Which place is cheaper, Alexandria or Montego Bay?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Montego Bay or Alexandria?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Montego Bay and Alexandria can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Montego Bay or Alexandria?
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.
Alexandria
Just minutes from the nation's capital of Washington DC, Alexandria offers a world of rich history and beautifully preserved buildings from the 18th-19th centuries. A city of many interests, attractions range from the old haunts of George Washington and historic architecture to museums, local crafts, and quaint boutiques. With its cobblestoned streets, Old Town of Alexandria is sure to charm as well.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontego Bay $203Alexandria $0.00
The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $203, while the average daily cost in Alexandria is $0.00. 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 Montego Bay and Alexandria in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontego Bay $104Alexandria $38
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontego Bay $208Alexandria $76
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Alexandria
Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Alexandria? 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: Montego Bay Hotel Prices and Alexandria Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montego Bay $15Alexandria -
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:
- Private Transfer from Montego Bay Airport To Ocho Rios: $267
- Blue Hole and Horseback Riding from Montego Bay with Transfers: $265
- Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Kingston Hotels: $245
- Private Transfer to Island Gully Falls: $240
- Black River and YS Falls Adventure with Transfer: $235
- Chevy Suburban Montego Bay Airport Transfer: $225
- Private Transfer to Kingston: $215
- Private Transfer From Montego Bay Area or Airport MBJ to Kingston: $215
- Kingston Airport Transfer (Montego bay,Negril,Ocho rio): $214
- Airport Transfer From Kingston : $200
- Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Kingston Hotels: $195
- Negril Hotel Private Transfer Service: $190
Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Alexandria?
Prices for flights to both Alexandria and Montego Bay 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 dayMontego Bay $84Alexandria -
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 : $81
- Rick’s Cafe Cliff Diving, Sunset & Dinner Tour with Transportation : $130
- Dinner or lunch at pier one Montego bay Food Tour: $144
- Sunset Boat Cruise in Falmouth Luminous Lagoon, Swim and Dinner : $170
- Private Beach Day and Street Food Tour from Montego Bay: $170
- Restaurant Transportation for Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Montego Bay: $180
- Houseboat Restaurant and Grill for Dinner Private Transportation : $180
- [PRIVATE] Premium Jamaican Food Tour of Local Cuisine: $190
- Martha Brae Bamboo Rafting & Luminous Lagoon Sunset, Swim& Dinner: $280
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montego Bay $32Alexandria -
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$2.74
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Snorkeling Trip$19
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One Tank Dive$38
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1.5 Hr Horseback Ride$44
Tours and Activities in Montego Bay
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Montego Bay are as follows:
- ATV, Bamboo Rafting, and Horseback Ride Tour From Montego Bay: $173
- Appleton Estate Rum Tour and Pelican Bar Customize Tour: $120
- Bioluminescence Lagoon tour from Montego Bay with Pick Up: $105
- Blue Hole Adventure Tour : $120
- Catamaran Party Cruise and Snorkeling from Montego Bay: $220
- Dunns River & BlueHole Tour Includes Entry Fees: $289
- Falmouth Mystic from Montego Bay Luminous Lagoon Night Tour: $90
- Green Grotto Cave Private Tour: $115
- Horseback Riding and Tour from Montego Bay : $230
- Luminous Lagoon Night Tour from Montego Bay: $118
- Montego Bay Bamboo Rafting and Limestone Foot Massage River Tour: $110
- Montego Bay Jamaica Private Jet Ski And ATV experience: $120
Tours and Activities in Alexandria
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Alexandria.
- Old Town Alexandria Tour: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Phantoms of the Potomac Walking Tour: $26
- American Revolution Guided Walking Tour: $30
- Ultimate Dead of Night Walking Ghost Tour: $38
- Full-Day Bike Tour to Mt Vernon w/ Optional Boat: $68
- Old Town Southern Comfort Food & History Tour: $127
- Private Tour of George Washington's Mount Vernon: $165
- Philadelphia Tour from Alexandria by Rail: $329
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontego Bay $13Alexandria -
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 Pub Crawl To Negril and Rick's Cafe: $103
Sample the Local Flavors in Alexandria
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Alexandria:
- Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montego Bay and Alexandria, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. And not only is Alexandria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Montego Bay is in Caribbean Islands and Alexandria 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 Alexandria would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Alexandria 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 Alexandria.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Montego Bay Expensive? and Is Alexandria Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Alexandria?
Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 54% larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Alexandria, 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 Montego Bay or Alexandria?
Alexandria 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 Montego Bay or Alexandria in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Alexandria. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Alexandria for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Montego Bay is around the same temperature as Alexandria. Typically, the summer temperatures in Montego Bay in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Alexandria averages at about 79°F (26°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Alexandria. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montego Bay this time of the year. In the summer, Montego Bay often gets less sunshine than Alexandria. Montego Bay gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alexandria receives 278 hours of full sun.
Montego Bay usually gets less rain in July than Alexandria. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMontego Bay 28°C (82°F)Alexandria 79°F (26°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Alexandria in the Autumn?
Both Alexandria and Montego Bay are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Montego Bay throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Alexandria in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Montego Bay is generally much warmer than Alexandria. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 27°C (81°F), and Alexandria fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually receives more sunshine than Alexandria during autumn. Montego Bay gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Alexandria receives 197 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Montego Bay. In October, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than Alexandria. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMontego Bay 27°C (81°F)Alexandria 60°F (15°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Alexandria in the Winter?
Both Alexandria and Montego Bay during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Montego Bay because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Alexandria for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Alexandria can be very cold during winter. Montego Bay is much warmer than Alexandria in the winter. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Alexandria fluctuates around 35°F (1°C).
It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. In the winter, Montego Bay often gets more sunshine than Alexandria. Montego Bay gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alexandria receives 139 hours of full sun.
Montego Bay usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Alexandria. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMontego Bay 24°C (75°F)Alexandria 35°F (1°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Alexandria in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Alexandria. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Alexandria because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Montego Bay is much warmer than Alexandria. Typically, the spring temperatures in Montego Bay in April average around 25°C (77°F), and Alexandria averages at about 56°F (14°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Alexandria this time of the year. In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montego Bay usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Alexandria during spring. Montego Bay gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Alexandria receives 228 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Alexandria. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMontego Bay 25°C (77°F)Alexandria 56°F (14°C)
Typical Weather for Alexandria and Montego Bay
| Montego Bay | Alexandria | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 35°F (1°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 37°F (3°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 47°F (8°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 56°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 66°F (19°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 75°F (24°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 79°F (26°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 60°F (15°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 50°F (10°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 39°F (4°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
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.