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

Should you visit Lombok 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 Lombok 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: Lombok or Montego Bay?

Lombok

Lombok is an island east of the well-tread Bali and west of lesser-developed Sumbawa. While Lombok is not as popular as its neighbor to the west, it is a great place to visit for that very reason. Less popularity means lower prices for accommodations, food, activities, and less-inundated tourist spots. Nonetheless, Lombok is rapidly developing in tourism, and the government is naming it and Sumbawa the number two tourism spots, following Bali.

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 Wildlife Tours to Indonesia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Indonesia.


Which place is cheaper, Montego Bay or Lombok?

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 Lombok is $55, while the average daily cost in Montego Bay is $259. 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 Lombok and Montego Bay in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lombok $26
    Montego Bay $102
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lombok $52
    Montego Bay $204
Compare Hotels in Lombok and Montego Bay

Looking for a hotel in Lombok 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 Lombok


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: Montego Bay Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lombok $10
    Montego Bay $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lombok

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

  • Lombok Airport Transfer: $9.27
  • Kuta Lombok Transfer: $9.99
  • Airport transfer from lombok Airport to Praya: $22
  • Lombok to Lombok Int Airport (LOP) - Departure Private Transfer: $24
  • Private Transfer from Lombok Airport (LOP) to Lombok Cruise Port: $26
  • Private Transfer from Lombok Cruise Port to Lombok Airport (LOP): $26
  • Private Transfer from Lombok Airport (LOP) to Lombok Cruise Port: $28
  • Private Transfer from Lombok Airport (LOP) to Koeta: $28
  • Private Transfer from Lombok Cruise Port to Lombok island hotels: $28
  • Gili Trawangan, Air, or 1-Way Boat Transfer to Bali: $28
  • Private Transfer from Lombok Airport (LOP) to Batu Payung: $29
  • Private Transfer from Batu Payung to Lombok Airport (LOP): $29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:

  • Mercedes Benz Sprinter Airport Transfer: $300
  • Jet Car Adventure in Montego Bay Daytrip with Transfers: $300
  • Private Airport OneWay Transfer to Hotel in Montego Bay: $300
  • Club Night Life Round-Trip Private Transfer in Montego Bay: $300
  • Private Transfer from Montego Bay Airport to Negril Hotels: $270
  • Private Transfer from Montego Bay Airport To Ocho Rios: $267
  • Ocho Rios Hotels / Resort - Airport Transfers: $267
  • Blue Hole & Horseback Riding Tour with Transfers from Montego Bay: $265
  • Airport - Ocho Rios Hotels Transfers and Returns: $260
  • Explore Montego Bay Jamaica Luxury Round TTransfer in Montego Bay: $253
  • Private Roundtrip Transfer to/from Ohio Rios and Sangster Airport: $241
  • Private Transfer from Montego Bay Airport to Negril (Round Trip): $225

Is it cheaper to fly into Lombok or Montego Bay?

Prices for flights to both Montego Bay and Lombok 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
    Lombok $19
    Montego Bay $142

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lombok

For Lombok, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Lombok Cooking Class by Mas Oppa: $19
  • Kids Cooking Class at Tugu Hotel Lombok: $52
  • Exquisite Dinner with Spectacular View at Tugu Hotel Lombok: $64
  • Lombok Cooking Class at Tugu Hotel Lombok: $85

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montego Bay

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

  • 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
  • Bar Hopping and Local Food Tour in Jamaica: $117
  • 3 to 5 Hour Private Herbal Tour Shopping and Dinner at Ricks Cafe: $120
  • Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios Dinner and Nightlife Experience: $135
  • Dinner or lunch at pier one Montego bay Food Tour: $144
  • Jamaican Seafood Street Food Tour from Montego Bay, Falmouth: $150
  • Sunset Boat Cruise and Luminous Lagoon with Dinner and Transfer: $150
  • Private Beach Day and Street Food Tour from Montego Bay: $170
  • Restaurant Transportation for Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Montego Bay: $180
  • Authentic Jamaican Food Cooking Experience in the Countryside: $195

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lombok $9.25
    Montego Bay $31

Tours and Activities in Lombok

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lombok.

  • Gili T Island: The Thrilling Sunset Snorkeling Adventure: $17
  • Lombok Waterfalls & Sukarara Weaving Village Tour: $22
  • Tetebatu Walking Tour: $23
  • Lombok Rafting Adventure Unforgettable Thrills with Lunch: $29
  • Sendang Gile Waterfall, Malimbu, & Pusuk Pass Panorama Tour: $33
  • Lombok Sasak Culture and Village Tour: $34
  • Lombok Private Custom Tour - Lombok Car Hire with Driver: $36
  • Gili Nanggu, Sudak and Kedis Snorkeling Tour and Island Hopping: $40
  • Lombok Private Customize Tour: $45
  • Lombok Customize Tour: $45
  • Gili Nanggu Snorkeling Tour to a Tropical Paradise: $49
  • Lombok City Tour combination With Temple Tour: $49

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
    $2.68
  • Snorkeling Trip
    $19
  • One Tank Dive
    $37
  • 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:

  • 1 Hour Horse Back Riding & Dunn's River Falls Tour Combo: $240
  • 2 Days Of Blue Hole, Dunns River Falls & Hidden Beauty Adventure: $180
  • 2 Hour Private Montego Bay City Tour with Souvenir’s Shopping: $80
  • 27/27 Lounge, Pier 1 & Margaritaville Nightlife Tour In Jamaica: $72
  • 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
  • 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 and Rick's Cafe in Negril from Montego Bay Private Tour: $120
  • 7 in 1 Day Jamaican Adventure with Jhadano Tours: $50
  • ATV & Bamboo Rafting Guided Tour In Jamaica: $295

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lombok $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


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

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



When is the best time to visit Lombok or Montego Bay?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Lombok or Montego Bay in the Summer?

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

May to September is the dry season in Lombok. Lombok usually gets less rain in July than Montego Bay. Lombok gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Lombok is around the same temperature as Montego Bay in the summer. The daily temperature in Lombok averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Montego Bay fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lombok 26°C (79°F) 
    Montego Bay 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Lombok or Montego Bay in the Autumn?

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

Also, November to April is the rainy season in Lombok. Montego Bay receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Lombok gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Lombok usually receives less rain than Montego Bay. Lombok gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In the autumn, Lombok is around the same temperature as Montego Bay. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lombok in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Montego Bay averages at about 27°C (81°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lombok 28°C (82°F) 
    Montego Bay 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Lombok or Montego Bay in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Lombok as well as Montego Bay. Lombok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Montego Bay throughout the year.

Lombok usually gets more rain in January than Montego Bay. Lombok gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. In the winter, Lombok often gets less sunshine than Montego Bay. Lombok gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montego Bay receives 226 hours of full sun.

In January, Lombok is generally a little warmer than Montego Bay. Daily temperatures in Lombok average around 28°C (82°F), and Montego Bay fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lombok 28°C (82°F) 
    Montego Bay 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Lombok or Montego Bay in the Spring?

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

The dry season in Lombok is May to September. The rainy season in Lombok is November to April. In April, Lombok usually receives more rain than Montego Bay. Lombok gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Lombok is a little warmer than Montego Bay in the spring. The daily temperature in Lombok averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Montego Bay fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lombok 28°C (82°F) 
    Montego Bay 25°C (77°F)

Typical Weather for Montego Bay and Lombok

Lombok Montego Bay
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 24°C (75°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 109 mm (4.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 216 mm (8.5 in) 26°C (79°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Dec 28°C (82°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)