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.
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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.
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Izmir Prices
Turkey PricesMontego Bay Prices
Jamaica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIzmir $86Montego Bay $260
The average daily cost (per person) in Izmir is $86, 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 Izmir and Montego Bay in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIzmir $43Montego Bay $102
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIzmir $86Montego Bay $204
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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Izmir $21Montego Bay $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:
- Bodrum Airport Private Minivan By Meet Transfer: $42
- Bodrum Airport Transfer Luxury Vito or Minibus ( Meet Transfer): $45
- Dalaman Airport Transfer Private and Comfortable Meet Transfer: $45
- Izmir Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer from/to Izmir City: $47
- Dalaman Airport - Marmaris - Fethiye Meet Transfer: $48
- Izmir Airport Private Transfer Meet Transfer: $49
- İzmir Airport Transfer to Bodrum, Didim, Kusadasi, Cesme, Fethiye: $51
- Marmaris Boat Trip with Unlimited Drinks and Transfer: $53
- Private Transfer from Izmir Cruise Port to Izmir City Hotels: $53
- Private Transfer from Izmir Hotels to Izmir Cruise Port: $58
- Private Transfer from Izmir Port to Izmir Airport (ADB): $58
- Private Transfer from Izmir Airport (ADB) to Izmir Cruise Port: $58
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:
- A "Private" Airport Transfer to Grand Palladium Resort: $45
- Airport (MBJ) Round Trip Transfer in Montego Bay: $60
- 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 Round Trip Transfer To Hotels in Montego Bay: $19
- Airport Transfer: $80
- Airport Transfer MBJ Montego Bay to Kingston: $150
- Airport Transfer Montego Bay Hotels: $120
- Airport Transfer To Grand Bahia Principe Hotel: $120
- Airport Transfer To Hotels In Ocho Rios (Round-trip): $170
- Airport Transfer To Iberostar Hotel: $70
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
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Food Meals for one dayIzmir $30Montego Bay $142
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Izmir
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Izmir.
- Authentic Turkish Home Cooking Class with Locals: $76
- Authentic Dinner Cooking with a Local Family in İzmir: $90
- Private Food tour in Europe and Asian Side of Istanbul: $294
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montego Bay
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Montego Bay.
- Lunch or Dinner Dining Experience in Montego Bay: $40
- 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
- Jamaican Seafood Street Food Tour from Montego Bay, Falmouth: $130
- Bar Hopping and Local Food Tour in Jamaica: $130
- Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios Dinner and Nightlife Experience: $150
- Sunset Boat Cruise and Luminous Lagoon with Dinner and Transfer: $150
- Private Beach Day and Street Food Tour from Montego Bay: $170
- Dinner Experience and Celebration on the Beach with Decorations: $175
- Restaurant Transportation for Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Montego Bay: $180
- Authentic Jamaican Food Cooking Experience in the Countryside: $195
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Izmir $14Montego Bay $32
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: $41
- Izmir : Ephesus and Sirince Guided Tour: $53
- Experience Tasting Seferihisar and Urla Wines: $56
- Ephesus Ancient City with Best Guides Only For Cruise Guests: $59
- Ephesus Tour: $65
- Full Day Marmaris Pirate Boat Tour with Lunch: $65
- Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $66
- Cesme-Alacati Tour from Izmir: $71
- Pamukkale Tour from Izmir to Hierapolis and Travertines: $76
- PRIVATE EPHESUS & MARY'S HOUSE TOUR from Izmir Cruise Port: $79
- From Ephesus, Artemis Temple Tour with Tickets/Lunch: $84
- Izmir City Tour: $84
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$2.69
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Snorkeling Trip$19
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One Tank Dive$38
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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:
- Montego Bay Beach Day Experience: $20
- Shopping Tour for Whitter Village Mall Private / Charted Air Conditioned Taxi: $20
- Souvenirs and Gift shopping Tour in Montego Bay: $20
- Montego Bay Bamboo Rafting and Hip Strip Private Tour: $22
- Montego Bay Cruise Ship Port to Doctor's Cave Beach and City Tour: $29
- Explore the Beauty of Montego Bay Nature Tour in Jamaica: $30
- Private Tour Souvenir Shopping in Montego Bay: $30
- Great River Bamboo Rafting and Limestone Foot Massage Tour From Montego Bay: $30
- Half-Day Private Guided Ricks Café & Negril Seven Mile Beach Tour: $35
- Montego Bay Walking Tour: $40
- Bamboo Rafting, Limestone Massage and Hip Strip Tour In Jamaica: $40
- Experience horseback ride and swimming Adventure: $40
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIzmir $6.26Montego Bay $13
Sample the Local Flavors in Izmir
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Izmir:
- Wine Tasting Tour at Two Wineries in Urla Turkey: $276
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: $231
- Montego Bay Pub Crawl To Negril and Rick's Cafe: $255
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.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIzmir 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.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIzmir 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.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIzmir 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.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIzmir 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) |
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.