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

Should you visit Izmir 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 Izmir 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: Izmir or Montego Bay?

Izmir

Izmir is a metropolitan city of Turkey and the second most populous city on the Aegean Sea after Athens, Greece. Known as Smyrna in antiquity, it was founded by the Greeks, taken over by the Romans, and rebuilt by Alexander the Great before becoming part of the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. Most remnants of this past are gone; however, there are a few archaeological sites in addition to beaches, bustling city streets, and colorful markets.

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 Turkey, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul.


Which place is cheaper, Montego Bay or Izmir?

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 Izmir is $96, 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 Izmir and Montego Bay in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Izmir $47
    Montego Bay $100
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Izmir $94
    Montego Bay $200
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Montego Bay

Looking for a hotel in Izmir 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 Izmir


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: Izmir Hotel Prices and Montego Bay Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Izmir $23
    Montego Bay $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:

  • Bodrum Airport Private Minivan By Meet Transfer : $42
  • Dalaman Airport Transfer Private and Comfortable : $45
  • Izmir (ADB) Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Kusadasi: $45
  • Izmir Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer from/to Izmir City: $47
  • Marmaris or Fethiye FromTo DLM Airport Private Meet Transfer: $48
  • İzmir Transfer From/To Airport,Bodrum,Didim,Kusadasi,Cesme,Fethiy: $52
  • Private Transfer from Izmir city Hotels to Izmir Cruise Port: $54
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Cruise Port to Izmir City Hotels: $54
  • Turkey Izmir Airport Private Transfer With Professional Driver: $55
  • Arrival Transfer Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport ADB to Izmir by Van: $55
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Port to Izmir Airport (ADB): $58
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Izmir Port: $58

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:

  • Montego Bay Private Transfer with Airport Pickup and Dropoff : $20
  • Shared Airport Transfer To Montego Bay Hotels: $55
  • Airport Transfer Service In Montego bay: $95
  • Brown Boss Private Airport Transfers: $20
  • Club Mobay VIP Lounge Access and Round-Trip Airport Transfer: $113
  • Eden Bay Private Airport Transfer: $50
  • Excellence Oyster Bay Private Transfer: $40
  • Excellence Resort Private Airport Transfer: $40
  • Experience Jamaica Private Tour with Airport Transfer: $100
  • Experience private Airport Transfer to Falmouth: $50
  • From Kingston One Way Shared Transfer to Montego Bay Airport: $44
  • Grand Palladium Resort Private Transfer: $40

Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Montego Bay?

Prices for flights to both Montego Bay and Izmir 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
    Izmir $33
    Montego Bay $139

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Izmir

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

  • Authentic Turkish Cuisine Cooking Class in İzmir: $59
  • Authentic Turkish Home Cooking Class with Locals: $76
  • Izmir to Aphrodisias: Cooking & Ceramics Class: $251

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Izmir $16
    Montego Bay $31

Tours and Activities in Izmir

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

  • Budget - Friendly Ephesus Tour from Izmir: $30
  • Guided Walking Tour of Teos Ancient City and Sığacık Castle: $32
  • Izmir : Ephesus and Sirince Guided Tour: $53
  • Ephesus Ancient City with Best Guides Only For Cruise Guests: $59
  • private Ephesus the House of the Virgin Mary Tour from Izmir : $64
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $66
  • Ephesus Tour: $66
  • Private Ephesus Tour from Izmir Port and Hotels : $67
  • PRIVATE EPHESUS & MARY'S HOUSE TOUR from Izmir Cruise Port: $69
  • Izmir City Tour: $84
  • From Ephesus, Artemis Temple Tour with Tickets/Lunch: $84
  • From Ephesus, Artemis Temple Tour WITH ENTRY TICKETS+LUNCH: $85

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
    $2.63
  • Snorkeling Trip
    $18
  • One Tank Dive
    $37
  • 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:

  • Explore the Beauty of Montego Bay Nature Tour in Jamaica: $30
  • Luminous Lagoon Admission Tickets: $40
  • Jet Car Experience/ clear kayak photo shoot in Montego Bay: $40
  • Jamaica Bamboo Rafting Experience with Lime Stone Massage: $50
  • 7 Mile Beach & Ricks Cafe with free Shopping experience: $50
  • Montego Bay Sight Seeing with Tour Guide : $50
  • Luminous Lagoon Night Tour from Montego Bay: $54
  • Bamboo Rafting Adventure with Limestone Massage from Montego Bay: $55
  • Montego Bay & Falmouth Hotels, Souvenir Shopping and sightseeing: $60
  • Private Tour in Dunns River Falls: $60
  • Luminous Lagoon Glow in the Dark Boat Tour from Montego Bay: $65
  • Private Montego Bay Customized Tour with Pickup and Guide: $65

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Izmir $6.94
    Montego Bay $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Izmir

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Izmir:

  • Wine Tour with Metropolis Ancient City: $126
  • Wine Tasting Tour at Two Wineries in Urla Turkey: $132

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 Izmir and Montego Bay, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. And not only is Izmir much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Izmir 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 Izmir would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Izmir 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 Izmir.

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


Which is Bigger, Izmir or Montego Bay?

Izmir has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the sizes of Izmir 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 Izmir or Montego Bay?

Izmir 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 Izmir or Montego Bay in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Montego Bay. Most visitors come to Izmir for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the summer, Izmir is around the same temperature as Montego Bay. Typically, the summer temperatures in Izmir in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Montego Bay averages at about 28°C (82°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montego Bay this time of the year. In Izmir, it's very sunny this time of the year. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Montego Bay during summer. Izmir gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while Montego Bay receives 257 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Izmir usually receives less rain than Montego Bay. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Izmir 28°C (82°F) 
    Montego Bay 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Montego Bay in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Montego Bay. The autumn months attract visitors to Izmir because of the city's sights and attractions. The warm climate attracts visitors to Montego Bay throughout the year.

In October, Izmir is generally cooler than Montego Bay. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 19°C (67°F), and Montego Bay fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Izmir this time of the year. In the autumn, Izmir often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Montego Bay. Izmir gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montego Bay receives 233 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Montego Bay. Izmir usually gets less rain in October than Montego Bay. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Izmir 19°C (67°F) 
    Montego Bay 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Montego Bay in the Winter?

Both Montego Bay and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The cuisine are the main draw to Izmir this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Montego Bay because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Izmir is much colder than Montego Bay in the winter. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Montego Bay fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. Izmir usually receives less sunshine than Montego Bay during winter. Izmir gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Montego Bay receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Izmir. In January, Izmir usually receives more rain than Montego Bay. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Izmir 9°C (48°F) 
    Montego Bay 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Montego Bay in the Spring?

Both Montego Bay and Izmir during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Izmir for the activities around the city. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round.

In the spring, Izmir is much colder than Montego Bay. Typically, the spring temperatures in Izmir in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Montego Bay averages at about 25°C (77°F).

In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Izmir. In the spring, Izmir often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Montego Bay. Izmir gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montego Bay receives 225 hours of full sun.

Izmir usually gets less rain in April than Montego Bay. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Izmir 16°C (61°F) 
    Montego Bay 25°C (77°F)

Typical Weather for Montego Bay and Izmir

Izmir Montego Bay
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 25°C (77°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 153 mm (6 in) 25°C (77°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)