A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mandeville vs. Marathon for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Mandeville or Marathon?

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

Should I visit Mandeville or Marathon? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Mandeville or Marathon?

Mandeville

Mandeville is a small, quiet town in the mountains of Jamaica with a population of about 50,000. The town is situated on a plateau west of Kingston. It is the largest town in the parish of Manchester and the fifth largest urban center in the country.

Marathon

You step outside your deluxe suite onto the balcony and are greeted with nothing less than tropical perfection. The hum of the ocean, the whispers of the palm trees, the songs of the seagulls - you bask in this paradise otherwise known as Marathon, Florida. A 10-mile-long island, the chain contains Vaca Key, Fat Deer Key and Grassy Key, along with Duck Key just another few minutes up the road.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Marathon or Mandeville?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Mandeville Prices
    Jamaica Prices
    Marathon Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Mandeville $96
    Marathon $195

The average daily cost (per person) in Mandeville is $96, while the average daily cost in Marathon is $195. 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 Mandeville and Marathon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mandeville $38
    Marathon $76
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mandeville $76
    Marathon $152
Compare Hotels in Mandeville and Marathon

Looking for a hotel in Mandeville or Marathon? 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 Mandeville


Hotels in Marathon


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: Mandeville Hotel Prices and Marathon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mandeville $31
    Marathon $47

Is it cheaper to fly into Mandeville or Marathon?

Prices for flights to both Marathon and Mandeville 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
    Mandeville $41
    Marathon $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mandeville $8.15
    Marathon $27

Tours and Activities in Marathon

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

  • Florida Keys: 1.5-Hour Tiki Fun Cruise: $89
  • Florida: Sunset Champagne Cruise on the Marathon Mermaid: $70
  • Marathon Key FL: Snorkel Trips and Sunset Cruises: $48
  • Marathon, Florida Keys: Sunset Cruise with Local Seafood: $77
  • Cruisin' Tikis Marathon - Sunset Cruise: $110
  • FlowRider Surfing Experience: $60
  • Guided Catamaran Tour to Island Sandbar: $128
  • Guided Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Champagne: $101
  • Intro to Foilboarding Experience: $214
  • Morning Mimosas Boat Tour with Swim Stop: $84
  • Reef Snorkel, Sandbar & Sunset Cruise TRIFECTA: $169
  • Rhum Runner Aqua Park Adventure: $38

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mandeville $6.38
    Marathon $24


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mandeville and Marathon, we can see that Marathon is more expensive. And not only is Mandeville much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Mandeville is in Caribbean Islands and Marathon is in North America, 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 Mandeville would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mandeville 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 Marathon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Marathon than you might in Mandeville.

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


Which is Bigger, Mandeville or Marathon?

Mandeville has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Marathon. When comparing the sizes of Mandeville and Marathon, 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 Mandeville or Marathon?

Marathon has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Mandeville experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Mandeville or Marathon in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Mandeville and Marathon. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mandeville year-round. Also, many visitors come to Marathon in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Mandeville is generally around the same temperature as Marathon. Daily temperatures in Mandeville average around 29°C (83°F), and Marathon fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marathon this time of the year. In Mandeville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mandeville usually receives less sunshine than Marathon during summer. Mandeville gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Marathon receives 328 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Mandeville usually receives less rain than Marathon. Mandeville gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Marathon receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Mandeville 29°C (83°F) 
    Marathon 84°F (29°C)

Should I visit Mandeville or Marathon in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Mandeville as well as Marathon. Mandeville attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Marathon for the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Mandeville is around the same temperature as Marathon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mandeville averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Marathon fluctuates around 80°F (27°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marathon. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mandeville this time of the year. In the autumn, Mandeville often gets less sunshine than Marathon. Mandeville gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marathon receives 258 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Marathon. Mandeville receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Mandeville usually gets more rain in October than Marathon. Mandeville gets 160 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Marathon receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Mandeville 28°C (82°F) 
    Marathon 80°F (27°C)

Should I visit Mandeville or Marathon in the Winter?

Both Marathon and Mandeville are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mandeville throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Marathon because of the cuisine.

In the winter, Mandeville is a little warmer than Marathon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mandeville in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Marathon averages at about 70°F (21°C).

It's quite sunny in Marathon. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mandeville. Mandeville usually receives less sunshine than Marathon during winter. Mandeville gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Marathon receives 252 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Mandeville usually receives more rain than Marathon. Mandeville gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Marathon receives 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Mandeville 26°C (79°F) 
    Marathon 70°F (21°C)

Should I visit Mandeville or Marathon in the Spring?

Both Marathon and Mandeville during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Mandeville because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Marathon this time of year.

In April, Mandeville is generally around the same temperature as Marathon. Daily temperatures in Mandeville average around 26°C (80°F), and Marathon fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

In Marathon, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mandeville. In the spring, Mandeville often gets less sunshine than Marathon. Mandeville gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marathon receives 326 hours of full sun.

Mandeville usually gets more rain in April than Marathon. Mandeville gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Marathon receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Mandeville 26°C (80°F) 
    Marathon 77°F (25°C)

Typical Weather for Marathon and Mandeville

Mandeville Marathon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 70°F (21°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 71°F (21°C) 1.4 inches (36 mm)
Mar 26°C (80°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 74°F (23°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 77°F (25°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
May 28°C (82°F) 101 mm (4 in) 81°F (27°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 83°F (28°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 84°F (29°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 84°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Sep 29°C (83°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 83°F (29°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 160 mm (6.3 in) 80°F (27°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 76°F (24°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 72°F (22°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm)