Which place is cheaper, Montego Bay or Luang Prabang?
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 Luang Prabang or Montego Bay?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Montego Bay, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Luang Prabang or Montego Bay?
Luang Prabang
Southeast Asia is a region full of mystical wonders and cultural charm, but nowhere is as charming as the city of Luang Prabang. As the former capital of Laos, Luang Prabang was reopened to tourism in 1989. With that move the city experienced an upswing in revenue and was able to restore and rebuild the beautiful colonial mansions to serve as guesthouses and hotels for the new swarm of tourists.
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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos.
-
Luang Prabang Prices
Laos PricesMontego Bay Prices
Jamaica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $18Montego Bay $255
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $18, 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 Luang Prabang and Montego Bay in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.60Montego Bay $100
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Montego Bay $200
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Montego Bay
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang 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: Luang Prabang Hotel Prices and Montego Bay Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $2.07Montego Bay $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luang Prabang
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Luang Prabang are as follows:
-
Tuk Tuk Ride$2.31
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luang Prabang
Also for Luang Prabang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
- 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $61
- 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- From 3-Day Oudomxay Town Trip with Transfers: $580
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 Luang Prabang or Montego Bay?
Prices for flights to both Montego Bay and Luang Prabang 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 dayLuang Prabang $9.25Montego Bay $139
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Luang Prabang
For Luang Prabang, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Luang Prabang Local Market and Morning Food Tour with Drinks: $39
- Bamboo Weaving Workshop & Cooking Class: $44
- Day-time Bamboo weaving & Cooking Classes join-in: $44
- Luangprabang: Dinner with Lao Traditional Dance Performance: $45
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Cooking Class at the Former Royal Palace: $45
- Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
- Laos: Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
- Evening Bamboo weaving & Cooking classes join-in: $47
- Mekong River Sunset & Lao Tasting Dinner: $49
- Evening Cooking Class & Local Baci Ceremony: $51
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.Luang Prabang $2.66Montego Bay $31
Tours and Activities in Luang Prabang
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Luang Prabang.
- Shuttle Bus ticket to Kuang Si Waterfalls: $8.00
- Farm Tour and Buffalo Buffet Adventure: $9.00
- Audio-Guided City Tour in Electric Car: $14
- Laos Railway: Train Tickets Easily - Skip the Lines - No worries : $30
- Kuang Si Waterfalls and Hmong Village Half-Day Tour: $30
- Small Group Half Day Luang Prabang city tour: $30
- Sunset Cruise Luang Prabang: $35
- Unwind with a Sunset Cruise on the Mekong River: $35
- UNESCO World Heritage City Highlights Tour: $35
- Full day / Half Day Kayaking and Pak Ou Caves with optional sunset cruise: $41
- From Guided Mountain Bike Tour with Lunch: $42
- Kayak Tour to Pak Ou Caves: $43
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 dayLuang Prabang $1.78Montego 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 Luang Prabang and Montego Bay, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. And not only is Luang Prabang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Luang Prabang 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 Luang Prabang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Luang Prabang 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 Luang Prabang.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Luang Prabang Expensive? and Is Montego Bay Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Montego Bay?
Montego Bay has a larger population, and is about 75% larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang 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 Luang Prabang 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 Luang Prabang or Montego Bay in the Summer?
Both Montego Bay and Luang Prabang during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Luang Prabang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in July than Montego Bay. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the summer, Luang Prabang is around the same temperature as Montego Bay. Typically, the summer temperatures in Luang Prabang in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Montego Bay averages at about 28°C (82°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Montego Bay 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Montego Bay in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Montego Bay. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Montego Bay receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Luang Prabang usually receives around the same amount of rain as Montego Bay. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In October, Luang Prabang is generally around the same temperature as Montego Bay. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 26°C (79°F), and Montego Bay fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Montego Bay 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Montego Bay in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Montego Bay. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Montego Bay throughout the year.
Luang Prabang usually gets less rain in January than Montego Bay. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
Luang Prabang is cooler than Montego Bay in the winter. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 21°C (70°F) in January, and Montego Bay fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Montego Bay 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Montego Bay in the Spring?
Both Montego Bay and Luang Prabang are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Montego Bay because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In April, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Montego Bay. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In the spring, Luang Prabang is a little warmer than Montego Bay. Typically, the spring temperatures in Luang Prabang in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Montego Bay averages at about 25°C (77°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Montego Bay 25°C (77°F)
Typical Weather for Montego Bay and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Montego Bay | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 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.