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.
Jump to 
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.
-
Lombok Prices
Indonesia PricesMontego Bay Prices
Jamaica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLombok $59Montego Bay $255
The average daily cost (per person) in Lombok is $59, 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 Lombok and Montego Bay in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLombok $28Montego Bay $100
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLombok $56Montego Bay $200
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.
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: Lombok Hotel Prices and Montego Bay Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Lombok $11Montego Bay $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lombok
Also for Lombok, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Kuta Lombok Transfer: $12
- Private Transfer International Airport Lombok (LOP) To Hotel: $17
- Gili Trawangan, Air, or 1-Way Boat Transfer to Bali: $28
- Private Transfer from Lombok Airport (LOP) to Lombok Cruise Port: $29
- Private Transfer from Lombok Cruise Port to Lombok island hotels: $29
- Private Transfer from Lombok Island Hotels to Lombok Cruise Port: $29
- Private Transfer from Lombok Airport (LOP) to Koeta : $29
- Private Transfer from Lombok Airport (LOP) to Batu Payung: $30
- Private Airport Lombok Transfers to or from Gili Islands: $32
- Private Transfer from Mataram to Lombok Airport (LOP): $35
- Private Transfer from Lombok Airport (LOP) to Mangsit: $35
- Private Transfer from Lombok Airport (LOP) to Bintaro: $35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:
- Kingston: One Way Private Transfer to Montego Bay Airport: $319
- Private Airport Transfers To and From Kingston (KIN) Airport: $200
- Horseback Ride/Swim and Blue Hole Falls Daytrip with Transfers: $190
- Green Grato Caves and Dunns River Falls with Private Transfer : $180
- Riu Resorts Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Roundtrip): $169
- Private Martha Brae Bamboo Rafting Tour with Private Transfer: $135
- Club Mobay VIP Lounge Access and Round-Trip Airport Transfer: $113
- Private Transfer to Dunns River Blue Hole Tubing from Montego Bay: $110
- Private Transfer to Dunn's River Falls and Blue Hole: $110
- Experience Jamaica Private Tour with Airport Transfer: $100
- Airport Transfer Service In Montego bay: $95
- Sandals South Coast Airport Transfer: $80
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 dayLombok $20Montego Bay $139
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lombok
For Lombok, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Anggrek Putih Lombok Cooking Class : $25
- Kids Cooking Class at Tugu Hotel Lombok: $63
- Love and Legends: The Ultimate Romantic Dinner on the beach : $65
- Amazing Lombok BBQ Beach Sunset Dinner: $86
- Lombok Cooking Class at Tugu Hotel Lombok: $100
- Royal Dinner Experience in Lombok at Royal Tugudom: $119
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.Lombok $9.90Montego 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 Private Tour-Car Hire With Full day Customize Trip: $33
- Lombok Customize Tour with Private Driver: $35
- Lombok Private Custom Tour - Lombok Car Hire with Driver : $36
- Half-Day Mataram City Tour: $45
- Lombok Private Customize Tour: $45
- Lombok Customize Tour: $45
- Lombok White Water Rafting and Pura Lingsar Private Full Day Tour: $48
- Gili Nanggu Snorkeling Tour to a Tropical Paradise: $49
- Mataram Lombok Historical City tour: $49
- Lombok City Tour combination With Temple Tour : $49
- Benang Stokel, Benang Kelambu, Culture, & Beach 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$2.63
-
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:
- Black River Day Adventure Tour: $92
- Dunn’s River Secret falls with Horse-back&Bamboo Raft Experience: $125
- Falmouth Mystic from Montego Bay Luminous Lagoon Night Tour: $90
- Luminous Lagoon Glow in the Dark Boat Tour from Montego Bay: $65
- Luminous Lagoon Night Tour from Montego Bay: $118
- Private Dolphin Cove Adventure : $250
- 1 Hour Horse Back Riding & Dunn's River Falls Tour Combo: $240
- 3 Hours Private Highlights Tour & Shopping in Montego Bay Jamaica: $100
- 3 Hours Private Tour in Montego Bay From Falmouth: $75
- 7 Mile Beach & Ricks Cafe with free Shopping experience: $50
- ATV Adventure and Rick's Cafe Tour with Transportation: $238
- ATV Jungle Safari Tour from Montego Bay: $125
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayLombok $7.84Montego 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 JulyLombok 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 OctoberLombok 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 JanuaryLombok 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 AprilLombok 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) |
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.