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

Should you visit Leiden or Montego Bay?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Leiden and Montego Bay can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Leiden or Montego Bay?

Leiden

Leiden is a city in the province of South Holland. It is south of the Netherlands capital, Amsterdam, and has a population of about 190,000. It is known for its university, museums, markets, and of course, canals. Leiden University is the oldest university in the Netherlands and is a sister school of Oxford, which is England's oldest university.

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 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.


Which place is cheaper, Montego Bay or Leiden?

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 Leiden is €161, while the average daily cost in Montego Bay is €223. 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 Leiden and Montego Bay in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Leiden 78
    Montego Bay 88
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Leiden 156
    Montego Bay 176
Compare Hotels in Leiden and Montego Bay

Looking for a hotel in Leiden 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 Leiden


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: Leiden Hotel Prices and Montego Bay Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Leiden 26
    Montego Bay 13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leiden

Also for Leiden, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Premium electric transfer from Leiden Area to the Airport: $100
  • Private Tour of The Hague and Leiden including Transfer: $247
  • Historical Private Tour of Delft and Leiden including Transfer: $258

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:

  • VIP Luxury Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Montego Bay/ Falmouth: $74
  • Tryall / Round Hill Private Transfer: $40
  • Transfers from Montego Bay Airport to Negril: $53
  • Transfer Service, Sangster MBJ Airport From/To Runaway Bay: $172
  • Transfer Service, Sangster MBJ Airport From/To Iberostar zone: $64
  • Sunset at the Palm Private Negril Airport Transfer: $52
  • Sunscape Splash Montego Bay Private Airport Transfer: $20
  • Sports bar Day or Nightlife Experience with Private Transfer: $70
  • Silver Sands Hotel Private Airport Transfer: $53
  • SeaGarden Beach Resort Private Airport Transfer: $20
  • Sangsters Airport Hotels Private Transfers: $20
  • Sangster's International Airport Transfer to RIU Montego Bay, Reggae, Palace: $26

Is it cheaper to fly into Leiden or Montego Bay?

Prices for flights to both Montego Bay and Leiden 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
    Leiden 67
    Montego Bay 122

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Leiden 17
    Montego Bay 27

Tours and Activities in Leiden

For Leiden, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Pilgrims and Painters of A Self Guided Walking Tour: $7.99
  • Pub Trail an adventure full of surprises: $13
  • Hortus botanicus Leiden Entry Ticket: $13
  • Guided City Canal Cruise: $15
  • The Best of A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Cruise through the Historic City Center with Guide: $16
  • Self-Guided City Trail Kids Tour in Noordwijk (4-8 years): $22
  • 90 minutes Self-Guided Walking tour with puzzles in Leiden: $23
  • Historical and Fun City Tour in German, English, or Dutch: $23
  • Self Guided Secrets of Leiden Exploration Game Tour: $23
  • Self-guided city trail - JOLA's Schnipseljagd Noordwijk Sea Tour: $28
  • Windmill cruise from Leiden: $29

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
    2.30
  • Snorkeling Trip
    16
  • One Tank Dive
    32
  • 1.5 Hr Horseback Ride
    37

Tours and Activities in Montego Bay

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Montego Bay are as follows:

  • 1 Hour Efoil Experience in Montego Bay: $150
  • 1 Hour Horse Back Riding & Dunn's River Falls Tour Combo: $240
  • 3 Hours Private Tour in Montego Bay From Falmouth: $75
  • 3-Hour Private Tour in the Highlights of Montego Bay: $58
  • 4 Hours Private Night Life Experience in Montego Bay: $66
  • 4-Hour Catamaran Party Cruise with Open Bar from Montego Bay: $200
  • 5 Hour Private Tour at Negril Beach and Rick's Cafe: $150
  • 7 Mile Beach & Ricks Cafe with free Shopping experience: $50
  • 7 Mile Beach Party Catamaran Cruise with Snorkeling & Ricks Cafe: $115
  • 7 Mile Beach Private Tour: $122
  • ATV & Bamboo Rafting Guided Tour In Jamaica: $295
  • ATV & Horseback Ride Guided Tour in Jamaica: $66

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Leiden 26
    Montego Bay 11

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

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


Which is Bigger, Leiden or Montego Bay?

Leiden has a larger population, and is about 44% larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the sizes of Leiden 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 Leiden or Montego Bay?

Leiden 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 Leiden or Montego Bay in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Leiden as well as Montego Bay. Many travelers come to Leiden for the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Montego Bay throughout the year.

In July, Leiden is generally much colder than Montego Bay. Daily temperatures in Leiden average around 17°C (62°F), and Montego Bay fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Leiden this time of the year. In the summer, Leiden often gets less sunshine than Montego Bay. Leiden gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montego Bay receives 257 hours of full sun.

Leiden usually gets more rain in July than Montego Bay. Leiden gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Leiden 17°C (62°F) 
    Montego Bay 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Leiden or Montego Bay in the Autumn?

Both Montego Bay and Leiden are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Leiden in the autumn for the shopping scene. Plenty of visitors come to Montego Bay because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Leiden is much colder than Montego Bay in the autumn. The daily temperature in Leiden averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Montego Bay fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. Leiden usually receives less sunshine than Montego Bay during autumn. Leiden gets 99 hours of sunny skies, while Montego Bay receives 233 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. In October, Leiden usually receives less rain than Montego Bay. Leiden gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Leiden 11°C (51°F) 
    Montego Bay 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Leiden or Montego Bay in the Winter?

Both Montego Bay and Leiden during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Leiden for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round.

Leiden can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Leiden is much colder than Montego Bay. Typically, the winter temperatures in Leiden in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Montego Bay averages at about 24°C (75°F).

In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Leiden often gets less sunshine than Montego Bay. Leiden gets 46 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montego Bay receives 226 hours of full sun.

Leiden usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Montego Bay. Leiden gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Leiden 2°C (36°F) 
    Montego Bay 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Leiden or Montego Bay in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Leiden and Montego Bay. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In April, Leiden is generally much colder than Montego Bay. Daily temperatures in Leiden average around 8°C (46°F), and Montego Bay fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montego Bay this time of the year. Leiden usually receives less sunshine than Montego Bay during spring. Leiden gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Montego Bay receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Leiden usually receives less rain than Montego Bay. Leiden gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Leiden 8°C (46°F) 
    Montego Bay 25°C (77°F)

Typical Weather for Montego Bay and Leiden

Leiden Montego Bay
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 24°C (75°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in) 25°C (77°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in) 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Dec 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)