Which place is cheaper, Montego Bay or Melbourne?
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 Melbourne or Montego Bay?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Melbourne or Montego Bay? 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: Melbourne or Montego Bay?
Melbourne
Melbourne is the second largest city in Australia, after Sydney. It is also the capital city of the state of Victoria, in southeastern Australia. Melbourne is arguably the best city to experience culture and the arts in Australia. There is a friendly rivalry between Melbourne and Sydney over livability and popularity and Melbourne is definitely the city to visit for its parks, shopping, restaurants, galleries and theaters. Like Sydney, it is situated on the water, at the head of Port Phillip Bay. It's a beautiful city, and although it lacks the major sights that you'll find in Sydney such as the Sydney Opera House or the Harbour Bridge, you will never find yourself lacking for entertainment. It is also a wonderful base for exploring many of the nearby highlights, including Grampians National Park, The Great Ocean Road, and Phillip Island where you can view the penguin parade.
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 Scuba Diving Tours in Australia, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia.
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Melbourne Prices
Australia PricesMontego Bay Prices
Jamaica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMelbourne $208Montego Bay $259
The average daily cost (per person) in Melbourne is $208, 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 Melbourne and Montego Bay in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMelbourne $127Montego Bay $102
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMelbourne $254Montego Bay $204
Compare Hotels in Melbourne and Montego Bay
Looking for a hotel in Melbourne 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: Melbourne Hotel Prices and Montego Bay Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Melbourne $21Montego Bay $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Melbourne
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Melbourne:
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Airport Bus$11
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Tram Ride$2.65
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Melbourne
Also for Melbourne, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Melbourne Airport: Express Bus Transfer to/from City Center: $16
- Express Bus Transfer to or from Melbourne City Center: $20
- Melbourne CBD/City to MEL Airport Private Transfer 4 or more: $32
- Melbourne Airport to City/CBD Private Group transfers 4 or more: $32
- Melbourne Airport(Tullamarine): Shared Transfer to Melbourne: $32
- MEL Airport to City Centre Private Transfer: $40
- Airport to City Private Transfer (One-way): $66
- Private Airport Transfer from Melbourne Airport to City Center: $73
- Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) Private one way transfer: $75
- Nighttime Private City Tour with Transfer & Stops: $81
- Private Car Transfer Melbourne Airport To CBD: $84
- Melbourne Private Taxi Airport Transfers and Day Trips: $85
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:
- luxury VIP Airport Transfer to RIU Palace, Reggae,Montego bay: $140
- Zoetry Montego Bay Airport Transfers MBJ (Private Roundtrip Exclusive): $180
- Zoëtry Resorts Montego Bay Airport Transfer: $20
- VIP Runaway Bay Transfer: $160
- VIP Private Airport Transfer Montego Bay: $20
- VIP Luxury Private Transfer To and From (MBJ): $100
- VIP Airport Transfer to Hotel in Montego Bay: $30
- Tryall / Round Hill - Montego Bay Airport Transfers: $107
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Montego Bay APT-HTL (MBJ): $37
- Transfer from/to Airport, Riu Reggae, Riu Montego Bay, Riu Palace: $28
- Transfer Service, Sangster MBJ Airport From/To Runaway Bay: $172
- Transfer Service, Sangster MBJ Airport From/To Iberostar zone: $64
Is it cheaper to fly into Melbourne or Montego Bay?
Prices for flights to both Montego Bay and Melbourne 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 dayMelbourne $56Montego Bay $142
Typical Food Prices in Melbourne
For Melbourne, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Coffee$2.79
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Pizza$4.88
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Melbourne
For Melbourne, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Melbourne Flavors: Queen Victoria Market Food Tour: $40
- Queen Victoria Market: 'Flavours of Australia' Food Tour: $52
- Multicultural Markets Food Tour – Melbourne’s Global Tastes: $54
- Inner North Street Food Tour: $72
- Sunset Kayak Tour with Dinner: $79
- Melbourne Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $86
- Street Food Tour in Melbourne's Inner North: $88
- Best of Little Italy Dinner Tour: $92
- Chinese Dumpling Cooking Class with a Drink: $99
- Secret Food Tour: $109
- Yarra Valley Full Day Grazing Tour: Gin, Wine, Pizza, Cheese: $125
- Spanish Hands on Cooking Class: $127
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 with Pickup from Montego Bay: $45
- Montego Bay City and Food Tour All Inclusive Experience: $48
- Montego Bay Jerk Tour and Rum Punch Mixology/Food Tour: $50
- Street Food Tour in Montego Bay: $59
- Club2727 Nightlife Experience With Optional Dinner In Montego Bay: $60
- Mystic Lagoon Sunset Cruise with Dinner and Lagoon Swim: $95
- Sunset Dinner at Bamboo Beach Club: $99
- 3 to 5 Hour Private Herbal Tour Shopping and Dinner at Ricks Cafe: $120
- Bar Hopping & Local Food Tour-From Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios: $130
- Jamaican Seafood Street Food Tour from Montego Bay, Falmouth: $150
- Dinner and Nightlife -From Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios: $150
- Sunset Boat Cruise and Luminous Lagoon with Dinner and Transfer: $150
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Melbourne $29Montego Bay $31
Tours and Activities in Melbourne
For Melbourne, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Self Guided Tour of Melbourne's Best Kept Secrets: $1.12
- Melbourne Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self Guided Walking Tour: $3.42
- Fitzroy Noir Mystery Crimes and the Occult Tour: $3.53
- Melbourne Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $3.53
- Melbourne St Kilda Self-Guided Walking City Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $4.95
- Melbourne Vampire Quest: Self-Guided Gothic Adventure: $7.20
- Scienceworks Entry Ticket: $9.92
- Melbourne Gardens Explorer Minibus Tour: $9.92
- Immigration Museum Entry Ticket: $9.92
- Self Guided Walking Tour in Melbourne St Kilda Penguins: $9.99
- Como House: Guided Garden Tour: $11
- Questo Self-guided Haunted Melbourne Walking Tour: $11
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$37
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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:
- 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: $80
- 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
- 7 Mile Beach & Ricks Cafe with free Shopping experience: $50
- 7 Mile Beach Private Tour: $122
- 7 Mile Beach and Rick's Cafe Private Tour: $80
- 7 Mile Beach and Rick's Cafe in Negril from Montego Bay Private Tour: $120
- ATV & Horseback Riding combo tour Montego Bay with Pickup: $190
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMelbourne $18Montego Bay $13
Typical Alcohol Prices in Melbourne
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Melbourne from other travelers:
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Bottle of Wine$5.41
Sample the Local Flavors in Melbourne
Also in Melbourne, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Weekly Bar Crawl: 5 Free shots, Club Entry: $20
- Melbourne Pub Crawl: $25
- Tuesday Melbourne Bar Crawl: $25
- Saturday Melbourne Bar Crawl: $25
- Yarra Valley Wine Tour - Self-Guided GPS Audio Guide: $25
- Spirits and Ales Haunted Pub Walking Tour: $26
- Melbourne Music Venue Pub Crawl with History + 2 Free Drinks: $26
- Rock'n'roll venues pub crawl including 2 free drinks and history: $56
- Chocolate and wine tasting tour in the Yarra Valley.: $70
- Yarra Valley Wine Tour from Melbourne - Choc, Gin & Good Times: $84
- Relaxed Half Day Yarra Valley Wine Tasting Tour from Melbourne: $84
- New Chocolate and wine tasting tour in the Yarra Valley: $89
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
- Montego Bay Jamaica Rum Distillery Tour Private Driver: $250
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Melbourne and Montego Bay, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. And not only is Melbourne much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Melbourne is in Pacific 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 Melbourne would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Melbourne 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 Melbourne.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Melbourne Expensive? and Is Montego Bay Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Melbourne or Montego Bay?
Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the sizes of Melbourne 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 Melbourne or Montego Bay?
Melbourne has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Montego Bay experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Melbourne or Montego Bay in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Melbourne as well as Montego Bay. Many visitors come to Melbourne in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Montego Bay throughout the year.
Melbourne is cooler than Montego Bay in the summer. The daily temperature in Melbourne averages around 20°C (68°F) in January, and Montego Bay fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in July.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Melbourne this time of the year. In the summer, Melbourne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Montego Bayin July. Melbourne gets 271 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montego Bay receives 257 hours of full sun.
Melbourne usually gets less rain in January than Montego Bayin July. Melbourne gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyMelbourne 20°C (68°F)Montego Bay 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Melbourne or Montego Bay in the Autumn?
Both Montego Bay and Melbourne are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Melbourne for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Montego Bay because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the autumn, Melbourne is much colder than Montego Bay. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Melbourne in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Montego Bay averages at about 27°C (81°F)in October.
It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. Melbourne usually receives less sunshine than Montego Bay during autumn. Melbourne gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Montego Bay receives 233 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. In April, Melbourne usually receives less rain than Montego Bayin October. Melbourne gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberMelbourne 15°C (60°F)Montego Bay 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Melbourne or Montego Bay in the Winter?
Both Montego Bay and Melbourne during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Melbourne because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round.
In July, Melbourne is generally much colder than Montego Bayin January. Daily temperatures in Melbourne average around 9°C (49°F), and Montego Bay fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Melbourne often gets less sunshine than Montego Bayin January. Melbourne gets 139 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montego Bay receives 226 hours of full sun.
Melbourne usually gets less rain in July than Montego Bayin January. Melbourne gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryMelbourne 9°C (49°F)Montego Bay 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Melbourne or Montego Bay in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Melbourne and Montego Bay. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Melbourne this time of year. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Melbourne is much colder than Montego Bay in the spring. The daily temperature in Melbourne averages around 14°C (57°F) in October, and Montego Bay fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in April.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montego Bay this time of the year. In Melbourne, it's very sunny this time of the year. Melbourne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Montego Bay during spring. Melbourne gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Montego Bay receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.
In October, Melbourne usually receives around the same amount of rain as Montego Bayin April. Melbourne gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilMelbourne 14°C (57°F)Montego Bay 25°C (77°F)
Typical Weather for Montego Bay and Melbourne
| Melbourne | Montego Bay | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 20°C (68°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (65°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (60°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 13°C (55°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jun | 10°C (50°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 9°C (49°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 10°C (51°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (53°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (57°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (61°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (65°F) | 47 mm (1.9 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.