A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Montego Bay vs. Anchorage for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Montego Bay or Anchorage?

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 Anchorage 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 Anchorage?

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.

Anchorage

Anchorage, Alaska's largest city, is in the south-central part of the state on the Cook Inlet. It's known for its cultural sites and also as a gateway to nearby wilderness areas and mountains. From the sparkling waters of Cook Inlet to the tallest peaks of the Chugach Mountains, Anchorage encompasses incredible adventures and metropolitan appeals that are larger than life. With 1,500 moose, incredible national parks nearby and 60 glaciers a short drive away, it's a dream destination in Alaska.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City.


Which place is cheaper, Anchorage or Montego Bay?

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

  • Montego Bay Prices
    Jamaica Prices
    Anchorage Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Montego Bay $259
    Anchorage $228

The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $259, while the average daily cost in Anchorage is $228. 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 Anchorage in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Montego Bay $102
    Anchorage $117
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Montego Bay $204
    Anchorage $234
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Anchorage

Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Anchorage? 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 Montego Bay


Hotels in Anchorage


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 Anchorage Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Montego Bay $15
    Anchorage $27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:

  • Shared Transfer: From/to Montego Bay International Airport: $9.75
  • Hyatt Zillara or Ziva Rose Hall private Transfers: $10
  • Private Airport transfer Montego Bay: $12
  • Private Transfers: MBJ Airport ↔ RIU Montego Bay, Palace & Reggae: $13
  • Sandals Royal Caribbean Hotel Private Airport Transfer: $13
  • Private Airport Transfer to Sandals Montego: $13
  • Private Transfer to Royal Decameron Cornwall Beach/Montego Beach: $13
  • RIU Reggae Palace and RIU Montego Bay Private Airport Transfer: $14
  • RIU Palace reggae and RIU Montego Bay private airport transfers: $14
  • Dreams Rose Hall Resort and Spa Private Airport Transfer: $14
  • Hyatt zilara or ziva EXCLUSIVE private airport transfer services: $14
  • Private Transfer from Montego Bay Airport to Montego Bay Hotels: $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Anchorage

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Anchorage:

  • One Way Private Transfer: $10
  • Anchorage to Seward Shared Bus Transfer Service: $75
  • ANC Airport Private Transfer to/from City Center: $79
  • Anchorage to Whittier Direct Transfer Tour: $80
  • Anchorage to Seward Direct Transfer Tour: $89
  • Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Transfer with Wildlife: $190
  • Anchorage to Whittier: Cruise Transfer with Wildlife Tour: $199
  • Anchorage to Seward Cruise Transfer & Wildlife Tour: $227
  • Seward to Anchorage Cruise Transfer & Wildlife Tour: $247
  • Anchorage to Seward Cruise Transfer & Wildlife Tour: $247
  • Dog Sled Ride in Willow with Transfers: $289
  • Private Transfer, Anchorage to Seward Cruise Ship Terminal: $299

Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Anchorage?

Prices for flights to both Anchorage 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Montego Bay $142
    Anchorage $87

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
  • 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
  • Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios Dinner and Nightlife: $150
  • Sunset Boat Cruise and Luminous Lagoon with Dinner and Transfer: $150
  • Authentic Jamaican Food Cooking Experience in the Countryside: $195

Typical Food Prices in Anchorage

Some typical examples of dining costs in Anchorage are as follows:


  • Bread
    $4.25
  • Breakfast for Two
    $17

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Anchorage

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Anchorage.

  • Anchorage Sightseeing and Food Tour - Available All Year Long!: $195

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Montego Bay $31
    Anchorage $30
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
    $2.68
  • Snorkeling Trip
    $19
  • One Tank Dive
    $37
  • 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:

  • Montego Bay City highlight And Souvenir Shopping Group Tour: $20
  • Montego Bay Beach Day Experience: $20
  • Shopping Tour for Whitter Village Mall Private / Charted Air Conditioned Taxi: $20
  • Montego Bay Bamboo Rafting and Hip Strip Private Tour: $22
  • Montego Bay Shopping Private Tour: $26
  • Rose Hall Great House and Garden Tour Ticket: $30
  • Pruvate Transter to Ocho Rios + Catamaran Cruise: $30
  • VR Experience in Montego Bay: $30
  • Montego Bay Private Shopping Tour with Hotel Pickup: $30
  • Explore the Beauty of Montego Bay Nature Tour in Jamaica: $30
  • Doctors Cave Beach Roundtrip Tour in Montego Bay: $30
  • Street Executive Tours And Chauffeur Service Jamaica: $35

Typical Entertainment Prices in Anchorage

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Anchorage are as follows:


  • 1 Day Bike Rental
    $33
  • 1/2 Day Rafting Trip
    $105

Tours and Activities in Anchorage

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Anchorage are as follows:

  • Self Guided Driving Audio Tour: Anchorage to Seward: $17
  • Parks Hwy: Anchorage to Denali Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour: $20
  • Self Guided Driving Audio Tour Anchorage to Homer: $20
  • Seward Hwy Scenic Drive: Anchorage-Seward Self-Guided Audio Tour: $20
  • Anchorage–Homer Sterling Highway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $20
  • Self-Guided Anchorage to Denali Driving Audio Tour: $20
  • Anchorage Trolley's 1-Hour City Tour: $25
  • Anchorage Museum General Admission Ticket: $25
  • Self Guided Driving Audio Tour Alaska Bundle: $40
  • Alaska Road Trip: Anchorage, Seward, Homer & Denali Audio Tour: $50
  • Anchorage Trolley's Deluxe City Tour: $50
  • City Tour and Highlights: $55

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Montego Bay $13
    Anchorage $20

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:

  • Montego Bay Jamaica Rum Distillery Tour Private Driver: $250

Sample the Local Flavors in Anchorage

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Anchorage:

  • Chocolate and Wine Tasting Tour: $110
  • Girdwood Views and Brews with Aerial Tram and Brewery: $209
  • Hike Matanuska Glacier w/Alaska Honey, Wine Tasting: $315


When comparing the travel costs between Montego Bay and Anchorage, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Montego Bay is in Caribbean Islands and Anchorage is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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 Anchorage Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Anchorage?

Anchorage has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Anchorage, 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 Anchorage?

Anchorage 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 Anchorage in the Summer?

Both Anchorage and Montego Bay are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Montego Bay throughout the year. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Anchorage this time of year.

In July, Montego Bay is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 28°C (82°F), and Anchorage fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in Anchorage. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Anchorage during summer. Montego Bay gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 240 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Montego Bay 28°C (82°F) 
    Anchorage 59°F (15°C)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Anchorage in the Autumn?

Both Anchorage and Montego Bay during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Montego Bay because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Anchorage for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Anchorage. Montego Bay is much warmer than Anchorage in the autumn. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Anchorage fluctuates around 35°F (2°C).

It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. In the autumn, Montego Bay often gets more sunshine than Anchorage. Montego Bay gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 118 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually gets more rain in October than Anchorage. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Montego Bay 27°C (81°F) 
    Anchorage 35°F (2°C)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Anchorage in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Anchorage. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Anchorage in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Anchorage can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Montego Bay is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the winter temperatures in Montego Bay in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Anchorage averages at about 15°F (-9°C).

In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montego Bay usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during winter. Montego Bay gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 80 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Montego Bay 24°C (75°F) 
    Anchorage 15°F (-9°C)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Anchorage in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Anchorage. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Anchorage for the natural beauty during these months.

Anchorage can be very cold during spring. In April, Montego Bay is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 25°C (77°F), and Anchorage fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Anchorage. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montego Bay this time of the year. In the spring, Montego Bay often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Anchorage. Montego Bay gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 233 hours of full sun.

Montego Bay usually gets more rain in April than Anchorage. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Montego Bay 25°C (77°F) 
    Anchorage 36°F (2°C)

Typical Weather for Anchorage and Montego Bay

Montego Bay Anchorage
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 15°F (-9°C) 0.7 inches (19 mm)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 19°F (-7°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 26°F (-3°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
Apr 25°C (77°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 36°F (2°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
May 26°C (79°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 47°F (8°C) 0.8 inches (20 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 55°F (13°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 59°F (15°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 57°F (14°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 49°F (9°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 35°F (2°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 22°F (-6°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 17°F (-8°C) 1.1 inches (28 mm)