Which place is cheaper, Montego Bay or Manila?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Manila 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 Manila and Montego Bay can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Manila or Montego Bay?
Manila
A sprawling metropolis that is home to more than 12 million people, Manila is one huge, misunderstood concrete jungle, full of diverse cultures, traffic, pollution, restaurants, shopping malls, noise and nightlife. If you're looking to soak in culture and feel the vibe of a place rather than seeking a city that specifically caters to tourists, Manila is the place to be. Capital of the Philippines, Manila is also the center for education, business, and transportation.
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 2-Week Tours in Philippines, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines.
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Manila Prices
Philippines PricesMontego Bay Prices
Jamaica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManila $99Montego Bay $259
The average daily cost (per person) in Manila is $99, 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 Manila and Montego Bay in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManila $50Montego Bay $102
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManila $100Montego Bay $204
Compare Hotels in Manila and Montego Bay
Looking for a hotel in Manila 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: Manila Hotel Prices and Montego Bay Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Manila $13Montego Bay $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:
- MNL Airport to City Centre Private Transfer: $13
- Private One-way Transfer From Manila To Manila Airport: $23
- Manila Int Airport (MNL) to Manila - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
- Private Transfer from Manila Cruise Port to Manila Airport (MNL): $28
- Private Transfer from Manila Airport (MNL) to Manila Cruise Port: $28
- Private Airport Transfer: Metro Manila → NAIA Airport (MNL): $30
- Manila International Airport Private Transfer To & From City: $30
- NAIA Airport Transfer to/from anywhere in Metro Manila: $31
- Manila Airport Transfer: $38
- Manila Private Airport Transfer: Comfortable & Affordable: $38
- Manila Airports Quality Safe and Reliable Airport Transfer: $40
- Private Arrival Airport Transfer: All Hotels in Ortigas: $41
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:
- Private Airport Transfers from Montego Bay: $8.70
- Shared Transfer: From/to Montego Bay International Airport: $9.75
- Private Airport transfer Montego Bay: $12
- Private Transfer to Royal Decameron Cornwall Beach/Montego Beach: $13
- Sandals Royal Caribbean Hotel Private Airport Transfer: $13
- Grandiosa Hotel Private Airport Transfer: $13
- A "Private" Airport Transfer to any Resort in Montego Bay: $14
- Riu reggae, palace & montego Bay Hotels Private Airport Transfer: $14
- RIU Palace reggae and RIU Montego Bay private airport transfers: $14
- Private Transfer From Montego Bay Airport to Hotel in Montego Bay: $14
- Private Transfer from Montego Bay Airport to Montego Bay Hotels: $14
- RIU Reggae Palace and RIU Montego Bay Private Airport Transfer: $14
Is it cheaper to fly into Manila or Montego Bay?
Prices for flights to both Montego Bay and Manila 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
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Food Meals for one dayManila $29Montego Bay $142
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manila
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Manila.
- Manila Food Tour: Introduction to Philippine Street Food: $51
- Manila Food Tour: Explore World's Oldest Chinatown: $51
- Ugbo Manila Street Food Tour with Tuktuk Ride: $60
- ⭐ Manila Street Food Tour in the Downtown, Eat and Drink⭐: $62
- Guided Food Tour of Binondo with Tastings: $65
- Street Food tour & Local Jeepney, Tuktuk Ride: $66
- Binondo Chinatown Food Tour with Free Food Samples: $70
- Manila Chinatown Food Tour with Local Guide: $71
- Intramuros and Chinatown Food Tour with Food Samples: $80
- Cultural Dance Show with Dinner in Manila: $105
- A taste of Manila's History & Filipino Culture with Buffet Dinner: $175
- Subic: Sunset Dinner Yacht Cruise from Manila & Clark: $212
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
- Dinner or Lunch with Pickup from Montego Bay: $50
- Montego Bay Jerk Tour and Rum Punch Mixology/Food Tour: $50
- Mystic Lagoon Sunset Cruise with Dinner and Lagoon Swim: $85
- Bar Hopping and Local Food Tour in Jamaica: $117
- Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios Dinner and Nightlife Experience: $135
- Jamaican Seafood Street Food Tour from Montego Bay, Falmouth: $150
- Authentic Jamaican Cooking Experience in the Mountain from mobay: $210
- PRIVATE Food Tour of Local Jamaican Cuisine Montego Bay & Negril: $210
- Dinner Experience and Celebration on the Beach with Decorations: $231
- Glistening Waters, ATV ride in countryside and Dinner at Jerk hut: $250
- Private Martha Brae Raft and Luminous Lagoon Tour with Dinner: $270
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Manila $18Montego Bay $32
Tours and Activities in Manila
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Manila are as follows:
- Skip the Line: Hike Eat Swim at Mount Purro Nature Reserve Ticket: $22
- A Night in Old Intramuros Walking Tour: $23
- Explore the Urban Art of Mural and Street Art Tour: $25
- Fort Santiago Guided Tour: $25
- Viva Old Intramuros Walking Tour: $27
- The Dessert Museum Entry Ticket: $27
- Historical Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $30
- Old Manila Intramuros Area Walking Tour: $30
- Manila night cruise, night life, foodie tour and 3d theather: $32
- Intramuros Night Bamboo Bike Tour: $34
- Guided Sunset Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $34
- Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours: $39
Typical Entertainment Prices in Montego Bay
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Montego Bay are as follows:
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Admission to Doctor's Cave Beach$2.68
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Snorkeling Trip$19
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One Tank Dive$38
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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:
- Jamaica Bamboo Rafting Experience with Lime Stone Massage: $20
- Souvenirs and Gift shopping Tour in Montego Bay: $20
- Montego Bay Bamboo Rafting and Hip Strip Private Tour: $22
- Cinnamon Hill Great House Tour: Home of Johnny Cash: $23
- Bamboo Rafting & Jamaican Village Experience: $25
- Doctor Cave Beach and Hip Strip Shopping from Cruise Ship: $30
- VR Experience in Montego Bay: $30
- Adventure and Activity Based Music and Nightlife and Nature: $30
- Great River Bamboo Rafting and Limestone Foot Massage Tour From Montego Bay: $30
- Private Tour Souvenir Shopping in Montego Bay: $30
- Private Shopping Tour in Montego Bay with Hotel Pickup: $35
- Street Executive Tours And Chauffeur Service Jamaica: $35
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayManila $9.21Montego Bay $13
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Manila and Montego Bay, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. And not only is Manila much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Manila 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 Manila would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Manila 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 Manila.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Manila Expensive? and Is Montego Bay Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Manila or Montego Bay?
Manila has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the sizes of Manila 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 Manila or Montego Bay?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Manila or Montego Bay in the Summer?
Both Montego Bay and Manila are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila 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 Manila. In July, Manila usually receives more rain than Montego Bay. Manila gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In July, Manila is generally around the same temperature as Montego Bay. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 27°C (80°F), and Montego Bay fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyManila 27°C (80°F)Montego Bay 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Manila or Montego Bay in the Autumn?
Both Montego Bay and Manila during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Manila because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round.
Montego Bay gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Manila. Manila usually gets more rain in October than Montego Bay. Manila gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
Manila is around the same temperature as Montego Bay in the autumn. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Montego Bay fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberManila 26°C (79°F)Montego Bay 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Manila or Montego Bay in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Manila and Montego Bay. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Manila usually receives less rain than Montego Bay. Manila gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In the winter, Manila is around the same temperature as Montego Bay. Typically, the winter temperatures in Manila in January average around 24°C (76°F), and Montego Bay averages at about 24°C (75°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryManila 24°C (76°F)Montego Bay 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Manila or Montego Bay in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Manila as well as Montego Bay. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Montego Bay throughout the year.
Manila usually gets less rain in April than Montego Bay. Manila gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In April, Manila is generally a little warmer than Montego Bay. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 29°C (84°F), and Montego Bay fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilManila 29°C (84°F)Montego Bay 25°C (77°F)
Typical Weather for Montego Bay and Manila
| Manila | Montego Bay | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (80°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 303 mm (11.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 452 mm (17.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (80°F) | 357 mm (14.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 50 mm (2 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.