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

Should you visit Hanoi 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 Hanoi 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: Hanoi or Montego Bay?

Hanoi

Hanoi is the chaotic capital of Vietnam, and it serves as a great introduction to the country for many travelers. It's the second largest city in the country after Saigon and is an interesting combination of East meets West. There's traditional Vietnamese culture with subtle influences brought by the French. The city continues to grow and change rapidly and it's easy to get lost amidst the chaos.

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 Adventure Tours to Vietnam, and The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam.


Which place is cheaper, Montego Bay or Hanoi?

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 Hanoi is $57, while the average daily cost in Montego Bay is $260. 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 Hanoi and Montego Bay in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hanoi $25
    Montego Bay $102
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hanoi $50
    Montego Bay $204
Compare Hotels in Hanoi and Montego Bay

Looking for a hotel in Hanoi 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 Hanoi


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: Hanoi Hotel Prices and Montego Bay Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hanoi $6.56
    Montego Bay $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hanoi

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hanoi:


  • Taxi to Bus Station
    $1.14
  • Shuttle Bus From Airport (for Two)
    $3.04
  • Local Bus Ride (for Two)
    $0.38
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $1.29
  • Short Motorbike Ride (10 Minutes)
    $0.76

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hanoi

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hanoi:

  • Private Transfer from Noi Bai Airport to your Hotel: $7.40
  • Noi Bai Airport transfer to Hanoi Center and more: $8.00
  • Hanoi Airport One Way Private Transfer HAN to Hanoi City Center: $8.00
  • Hanoi Private Departure Transfer: City Center Hotel to Airport: $8.00
  • Noi Bai Airport Transfer Service: $8.54
  • Hanoi Private Transfer: $9.90
  • Hanoi Airport Departure Shared Transfer: $10
  • Ha Noi City Transfer to Noi Bai Airport & Vice Versa_Private Car: $10
  • Bus Transfer Hanoi to Halong Bay and Vice Versa: $11
  • Private Transfer Between Hanoi Airport and Hanoi Center: $12
  • Private car transfer from Hanoi Airport to Hotels: $12
  • Private Transfer from Hanoi Port to Hanoi Noi Bai Airport (HAN): $13

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 any Resort in Montego Bay: $14
  • Ahhh Ras Natango Gallery and Garden Private Transfer: $97
  • 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 MBJ Montego Bay to Kingston: $150
  • Airport Transfer To Dreams Rose Hall: $60
  • Airport Transfer To Grand Bahia Principe Hotel: $120

Is it cheaper to fly into Hanoi or Montego Bay?

Prices for flights to both Montego Bay and Hanoi 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
    Hanoi $23
    Montego Bay $142
Typical Food Prices in Hanoi

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


  • High End Dinner (for Two)
    $11
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $4.18
  • Bowl of Pho
    $0.76
  • Italian Dinner (for Food)
    $5.89

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hanoi

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

  • Private Hanoi Cycling Sightseeing & Street Food Tour By Bike: $1.87
  • Private Hanoi Old Quarter Street Food Tour with Student Guide: $1.87
  • Private Sapa Cooking Class With Ethnic Minorities Chef From Sapa: $1.87
  • Best Hanoi Food Tour 7 Different Food Tasting Visit Train Street: $5.00
  • (Group/Individual) HANOI STREET FOOD TOUR: $5.13
  • Hanoi Cooking Class: Pho/Bun Cha/Banh Xeo...+Free Egg/Salt Coffee: $19
  • Hanoi Farm-to-Table Cooking Class with Village Cycling: $19
  • Hanoi Street Food Tour with Train Street Visit: $20
  • Hanoi local street food tour: $20
  • Hanoi Street Food Tour with egg coffee making: $20
  • Hanoi Street Food Tour: Hidden Local Eats & Full Meal Experience: $21
  • Walking food tour & Train Street visit small group: $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montego Bay

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

  • Montego Bay Jerk Tour and Rum Punch Mixology/Food Tour: $50
  • Dinner or Lunch with Pickup from Montego Bay: $50
  • Club2727 Nightlife Experience With Optional Dinner In Montego Bay: $60
  • Mystic Lagoon Sunset Cruise with Dinner and Lagoon Swim: $95
  • 3 to 5 Hour Private Herbal Tour Shopping and Dinner at Ricks Cafe: $120
  • Bar Hopping and Local Food Tour in Jamaica: $130
  • Dinner or lunch at pier one Montego bay Food Tour: $144
  • Jamaican Seafood Street Food Tour from Montego Bay, Falmouth: $150
  • Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios Dinner and Nightlife Experience: $150
  • Private Beach Day and Street Food Tour from Montego Bay: $170
  • Dinner Experience and Celebration on the Beach with Decorations: $175
  • Authentic Jamaican Cooking Experience in the Mountain from mobay: $210

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hanoi $8.10
    Montego Bay $32
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hanoi

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


  • Puppet Theater
    $1.52
  • The Hanoi Hilton Entrance
    $1.52
  • National History Museum
    $1.52
  • Puppet Theater Ticket
    $2.66

Tours and Activities in Hanoi

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

  • Hanoi Old Quarter City Sightseeing Cycling Private Tour By Cyclo: $1.79
  • Sapa Cat Cat Village, Y Linh Ho Tour By Motorbike Or Walking: $1.87
  • Ha Long Bay Cruise Tour with Canoe, Kayaking, Titov Island: $1.87
  • Cat Ba National Park & Lan Ha Bay Cruise 2-Day Adventure Tour: $1.87
  • Sapa Motorbike Tour: O Quy HO Pass, Waterfall, Cat Cat Village: $1.87
  • 2-Day Mai Chau & Pu Luong Adventure: Cycling, Trekking, Rafting: $1.87
  • Sapa Motorbike Tour: Cat Cat Village, O Quy Ho Pass, Waterfall: $1.87
  • Full-Day Mai Chau Valley Tour from Hanoi with Cycling, Culture: $1.87
  • Cat Ba Island & Lan Ha Bay Cruise 2 Day Tour: National Park, Cave: $1.87
  • Hanoi City Sightseeing Tour: Train Street, Incense Village: $1.87
  • Hanoi Old Quarter Shore Excursion from Halong Port Full-Day Tour: $1.87
  • Ninh Binh Private Tour: Tam Coc, Bich Dong, Thung Nham Bird Park: $1.87

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
    $2.69
  • Snorkeling Trip
    $19
  • One Tank Dive
    $38
  • 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:

  • Souvenirs and Gift shopping Tour in Montego Bay: $20
  • Montego Bay Beach Day Experience: $20
  • Margaritaville Hip-Strip and Great River Rafting Private Tour: $20
  • Montego Bay Bamboo Rafting and Hip Strip Private Tour: $22
  • Doctor Cave Beach and Hip Strip Shopping from Cruise Ship: $30
  • Rose Hall Great House and Garden Tour Ticket: $30
  • Adventure and Activity Based Music and Nightlife and Nature: $30
  • Private Tour Souvenir Shopping in Montego Bay: $30
  • Great River Bamboo Rafting and Limestone Foot Massage Tour From Montego Bay: $30
  • Private Shopping Tour in Montego Bay with Hotel Pickup: $35
  • Ricks Cafe and Negril Seven Miles Beach Irie Tour: $35
  • Half-Day Private Guided Ricks Café & Negril Seven Mile Beach Tour: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hanoi $7.32
    Montego 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 Pub Crawl To Negril and Rick's Cafe: $255


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

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


Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Montego Bay?

Hanoi has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi 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 Hanoi 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 Hanoi or Montego Bay in the Summer?

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

Also, May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi. Hanoi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Hanoi usually receives more rain than Montego Bay. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Hanoi is around the same temperature as Montego Bay in the summer. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Montego Bay fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hanoi 29°C (84°F) 
    Montego Bay 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Hanoi or Montego Bay in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hanoi as well as Montego Bay. Hanoi 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 April in Hanoi is the dry season. It's quite rainy in Montego Bay. Hanoi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hanoi usually gets less rain in October than Montego Bay. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the autumn, Hanoi is around the same temperature as Montego Bay. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hanoi in October average around 25°C (77°F), and Montego Bay averages at about 27°C (81°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hanoi 25°C (77°F) 
    Montego Bay 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Hanoi or Montego Bay in the Winter?

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

In January, Hanoi usually receives less rain than Montego Bay. Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

In January, Hanoi is generally cooler than Montego Bay. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 17°C (63°F), and Montego Bay fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hanoi 17°C (63°F) 
    Montego Bay 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Hanoi or Montego Bay in the Spring?

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

November to April is the dry season in Hanoi. May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hanoi. Hanoi usually gets more rain in April than Montego Bay. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Hanoi is around the same temperature as Montego Bay in the spring. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Montego Bay fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hanoi 24°C (75°F) 
    Montego Bay 25°C (77°F)

Typical Weather for Montego Bay and Hanoi

Hanoi Montego Bay
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 17°C (63°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 17°C (63°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 50 mm (2 in) 25°C (77°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 24°C (75°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 29°C (84°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 29°C (84°F) 210 mm (8.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 200 mm (7.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 160 mm (6.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Oct 25°C (77°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Nov 22°C (72°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Dec 18°C (64°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)