Which place is cheaper, Berkeley or Montego Bay?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Montego Bay or Berkeley?
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 Berkeley 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 Berkeley?
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.
Berkeley
Berkeley is considered to be perhaps the most progressive or liberal city in the United States. The town has deep roots in the Free Speech movement of the 1960s. Visitors, students, and locals alike will find an eclectic mix of cultures and viewpoints. The city's free-thinking environment has witnessed the creation of quality attractions, great food from many world cultures, and of course the internationally renowned University of California, Berkeley (also known as "Cal" or "Cal Berkeley").
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontego Bay $203Berkeley $190
The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $203, while the average daily cost in Berkeley is $190. 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 Berkeley in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontego Bay $104Berkeley $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontego Bay $208Berkeley $262
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Berkeley
Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Berkeley? 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 Berkeley Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montego Bay $15Berkeley $30
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
- RIU Reggae Palace and RIU Montego Bay Private Airport Transfer: $13
- Shuttle Transfer From Montego Bay Airport - Montego Bay: $13
- Tropical Court Hotel Private Airport Transfer : $13
- Riu Reggae , Riu Palace & Riu Mobay Montego Bay Airport Transfers: $13
- Private Airport Transfer to Royal Decameron Cornwall Beach : $13
- MBJ Airport: Private Transfer to Montego Bay: $14
- Airport Transfer to RIU Montego Bay/Palace/Reggae: $14
- Montego Bay Airport Private Transfer to Riu Montego Bay, Reggae, Palace: $14
- Private Airport Transfer to Half Moon - Holiday Inn - Zoetry: $14
- MBJ Airport Private Transfer to Montego Bay Hotels: $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Berkeley
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Berkeley:
- Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland hotel or address - Private Arrival Transfer: $44
- Oakland Airport (OAK) to San Francisco hotel/address - Private Arrival Transfer: $63
- Private Arrival Transfer from Oakland Airport OAK: $81
- Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $87
- Private Arrival Transfer from Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland: $93
- Private Departure Transfer to Oakland Airport OAK: $97
- Private Transfer: Oakland International Airport to Hotel: $200
- Arrival Transfer from Oakland Airport OAK to San Francisco by SUV: $232
Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Berkeley?
Prices for flights to both Berkeley 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 $84Berkeley $36
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
Typical Food Prices in Berkeley
Some typical examples of dining costs in Berkeley are as follows:
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Chocolates at Sweet Dreams$4.46
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Berkeley
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Berkeley.
- North 3-Hour Food Tour: $116
- Best of North Berkeley Food Tour: $130
- Black Food Tour - Downtown Oakland: $130
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montego Bay $32Berkeley $30
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:
- Skip the Line: Rose Hall Great House & Garden Tour Ticket: $30
- Montego Bay Sightseeing Tour and Souvenir Shopping: $35
- Rose Hall Great House Haunted Night Tour: $35
- Night Life Tour in Montego Bay : $40
- Private Montego Bay Shopping Tour with Transportation: $45
- City Highlights and Souvenir Shopping Tour: $45
- Rose Hall Great House 2-Hour Night Tour: $45
- 3-Hour Private Tour in the Highlights of Montego Bay: $45
- Half-Day Private Guided Ricks Café & Negril Seven Mile Beach Tour: $45
- Bamboo Rafting and Margaritaville Hip Strip Private Tour: $45
- Tranfers and Tours: $48
- 4 Hours Custom Adventure and Water Activities in Montego Bay: $50
Tours and Activities in Berkeley
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Berkeley are as follows:
- Ruth Bancroft Garden General Admission Ticket: $12
- Oakland Athletics Baseball Game Ticket at RingCentral Coliseum: $14
- 2 Hours Private Walking Tour in Berkeley: $20
- Self-Guided Oakland Tour in an Urban Excursion: $20
- Comedy Oakland at The Washington Inn Show Tickets: $20
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Berkeley by Zombie Scavengers: $20
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Antioch by Zombie Scavengers: $20
- Redwoods of Marin and Mt. Tamalpais Walking Tour with Local Guide: $59
- Historic Houseboat Tour: $65
- Oakland's Temescal Tastes Tour: $120
- Classic Sausalito Wooden Boat Tour: $135
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontego Bay $13Berkeley $13
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 Berkeley
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Berkeley:
- Guided Wine Tasting at Berkeley Wineries with Local Sommelière : $175
- Guided Wine Tasting with Local Sommelière: $175
When comparing the travel costs between Montego Bay and Berkeley, 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 Berkeley 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 Berkeley Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Berkeley?
Berkeley has a larger population, and is about 21% larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Berkeley, 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 Berkeley?
Berkeley 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 Berkeley in the Summer?
Both Berkeley 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 summer months attract visitors to Berkeley because of the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Montego Bay is much warmer than Berkeley. Typically, the summer temperatures in Montego Bay in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Berkeley averages at about 63°F (17°C).
In July, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than Berkeley. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Berkeley receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMontego Bay 28°C (82°F)Berkeley 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Berkeley in the Autumn?
Both Berkeley 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. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Berkeley this time of year.
In October, Montego Bay is generally much warmer than Berkeley. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 27°C (81°F), and Berkeley fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually gets more rain in October than Berkeley. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMontego Bay 27°C (81°F)Berkeley 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Berkeley in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Berkeley. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. Also, many travelers come to Berkeley for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Montego Bay is much warmer than Berkeley in the winter. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Berkeley fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).
In January, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Berkeley. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Berkeley receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMontego Bay 24°C (75°F)Berkeley 50°F (10°C)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Berkeley in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Berkeley. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Berkeley in the spring for the natural beauty.
In the spring, Montego Bay is much warmer than Berkeley. Typically, the spring temperatures in Montego Bay in April average around 25°C (77°F), and Berkeley averages at about 58°F (14°C).
Montego Bay usually gets more rain in April than Berkeley. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMontego Bay 25°C (77°F)Berkeley 58°F (14°C)
Typical Weather for Berkeley and Montego Bay
| Montego Bay | Berkeley | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 50°F (10°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 58°F (14°C) | 1.2 inches (31 mm) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 60°F (15°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.1 inches (1 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 66°F (19°C) | 0.3 inches (7 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 1.3 inches (33 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 51°F (11°C) | 2.7 inches (68 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.