montego Bayin January. Fortaleza gets 95 mm (3.7 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 July and JanuaryFortaleza 26°C (79°F)Montego Bay 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Fortaleza or Montego Bay in the Spring?
Both Montego Bay and Fortaleza are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Montego Bay because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Fortaleza is around the same temperature as Montego Bay in the spring. The daily temperature in Fortaleza averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Montego Bay fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in April.
It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fortaleza. Fortaleza usually receives more sunshine than Montego Bay during spring. Fortaleza gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Montego Bay receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.
In October, Fortaleza usually receives less rain than Montego Bayin April. Fortaleza gets 13 mm (0.5 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 October and AprilFortaleza 28°C (82°F)Montego Bay 25°C (77°F)
Typical Weather for Montego Bay and Fortaleza
| Fortaleza | Montego Bay | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 119 mm (4.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 205 mm (8.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (80°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 356 mm (14 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 27°C (80°F) | 256 mm (10.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (80°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 44 mm (1.7 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.