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

Should you visit Montego Bay or Baltimore?

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 Baltimore 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 Baltimore?

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.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a large, industrial city and popular tourist destination in the state of Maryland. It is about an hour outside of Washington, D.C. and is a hub of tourism and entertainment for the area. It has a vibrant nightlife, comfortable climate, and is a great place to visit when you're in the area. The city proper has a population of about 600,000 and the metropolitan area has 2.7 million. Its economy is centered around science, technology, engineering and math and it has many undergraduate and graduate schools including the world renowned Johns Hopkins University.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Baltimore 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
    Baltimore Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Montego Bay $259
    Baltimore $217

The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $259, while the average daily cost in Baltimore is $217. 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 Baltimore in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Montego Bay $102
    Baltimore $93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Montego Bay $204
    Baltimore $186
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Baltimore

Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Baltimore? 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 Baltimore


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 Baltimore Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Montego Bay $15
    Baltimore $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:

  • 2727lounge/Magarativille/Pier1 & taboo nightlife private transfer: $45
  • A "Private" Airport Transfer to any Resort in Montego Bay: $14
  • Ahhh Ras Natango Gallery and Garden Private Transfer: $97
  • Airport (MBJ) Round Trip Transfer in Montego Bay: $60
  • Airport MBJ Round Trip Transfers, to Montego Bay Airbnb & Resorts: $53
  • Airport Private Round Trip Transfer: $30
  • Airport Transfer: $80
  • Airport Transfer From Kingston: $200
  • Airport Transfer MBJ Montego Bay to Kingston: $150
  • Airport Transfer Montego Bay Hotels: $120
  • Airport Transfer Riu Montego / Reggae / Palace: $40
  • Airport Transfer Negril Hotels: $130

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Baltimore

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Baltimore:

  • Baltimore/Washington Airport Private Hotel Transfer up to 5 pass: $34
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Baltimore Washington Airport BWI: $60
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland hotel or address - Private Arrival Transfer: $75
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to San Francisco hotel/address - Private Arrival Transfer: $75
  • Baltimore Washington Airport (BWI) to Washington - Arrival Private Transfer: $82
  • Private Transfer from Baltimore Cruise Port to Baltimore city: $92
  • Departure Private Transfer Baltimore to Baltimore Airport BWI: $119
  • Oakland to San Francisco Airport (SFO)-Departure Private Transfer: $132
  • Private Transfer from BWI Airport to Washington DC: $140
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $150
  • Private Transfer: Baltimore Airport BWI to Washington by Sedan: $151
  • Baltimore City to Washington City - Private Transfer: $169

Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Baltimore?

Prices for flights to both Baltimore 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
    Baltimore $79

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
  • Club2727 Nightlife Experience With Optional Dinner In Montego Bay: $60
  • Mystic Lagoon Sunset Cruise with Dinner and Lagoon Swim: $85
  • Bar Hopping and Local Food Tour in Jamaica: $117
  • 3 to 5 Hour Private Herbal Tour Shopping and Dinner at Ricks Cafe: $120
  • Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios Dinner and Nightlife Experience: $135
  • Jamaican Seafood Street Food Tour from Montego Bay, Falmouth: $150
  • Sunset Boat Cruise and Luminous Lagoon with Dinner and Transfer: $150
  • Private Beach Day and Street Food Tour from Montego Bay: $170
  • Restaurant Transportation for Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Montego Bay: $180
  • Authentic Jamaican Food Cooking Experience in the Countryside: $195

Typical Food Prices in Baltimore

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Baltimore:


  • Seafood Dinner (for 2) in Fells Point
    $76

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Baltimore

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

  • Federal Hill Food Tour: $75
  • Fells Point Food Tour in Baltimore: $78
  • Cooking or Baking Lesson with a Maryland Local Karen in her Home: $106
  • Fells Point & Little Italy Food Tour with 7 Tastings: $108
  • French Cooking Class in Baltimore (Includes 3-Course Meal): $115

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Montego Bay $32
    Baltimore $18
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
    $38
  • 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:

  • Lethe Rafting And Margaritaville Tour from Montego Bay: $20
  • Margaritaville Hip-Strip and Great River Rafting Private Tour: $20
  • Montego Bay Beach Day Experience: $20
  • Jamaica Bamboo Rafting Experience with Lime Stone Massage: $20
  • Blue Hole Adventure and Shopping Experience with Transportation: $20
  • Montego Bay Bamboo Rafting and Hip Strip Private Tour: $22
  • Cinnamon Hill Great House Tour: Home of Johnny Cash: $23
  • Rose Hall Great House and Garden Tour Ticket: $30
  • Adventure and Activity Based Music and Nightlife and Nature: $30
  • Doctor Cave Beach and Hip Strip Shopping from Cruise Ship: $30
  • VR Experience in Montego Bay: $30
  • Montego Bay Private Shopping Tour with Hotel Pickup: $30

Tours and Activities in Baltimore

Here are a few actual costs in Baltimore for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Baltimore’s Best Backyard: A Patterson Park Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Baltimore Downtown Poe Ruth and More GPS Self Guided Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Towson MD: $15
  • Baltimore Walking & Driving Self-Guided Audio Tour: $17
  • Baltimore Inner Harbor Walking Tour: $22
  • Baltimore Monuments Walking Tour: $22
  • Baltimore Bewitched: Raven's Revenge, Bones & Ballads Ghost Tour: $26
  • The Original Fells Point Ghost Walk by Baltimore Ghost Tours: $26
  • Baltimore's Cruise ship Tour-shuttle service: $27
  • Baltimore Ghost Tour Haunted Fells Point and Harbor Legends: $30
  • Mount Vernon & The Millionaires, 2 hour walking tour: $30
  • NEON Sip and Paint Experience: $32

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Montego Bay $13
    Baltimore $17

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Baltimore

Also in Baltimore, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Original Fells Point Haunted Pub Tour by Baltimore Ghost Tours: $29
  • Baltimore Boos & Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $29
  • Baltimore Haunted Pub Crawl Fells Point Ghosts Bars and Poe: $35
  • Fun Dumpling Making Class at a Local Brewery in Baltimore: $75


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montego Bay and Baltimore, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. And not only is Baltimore much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Montego Bay is in Caribbean Islands and Baltimore 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 Baltimore would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Baltimore 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 Baltimore.

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 Baltimore Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Baltimore?

Baltimore has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Baltimore, 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 Baltimore?

Baltimore 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 Baltimore in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Baltimore. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Baltimore for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Montego Bay is a little warmer than Baltimore in the summer. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Baltimore fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Baltimore this time of the year. In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montego Bay usually receives less sunshine than Baltimore during summer. Montego Bay gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Baltimore receives 283 hours of full sun in the summer.

Baltimore receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Baltimore. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Montego Bay 28°C (82°F) 
    Baltimore 78°F (25°C)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Baltimore in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Baltimore. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Baltimore because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Montego Bay is much warmer than Baltimore. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Montego Bay in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Baltimore averages at about 57°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montego Bay this time of the year. In the autumn, Montego Bay often gets more sunshine than Baltimore. Montego Bay gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Baltimore receives 196 hours of full sun.

Montego Bay receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Montego Bay usually gets more rain in October than Baltimore. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Montego Bay 27°C (81°F) 
    Baltimore 57°F (14°C)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Baltimore in the Winter?

Both Baltimore and Montego Bay are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Montego Bay throughout the year. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Baltimore this time of year.

It's quite cold in Baltimore in the winter. In January, Montego Bay is generally much warmer than Baltimore. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 24°C (75°F), and Baltimore fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually receives more sunshine than Baltimore during winter. Montego Bay gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Baltimore receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Montego Bay usually receives around the same amount of rain as Baltimore. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Montego Bay 24°C (75°F) 
    Baltimore 32°F (0°C)

Should I visit Montego Bay or Baltimore in the Spring?

Both Baltimore and Montego Bay during the spring 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, many travelers come to Baltimore for the activities around the city.

Montego Bay is much warmer than Baltimore in the spring. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 25°C (77°F) in April, and Baltimore fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

In Baltimore, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. In the spring, Montego Bay often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Baltimore. Montego Bay gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Baltimore receives 225 hours of full sun.

Montego Bay usually gets less rain in April than Baltimore. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Montego Bay 25°C (77°F) 
    Baltimore 54°F (12°C)

Typical Weather for Baltimore and Montego Bay

Montego Bay Baltimore
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 32°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 35°F (2°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 45°F (7°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Apr 25°C (77°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 54°F (12°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
May 26°C (79°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 64°F (18°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 73°F (23°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 78°F (25°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 76°F (25°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 69°F (21°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 47°F (9°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 37°F (3°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)