Which place is cheaper, Basse-Terre or Montego Bay?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Montego Bay or Basse-Terre?
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 Basse-Terre 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 Basse-Terre?
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.
Basse-Terre
In Guadeloupe there is Basse Terre the city and Basse-Terre the island - the city is the capital of Guadeloupe, and the island is Guadeloupe's western half of the main island. As a whole, the place is very green, featuring lush vegetation and a mountainous landscape with a sulfuric volcano.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontego Bay $203Basse-Terre $164
The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $203, while the average daily cost in Basse-Terre is $164. 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 Basse-Terre in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontego Bay $104Basse-Terre $97
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontego Bay $208Basse-Terre $194
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Basse-Terre
Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Basse-Terre? 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 Basse-Terre Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montego Bay $15Basse-Terre $8.67
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:
- Shared Transfer: From/to Montego Bay International Airport: $8.33
- Montego Bay Hotels Private Transfer : $10
- Montego Bay Hotels Private Airport Transfer : $10
- Riu Reggae , Riu Palace & Riu Mobay Montego Bay Airport Transfers: $11
- Private Transfer Sangster International Airport to Montego Bay: $12
- RIU Reggae Palace and RIU Montego Bay Private Airport Transfer: $13
- Private Airport Transfer to Sandals Montego : $13
- MBJ Airport: Private Transfer to Montego Bay: $14
- Private Airport Transfer to Half Moon - Holiday Inn - Zoetry: $14
- Private Airport Transfer to Breathless/ to Secrets Resort: $14
- Private Airport Transfer to Hyatt Ziva & Zilara to Jewel Grande: $14
- Relaxing Airport To Resort In Montego Bay Transfer: $14
Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Basse-Terre?
Prices for flights to both Basse-Terre 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 $84Basse-Terre $50
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montego Bay
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Montego Bay.
- Private Transportation to DINNER or NIGHT CLUBS: $55
- Lunch or Dinner with Pickup from Montego Bay : $81
- Night cruise and swim the Falmouth Mystic Lagoon, Dinner and Rum Punch Inclusive: $85
- Rick’s Cafe Cliff Diving, Sunset & Dinner Tour with Transportation : $130
- Sunset Boat Ride in the Falmouth Luminous Lagoon swim and Dinner : $165
- Sunset Boat Cruise in Falmouth Luminous Lagoon, Swim and Dinner : $170
- Restaurant Transportation for Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Montego Bay: $180
- Houseboat Restaurant and Grill for Dinner Private Transportation : $180
- Private Sea-Food Tour & Floyds Pelican Bar from Montego Bay or ..: $185
- [PRIVATE] Premium Jamaican Food Tour of Local Cuisine: $190
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montego Bay $32Basse-Terre $50
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:
- Greenwood Great House Entry Ticket: $20
- Cinnamon Hill Great House Tour - Home of Johnny Cash: $23
- Skip the Line: Rose Hall Great House & Garden Tour Ticket: $30
- Skip the Line: Ahhh Ras Natango Gallery and Garden Admission Tickets: $35
- Private Shopping Tour in Montego Bay with Hotel Pickup: $35
- Rose Hall Great House Haunted Night Tour: $35
- Montego Bay Sightseeing Tour and Souvenir Shopping: $35
- Shopping and Sightseeing Tour of Montego Bay City: $39
- Montego Bay Walking Tour: $40
- Shopping and Sightseeing Local Guided Tour In Montego Bay: $40
- Bamboo Rafting, Hip-Strip & Margaritaville Tour from Montego Bay: $40
- Private Montego Bay Shopping Tour with Transportation: $45
Tours and Activities in Basse-Terre
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Basse-Terre are as follows:
- Full day tour: the best of the island w/photos drone sunset: $213
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontego Bay $13Basse-Terre $14
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: $215
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montego Bay and Basse-Terre, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. And not only is Basse-Terre much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Basse-Terre would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Basse-Terre 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 Basse-Terre.
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 Basse-Terre Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Basse-Terre?
Montego Bay has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Basse-Terre. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Basse-Terre, 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 Basse-Terre?
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 Montego Bay or Basse-Terre in the Summer?
Both Basse-Terre 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. Plenty of visitors come to Basse-Terre because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Basse-Terre. In July, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Basse-Terre. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Basse-Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in Basse-Terre. 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 Basse-Terre during summer. Montego Bay gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Basse-Terre receives 245 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Montego Bay is generally around the same temperature as Basse-Terre. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 28°C (82°F), and Basse-Terre fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMontego Bay 28°C (82°F)Basse-Terre 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Basse-Terre in the Autumn?
Both Basse-Terre 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Basse-Terre year-round.
Basse-Terre gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually gets less rain in October than Basse-Terre. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Basse-Terre receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Basse-Terre, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. In the autumn, Montego Bay often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Basse-Terre. Montego Bay gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basse-Terre receives 217 hours of full sun.
Montego Bay is around the same temperature as Basse-Terre in the autumn. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Basse-Terre fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMontego Bay 27°C (81°F)Basse-Terre 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Basse-Terre in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Basse-Terre. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. Basse-Terre attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Basse-Terre. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Basse-Terre receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Basse-Terre 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 Basse-Terre during winter. Montego Bay gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Basse-Terre receives 236 hours of full sun in the winter.
In the winter, Montego Bay is around the same temperature as Basse-Terre. Typically, the winter temperatures in Montego Bay in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Basse-Terre averages at about 24°C (76°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMontego Bay 24°C (75°F)Basse-Terre 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Basse-Terre in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Basse-Terre. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Basse-Terre throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Basse-Terre. Montego Bay usually gets less rain in April than Basse-Terre. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Basse-Terre receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Basse-Terre. 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 Basse-Terre. Montego Bay gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basse-Terre receives 240 hours of full sun.
In April, Montego Bay is generally around the same temperature as Basse-Terre. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 25°C (77°F), and Basse-Terre fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMontego Bay 25°C (77°F)Basse-Terre 26°C (78°F)
Typical Weather for Basse-Terre and Montego Bay
| Montego Bay | Basse-Terre | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 123 mm (4.8 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 220 mm (8.7 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 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.